Tobacco use, whether in the form of smoking, snuff or chewing, can have devastating effects on health. Tobacco is highly addictive and long-term use can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, respiratory diseases and cancer. According to the WHO, more than 8 million people die from tobacco use every year. World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on May 31 to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and urge addicted people to give up this toxic and addictive substance. (Also Read | World No Tobacco Day (31 May): How Tobacco is Polluting the Earth)
Quitting tobacco can transform your health and reduce the risk of many deadly diseases. However, many obstacles stand in the way of quitting this habit. Nicotine replacement therapy is recommended for those trying to break the addiction, but lifestyle changes can also go a long way in overcoming the harmful habit. Ayurveda considers addiction as an imbalance of the mind and body and recommends a holistic approach to treat tobacco addiction that focuses on the root causes of the addiction.
“As we mark World No Tobacco Day 2024, the fight against tobacco addiction remains a daunting challenge. Despite widespread awareness campaigns and health warnings, nicotine continues to grip people across the globe. In this quest for liberation, ancient wisdom meets modern science and Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers deep insights and effective strategies to combat this rampant addiction,” said Dr Sachin (BAMS), Medical Advisor, Rasayanam.
“Ayurveda, which has a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, views addiction as an imbalance of the mind and body. It emphasises the importance of addressing the root cause of addiction rather than just treating the symptoms. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I advocate a holistic approach that integrates lifestyle changes, diet, herbal remedies and mindfulness practices to free oneself from the shackles of tobacco addiction,” Dr Sachin adds, also sharing Ayurvedic strategies to overcome tobacco addiction.
Ayurvedic tips to curb cigarette cravings
1. Dinacharya: Exercise and Stress Management
First, let’s delve into lifestyle changes. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of establishing a daily routine, or dinacharya, that is in tune with the body’s natural rhythms. Regular exercise, adequate rest and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation play an important role in restoring balance and reducing cravings. Participating in fulfilling activities and developing meaningful relationships also bring a sense of fulfillment and make tobacco consumption less appealing.
2. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods.
Diet is another pillar of Ayurvedic treatment for tobacco addiction. Incorporating nutritious foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins aids in the detoxification and rejuvenation processes in the body. Ayurveda recommends minimizing the intake of spicy, oily and processed foods, which can worsen cravings and imbalance the doshas, the elemental energies that govern bodily functions.
3. Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies play a major role in Ayurvedic pharmacology, offering a gentle and effective alternative to traditional nicotine replacement therapies. Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) have adaptogenic properties that can ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Additionally, formulations such as Triphala Churna, a three-fruit blend, help detoxify and restore digestive health, essential for overcoming addiction.
4. Mindfulness Tools
Mindfulness practices are a valuable tool for reprogramming the mind and cultivating resilience in the face of cravings. Through mindfulness meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques) and self-reflection, one can increase awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. By observing these phenomena without judgment, one can gradually weaken the conditioned responses that perpetuate the cycle of addiction, paving the way to lasting freedom.
By incorporating lifestyle changes, dietary changes, herbal remedies, and mindfulness practices, individuals can begin the transformational path to a smoke-free life.
