5 Essential Oils to Jumpstart Weight Loss

Essential Oils (oils extracted aromatic plants) have long played an important role in history, medicine and religion. Oils have been used in religious ceremonies, cosmetics, funeral rites and perfume. The Ancient Egyptians are often credited with being the first to use essential oils. One of the oldest documents – dating back to 1553 BC – called the Ebers Papyrus details how to use frankincense for a variety of ailments. When Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in 1922, archeologist Howard Carter found 35 alabaster jars that were used to hold oils. Chinese aromatherapists believed that extracting a plant’s fragrance was a way to free its soul. The Ancient Greek Hippocrates used the aromatherapy of several essential oils to fumigate Athens and fight off the plague epidemic. Today, scientists, physicians and researchers are beginning to return to the use of essential oils as a way to naturally and holistically heal our bodies.

Oils are natural anti-depressants, antibacterial fighters, and immune strengtheners. But did you know they can also help you to jumpstart a weight loss goal? The following shows you how five essential oils can help you stay on track with your weight loss regimen.

Lemon Oil

If life gives you lemons, inhale the scent and you’ll feel more joyful instantly. This happy essential oil has a myriad of uses to enhance your home, body and mood. Lemon essential oil increases and lifts your energy. It helps regulate your metabolism and improves digestion. Lemon essential oil stimulates lymph drainage and helps flush toxins out of the body.

Add 1 – 2 drops of lemon essential oil (food grade only) to your morning glass of water to stimulate your metabolism. Place a few drops in a diffuser and inhale to feel happier and more joyful. Inhaling the scent of lemon also curves the desire for sweets. Place a few drops into unrefined coconut oil to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Peppermint Oil

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Throughout history, peppermint has been used to cure bad breath, soothe tummy troubles, relieve colic, gas, headaches, heartburn and indigestion. Emotionally, peppermint can help soften anger, ease depression and eliminate fatigue. Peppermint improves metabolism, increases digestion and energy. The scent of peppermint helps you to feel full faster.

Add a few drops to your coffee or tea to alleviate indigestion. Diffuse to reduce appetite. Add to a carrier oil such a Jojoba and rub into an upset stomach. Inhale before and after workouts to boost your mood and reduce fatigue. Diffuse in a room to enhance focus reduce cravings. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bottle of water and mist to reduce hot flashes.

Grapefruit Oil

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Grapefruit essential oil comes from the grapefruit peel which is high in D-Limonene and other compounds that help support a healthy metabolism. The Limonene encourages the body to release fatty acids where they can be used for energy. Grapefruit oil increases the metabolism, helps control the appetite, helps break up fat and prevents water retention. Add to your lotion or to a carrier oil and massage into skin to help flush out toxins.

Add 5 – 10 drops to a warm bath to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and stimulate the digestion.

Diffuse in your bedroom or kitchen in the morning to jumpstart your energy. Add a few drops of grapefruit, lemon and peppermint oil to your diffuser to regulate mood and appetite. Add this blend to a car diffuser or on a cotton ball placed in your car for on the go help.

Cinnamon Oil

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Cinnamon essential oil is different from the spice found in your kitchen spice rack because it contains a more potent extract and components not found in the spice. Cinnamon helps regulate blood glucose levels. It aids the metabolism by breaking down sugars into energy rather than storing them as fat. Cinnamon essential oil helps stimulate circulation and maintains a healthy digestion. It helps to fight free radicals and reduces inflammation in the body. Smelling cinnamon has been shown in studies to help reduce cravings and depression.

Add a few drops to your morning oatmeal, tea or smoothie in the morning to regulate your blood sugar levels. Add 1 – 2 drops of food grade cinnamon essential oil to some warm milk and honey at night to help reduce nighttime cravings.

Ginger Oil

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Ginger essential oil helps reduce sugar cravings. It is also said to reduce inflammation in the body. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that help reduce inflammation in the intestines and can help aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Studies have shown that ginger can help increase enzyme levels in the blood. Ginger helps warm the body and stimulates a healthy digestion.

For a rejuvenating bath, add 5 drops each of ginger, grapefruit, orange and lemon to a bath. Ginger tea helps heal aches and pain while also relieving nausea, cramps and gas. Place 2-3 drops in a diffuser or on a cotton ball to revitalize and uplift your mood and warm your metabolism. Place a few drops in a carrier oil and rub on your stomach to each bloating.