Lobelia supplements: Can they curb nicotine cravings?

I'm trying to quit smoking naturally — without using prescription medications. My sister said that lobelia helps reduce nicotine cravings and anxiety, making it easier to stop smoking. Is this true? How much should I take?

- Christopher / Arizona

Answer

As early as the 1930s, researchers were investigating the possibility that the herb lobelia could help fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Unfortunately, a 1972 review of literature from the preceding years found no evidence that lobelia had any effect on helping smokers to quit. Since more-recent studies of lobelia have not been conducted, the evidence simply isn't there to support its use as a stop-smoking aid. In addition, lobelia can be toxic, causing such side effects as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and low blood pressure. For these reasons, Mayo Clinic experts do not recommend lobelia as a treatment for any condition, including nicotine addiction.

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