Using Essential Oils for Smoking Cessation

Have you taken that brutal plunge into trying to quit smoking? If so, you’ve probably already tried a number of programs – nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, prescription drugs, and the list goes on.

Maybe you’ve gone 30 days without a smoke, only to start back up again. Don’t worry, it’s happened to the best of us. If you’re a current smoker, you already know, trying to quit is one of the more difficult obstacles to overcome. Many people fail to quit smoking because they, for instance, try to quit cold turkey without any form of game plan. Let’s face it, if you’re really dedicated, it’s critical that you have a plan.

A common question in the area of “natural” smoking cessation is whether essential oils are an effective route to take. In fact, for many smokers it has been highly effective, with different oils working better for some over others.

An added bonus is that using essential oils for quitting smoking can be done at a fraction of the cost of other alternatives. After all, how much money have you already spent on other nicotine cessation options?

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Quitting smoking with aromatherapy

A huge benefit of using aromatherapy and essential oils for smoking cessation is that it’s a 100% organic and healthy method. Essential oils provide a natural remedy that’s not only effective, but provides excellent therapeutic benefits.

Here are just a few ways to implement your all natural, essential oil “smoking cessation” program:

• Sniff directly from the source: Take a deep breath straight from the bottle.
• Apply topically to the skin: Depending on the oil, you may apply directly to the skin.
• Run oil through a diffuser: Diffuse oil in your living room, bedroom, office space, etc.

You can try one, some, or all of these methods when applying this natural remedy for quitting smoking. Some you may find more effective than others. Indeed, as the old adage goes, “Different strokes for different folks.”

The best essential oils for quitting smoking

There are a number of oils that have been known to be quite effective, and it depends largely on the person. One of the most proven options is black pepper. Black pepper actually simulates the feeling of smoking, which in turn curbs your cravings.

In fact, there have been studies showing that black pepper essential oils effectively helped smokers decrease their cravings. One study in particular investigated the effects of a cigarette substitute providing a vapor of black pepper essential oil. A few details from the study:

• 48 cigarette smokers took part in an overnight deprivation session.
• There were three conditions where participants smoked the following out of a device: black pepper oil cartridge, mint/menthol cartridge, and an empty cartridge.
• Cigarette cravings were greatly reduced in the black pepper condition.
• Symptoms of anxiety were also lessened in the group that inhaled the black pepper essential oil.

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In another study published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20 nicotine users (including cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco) were asked to try aromatherapy instead. Those who inhaled the black pepper oil went significantly longer without a craving than those who did not partake in the oil.

Emotional impact of quitting smoking

Another thing to consider when quitting smoking is the emotional mood swings that come with the process. Yes, there are oils for that as well. And the best ones to use would be those that contain calming properties.

Popular single oil options would be lavender and/or frankincense. Both of these products offer calming benefits that will help with the anxiety and possible depression that come with quitting smoking – providing physical, mental, and psychological relief.

Another route to take would be to apply a blend, which contains multiple essential oils in a single bottle. We recommend the Relaxation and Euphoria blends. You can even combine your own single oils and/or blends for greater effect.

To Recap:

• Use black pepper to help decrease the symptoms of cigarette withdrawal, including cravings.
• Use lavender, frankincense, and/or a potent essential oil blend to relieve anxiety and depression.
• Try out different application methods to see what’s right for you. These applications include topical, diffusion, and inhalation.

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We know, aromatherapy isn’t necessarily a miracle cure for smoking cessation. But is there really anything out there that is, in fact, a “miracle cure.” How many times have you or a loved one went on the nicotine patch only to start up again months, weeks, or even days later?