Written by Prue – Resident Naturopath at Choice Pharmacy Cameron Park
On May 2nd, 2023, Australia’s Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, announced stricter laws for distributing Vape devices across the country. This move is expected to eventually lead to a complete ban on these products. There’s speculation that vapes might require a prescription for personal use, but it’s unclear who will be eligible for such prescriptions. While the ban aims to improve the quality of life for Australians struggling with nicotine addiction, the question remains: who will support those facing withdrawal? The answer: your local Naturopath.
A Naturopath is a healthcare practitioner specializing in Herbal Medicine and Nutrition. They focus on preventative healthcare and managing existing health issues through lifestyle and dietary interventions, along with personalized herbal tonics.
What people believe when they start Nicotine withdrawal
Contrary to popular disbelief i.e. “I’ll be ok, it’s only my lungs I need to look out for”, Nicotine withdrawal doesn’t affect any singular area of the body, but rather a more “domino-like affect” that has fallen across many organ system. Furthermore, a holistic approach to managing withdrawal should first focus on the specific nurture points of the body that require the most attention, which are the: Nervous System (Brain), Hepatic System (Liver) and Respiratory System (Lung).
Nervous System – Brain
Probably the most important (and most difficult) of this process is supporting the Brain’s chemistry through neurotransmitter health. Neurotransmitters are a special chemical messenger that reside at the tip of your nerves which produce chemical signals to communicate to different areas of the body that are interlaced with the Nervous System. Overtime, your neurotransmitters become adapted to the exposure of nicotine where present, which can influence the patterns of signalling from neurotransmitters and what they are trying to achieve in the body. Once nicotine is removed from the equation, these neurotransmitters become confused in their duties, which then instigates a severe dysregulation in both their signalling patterns and overall communication to the body. This reaction is what catapults such undesired symptoms including heightened agitation, reduced resilience, short temper, anxiety, poor memory recall and poor sleep quality to name a few. Your Naturopath will have some wonderful herbs on hand to calm highly-strung nerves and facilitate their correct neurotransmitter functions. Herbs such as Passionflower, Oat Seed and Saffron are a highly favoured group of plants known as Nervines that are very specific for this action.
Hepatic System – Liver
Next we look at Liver, an increased use of nicotine products that are consumed for a long period of time can result in a build-up of fat congestion in the liver which causes a heightened inflammation response within the liver leading to potential difficulties with the liver’s detoxification processes. If not addressed, this state can lead to a more serious condition called Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Now although not everyone will have NAFLD, it is important to note that this condition will present in the beginning stages as something called ‘asymptomatic’ which basically means symptoms may be considered “invisible” for those that could have it during the earlier stages of the disease. On the other hand, should someone present with symptoms, this may indicate that the disease has already progressed to something more severe such as complete compromised liver function. A Naturopath can provide effective, holistic treatment through the use of hepatoprotective herbs such as St. Mary’s Thistle, Rosemary and Globe Artichoke blended with potent antioxidants such as higher doses of Turmeric, Rosemary and Schisandra or even an N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) supplement (best practice is to ask your Naturopath or physician if this supplement is a suitable option for you first).
Respiratory System – Lung
And finally, we have the lung-health branch of holistic treatment. The compromised health of bronchial endothelial cells due to nicotine consumption is an important instigator to the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Interestingly, one 2019 study yielded results which suggested that vape users had higher than normal levels of protease enzymes in lung cells than non-users altogether which correlated with an increased risk to Emphysema. So with this research alone is a good indicator as to why a blend of tonifying herbs are essential to protect various mechanics of the lung. Herbs such as our ol’ trusty Elecampane – which has an affinity for restoring upper and lower lung tissue and soothing anticatarrhals such as Mullein and Marshmellow are a desired combination. A 1g daily dose of slow-release Vitamin C (such as Nutralife Ester-C) is an effective strategy to increase plummeted levels of Vitamin C which are lost through the long-term use of both cigarette and vape consumption.
These suggestions provide a glimpse into the holistic treatment options available. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified Health Practitioner, such as a Naturopath, for personalized guidance and dosage recommendations.
Want to learn more about how herbal medicine can improve your health? Prue is available every Monday between the hours of 9am – 5pm at our Cameron Park store. To skip the queue, book a consultation with our naturopath Prue through our online portal to secure your spot today.
