When you’re battling addiction—whether it’s to cigarettes or food—you need all the help you can get. Essential oils may offer support and possibly help curb cravings. There are no specific essential oils that have been proven to stop addiction, though essential oils can be powerfully supportive. The choices are more accurately specific to the individual. Rather than thinking that these oils stop addiction, think of them as an “interrupt,” helping to refocus the behavior. Essential oils may calm the nervous tension and some symptoms that accompany addiction.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for addiction support are:
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Grapefruit
• Peppermint
• Sandalwood
Safety First
Addiction is a situation that requires professional assistance. It’s necessary to have professional help when using essential oils for withdrawal symptoms.
• Soothing soak. Relax in a hot bath with your favorite oils when dealing with the nervous tension and discomfort resulting from addictive behavior.
• Relaxing massage. Relieve both body and mind, stressed from addictive behavior, with a comforting essential-oil massage.
• In the air. Diffuse or inhale your choice of essential oils to help curb cravings or to help ease the discomfort.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential-oil therapy with these other natural remedies:
• Talk it out. Talking with a therapist or joining a support group is helpful.
• Find lifestyle support. Yoga or other mind-body exercise, along with a healthy organic diet, provides support and may help with issues that trigger cravings.
• Meditate. Helpful in general, meditation may help to make the will and mind stronger.
When you need a little extra help fending off cravings or unhealthy desires, try one of these recipes.
Spending a relaxing day at home can be great, but cravings can be strongest when you’re not busy. Diffuse this uplifting blend when you need to stay on track.
3 drops bergamot oil
3 drops grapefruit oil
2 drops black-pepper oil
Every diffuser is different. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for diffusing this blend.
Massage this soothing blend onto temples and tight muscles to ease tension or physical discomfort associated with cravings.
10 drops sandalwood oil
5 drops bergamot oil
5 drops grapefruit oil
2 ounces jojoba oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend.