A Natural Herb to Help You to Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do. Nicotine, a drug present in tobacco is habit forming and creates a physiological and psychological addiction. There are various over the counter medicines available to help people quit smoking. Lobelia is a good example of a natural herb used to help people who are trying to quit smoking. It is generally found in the eastern United States and Canada. Its scientific name is Lobelia Inflata. Its benefits have always been controversial. It was used by native American Indians who used to smoke the herb in their peace pipes.

Lobelia, a natural herb is similar to nicotine in composition. It contains liboline, an active alkaline ingredient. It affects the same brain receptor sites and produces effects on the central nervous system, similar to nicotine. It is a strong herb and should be taken only under medical supervision. This drug is to be taken in extremely low doses and moderate doses mayx may lead to sweating, respiratory depression, coma and even death. Lobelia should be avoided by pregnant women, children and people with heart diseases. It should not be combined either with a muscle relaxant or alcohol. It poses serious health hazards when combined with tobacco.

Certain studies claim that lobelia affects the taste buds in such a way that cigarettes smoke becomes unpalatable. Lobelia is considered helpful in clearing the mucous from the throat and respiratory lining. Apart from helping people quit smoking it also helps in to heal certain problems in the body Lobelia does not contain any toxic by-product like conventional cigarettes and hence it can be safely used.

Lobelia also helps people in quitting smoking by taking care of the attendant withdrawal symptoms. Isolobelanine, an active ingredient in lobelia acts as a respiratory relaxant and helps promote calmness and tranquility. This effect of lobelia helps people in getting rid of the habit of smoking.

The major advantage of lobelia is that unlike nicotine, it is not addictive or habit forming. Its use can be discontinued once the caring to smoke has been overcome. It is available in the form of various over the counter medicines like lobelia cigarettes, tea, gums and inhalers. Use these with caution as an over dose can be poisonous.

In 1993, US Food and Development Administration had temporarily banned the sale of products containing lobelia. The reason given was that lobelia was not effective in helping people quit smoking. However, this ban was lifted later. Later reports showed that lobelia increased the levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) in the blood which induces feelings of pleasure and calmness.

Although lobelia is an effective herb for those trying to quit smoking, it is advisable to use it under medical supervision only. Johns Wort is another herb that can be used to quit smoking. It is reasonably safe only when used alone as it may interfere with over the counter products like antidepressants.