The effects of aromatherapy on nicotine craving on a U.S. campus: a small comparison study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of two inhaled essential oils (black pepper or angelica) on the nicotine habits of students, staff, and faculty on a U.S. college campus.

DESIGN

Comparative study with pre-/post-test measures.

SETTING

Community college in rural East Texas.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of 20 volunteers from the college community (students, faculty, and staff) who were regular (daily) users of nicotine (cigarettes, snuff, or chewing tobacco).

INTERVENTIONS

Inhalation of one drop of essential oil on a tissue for 2 minutes when participant was craving nicotine.

OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Pre-inhalation journal recording of self-assessed level of craving for nicotine on a 0-10 scale, (2) post-inhalation journal recording of self-assessed level of craving for nicotine on a 0-10 scale, and (3) minutes that participant waited from start of inhalation until next use of tobacco.

RESULTS

Both black pepper and angelica reduced the level of nicotine craving and allowed a longer delay before next use of tobacco. However, black pepper reduced the level of craving more than did angelica, and angelica allowed for a longer delay than did black pepper.

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy may be useful in nicotine withdrawal. Further studies are warranted.