Quit Smoking Today with Essential Oils

Essential Oils to curb smoking withdrawal

As parents, we hope for our children to aspire to be great people and model our examples. However, our daily stresses may lead us down a path of bad habits we don’t want to be mimicked. Case in point is smoking. I surely don’t want my son to pick up this disgusting, unhealthy habit. Did you know that you can quit smoking with essential oils?

I know! I seriously wish I had known this the several times I tried to quit in the past.

Maybe you made a New Year’s Resolution yet again this year- and have already felt the sting of failure.

As a former smoker, I can tell you there is no miracle cure.

The best tool for finding success to quit smoking is your mindset. However, there are plenty of other steps you can take to ensure your success.

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The 5 primary ways to use essential oils for quitting smoking

Diffuser—You can purchase an inexpensive diffuser practically anywhere. For home, you likely want an electric diffuser with a water chamber. You simply drop the oil(s) of your choice into the chamber and turn it on. Most diffusers will give you an option to run continuously or intermittently. For the purpose of smoking cessation, I would recommend the intermittent option so that you don’t become desensitized to the calming effects while having a craving.

Inhaler—Aromatherapy inhalers are small, convenient, and personal. You likely will not offend someone near you using one of these, and they require nothing more than remembering to take it with you. To make your personal inhaler, place 25-30 drops of your oil blend into a small glass bowl. Add cotton to the bowl until the oil is absorbed. Then, place in inhaler tube using tweezers. Simply, take a few deep inhalations when you are experiencing a craving.

Smelling Salts—This is also a small, convenient, personal options. You can use a 10 ml glass bottle. Add 25-30 drops of your oil blend. Fill the remaining space with coarse sea salt. Simply place the bottle under your nose and breathe deeply when you have a craving.

Topically—Blend your essential oils into a separate glass bottle and remember to label it. You can then apply a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil) to the skin and rub your oil blend into it.

Orally—there is much debate whether to use essential oils orally. If you choose to use orally, make sure you are using an oil that is specifically safe for oral use. Applying a drop of Clove or Thieves to the tongue before lighting up may help remove the desire.

If you are someone that needs to keep your hand or mouth busy, please see How to Make your own Stop Sticks.

Which Essential Oils

Essential oils are a natural, healthy tool to assist in quitting smoking and they can be used along with other smoking cessation treatments. Again, this is not a miracle cure.

Oils and aromatherapy can help ease cravings and reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability, anxiety, lack of concentration, and restlessness.

Angelica Oil and has been shown to help smokers wait longer periods of time between cravings. Clove Oil may have similar effects. Angelia has anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. It may help with emotional balance.

Black Pepper Oil has anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, and stimulant properties. It may help decrease cravings.

Lavender Oil is one of the most popular ways to help with irritability. Frankincense, Sage, Ylang Ylang, and Cedarwood can also produce calming effects.

Citrus Oils (lemon, grapefruit, orange, etc) can help provide uplifting feelings.

You’re probably already thinking that you are overwhelmed with options. Frankly, with essential oils, you may have to experiment to find the perfect fit for you. One oil diffused aromatically may produce a totally different effect on two people in the same room based on their individual body chemistry.

Recipes to Quit Smoking

To combine your oils in the recipes below, simply add the drops to a 10-15 ml dark glass bottle. Swirl the bottle to mix. Do not shake. Store in a cool dark place.
1. Calming Mix:
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Roman Chamomile
10 drops Bergamot oils

2. Calming Mix 2
5 drops Tangerine essential oil
5 drops Orange essential oil
10 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
10 drops German Chamomile essential oil
5 drops Patchouli essential oil

3. Calming Mix 3
10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Vetiver essential oil

4. Craving Mix 1
8 drops Black Pepper essential oil
4 drops Clary Sage essential oil
6 drops Bergamot essential oil
6 drops Grapefruit essential oil
4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
4 drops Marjoram essential oil

5. Craving Mix 2
5 drops Clove oil
5 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
5 drops Orange essential oil
5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Marjoram essential oil
15 drops Grapefruit essential oil

Tips to Quit Smoking

Smoking is an addiction.

Giving up nicotine does not mean that you will not experience cravings.

Set a quit date.

You may find it helpful to quit with a fellow smoker or have a former smoker to connect with.

Many people are successful by making a list of the reasons they want to quit and referring to this during times of weakness.

Likewise, you may keep a log of the times you slipped up and a note as to why you caved into the craving. This is a great way to discover patterns you may not have realized existed. Maybe you only smoke when you are angry?

Try to find alternatives for things you already know are triggers. For example, you have a cigarette each day with your morning coffee at the kitchen table. How about having your coffee on the couch or switching to a strong tea?

Reward yourself for the small victories but be careful not to replace one vice for another. You certainly don’t want to reward yourself with a giant ice cream sundae every evening that you made it through without lighting up.

Lastly, have an “Emergency Kit” ready to help you battle the cravings. This is where the essential oils are truly essential. Include in your emergency kit- relaxing music, stress ball, lemon drops, and your essential oil inhaler. You will be ready to tackle anything.

Life is stressful enough without this dirty, costly habit. I certainly hope that these recipes help reduce your withdrawal symptoms once you commit to quit. You will be setting a great example for your children. Why not quit smoking with essential oils to help ease the process?