Consuming tobacco, whether smoking, sniffing or chewing, can be devastating to your health. Highly addictive, its long-term use can increase the risk of other chronic diseases including heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer. According to WHO, every year, more than 8 million people die from tobacco use. World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage addicts to get rid of this toxic and addictive habit. (Also Read | World No Tobacco Day (May 31): How tobacco is poisoning our planet)
Quitting tobacco can transform your health and reduce the risk of many deadly diseases. There may be many obstacles in your way to getting rid of this habit. While nicotine replacement therapy is recommended for those trying to get rid of addiction, lifestyle measures can greatly help you deal with the harmful habit. Ayurveda views addiction as a disturbance in the body-mind balance and recommends a holistic approach to get rid of tobacco addiction, focusing on the root cause of the addiction.
Dr. Sachin (BAMS), Medical Advisor, Rasayanam says, “While we celebrate World No Tobacco Day in 2024, the fight against tobacco addiction remains a tough challenge. Despite extensive awareness campaigns and health warnings, the grip of nicotine continues to tighten its hold on individuals across the world. In this quest for liberation, ancient wisdom meets modern science, as Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers profound insights and effective strategies to combat this widespread addiction.”
Dr Sachin says, “Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to health and wellness, views addiction as a disturbance of the body-mind balance. It emphasises the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction rather than treating only its symptoms. As an Ayurveda expert, I advocate a comprehensive approach that integrates lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, herbal remedies and mindfulness practices to break free from tobacco addiction.”
Ayurvedic remedies to control tobacco craving
1. Routine: Exercise and stress management
First, let’s talk about lifestyle changes. Ayurveda underscores the importance of establishing a daily routine, or routine, that aligns with the body’s natural rhythms. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation play a key role in restoring balance and reducing cravings. Engaging in gratifying activities and developing meaningful relationships also contribute to a sense of satisfaction, reducing the allure of tobacco use.
2. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and avoid spicy, oily and processed foods
Dietary intervention is another cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment for tobacco addiction. Incorporating nutritious foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins supports detoxification and rejuvenation processes within the body. Ayurveda recommends minimizing intake of spicy, oily and processed foods, which can increase cravings and imbalance the doshas, which are the fundamental energies that control bodily functions.
3. Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies hold immense importance in Ayurvedic medicine, providing a gentle yet effective alternative to traditional nicotine replacement therapy. Ayurvedic herbs such as brahmi (bacopa monnieri), ashwagandha (withania somnifera) and licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) have adaptogenic properties that help reduce withdrawal symptoms, reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Additionally, formulations such as triphala churna, a blend of three fruits, aid in detoxification and restoring digestive health, which is crucial for overcoming addiction.
4. Mindfulness Tool
Mindfulness practices are invaluable tools for reprogramming the mind and developing resilience in the face of cravings. Through mindfulness meditation, pranayama (breath control), and self-reflection, individuals can develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. By observing these events without judgment, one can gradually weaken the conditioned responses that maintain the cycle of addiction, paving the way for lasting freedom.
By adopting lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, herbal remedies, and mindfulness practices, individuals can embark on a transformational path toward a smoke-free life.
