Teas to Help You Stop Smoking

The American Lung Association states that smoking is a hard habit to break. Tobacco's main ingredient, nicotine, can be as addictive as heroin. At this point in time, there is no magic pill to help people stop smoking, though some products can help ease withdrawal symptoms. The U.S. government tells us that smoking is the cause of one in five deaths. Based on the health risks, plus the price of cigarettes, many people are looking at the alternatives available to help kick the habit. Your solution may be as simple as sipping tea several times a day.

A woman smokes a cigarette during sunset. (Image: Delia Spatareanu/iStock/Getty Images)

Mimosa Tea

Mimosa, a perennial evergreen shrub from southern Mexico or Brazil, can be used as a tea and offers a calm and relaxing sense of peace to those who sip it. Because a smoker often experiences anxiety, depression, and headaches when he quits, a strong cup of mimosa tea can offer temporary relief.

Skullcap & Chamomile

Skullcap and chamomile teas are well known for reducing anxiety and nervous tension. These two teas not only help calm nerves, but, according to Penelope Sach, author of Healing and Cleansing With Herbal Tea, these two teas can help reduce cravings.

Lobelia (Indian Tobacco)

Lobelia, known as Indian tobacco, is a controversial herb. Brigitte Mars, author of Addiction-Free-Naturally, writes that lobelia can act as an expectorant that helps clean the lungs. It also can be a soothing relaxant and ease muscle tension. It is suggested that the herb lobelia can generate similar effects in the brain as nicotine, but is not addictive. Lobelia is to be used carefully, because overuse can cause vomiting, sleepiness and a weak pulse.

Jasmine & Green Tea

These two teas are believed to calm nerves and help you relax. More importantly, they can act as antioxidants, which help fight against increased levels of free radicals that smoking creates. These teas are also considered detoxification teas that can help remove many of the toxins that contribute to your cravings for tobacco.