Author: Shannon Miller
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful and is the source of many diseases, so many smokers try to break the habit. However, success rates are low. Out of the 30-50% of US smokers that attempt to quit any given year, only 7.5% are able to succeed. Studies show that early relapse is the leading cause of failed attempts, often stemming from a lack of motivation and giving in to cigarette cravings.
Given how difficult it is to quit cold turkey, many health professionals and public health campaigns recommend finding tools and methods to keep smokers on track. One increasingly popular way to overcome cigarette cravings is by using essential oils. These oils have a calming effect on people, which may support smoking cessation in many ways. If you’re a smoker exploring ways to quit, it’s good to look into the effectiveness of essential oils and how they can work for you.
How can essential oils help with quitting cigarettes?
When quitting, smoking withdrawal is often the biggest challenge faced by smokers. Without cigarettes, smokers tend to face mood swings, restlessness, insomnia, change in appetite, and cravings for tobacco— making it all the more challenging to commit to a smoke-free lifestyle.
These negative emotions can be counteracted by essential oils. Some studies show that using essential oils through aromatherapy effectively reduces anxiety levels and may work with lowering withdrawal symptoms. Another added benefit of essential oils is that they are entirely natural, helping you avoid introducing other chemicals into your body. Aside from inhaling essential oils through diffusers, you can add them to everyday things like body lotions and soaps, making them convenient and easy to incorporate.
Recommended essential oils to stop smoking
While most essential oils are relaxing, not all are created equal. Here are some essential oil recommendations that can ease withdrawal symptoms and help you stop smoking:
- Black pepper – Can improve digestion and regulate appetite
- Lavender – Eases anxiety and reduces the severity of insomnia
- Peppermint – Improves focus and alleviates headaches
- Roman Chamomile – Can relieve stress and tension, soothing minds
What else can you do to quit smoking?
While essential oils can be a big help, engaging in other ways to quit smoking can increase the likelihood of success in the long run. As mentioned, cigarette cravings are often the biggest challenges faced by smokers. These feelings are much worse among heavy smokers, and essential oils may not be enough to overcome them. For the best results, it’s practical to rely on smoking cessation aids. Products such as nicotine pouches and patches come in lower nicotine levels, allowing smokers to wean off nicotine and minimize withdrawal effects over time.
On Prilla.com, plenty of strong nicotine pouches meet the needs of the heaviest of smokers. These come at nearly twice the strength of regular 8mg pouches and are available in different flavors that can fit any user’s preferences, from citrus to mint. For a product that smokers can place and forget, NicoDerm CQ’s nicotine patch can last up to 24 hours a day— allowing people to go about their day without worrying about cigarette withdrawal.
Aside from smoking cessation aids, it’s critical that quitting smokers find support from friends and family. It may also help to find professional support through therapists or quit-smoking support groups, where smokers can find like-minded individuals going through the same struggles. By connecting with others, you can avoid making common mistakes and have a better chance of success.
Essential oils are a great, natural way to quit smoking. Through the additional assistance of smoking cessation aids and support, smokers can beat cigarette cravings and enjoy a smoke-free life.