Smoking and Ayurveda

[robnay]

Though quitting smoking without the use of an aid, might seem difficult, it is definitely not impossible. One needs commitment and belief towards quitting smoking. Ayurveda believes that a person tends to smoke, drink and use other drugs to calm excessive mental activity. But this excess mental activity can also be calmed using natural or holistic methods.

One must drink lots of water that is kept in copper containers as it helps scrape toxic deposits in the body. Ayurveda suggests that the deposits of tar, nicotine and toxic compounds in the body can be eliminated using one to three tablespoons of triphala every night before going to sleep. Toning herbs like Aswagandha, bala, ginseng and shatavari help to remove toxins from the body.

One must avoid alcohol, coffee and sugar in the first week while trying to quit smoking. These substances act as stimulants and provide a desire for cigarettes. One must also avoid fatty foods as the metabolism of the body decreases while quitting smoking. A low fat and vegetarian diet is recommended while quitting smoking as it increases the Sattvic quality of the mind. If hungry, one must nibble on low calorie foods like apple, celery and carrots. When there is a craving for cigarettes, chewing gums or sucking on cinnamon sticks is rather effective.

Quitting is made easier by adding exercise to the smoking cessation plan. It also helps to reduce stress and avoids weight gain while quitting smoking. Yoga is a very good exercise that relaxes the body. It increases the strength and vitality of the body. These tips are most effective when one has a strong will to stop smoking.

[NW Admin]

Originally Posted by robnay

One must avoid alcohol, coffee and sugar in the first week while trying to quit smoking. These substances act as stimulants and provide a desire for cigarettes. One must also avoid fatty foods as the metabolism of the body decreases while quitting smoking.

That's interesting. My boyfriend is having a hard time quitting and my dad had a very hard time as well. They both consume large amounts of caffiene. My boyfriend always has to smoke if he is drinking alcohol too. Going to pass that info along to him.