Is Smoke Away Legit? A Science-Based Review

Examining the Legitimacy and Efficacy of Smoke Away as a Stop Smoking Aid

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. But it's notoriously difficult, with many smokers making multiple attempts before finally succeeding. This has spawned a market for smoking cessation aids that promise to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. One such product is Smoke Away, a homeopathic oral spray that claims to reduce cigarette cravings. But does it actually work? Let's take an evidence-based look at whether Smoke Away is a legit and effective stop smoking aid.

What Exactly is Smoke Away?

Smoke Away is marketed as an all-natural homeopathic oral spray that can help smokers quit. It contains a blend of natural plant extracts and homeopathic ingredients like lobelia inflata, tabacum, and nux vomica.

The makers claim it works by combining immediate, intermediate, and long-term ingredients to ease nicotine withdrawal. Spraying it in the mouth is supposed to satisfy oral cravings and deliver homeopathic nicotine replacements.

Smoke Away is sold directly online and in some retail stores. It's advertised as a medication-free way to curb cigarette cravings and transition away from smoking.

Analyzing the Ingredients in Smoke Away

Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients contained in Smoke Away's proprietary blend:

• Lobelia - A herb that some research indicates may act similarly to nicotine. It's thought to bind to nicotine receptors, potentially easing withdrawal symptoms.
• Nux vomica - Derived from seeds of the poison strychnine tree. Said to help relieve tobacco cravings but lacks scientific support.
• Tabacum - Made from tobacco leaves. Believed to assist with nicotine withdrawal but no good studies validate this.
• Cytisus scoparius - An herb claimed to help detoxify the body of toxins from cigarette smoke.
• Kreosotum - A homeopathic mixture promoted to relieve respiratory symptoms during quitting.

What Does the Science Say About These Ingredients?

The ingredients in Smoke Away are mostly plant extracts and homeopathic compounds. Let's look at what scientific research has found on their efficacy:

• Lobelia - A few small studies show lobelia may mimic nicotine and assist with smoking cessation. But more research is needed.
• Nux vomica - No quality studies support this as an effective quit smoking aid. It's considered possibly unsafe due to toxicity concerns.
• Tabacum - Made from tobacco, this likely does nothing to ease nicotine withdrawal. No science backs it up.
• Cytisus scoparius - Might provide antioxidants but no evidence it helps detox from smoking. generally recognized as safe.
• Kreosotum - No studies confirm this as an effective treatment for respiratory issues when quitting smoking.

Overall, there is insufficient research validating most ingredients in Smoke Away as evidence-based quit aids. The one exception is lobelia, which shows some minor promise. But it requires much more study.

Does Smoke Away Have Any Risks or Side Effects?

Some potential side effects have been reported with Smoke Away, including:

• Mouth irritation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Racing heart
• Muscle tremors
• Difficulty breathing (lobelia toxicity)

The makers state these effects are rare and usually mild. But some ingredients like lobelia can be toxic in high doses. Nux vomica also contains the poison strychnine, though likely in low non-toxic amounts. Overall, risks seem relatively low but vigilance is warranted.

What Do Customers Say in Smoke Away Reviews?

Reviews of Smoke Away on sites like Amazon offer mixed opinions. Some report it noticeably curbed their cravings. But others say it did little or nothing to reduce cigarette urges. Many describe the minty spray taste as helpful.

Most positive reviews seem to involve using Smoke Away together with other quitting aids like the patch. This aligns with research showing combination therapy is often more effective. Many customers say Smoke Away didn't work miracles but provided some useful support.

How Does Smoke Away Compare to Other Quit Aids?

Most proven stop smoking aids like nicotine patches or medications work by directly replacing nicotine levels. This reduces withdrawal side effects. Smoke Away likely doesn't deliver enough nicotine mimic lobelia to do this.

Other unproven remedies like hypnosis, acupuncture, or going cold turkey also have very low success rates based on research. So Smoke Away does not appear to be an outlier in that regard.

One advantage is Smoke Away lacks dangerous side effects like those sometimes seen with prescription smoking cessation medications. But it also appears significantly less effective than many nicotine replacement therapies.

What Do Health Experts Recommend for Quitting Smoking?

According to the Mayo Clinic and other health authorities, the most effective options for quitting smoking are:

• Nicotine patch - Delivers nicotine through the skin.
• Nicotine gum - Provides nicotine orally.
• Prescription medications - Such as Chantix, Wellbutrin, Zyban.
• Combination therapy - Using multiple nicotine replacements together.
• Counseling and support programs.

There is no strong evidence that homeopathic remedies provide significant benefit. But some may find them useful as a supplemental aid when combined with proven methods.

Does Smoke Away Help With Cravings and Withdrawal?

The maker's of Smoke Away claim it can reduce cravings by up to 50% or more. But there are no independent clinical studies that replicate this. The lobelia extract likely provides some very minor nicotine-like effects.

Reviews indicate it may supply a temporary distracting sensation when sprayed. This could help fleetingly with oral fixation habits. But any impacts on overall nicotine withdrawal seem limited based on research.

Can Smoke Away Really Help You Quit Smoking?

The existing evidence and reviews suggest Smoke Away will not dramatically increase your chances of quitting smoking on its own. The ingredients simply lack enough research support for major efficacy.

That said, Smoke Away appears relatively safe for most people. So it may offer a little assistance when combined with more proven methods like nicotine patches or prescription medications.

For the price, other options like patch kits seem a wiser investment though. Counseling and peer support are also strong complements to any quitting aids.

Who Might Benefit Most From Trying Smoke Away?

Smoke Away seems best suited for smokers who want to go a more natural route but also use other proven quit methods. Those looking for an all-natural miracle cure will likely be disappointed.

The oral spray mechanism provides sensory distraction and targets hand-to-mouth habits. So Smoke Away may assist smokers who crave these ritualized motions of smoking.

Combining the spray with nicotine patches or gum is likely the most effective strategy if choosing to try Smoke Away.

Key Considerations for Using Smoke Away

For those willing to give Smoke Away a shot, some tips to know:

• Use the spray correctly per the package directions.
• Combine with other nicotine replacements if possible.
• See a doctor first if any preexisting health conditions.
• Watch for any worrisome side effects.
• Stay realistic - it likely won't work magic on its own.
• Get counseling or join a support group as

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.