Not only is it a quick-use method, `Kick It' has other benefits, too. First, it uses a safe herbal formula, with no side-effects, the promoters claim. So, it eliminates nicotine-craving without the withdrawal symptoms usually associated with quitting smoking. Among its other attractive features are that it's effective for all forms of tobacco use; there are no drugs in the formulations; and it addresses both nicotine withdrawals and weight gain concerns.

`Kick It' operates in a five-step formula like this:
Formula 1: 88 Capsules are prescribed for seven days. It begins by handling the withdrawalsassociated with quitting. In this stage itself, a combination of natural herbs takes care of the stress and anxiety of the person trying to get rid of smoking. The main ingredients include passion flower, ginseng, bayberry and lemon grass. Passion flower is a mild and natural sedative for calming the nerves; ginseng helps the body withstand stress; bayberry improves circulation and tone tissues; lemon grass helps cleanse the blood and supports the immune system.

Formula 2: 44 Capsules are prescribed for seven days. Here a natural purifier helps remove the stored toxins associated with smoking. So when nicotine is not being stored in the body, the body will not crave for the nicotine replacement. The natural purifier used here uses burdock root; lungwort powder; dandelion root and oregon grape.

Burdock root is a blood purifier that soothes pain. Lungwort powder is an expectorant and breaks up chest congestion. Dandelion root is a natural diuretic and a blood purifier. Finally, oregon grape draws toxinsfrom the blood.

Formula 3: Although `Kick It' claims to be a week-long programme, you've got to opt for some long-term measures, too. For instance, the third step prescribes a total of 30 tablets of Zazen for a month. The primary ingredients include vitamin B6; kava kava extract; passion extract; St. John's wort extract; and herbal blend. Zazen is given to help you relax and remove the edge.

Formula 4: Support mist comes next. Made of deionized water, glycerin, pyruvic acid, L-carnitine, grapeskin extract, avena setiva, St. John's wort, niacin, lobillia, kava kava, yohimbie extract and natural flavourings, two to three short sprays of support mist directly into the mouth help to remove the urge for a cigarette or food. It is designed in such a way that you can carry it with you and use it at any time you experience the desire to smoke or snack.

Formula 5: Once the herbal treatment is over, the quit-smoking programme progresses to the psychological plane with an audio tape. The side A is designed foryour visualisation to decrease your desire to smoke and reinforce your mental strength and relaxation. But don't risk your driving by playing side A in your car. However, side B is motivational and can be played while driving. This side is meant to give you control. The audio tape is designed and narrated by Frank Rocco, who has successfully treated patients with smoking addiction for over 20 years.

Priced at $179 (plus shipping charges and sales tax), `Kick It' can be bought with the help of all major credit cards and cheques. Indian residents will have to use only international cards for the time being. For further details on how to access the package, call up 1-888-725-8419.

On the whole, going by the reaction of the people who've used the programme, `Kick It' may be worth a try for those who've given up on other ways to quit smoking. Take, for example, the case of someone with someone known as AF. He writes: ``I tried the patch, but it didn't work and cost me $200. I tried acupuncture, paid $45 andwhen I got out I lit up a cigarette. With `Kick It,' by the third day, I had no urge to smoke.'' Also, a Portland resident writes: ``I can honestly say that with the anti-addiction and denicotizer capsules, I didn't experience those horrible withdrawal symptoms.

It has been a lifesaver for me.'' And a couple from Dallas says: ``We were surprised that we didn't have the jitters, nervousness, hunger desires, and all the other problems we had trying to quit before.''

But do remember a few things before you go and get `Kick It.' First, it's not meant for pregnant women. Second, don't use side A of the audio tape in your car. And, finally, whenever you're tempted to smoke later in life, just spray Support Mist into your mouth.