7 Herbal Teas to Reduce Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult journeys a person can embark on in their life. Nicotine addiction is both physical and mental, which makes quitting a serious challenge. Many people experience symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches, mood swings, and digestive problems when quitting. Although medications and medical interventions can help reduce these symptoms, using natural methods can also make this process easier. One of the simplest and most effective ways to deal with smoking cessation symptoms is drinking the old, healthy and organic herbal tea.

In this article, we are going to examine which herbal teas are better for reducing smoking withdrawal symptoms, what evidence is behind them, and what people experience going through the difficult path of quitting smoking with the help of herbal drinks.

What are The Symptoms of Smoking Cessation?

Some of the most common symptoms that most people experience after quitting smoking are:

• Insomnia and disturbed sleep
• Headache and dizziness
• Stress and anxiety
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood swings
• Cough and dry throat

These symptoms usually start slowly, a few hours to a day after quitting, and may persist for several months. However, as you resist smoking, you’ll build a tolerance against it, which reduces its effects on your daily life.

Effective Herbal Teas for Quitting Smoking

Let’s explore the best herbal teas you can drink to reduce and deal with nicotine withdrawal and smoking cessation symptoms.

#1 Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world. We know its calming properties, which have been confirmed many times by researchers. For those who suffer from anxiety or insomnia during withdrawal, drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can act as a natural painkiller. The active compounds in chamomile have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce daily stress.

As I was researching for this article, I saw a member of a quit-smoking community say, “I drank chamomile tea every night before bed and it helped me sleep better and be less restless.”

#2 Green Tea

Green tea is not only known for its powerful antioxidants, but it also helps cleanse the body of toxins caused by long-term smoking. The catechins in green tea strengthen the lungs and liver and significantly help in the regeneration of damaged cells. Also, drinking green tea increases energy levels and is an ideal choice for people who feel tired and lethargic when quitting.

Maria on the WhyQuit forum says, “When I had a nicotine withdrawal headache, I drank green tea with mint and felt lighter.”

#3 Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has a cooling effect, which makes it very useful and effective for those who suffer from symptoms like dry coughs or sore throats. The fresh smell and taste of peppermint tea can also replace the pleasant feeling of smoking in the mouth and reduce the desire to smoke.

A user on Reddit /StopSmoking writes, “Whenever I had a craving for a cigarette, I would drink a cup of peppermint tea, and my mouth would feel fresh. It made me think about smoking less.”

#4 Licorice Root Tea

Licorice tea is one of the herbs that has been touted in traditional medicine as a natural alternative to cigarette cravings. Chewing the root or drinking the tea mimics the sensation of sucking on a cigarette, which can help reduce cravings. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can help improve throat and lung inflammation and damage caused by long-term smoking.

A long-term smoker who quit recently says, “When I had a strong craving for a cigarette, I would drink licorice tea and it would distract me.”

#5 Lemon & Ginger Tea

The combination of lemon and ginger is both delicious and powerfully detoxifying. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea agent and is great for those who experience nausea and dizziness during the initial stages of quitting.

Lemon is also rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. This herbal blend will help you feel refreshed and reduce the nausea that comes with quitting.

A user on the QuitNow Forum writes, “Nausea was one of my worst withdrawal symptoms, but with ginger and lemon tea it was largely controlled.”

#6 Valerian Root Tea

Valerian is known as a natural sedative and is used in many anti-stress supplements. This tea is a great option for smokers who experience insomnia or anxiety when quitting. Drinking valerian before bed can help calm the mind and promote deeper sleep.

A user who recently quit talks about their experience on a quit-smoking support community. They say, “Valerian Root Tea helped me sleep better at night and no more frequent awakenings.”

#7 Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea, or the golden milk, is a powerful anti-inflammatory with its active compound curcumin. Smoking often causes inflammation in the lungs and airways, and drinking turmeric tea helps gradually improve lung function. In addition, its antioxidant properties help detoxify the body.

A member of Nicotine Anonymous writes, “Drinking turmeric tea made me feel like I was breathing easier and my lungs were calmer.”

Conclusion

No one said quitting smoking was easy. It’s a journey filled with physical and mental challenges, but every step you take is worth it. Herbal teas are natural and safe tools that makes this difficult path a little smoother. From calming chamomile to energizing green tea, refreshing mint to craving-reducing licorice, anti-nausea ginger to sleep-inducing valerian, and anti-inflammatory turmeric, they all help you on your journey to quitting. Although these teas aren’t a definitive cure for addiction, they can be a great addition to medical or psychological treatments to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve decided to say goodbye to cigarettes, consider substituting one of these teas today. A small change can be the beginning of a healthier, more energetic life.