If you really want to stop smoking you should try to make it as easy to achieve as possible. It' is always a good idea to replace a bad habit with a good one, and that's where aromatherapy really comes into its own in assisting those who are determined to quit smoking.

When I stopped smoking I used an Aromatherapy device in the form of a mask, which is easy to construct. All you need is a protective mask, such as is used to protect against dust and other particles, like saw dust. You will also require cotton wool pads, and the circular variety, of about two inches diameter, are ideal. The idea is to insert the pad within the mask, and impregnate it with two or three drops of your favourite essential oil. I have used lavender and pine to great advantage. Fit the mask over your nose and sit back and inhale the aromatic vapours.

How long you sit back, or meditate wearing the mask depends on various factors, including how long you have to spare. If you choose lavender, sit back and imagine that you are walking through a field full of lavender in full bloom, and picture the vapours entering and cleansing your lungs. Compare the sensation with whatever you believe you experience when you light up a cigarette, and you will realize what you have been missing. Of course you will have to stop smoking while you wear the mask, which will assist by covering your mouth, and preventing you from doing so.

Initially, it is best to start this practice over a weekend, or period when you have a little time to yourself. The idea is to replace your smoking habit with something much more pleasant. Not to use as well as smoking, but instead of. If you do as I did, you will not only use your mask when sitting down, because it's just as easy to walk around wearing the mask as sitting. If you feel a little odd wearing the mask, do so when you have a few hours to spare on your own. However, there are usually other people close to you, who will be as pleased as you when you succeed and stop smoking.

There are lots of different essential oils that can assist you to quit smoking. They really are relaxing and work very well with visualisation as suggested in the field of lavender example. It's just as nice to use pine and picture yourself walking through the woods, breathing in the restorative vapours from the pine forest. Just add two or three drops, of whatever takes your fancy, and float away from cigarettes to a new and healthier world.

It may be as well to pass on a word of warning. I have not seen anything recorded about vapours from essential oils doing any harm, but if you have any adverse effects, you should stop, and follow some other course to stop smoking. These oils are highly concentrated, and they are not recommended to be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. I found that the mask I used, of the dust protection variety, was sufficiently large to hold the cotton wool pad without it touching the skin. Therefore, it was ideal for purpose, but once used, the pads should be safely disposed of.

Smoking is not really relaxing but you may have kidded yourself into thinking that it is. Aromatherapy is proven to be relaxing and I can vouch that it really does work. So when you first make up your mind to stop smoking, wear your mask instead. It prevents you from putting a cigarette in your mouth, and offers a soothing, and satisfying alternative.

Richard Wise writes articles about natural health, including stopping smoking, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants, allergies and vegetarianism. If you are interested in stopping smoking please visit his web site which is at http://www.wanttostopsmoking.com/

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