Aromatherapy for

Tobacco Cessation
Julee Moorlag, RCP, CTTS

Adapted from Aromatherapy and Relaxation

by Julie Streeter
 What are essential oils?

Essential oils are organic

compounds (made up of
hydrogen, oxygen and carbon)
from the glands or cells of
aromatic plants

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 Extraction Methods

Distillation

Cold Press

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 Clinical Aromatherapy

The controlled and therapeutic use of essential

oils in the clinical setting for specific outcomes
that are measurable.

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 How Aromatherapy Works

When you smell an essential oil, the molecules

are absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the
blood stream, and move from your nose to the
limbic system in your brain, affecting change in
your body, and bringing healing to the places that
need it.

Inhalation is generally
the most effective way to
use essential oils.

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 Did You Know?

• Even those who do not have a sense of

smell can still use aromatherapy! It’s
still effective even if you can’t “smell” it.
• Many smokers report loss of smell, but
aromatherapy can still work.

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 Allina Health Aromatherapy Program

• Level 1 (2012)
– Pain, Nausea, Anxiety, Insomnia
– Inhalers, Massage Oil Blends, Bath Salts-pp only
– Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Mandarin, Ginger

• Level 2 (2015)
– Roman Chamomile, Spearmint, Frankincense
– Tobacco Cessation Inhalers
– Aromatherapy Patches

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 Research

Pain 32%
Anxiety 47%
Nausea 51%

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 Allina’s Tobacco Cessation
Aromatherapy

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 Allina’s Tobacco Cessation
Aromatherapy
• Quit: Black pepper oil- can help with cravings for
nicotine

• Quit with Energy: A combination of black pepper

and lime- can help with cravings AND give energy
to body and mind

• Quit and Relax: A blend of black pepper, lavender

and cedarwood- can help with cravings AND help
to calm body and mind

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 How to Use an Aromatherapy Inhaler

-Remove the cap.

-Hold the inhaler about 4 inches under your nose.

-Move the inhaler back and forth a few times

while you take in slow, deep breaths.

-Replace the cap (it will stay fresh for 3-6 months if
you keep the cap on when not in use!)

-You may use the inhaler as often as you desire.

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 How can I get these inhalers for MY
patients?!

-Check with your facility to see if they use

aromatherapy and have the “Quit” inhalers in stock

-Find out who has been trained

2 LMS trainings need to be completed to instruct
patients on using aromatherapy. Most likely RN’s
with some exceptions.

-Ask them to give one to your patient!

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 Resources

• Handout: Using Aromatherapy Inhalers to Stop

Tobacco Use (SmartWorks # 16358) This can also
be printed in B & W off the AKN-Patient Care-
Patient Education-Patient Education Catalog-
Limited PGIHH…page 4.
• Lawson numbers for ordering inhalers ($2.95 ea)
288124- Quit
288125- Quit with Energy
288126- Quit + Relax

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 Thank you!

Julee Moorlag, RCP, CTTS

Tobacco Intervention Program
Coordinator-Mercy Hospital
julee.moorlag@allina.com
763-236-8042

Julie Streeter, BSN, RN, HNB-BC,

Clinical Aromatherapist
julie.streeter@allina.com
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612-863-5292