If you’ve been trying to kick your smoking habit, you’re bound to have come across medications, patches, and candies that could help you get there. But if you’d like to go all natural instead, we’d suggest giving black pepper essential oil a go.
This essential oil was an Ayurvedic must-have for most beauty and herbal treatments. Not to mention, it is popular amongst sports people due to its warming and energizing properties. That said, it’s most commonly used for medicinal purposes. And adding a feather to its cap are several studies that now link pepper essential oil to a reduced incidence of smoking.
Inhaling Black Pepper Essential Oil Vapor Curbs Craving For Cigarettes
In the past, studies have found that sensory cues associated with cigarette smoking, such as the taste, smell, and mouthfeel, can reduce the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking, especially cravings.1 In fact, the presence of these sensory cues, even without any nicotine, was found to satisfy a smoker and reduce cravings.
In line with this, one study found that when the vapor of black pepper oil was inhaled, it provided a respiratory tract sensation similar to that of the experience of smoking. It hence reduced the craving for cigarettes. It was also found to alleviate other withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, impatience, hostility, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, restlessness, lower heart rate and weight gain.2
Several other studies backed this claim up, stating that inhalation through a plastic tube or from a tissue with drops of the essential oil can significantly reduce craving, even more so than most herbal teas.3 4
Combining
Black Pepper With Angelica Improves Craving Suppression
“Since high doses of black pepper oil can be can be a strong irritant, diluting it with coconut oil or jojoba oil or almond oil in a 1:1 proportion is suggested for topical application. It can also be blended with angelica oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, grapefruit oil, or ylang-ylang to help with cravings or symptoms.”
One study, in the series of several that explored black pepper oil’s ability to suppress nicotine cravings, found that while black pepper significantly lowered nicotine craving levels, angelica essential oil delayed the craving for longer than black pepper. Combining the two can effectively keep cigarette cravings at bay for longer.5
Be Sure To Use Genuine Black Pepper Essential Oil For The Best Results
Black pepper essential oil is available in some health food stores and online. However, it is important to ensure that you buy genuine products from a reliable trader. Terms such as “Natural” or “Pure” are not standardized in the industry due to the lack of regulations. So, most oils that you buy from stores may not be of a therapeutic grade and quality, and may even contain contaminants or adulterants.
Note: Pregnant women and nursing mothers must consult your physician before using black pepper oil, even if it is for external application. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
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