According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is estimated to cause over 480,000 fatalities annually. These figures include both firsthand and secondhand smokers.
Besides causing deaths, the chemicals in tobacco have also been linked to several long-term health complications. Examples include neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, osteoarthritis, and reduced immunity.
In light of these worrying statistics, awareness campaigns on the potential adverse effects of cigarette smoking have intensified over the last few years. And while the war is still far from being won, tremendous strides have already been made toward addressing the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Among the most effective ways to deal with smoking is herbal blends. This article sheds more light on herbal blends and how they can help you quit smoking.
Introducing Herbal Blends
An herbal blend, as the name implies, combines two or more herbs used together. Examples include thyme + rosemary, basil + ginger + green tea, and cannabis + kratom + hyssops.
Herbal blends typically include one base herb as the primary ingredient and one or more secondary herbs. The base herb is a neutral herb commonly selected for its smoother throat hit and immense therapeutic properties.
The composition and ratio of the individual herbs in an herbal blend depend on your desired effects. For instance, you can choose a blend containing up to 60% of the base herb for relieving anxiety if that particular herb contains powerful anxiolytic properties.
Where to Buy Herbal Blends
The demand for herbal blends has peaked in recent years. So, if you’re wondering where to buy smokable herbs, it’s interesting that plenty of stores deal with these products. You only need to do your due diligence to establish that you’re purchasing these herbs from a reputable store.
First, you’ll need to dig deep into the outlet’s history to uncover its duration in the industry. The longer the period, the more trustworthy they’re likely to be.
It’s also prudent to check online reviews. These reviews can offer a sneak preview of the quality of products and herbal blends store deals in before ordering from them.
Another best practice when shopping for herbal blends is to insist on products that have undergone rigorous testing by third-party laboratories. Most importantly, ensure you’re dealing with a fully licensed store.
How to Use Herbal Blends to Quit Smoking
Determine Your Addiction Levels
Determining your addiction levels is the first and foremost step when using herbal blends to address the smoking problem. This will help you observe how to reduce smoking without experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
The conventional wisdom is to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily as you replace the same with herbal blends.
Select Your Herbs Carefully
There are plenty of herbs that can constitute herbal blends. But the trick is to know which ones will suit you best. For instance, if anxiety relief is your primary reason for smoking, you’ll need herbal blends composed more of anxiolytic plants.
Below are noteworthy herbs that have proven effective at addressing cigarette smoking;
3. Valerian
Valerian is a powerful herb noted for its ability to relieve numerous withdrawal symptoms of cigarette smoking, including muscle tension, irritability, and insomnia. The herb is most effective when consumed before bed.
4. Lobelia
Lobelia inflata (also known as Indian tobacco) contains an active ingredient known as lobeline that can induce nicotine-like effects, except that it’s less addictive and less toxic to the body than nicotine. That makes it a potential replacement for tobacco and, consequently, a remedy for cigarette smoking.
The herb may also offer additional health benefits, including relieving asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
5. Green Tea
Green tea has been part of folk medicine from time immemorial. The drink has demonstrated incredible efficacy in reducing cigarette cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia.
Some studies also indicate that green tea may repair tissue damage resulting from chronic cigarette smoking. No wonder this drink is a common base ingredient in many herbal blends.
The following are other herbs that might help you quit smoking;
- St John’s Wort
- Catnip
- Korean Ginseng
- Hyssop
- Kratom
- Cannabis
- Ginger
- Licorice root
Experiment with Psychoactive Herbs
Since you’re trying to give up the mind-altering nicotine, it may sound counterintuitive to add psychoactive plants to your herbal blends. However, experts recommend throwing in one or two mind-altering herbs, such as cannabis.
Psychoactive herbs can help you reduce cigarette smoking by mimicking the effects of nicotine. However, only go for plants with minimal addiction risks.
Opt For Alternative Delivery Methods
Nicotine consumption is harmful enough. The adverse effects of this chemical are further compounded when you smoke cigarettes. So, why not consider alternative delivery methods for herbal blends?
One of the most effective ways to administer herbal blends is by infusing them into herbal teas. This delivery method is also one of the safest, as you’re consuming the herbs in their unrefined forms.
You could also consider vaping herbal blends. Vaping mimics smoking in terms of onset time and overall effects. However, vaping doesn’t involve combustion and smoke production.
Final Word
Herbal blends are one of the most effective natural remedies for the smoking problem. Remember to administer these herbs moderately, as most will trigger adverse reactions if overdosed.
