Aromatherapy helps smokers overcome nicotine addiction

Thursday, March 27, 2014 by: Yanjun
Tags: aromatherapy, nicotine addiction, smokers

(NaturalNews) Nicotine addiction is complex, but a simple whiff of essential oils may help put cravings in their place. A small pilot study was recently conducted in which 20 persons who used nicotine products on a daily basis were encouraged to try using aromatherapy. The researchers divided these people into two groups and then instructed them that, whenever they felt a desire to smoke, they should place one drop of essential oil (angelica or black pepper) on tissue paper and then inhale it for about two minutes. They were then asked to report their experience. The group that inhaled angelica delayed their next fix of nicotine for a longer time compared to those who inhaled black pepper.

Specially formulated blends

Researchers who conducted the study came to the conclusion that it would be better for smokers to use both essential oils. The good thing is that there are specially formulated smoking cessation blends that can help a person who is struggling with nicotine addiction. There's a blend known as "Smoke Out!!," and it contains black pepper, clary sage, patchouli and spikenard essential oils. The person who formulated the blend was able to quit when she used these essential oils.

Make your own blends

You can also make your own blend of essential oils, tailored to your specific withdrawal symptoms. This means that you need to identify your withdrawal symptoms. You need to find out if you feel nervous, angry, anxious or irritable. Or maybe, when you are trying to quit smoking, you feel weak or lethargic. Citrus oils are said to have an uplifting aroma because of their clean smell. A person can try lemon, which can make one feel smoke-free quicker. Roman chamomile is an essential oil that is calming, and it can help a person overcome nicotine cravings.

A recipe

An aromatherapy recipe for someone who wants to quit smoking is 10 drops of clary sage, 5 drops of rosemary and 4 drops of rosewood essential oils. Clary sage is useful because it's an antidepressant. Its aphrodisiac qualities are also beneficial. Rosemary helps your respiratory system and nervous system. It treats headaches, nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, stress and hypertension. Rosewood is great because it bolsters your immune system, treats your nervous system and helps with nausea and nervous tension. You can apply the blend to your pulse points and along your hairline. You can also triple the ingredients and make an aroma mist that you can spray in your house.

No side effects

The good thing about essential oils is that they don't produce the side effects that a nicotine replacement product can have. Side effects of using a nicotine replacement product include headaches, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations, hiccups, dyspepsia, muscle pain, poor concentration and skin irritation. In addition, a nicotine replacement product does not have the same level of success in assisting to wean smokers off of nicotine addictions.

Sources:

http://www.nyrnaturalnews.com

http://www.aromaweb.com

http://www.escentsaromatherapy.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Sofiya has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments,health insurance, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.