How to Create Your Own Stop Smoking Kit

Are you ready to set on the path to a tobacco-free lifestyle? Leaving cigarettes behind is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. Tobacco cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Still, it remains one of the most challenging habits to kick due to the physical and chemical aspects of tobacco addiction. The first few weeks after quitting, you may feel uncomfortable and crave cigarettes. These unpleasant symptoms of smoking cessation are known as “withdrawal.” During this time, typically a period of two to four weeks, your body is getting used to not having nicotine from cigarettes.

 The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be intense, which is why it is essential to stock up on a few supplies that can help distract you before the urge to smoke hits––and help manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in tackling cravings and helping you reach your goal of quitting tobacco.

 

Here are some tips on putting together an effective stop smoking kit that works for you:

 1. Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products

Many people try to quit tobacco “cold turkey,” meaning that they stop smoking abruptly, without treatment or support from nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or medication. However, only about 4% of people will successfully quit tobacco by doing it this way. You don’t need to quit smoking on willpower alone––there are products out there to help you reduce cravings and keep you on the path to better habits. According to the National Cancer Institute, NRTs can nearly double the chances of quitting smoking.

 

Here are some NRTs to consider:

• Nicotine replacement products. Talk with your healthcare provider about using medication or over-the-counter (OTC) cessation products such as nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges. Other products, like nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays, require a prescription.
• Hemp cigarettes. Consider adding tobacco-free cigarettes, like our Native hemp smokes, to your quit smoking kit. Many users have reported hemp cigarettes to be a natural and effective alternative to nicotine replacement products. Plus, smokable hemp allows you to enjoy the ritual of smoking––without the addiction. Order our premium hemp smokes now and have them delivered right to your door.

 

2. Stock Up on the Right Foods

When you’re trying to quit smoking, certain foods can nourish your body, help you get past cravings, and ultimately help you on your quest to be tobacco-free, naturally. Before your quit date, be sure to stock up on some: 

• Fresh, whole fruits and vegetables. Unlike some foods known to enhance the taste of tobacco (such as meats), fruits and vegetables do not enhance the flavor. And there’s more; according to an observational study published in the Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research, smokers who consume plenty of fruits and vegetables are three times more likely to quit tobacco. Not to mention, chewing on crunchy veggies (like carrots, celery, sweet peppers, cucumbers, etc.) is a great way to satisfy the oral fixation associated with smoking.
• Whole-wheat and whole-grain foods. Eating more high-fiber snacks while you’re quitting tobacco will keep you full longer, your blood sugar stable, and will help you avoid constipation––a common side effect of nicotine withdrawal. Consider adding things like whole-wheat bread or bagels, whole-grain cereal, or whole-grain muffins to your shopping list.
• Frozen treats. Many people have a strong desire for sweets when quitting tobacco. If you have a sweet tooth, consider keeping some healthier options in the freezer, such as frozen grapes, frozen bananas, frozen yogurt, 100% juice popsicles, etc.
• Healthy snacks. When quitting smoking, it’s a good idea to keep some foods on hand to keep your mouth busy. Chewing gum, mints, hard candies, nuts, seeds, and popcorn are all tried and true snacks that help smokers quit.

 

P.S., Knowing which foods to avoid when trying to quit smoking will help, too. Food and drinks that have been shown to enhance the taste of tobacco (and trigger a craving for cigarettes) include things like meat, sugary or spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

3. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle, and it will also help flush residual nicotine out of the body, aiding in the detoxification process. Sipping water, fresh juices, and herbal teas throughout the day can help you quit smoking naturally. And by keeping yourself well-hydrated, you’ll feel better overall.

• Fruit juices and smoothies. Tobacco use is known to cause a Vitamin C deficiency. After quitting, fresh fruit juices or smoothies can help replenish your Vitamin C intake and boost overall wellness. Try making juices or smoothies with fruits like watermelon, kiwi, grapefruit, orange, lemon, and pineapple.
• Herbal tea. Sipping on a cup of tea can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and flush toxins out of your system. The herbs used in our Mint Blend are calming to get you through the stressful moments when quitting smoking. If you do not wish to smoke, but seek the benefits of SOJE, break apart our Mint Blend in hot water and strain for restorative and healing herbal tea.

 

Home Remedies for Quitting Smoking

Many people try natural home remedies to stop smoking, many of which are low-cost (or even free) and can be effective. Here are a few of the best ways to quit smoking tobacco naturally:

 

Lobelia

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also known as Indian Tobacco, is a perennial herb that has long been used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes by many Native American tribes around North America. In the Ioway language, this herb is called Wansikerañi, meaning “person flower.”

 

An active compound in the Lobelia plant, Lobeline, has similar effects to nicotine––without the addictive characteristics. Lobeline has been found to have antidepressant and nicotine detoxification properties. It also reduces the effects of nicotine in the body, particularly the release of dopamine, and so it helps to alleviate urges to smoke tobacco and reduces the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. For these reasons, Lobelia is considered a natural nicotine replacement and is widely used as an NRT. Not only is Lobelia a natural remedy for quitting smoking, but it has also been proposed for the treatment of other drug dependencies, including alcoholism.

