We are all creatures of habit. Whether we learned our habits from our home, school or work they often can be hard to break. Have you ever tried to change a habit? Perhaps, leave your car keys in a different place? Small as this may be, a habit is often hard to break. Nicotine is not only a habit, it is also addictive. For this reason, many people who quit smoking experience physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms or a mixture of both.

Smoking shortens our life span. One cigarette equals eight minutes of life, a pack a day equals a month of life each year, and two packs a day equal sixteen years of life for lifetime smokers. Cigarettes contain four thousand known toxins and increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood. In addition, cigarettes cause fatal lung or heart disease, respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma among infants and young children. Pregnant women who smoke run the risk of harming their baby.

Most people know that smoking is hazardous to their health but they have a difficult time quitting smoking. Fortunately, alternative medicine provides many safe natural methods that can make it easier for you to quit smoking. Diet, nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies and acupuncture all can ease the craving and other side effects that new non-smokers sometimes experience.

Most smokers have hormonal deficiencies or low blood sugar levels. Experts are not sure whether this is a cause or effect of the smoking habit. Because of these deficiencies, smokers rely on nicotine as a substitute. Nicotine then creates a cycle of dependency and builds up toxins in the body. Therefore, when people quit smoking they lose their nicotine crutch and are often left with a body full of toxins.

The first step a holistic practitioner takes is to find out what is wrong with your metabolism. Often, a balanced diet that consists of fresh fruits, proteins and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains helps maintain a constant blood sugar levels and decreases food cravings. You should also include more vegetables as well as broths and soups containing potassium to alkalize your system. Nicotine creates acids in your system that affect the nervous system. This results in the nervous tension that may be experienced by people who quit smoking. You should also take vitamin A, B, C, and E because smoking makes these nutrients less available in your body. Even after you quit smoking, you should maintain a balance diet and take antioxidants, such as pycnogenol and proanthocyanadin, to heal the damage from smoking and avoid smoking related illnesses such as lung cancer. You can obtain antioxidants from your local health food store or from your naturopath or homeopathic practitioner.

Many herbs can be helpful by creating an aversion to tobacco smoke. An example is the herb Plantago major. Others can soothe jangled nerves that is often a withdrawal symptom. Examples are Avena sativa, Passiflora and Humulus lupulus. Some herb teas are good tonics and blood cleansers, and other herbs, such as Licorice and Taraxacum, can be useful in detoxifying your system.

Dr. Mark Coates, a Toronto naturopath, chiropractor and former clinic director and dean of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, recommends exercise to increase tissue oxygenation. A regular workout, whether it's jogging or aerobics, can help you feel better almost immediately. In addition, exercise can become a new habit that is beneficial to your health.

Dr. David Tulbert, a homeopath, chiropractor and faculty member and fellow of the British Institute of Homeopathy who practised in both Canada and the States, suggests some homeopathic approaches to reduce the craving for smoking: Caladium seg., 3C or 6C potency every hour, Homeopathic Nicotinum, 6C or 2C potency and Tabacum, 3C or 6C potency.

In addition to diet, herbs and homeopathy, smokers can also use acupuncture to help them while they are quitting. Acupuncture relaxes the mind, reduces stress, decreases the craving, and eliminates toxins from the body. Acupuncture can be administered in two ways: the classic, tiny acupuncture needles which are pre-sterilized and disposable, or laser and electro-acupuncture. The first method is most commonly recommended because of its effectiveness. The last two methods are recommended for the squeamish, but are not as effective.

An Epsom salt bath, using half a pound of salt per bath, helps pull nicotine and tar from the skin so that it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Shower or bathe normally after the Epsom salt bath to rinse the salt of your skin. Dry with a white towel. The brownish residue of nicotine excreted by your skin is enough to visually increase your desire to stop smoking.

Sometimes aversion therapy, in combination with other therapies, is used to eliminate the desire for cigarettes. An example of a remedy used in this therapy is Lobelia tincture. Regular doses are given during a specific period of time. This produces nausea and reduces the person's craving for a cigarette.

Psychological factors can increase a person's dependency on cigarettes. Examples include grief, depression, stress, or anger. For those who are under stress at the time they are quitting smoking Dr. Tulbert recommends Nux vomica, 12C or 30C potency once every day or two. People who are experiencing chronic depression and despair should take Lycopodium, 12C potency, one every day or two for one or two weeks. Those who lost a loved one or who have been abused, physically or psychologically should take Ignatia, 12C or 30C potency, for two weeks. Others who handle their grief and pain by venting their anger to family members should take Sepia, 12C potency, once every day or two for two weeks.

In addition to taking these therapies, it's important to understand other circumstances that may trigger your craving for cigarettes. Try to eliminate or reduce these circumstances in your life. Get emotional support, especially if you are going through a difficult time.

Smoking is a hard habit to quit, but many people kick the habit everyday. If you're struggling to quit smoking, don't give up. Your health is your wealth, and worth fighting for.