Of course it's best never to start smoking, however many of us do...so, here's a guide on how to help you quit smoking - for good (in no particular order)...

1. Will power

If this is the way you choose to quit smoking then chances are you'll take great pride in your achievement and stay with it. However, this going-it alone, cold turkey approach can be stressful, placing great pressure on you to not give up, in a death-or-glory fashion.

2. St John's Wort

Oxford's Department of Clinical Pharmacology is currently researching the efficacy of this herbal antidepressant when quitting. As soon as you stop smoking there's a reduction in 'happy' brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which can result in despondency and consequent return to the tabs. St John's Wort helps to regulate dopamine and serotonin levels which will make it easier to resist the urge.

3. Hypnotherapy

For many smokers lighting up is all about triggers. When you're having a cup of coffee, when you have finished eating and, especially, when you are out for a drink/socialising. This is where hypnotherapy comes in, sending messages to your subconscious to override your usual script. Visit http://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/ for details of practitioners in the UK, or search the web for local hypnotherapists in your region.

4. Withdrawal aids

Nicotine gum, lozenges, patches nasal sprays and inhalants are designed to help you gradually wean yourself off tobacco (rather like methadone's relationship with heroin). The stats are good, but see your doctor first as there may be medical reasons for not sticking patches all over your body.

5. Avena Sativa

It's the latin name for oats, the extract of which was recently shown in trials to reduce smokers' need for cigarettes. The research carried out by the American journal - Nature: Medicine, found the amount participants smoked had reduced by 71%, with two percent quitting smoking altogether.

6. A support system

So often, we don't do things that are imperative, simply because we feel isolated and unsupported. Although it's our responsibility alone to quit smoking, receiving validation and recognition can make all the difference. In the UK, the NHS has set up www.givingupsmoking.co.uk which includes an email messaging system that can give you that all important boost when the craving starts.

7. Milk Thistle

Smoking, even in fairly conservative amounts, results in the build up of toxins that the body attempts to dispel. This puts tremendous pressure on the liver, which is where the milk thistle, one of nature's finest detoxifiers comes in. Use it to support your hardest working organ when quitting.

8. Antioxidants

Once you have decided to quit smoking, it's vital you spring clean your body, taking a metaphorical brush to all those cells that have been under prolonged attack by the free radicals created by smoke. Vitamins A,C and E are central, as is selenium. Get them in food and supplement forms, if you are not sure or need advice, ask your doctor.

9. Rhodiola

Used for centuries in Eastern Europe as a stress-reducer, rhodiola has, in recent years, become the favoured mood-lightener of many. It can help get you through those teeth-grinding days when you would normally reach for the smokes.

10. Acupunture

Often used in conjunction with hypnotherapy, acupuncture will reduce the stress you are likely to feel as you attempt to live without the nicotine, and according to believers, free up the energy channel that have been blocked by the smoke, tar and nicotine. Acupuncturists often leave a couple of tiny needles in the ear, so when any craving strikes, you can touch your ear to help stave off those urges.

Please remember if you are unsure about anything discussed above please consult your doctor and always seek the appropriate advice.

About the Author:

Anthony Bradlioni writes on health related issues. You can learn more by visiting my blog, 10 ways to help you quit smoking http://jojomarketing.blogspot.com/2008/07/10-ways-to-help-you-quit-smoking.html