At the beginning of this year, many of us made new resolutions, especially to cut bad habits that are harmful to our health. Among them, smoking cessation comes up frequently, and for good reason! It is a habit that is very harmful to our health and very difficult to break, as the lack of nicotine can cause bothersome symptoms. Learn how aromatherapy can help you combat symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal in this article.
What are the symptoms after the last cigarette?
Like any drug, nicotine is addictive, and quitting smoking is accompanied by many of the quitting symptoms.
Among them, we can certainly cite the irresistible urge to light a cigarette: the body needs a dose of nicotine! Cravings go away over time, but can be difficult to control for the first few days or even weeks.
Other symptoms that vary from person to person may also occur: weight gain, irritability, depression, trouble sleeping, fatigue, coughing, increased appetite, and sweet tooth cravings.
Fortunately, essential oils can help you relieve symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
fight the urge to smoke
A study published in 1994 by Duke University’s Nicotine Research Laboratory showed that inhaling black pepper essential oil through the mouth can reduce the urge to smoke by mimicking the sensation of inhaling tobacco.
fight depression
Quitting smoking can lead to stress, anxiety, irritability and depression. When these very annoying symptoms appear, it is important not to give in, because smoking again will only bring you a very short-lived sense of well-being. Once you snuff out the cigarette, you feel guilty for sabotaging your quitting efforts.
Using aromatherapy can instead help you relax and achieve long-lasting relaxation because you can use it whenever you need it. So, citrus essential oil can relieve stress and anxiety, real lavender essential oil can combat restlessness, stress and anxiety, and petitgrain essential oil can combat low morale.
fight against insomnia
Quitting smoking can sometimes cause sleep disturbances. Mandarin and real lavender essential oils have calming and soothing properties that can help you fall asleep. Noble chamomile essential oil will let you find a restful sleep.
fighting food cravings
Quitting smoking is often accompanied by weight gain, because tobacco reduces hunger and makes food tasteless. By quitting smoking we find our appetite and the joy of eating. You may also want to compensate for the cigarettes with food, especially small sweet treats.
To reduce snack cravings, you can use orange and grapefruit essential oils, which have interesting appetite-suppressing properties.
Anti-fatigue
Because nicotine is a stimulant, people who quit smoking tend to feel tired during the quitting phase. Nourishing and stimulating, essential oils of peppermint and black spruce are best at helping you restore energy.
prevent constipation
Constipation problems may arise when you stop smoking because nicotine stimulates intestinal transit. Aromatherapy can alleviate this problem with citrus essential oils, which stimulate transit in addition to their calming and relaxing properties, and peppermint, which has a positive effect on digestion.
