Wondering what you are going to do after those first couple of hours when those nagging withdraw symptoms start to rear their ugly faces? Withdraw comes in many forms from irritability to getting fidgety, body aches, shakes, headaches, increased appetite, spaciness and the list goes on. Instead of arming yourself with bags of lollypops and snacks there are some natural alternatives. How do you know where to start with all the “all natural” anti smoking products and hype on the market?

First let’s address the issue on lobelia. Lobelia is one of the most widely publicized herbs for nicotine replacement. Lobelia contains lobeline an ingredient in some prescription anti smoking products which administers it at a controlled dose. It has it’s place in herbal medicine under the advisement of a credible practitioner and but not for smoking cessation.

In theory, the herb has a chemical composition similar to nicotine which fools your body into thinking it is nicotine, only it is not addictive. Please see Lobelia inflata for more information and research.

Overview: Lobelia is an herb that is found in many natural anti smoking and asthma remedies. Surrounded by controversy of it’s toxicity, lobelia should be used with caution in only small amounts under the advisement of a qualified herbalist. Lobelia has an alkaloid content of .63%. The main alkaloid lobeline has effects similar to nicotine without the addictive nature.

Uses: Lobelia has traditionally been used for bronchitis, cough and upper respiratory complaints. Lobelia is also used topically for skin eruptions, poison ivy, sprains, bruises and inflammations. It can be applied by poultice, infusion or tincture.

Actions:
Respiratory stimulant
Anti-asthmatic
Anti-spasmodic
Expectorant
Emetic

Properties:

Pungent, Bitter, Warm/neutral.

More at:

Botanical.com
Gardenguides.com