Alternative ways to quit smoking

As another World No Tobacco Day passes, we discuss alternative ways to quit smoking.

The 31 May 2012 was World No Tobacco Day, and this year the theme was a call for action to reduce the undue influence of tobacco industry on government health policies. This comes as draft regulations to make SA 100% smoke-free (smoking inside public buildings would be prohibited and outdoor smoking restricted), are under review.

Yet if you're a smoker looking to quit, restricted smoking areas are probably not going to make you kick the habit. But herbal cigarettes that can make you quit smoking? Would you consider this method?

An organisation called Diagnostic Discoveries, that specialises in sanitising products distributed to Lancet Laboratories and restaurants, as well as manufacturing skin treatments distributed through selected pharmacies has introduced herbal cigarettes called Honey Rose Herbal Cigarettes. According to Stanley Wolpe, a pharmacist at Diagnostic Discoveries, these cigarettes are nicotine and tobacco free and will satisfy smokers and help cure their nicotine addiction.

According to Wolpe, these herbal cigarettes are manufactured in the UK, under strict supervision. They will be available in SA in the next few weeks at sporting clubs, selected health shops or direct from Diagnostic Discoveries. “The Honey Rose Herbal Cigarettes contain marshmallow leaf, clover flowers as well as rose petals and come in four flavours; syrup, vanilla, honey as well as apple juice. The main objective of this herbal cigarette is to free the smoker from the nicotine addiction within four to six weeks and to ensure the wellbeing of the smoker and his/her family,” says Wolpe.

We spoke to Dr Yussuf Saloojee from the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) and asked if this method of quitting is effective. “No studies have been conducted regarding herbal cigarettes, so I don’t know if they can help stop someone from smoking or not. Using common sense and logic, anything you burn, even if it’s healthy natural herbs will cause harm to your body. There are two reasons why people smoke; addiction to nicotine (need to have nicotine in the body) and the second one is because of habit (when one gets used to holding a cigarette, blowing smoke, etc). Herbal cigarettes might help, depending on the individual, but the results may be short-lived. My advice to those looking to quit would be contact the NCAS to seek help."

Contact the NCAS on 011 720 3145 for more information on quitting smoking.