Herbal
support for Tobacco Cessation
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1.
Identify the reasons why there is a pattern of addictive tobacco
use. There can be many reasons, and each help inform the
best support plan. Here are some possibilities:
-Chemistry of the nervous system. Imbalances in neurotransmitters
are often self-medicated with tobacco. They can range from dopamine
imbalances as with mania and schizophrenia, to imbalances of serotonin
pathways as with anxiety and depression, to imbalances in adenosine-based
arousal pathways that can be associated with conditions diagnosed
as “ADD”, for example.
-Endocrine and adrenal function. Many times tobacco becomes an essential
tool for coping with stress, because it can help stimulate adrenal
glad reserves and thus temporarily boost performance. Often coffee
is used alongside.
-Digestive system disturbances, usually of a spasmodic, crampy nature.
Nicotine helps relax gut musculature.
-Many psychological and social needs can be fulfilled with tobacco.
For instance, many have argued that the act of smoking is a semi-shamanic
act, connecting us to the unseen world and allowing us to tap into
a source of creativity. Others discuss the oral component of tobacco
use – cigarettes, specifically. Smoking or dipping as social
phenomena are also common reasons.
2.
Understand how nicotine affects the body:
-Brain cells (neurons) in the major reward pathways of the central
nervous system rely on nicotinic receptors to transmit signals;
tobacco activates these very powerfully.
-All brain chemistry is modulated by nicotine, which freely crosses
the blood-brain barrier and affects many neurotransmitters (see
above).
-Smooth muscle which lines the gut and bladder is powerfully affected
by nicotine, again because of the nicotinic receptors present there.
Generally, these tissues are relaxed by tobacco – although
there can be a powerful, though short-lived, stimulatory effect
too.
-Due to its constrictive role on blood vessels, cardiovascular disease
can be aggravated by tobacco use.
-Due to its relaxant effect on lung muscles and expectoration mechanisms,
coupled with the residue of the smoke itself, smoking tobacco can
harm lung tissue.
3.
Formulate an individualized plan to help in the quitting process.
This should take into account the specific “whys” and
“hows” of the person’s constitution. Common to
all programs should be:
-Lobelia inflata. This remarkable plant has an alkaloidal content
similar to that of tobacco, but with no nicotine. Its effect is
close enough to serve as an effective and powerful substitute during
the initial withdrawal (which really only lasts 3-7 days). Lobelia
can be part of a smoking blend (2 parts lobelia, 1 part mullein
leaf, 1 part red clover flowers, with a pinch of peppermint for
taste if desired). It can also be used as a tincture (1 part lobelia,
9 parts oat tops, taken at doses of 60-90 drops as needed but not
more than 4 times in an hour).
-An herbal tea blend for nervine support, perhaps made with oat
tops and skullcap. This will gently soothe and calm nerves, which
helps in any case.
-Respiratory system support, usually in the form of mullein or elecampane
extracts, is important as the lungs re-awaken from their tobacco-induced
slumber.
Some
specific ideas for specific constitutions:
-Manic conditions can benefit from short courses of Rauwolfia serpentina,
an Ayurvedic herb with strongly calmative effects. It interacts
powerfully with conventional medications, so its use should be supervised
by a qualified herbalist or naturopath.
-Conditions of anxiety do well with a more powerful nervine such
as kava-kava.
-Depressive conditions can benefit from St. Johnswort, as long as
no other medications are currently being taken, and/or Rhodiola
rosea.
Overstimulated / “ADD” conditions seem to respond well
to ginkgo extract, and tea blends that feature hawthorn and linden.
-Adrenal deficiency and fatigued constitutions that rely on tobacco
for “fire” and motivation will benefit from licorice
and Rhodiola rosea.
-Digestive function can be balanced in two ways: if constipation
is an issue, yellowdock is an excellent solution. Digestive antispasmodics
such as chamomile, crampbark, and enteric-coated peppermint oils
can help calm a crampy gut and remove one of the reasons for using
tobacco in the first place.
-Finally, smoking blends can serve multiple functions: they allow
for a reflective break from the day, continuing to nurture the shamanic
spirit and fostering the creative process; they help control the
oral urges that can push some to smoke; and they can allow for a
continued social interaction. Gradually, the amount of lobelia in
the blend can be decreased, slowly weaning the brain’s reward
pathways off the powerful alkaloids. Finally, a transition can be
made from smoking blend to lobelia/oats tincture (see above). Eventually,
even this can be withdrawn.
