Add Essential Oils to Your Weight Loss Program
6:54 AM Posted by Jo Pedranti
Essential oils can be a great addition to a weight/fat loss program. They are mood enhancing, uplifting, and detoxifying. They are also known to increase circulation and to break down fatty deposits. Inhalation of essential oils can also stimulate the production of hormones from hypothalamus.
Appetite suppressants
Essential oils may also be used to reduce appetite due to their ability to stimulate the ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus, the part of the brain that governs our feelings of fullness and satiety after meals. Alan Hirsch, MD, showed in his studies that a pleasing aroma may indeed reduce the appetite. His 3000 research subjects showed dramatic weight loss after frequently inhaling peppermint and vanilla absolute over a period of six months to curb food cravings. Several subjects had to quit because they lost too much weight.
So, what kind oils would be good to include in your weight loss program?
As always, there are many essential oils and many suggestions. I have tried to narrow it down to some oils that I consider would be beneficial. Keep in mind that each person is different and essential oils do not perform magic. These are oils that would be beneficial in one way or another, but they don't magically make you lose weight.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a great digestive aid. According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, MD, peppermint has the ability to directly affect the brain's satiety center, the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. This may contribute to weight loss.Add a couple of Young Living Peppermint oil to an 8 ounce glass of water or tea and drink before you eat. You can also add a few drops to a handkerchief and inhale before meals when you have cravings.
Lemon has the ability to boost the metabolism. It is high in limonene, which helps release fatty acids into the blood stream where they are broken down. Lemon improves micro-circulation and immune function. It may be beneficial for anxiety, blood pressure, and promotes a sense of well-being. Lemon has shown anti-depressant effects in research. It also promotes energy and clarity, and its fragrance is invigorating and warming. It also has astringent and detoxifying properties. Lemon counteracts stomach acidity and speeds up a slow digestive system. It stimulates secretion from the liver, pancreas, and the stomach.
Add one drop therapeutic grade lemon essential oil to a glass of water to aid in the detoxification process of your body, and to help boost your metabolism. Mix 3-4 drops of lemon oil with 1 tsp. extra-virgin coconut oil and apply over belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs to help dissolve fat and tighten skin. Avoid sun exposure 12 hours after lemon has been applied topically.
Grapefruit is detoxifying and diuretic. Many cold-pressed citrus oils like grapefruit have unique fat-dissolving properties. It is refreshing and uplifting. Grapefruit is often used in cellulite treatments since it may reduce fat cells. It is also considered a strong appetite suppressant. Inhale when feeling hunger and cravings. Mix with base oil and use for a massage or add to bath water. It is important to avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after topical application.
Ocotea
Research has shown that ocotea is valuable in helping to control blood glucose levels, curb food cravings, and lower cortisol levels. It regulates the liver and balances metabolism as well as impacts our emotional state. Ocotea oil is distilled from a tree in Ecuador, has a light cinnamon-like aroma and flavor. It also has natural cleansing and purifying properties.
Add 1 drop of ocotea to the lemon and coconut oil massage mix to enhance the fat busting effect. Add 1 drop of oil to a glass of water in the afternoon (up to 3 times a day) to balance blood sugars and cravings. Add a couple of drops under the tongue, (up to 3 times a day) for extra help with blood sugar issues.
Bergamot
Bergamot is refreshing and has mood lifting qualities. It may help to relieve stress, tension, and anxiety. Lowering stress is important since it may affect weight loss. It is also calming and may also provide hormonal support.
Valerie Ann Worwood's fat attack oils
Worwood writes in her book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, that a good massage and using essential oils, will make sure that you are not left with stretch marks and flabby skin. You will also have a good shape. She also suggests to use the essential oils in the bath, and that an improvement in the body tissue tone will be noticed.
General fat attack essential oils: Orange, lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, thyme, petitgraine, lime and lemongrass.
Diuretic fat attack essential oils: Fennel, grapefruit, cypress, lemon, and juniper.
Using essential oils for issues like cellulite, water retention, and hormonal imbalances deserve their own posts, so keep an eye out for them in the future. Some natural remedies like essential oils, herbs, and supplements may have the ability to aid in a weight loss program due to their therapeutic properties. Some may improve hormonal imbalances, regulate blood sugar, stimulate fat metabolism and detoxify the body. However, there are no short cuts to losing weight, and natural remedies should be used in addition to a nourishing diet and an exercise program.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Are you ready to try Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils? You can order from http://www.ylwebsite.com/joshealthcorner/ or contact me to learn how to get a $40 diffuser coupon and get 24% off everything!
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Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
This post is linked up to:
The Gathering Spot, Simple Lives Thursday, Living Well Blog Hop, Fat Tuesday , Healthy 2day Wednesday
February 1, 2011 at 5:10 PM
So my new vanilla perfume might help me lose weight, too? ;-)
February 2, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Great post! ill be ordering more oils...am already using grapefruit and lemon. Cannot wait to add the others...
Blessings!
LIB
February 2, 2011 at 9:54 AM
@Laurie,
You never know, it may.
February 2, 2011 at 9:56 AM
@Em and Lib.
Thanks. Grapefruit and lemon are great oils.
February 17, 2011 at 5:10 AM
Great advice! Thanks for sharing with WMWW.
December 30, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Thanks for sharing! I have been learning about herbs, hope to learn more about essential oils too.
January 25, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Thanks for this post, I have some new ideas to try. I haven't ever used the Ocotea oil before, but it sounds like something I could benefit from. I have also used peppermint directly in my mouth. If I want to eat something I shouldn't I just put a drop on my tongue and nothing tastes good after that!! I also write an essential oil blog, I would love for you to stop by and share any of your thoughts with me.
January 25, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Thanks for visiting Cara!
Putting a drop of oil on the tongue definitely will stop you from trying something you shouldn't.
I would love to see your blog..
February 7, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Nella-essential oils uses
Hello! Thank you for the useful information. I will try it, of course with a healthy diet and exercise and hopefully I will have some results. I love essential oils and I think they are very beneficial in many areas. I've been using essential oils before to help me control my insomnia and get rid of colds. and they worked!
December 29, 2012 at 10:10 PM
We all know that if you can speed up your metabolism, you will lose weight faster. One simple tip is to use fresh ginger. It's a natural metabolism booster! Add a few slices to tea or coffee or use it to spice up your favorite diet dishes! Ginger is great with chicken, rice, and a bonus is that it helps fight infection!
simple steps to weight loss