THE first step in giving up the cigarette is to give it up. Many fail because they never really reach this point.
Keep away from smokers and a tobacco-laden atmosphere as far as possible for about three weeks. After each meal, for one week, rinse out the mouth with a ¾-of-one-per-cent solution of silver nitrate. This creates a distaste for tobacco smoke, and will relieve throat irritation.
Purchase five cents’ worth of gentian root (or camomile blossoms), and chew it during the day when there is a desire to smoke.
To assist in eliminating the poison, take a dose composed of half a teaspoonful each of Rochelle salts and cream of tartar each morning before breakfast for one week. If possible take a Turkish bath, or a good sweat bath of some kind, twice during the first two weeks. Drink water, orange juice, or grapefruit juice freely.
Keep out in the open air as much as possible. Keep the mind occupied.
The greatest aid will be found in a change of dietetic habits. Smokers are fond of highly seasoned foods and stimulating drinks.
It is necessary to give up the use of pepper, mustard, the free use of salt and coffee and tea, and also the free use of meats.
The following diet will be found of the greatest aid. If followed carefully, the discovery will be made, by the end of the first week, that the craving has materially lessened, and by the end of the third week it is not unusual to find that the craving has almost entirely disappeared. With this assurance held out, the effort is certainly worth a trial.
For a period of two or three weeks make use of cereal foods, as Shredded Wheat Biscuits, bran flakes, Krumbles, Puffed Wheat, whole-wheat bread, rye or Graham bread, etc., with milk and cream, buttermilk, cottage cheese, nuts (well masticated). At the close of the meal use fresh subacid fruits, as oranges, peaches, pears, apples, pineapples, grapefruit. Figs, dates, and raisins, apple sauce, and canned fruits are indicated. Highly seasoned foods and stimulating drinks should be avoided.
A patient who had used tobacco for forty-two years, after adopting this treatment for three months, wrote: “It seems wonderful to me that I now have no craving for tobacco or drink.”
Another writes: “I am glad to say I have not used tobacco in any form for three weeks, and have no desire for it.”
Still another, after four weeks, says: “The desire for smoking has entirely disappeared. I have increased in weight and considerably in strength. My mind is clearer, not being doped. I am exceedingly glad I quit.”
No victory has ever been won without a conflict and fight. Divine aid is promised those who strive lawfully, and victory is assured.
