How can aromatherapy help me stop smoking?

As thousands of people vow to quit smoking this year, I've put together some handy hints on how aromatherapy can help beat those nicotine cravings.

Get your tobacco high and build willpower with the smell of Cedarwood. With its warm, exotic and sensual, smoky scent, Cedarwood has been known since antiquity for imparting strength and courage. It is believed to be the oil that David anointed himself with before fighting Goliath.

To help you detox the atmosphere make your own alternative to Pot Pourri by fragrancing and colouring Sea Salt. Mix the Essential Oils of Lemongrass, Geranium and Vanilla into a base of Sea Salt (table salt will work but sea salt gives an interesting visual effect). Add in a few drops of food colouring, if desired, and put the scented salt in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Cover the salt with some pine cones, shells or pebbles on the surface.

Lemongrass is a stimulating oil so it is excellent for combating fatigue. Its pungent scent will also help override the smell of stale tobacco. Geranium is added for its subtle floral notes and stress beating qualities. A touch of Vanilla is added which is profoundly relaxing and also acts as a natural fixative that helps to hold the scent longer.

Depending on the heat and humidity and the amount of smoke in the atmosphere the salt will need to be agitated most days to release more oil. When the scent is exhausted completely (up to two weeks) then refresh or consider the rules of crystal therapy. Crystals (salt crystals in this case) are believed to attract and absorb negative energy as well as unhealthy chemicals to their surface. Big crystals are therefore washed regularly to ‘cleanse’ them. As a therapist I do not subscribe to crystal healing, however I do think there is reason to consider throwing away your salt and starting again on a regular basis.

If you reach for a cigarette when you're feeling stressed, keep our Relaxation Balm (£4.88) handy to help curb those cravings. It contains calming Rose, Neroli and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Apply to the pulse points as required. Alternatively try one of the following stress relieving blends in an oil burner:-

Day time use in lounge/office - 1 drop Spearmint, 4 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Frankincense and 1 drop Lime.

For a sensual bedroom blend - 2 drops Sandalwood, 2 drops Ylang Ylang, 1 drop Green Mandarin and 1 drop Patchouli (renowned for its aphrodisiac properties and believed by some to be an appetite suppressant, which is handy if you get the munchies when you stop smoking).

If you want to boost your willpower and self-confidence try a blend of May Chang for courage and confidence, Cedarwood for strength, Lavender for mental calm and Orange Sweet for joy.

If you'd like any further advice please do not hesitate to email me direct.

Good luck

Julie