Top Tips To Quit Smoking The Natural Way

If 2007 is your year to stamp-out your smoking habit, here are some natural products that may help support you through some difficult times and lead you to a successful outcome.

Say ‘Goodbye’ to Toxins… and Start to Feel Great

Start the process by detoxing your body by supporting your liver to help remove toxins left behind by smoke and alcohol with the help of one herb, Milk Thistle, which has been used to promote liver health for centuries. Its unique active ingredient Silymarin works by aiding the liver cells ability to metabolise alcohol and resist damage from other toxic chemicals. Clinical studies have shown that Milk Thistle also has potential benefits in healthy patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Boots Milk Thistle costs £6.99 for 30 tablets containing 300mgs of extract standardised to provide 200mgs of the active ingredient, silymarin.

Be Prepared to Fight Triggers

Beat Stress: If stress is your ‘trigger’ to pick up a cigarette, reach instead for MedicHerb Valerina Day-Time, a licensed herbal remedy containing valerian and lemon balm for the relief of tenseness, irritability and the stresses and strains of modern-day living. £5.99 for 80 tablets from Boots or mail order 01453 751395.

Boredom: Take the opportunity to check out evening courses at your adult education centre. Decorate the house or join a book club to help keep idle fingers busy and less likely to crave smoking to fill-in time.

Social Smoking: Give yourself the best start to quitting and get together with friends in places that don’t allow smoking. By Summer 2007, smoking in pubs and clubs should be banned. In the meantime try a visit to the cinema, theatre, or ice-skating followed by eating out at a non-smoking restaurant. It won’t be long before you realize how good you feel and you won’t miss the smoke stinking clothes that used to fill your bedroom the morning after the night before!

Soothe Post-Smoking Coughs …Pack a Little Herbal Help in Your Pocket

If you do go down with the inevitable post-smoking cough or cold, keep MedicHerb Pelargonium (£8.99 for 30 tablets at Boots or mail order on 01453 751395) in your medicine cabinet. This ancient Zulu remedy made from the roots of a species of geranium, Pelargonium sidoides, may help relieve coughs and sore throats, bronchitis and tonsillitis. One tablet should be taken three times daily for up to 10 days at the first sign of infection.

Revitalise Your Body …by Replenishing with Vitamins and Minerals

Boots Feel The Difference Smoking Support (30 capsules £6.99) - Smoking causes a depletion of nutrients within the body, particularly vitamin C. These capsules contain a high level of vitamin C (180mg) along with Polyphenols and other antioxidants to help combat the harmful effects of free radicals caused by smoking.