Government Launches ‘Stoptober’ Stop-Smoking Campaign

Starting from the 1st October the government is calling for all smokers across theUK to quit smoking for 28 days and become a part of a mass quit attempt.

Working on the thesis that as social animals we tend to influence each other; they believe by encouraging everyone to quit at the same time this will enable you to more successfully give up smoking as those around you won’t be smoking either.

And there is no denying that the government has approached this campaign from all angles…

Enlisting the help of TV and radio advertising; they will also be offering a daily messaging service, numerous Road shows, a Stoptober app and a Facebook page to ensure smokers have got multiple ways of seeking support.

Why is quitting so hard?

The problem is nicotine. Believed to release the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain that allows you to feel good; this pleasure complex gradually becomes additive, as withdrawal symptoms leave you unable to concentrate or function.

Yet as thousands of people have proven it is possible to quit for good…

It is just a matter of finding the right tools to help you say no and ensure feelings of nausea, anxiety and irritability don’t force you to pick up a cigarette.

Natural remedies to help you quit smoking

Obviously there are numerous products on the market i.e. Nicorette that can help to take off the edge and slowly reduce the amount you smoke.

However, if you don’t fancy relying on nicotine patches, electric/vapour cigarettes or gums to help you quit, then you can always try natural remedies such as the following:

  1. Acupuncture – this form of therapy is commonly used to help you quit as the needles they insert into various points around your ear allows you to control your cravings. Away from your therapist, they will supply you with tiny balls (the size of ball point pen) that can be taped with invisible tape to your ear.
  2. St John’s Wort – although this herb is commonly used for depression, studies have found that taking two 450mg capsules of St John’s Wort a day can also help you to quit smoking in the short term.
  3. Ginseng – whilst this simple herb is best known for its ability to boost your energy levels, Ginseng is also reputed to prevent the nicotine induced release of dopamine that produces feelings of pleasure whilst smoking.

    In addition, this herb can also help you to deal with the stress of quitting (and the consequential fatigue it induces) so you remain energetic.

  4. Lobelia – already a popular ingredient in anti-smoking products, Lobelia can help you to quit smoking as it imitates the same effects the neurotransmitter dopamine has on the brain (feelings of pleasures) without being addictive like nicotine.
  5. Blue Vervain – ideal for combating late night urges to smoke, Blue Vervain acts as a natural tranquiliser, enabling you to cope with insomnia and relieve feelings of stress, anxiety and agitation caused by nicotine withdrawal.
  6. Peppermint – this herb is perfect for overcoming feelings of nausea (and even vomiting) caused by nicotine withdrawal.

Other good herbs include Black Cohosh (acts as a natural sedative and relieves anxiety); Catnip (ease withdrawal symptoms); Mimosa Hostilis (reduces headaches and grumpiness brought on from quitting) and Hyssop (can clear mucus congestion caused by smoking).

Any one of these herbal remedies can help you to say no to smoking, overcome symptoms of withdrawal and stay strong.

So if you fancy getting involved and harnessing the support of the entire country, why not give these natural remedies a try and ensure smoking is no longer a part of your life.

Make sure you join ‘Stoptober’ on the 1st October…

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