 

Lobelia can be found in tinctures, ointments, and smokable blends. Our Floral Blend hemp smokes are handcrafted with Lobelia, along with other Native smoking herbs such as Uva Ursi and Echinacea.

 

CBD Flower

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD flower, or hemp flower, contains high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) and less than .3% of THC, giving the best CBD effect possible. Why is CBD a great remedy for smoking cessation? Research shows that CBD may reduce nicotine cravings and smoking cues in dependent cigarette smokers. CBD also naturally helps to restore the production of neurotransmitters, giving consumers the same feeling of relaxation without needing nicotine to do it. Smoking CBD flower, or hemp flower, can be one of the top ways to experience CBD’s benefits.

 

SOJE CBD cigarettes look, feel, and smoke like traditional cigarettes, making them an excellent alternative for those who want to shake their addiction while still enjoying a good smoke.

 

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting tobacco is a major lifestyle change in itself. However, an overall healthier lifestyle, including physical exercise and improvements to diet, help ensure the chances of a long-term tobacco-free life. These changes help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent weight gain.

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Research has found that acupuncture treatment may help motivate smokers to reduce their smoking habit or even quit smoking entirely for short periods. It’s believed that acupuncture may affect the subjects’ smoking habits by reducing their taste of tobacco–and their desire to smoke. According to the study, different acupoints (specific spots on the body where an acupuncture needle may be inserted) have different effects on smoking cessation.

 

Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy is a type of treatment (usually guided by a therapist) in which a person is brought into a “trance” or a state of consciousness that is deeply connected with their inner thoughts and feelings. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether hypnotherapy is more effective for smoking cessation than other forms of support or unassisted quitting, but it may be helpful for some when used in conjunction with other quit smoking aids, such as hemp cigarettes.

 

What Can You Drink to Stop Smoking?

Drinking herbal tea is a natural approach to smoking cessation that can help accelerate lung healing and nicotine detoxification. To enjoy SOJE tea, break apart our Mint Blend in hot water, and strain. With every sip of this soothing, restorative tea, you can experience the cleansing properties of Prairie Sage, the relaxing effects of peppermint, and the calming nature of CBD.

Benefits of Prairie Sage

Prairie Sage is one of the most important ceremonial herbs used by many Native American tribes. This potent plant medicine is rich in antioxidants and can help restore the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance among those who quit tobacco use. Prairie Sage also has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

 

Can Hemp Help You Quit Smoking Naturally?

For those who are looking to quit smoking naturally, hemp cigarettes are a great option. In fact, research shows that tobacco consumers are more than twice as likely to convert to smokable hemp in the near future. It’s not surprising why. In addition to hemp flower being enjoyable to smoke, it’s actually been shown to reduce the urge to want to smoke tobacco cigarettes. Hemp cigarettes (or CBD cigarettes) offer a relaxing alternative to tobacco, with hemp flower being a natural and effective nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Quit Smoking Naturally with SOJE

SOJE hemp flower cigarettes are actual cigarettes. They look, feel, and smoke like typical cigarettes. With SOJE, you can still experience the ritual of that familiar hand-to-mouth pattern and inhalation that smokers crave. The difference is that our hemp cigarettes contain no tobacco, nicotine, or chemical additives. With SOJE, you can enjoy a smooth and satisfying smoke––without the dangerous chemicals or addiction.

 

What is the Most Successful Method to Quit Smoking?

Nearly 70% of adult smokers want to quit smoking, but most are unsuccessful in their attempts. So, what exactly is the best way to quit? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all method for smoking cessation. What works best for you might not work for someone else. Some people find success in quitting tobacco through a comprehensive approach, using a combination of therapy methods, home remedies, smoking cessation aids, and tobacco alternatives. This approach can be beneficial for people who have intense cravings or trouble giving up the ritual of smoking.

Some ideas for a comprehensive approach for quitting smoking include:

• Mindfulness meditation-based therapies
• Yoga
• Relaxation techniques (such as progressive relaxation and deep breathing)
• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Counseling or therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Eating fresh, whole fruits and vegetables
• Drinking herbal tea
• Using a tobacco-free alternative, such as SOJE hemp cigarettes

 

Nicotine Cravings

Your body will start to heal itself within 20 minutes of your last cigarette––but nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it feel otherwise. Many people experience flu-like symptoms when quitting smoking, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are other common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. While withdrawal can be challenging, it can help if you look at the symptoms as signs that your body is recovering from the damage tobacco has caused.

Are E-Cigarettes Effective Quitting Aids?

No evidence exists to show that cigarette replacement products like e-cigarettes (also known as e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and vaporizers) are safe or that they can help you quit smoking. E-cigarettes typically contain addictive nicotine and other chemicals known to damage health. Some brands of e-cigarettes contain higher levels of nicotine than regular cigarettes. According to the American Cancer Society, some e-cigarette brands claim to be nicotine-free but have been found to contain nicotine.

 

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health, wellness, and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog and website are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. SOJE strongly advises all people to seek the care of a physician if and when they decide to quit smoking and follow their advice.