Can using essential oils help with weight loss?

For thousands of years, people have touted the healing properties of essential oils for everything from mild pain to severe depression. Although research on the efficacy of these oils is often limited, there is evidence to suggest that some oils have therapeutic properties.

If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to consider adding aromatherapy to your weight loss plan. Keep in mind that essential oils are not a miracle weight loss tool. However, they can provide you with a number of additional benefits. When used in conjunction with your doctor's recommendations, the proper use of essential oils can be a valuable aid in your weight loss plan.

The first step in creating a weight loss program should be a consultation with your doctor. Work with him to create a safe plan that fits your specific medical needs. Your specific reasons will differ from others, but knowing your reasons and dealing with them will help you on your way to lasting weight loss. Crash diets are not a long-term solution. Listed below are several causes of excessive body fat:

Physical/medical reasons
Education
Poor knowledge of nutrition
Inactive lifestyle
Eating as a form of comfort
Eating as entertainment when you're bored
Depression
Grief
Eating because everyone else is eating - fear of saying no

How can essential oils help with weight loss?

Aromatherapy and essential oils as support for weight loss

Benefits
Essential oils can enhance your diet and training in many ways. They can help energize your workout. They can also help curb food cravings.

While essential oils may not directly promote weight loss, they can enhance your diet and exercise plan in many ways. For example, oils like lavender can help you sleep better and relieve insomnia. When you get the amount of sleep you need, you're more likely to have a productive day.

This includes more energy for exercise and less desire to eat sugary foods. People who are tired are usually more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or fast foods that can provide an instant sugar rush.

Essential oils can also help with:

reducing anxiety
stress relief
reducing feelings of depression
relieve body pains
improving digestion

The idea is that if you feel good mentally and physically, you'll be able to stick with your weight loss goals. This may mean you continue to exercise or reach for fruit instead of sweets.

In a more direct sense, essential oils can help:

curb food cravings
to give you energy during training
to correct cellulite
to correct stretch marks

Aromatherapy for weight loss

Using essential oils or aromatherapy blends won't cause miraculous weight loss. However, they can help combat the symptoms of demotivation you may feel when starting and continuing your weight loss program.

Energizing essential oils

The aroma of invigorating/energizing essential oils can help you feel more energetic and less tired during exercise and when you're feeling down:

For citrus oils like orange, lemon, and grapefruit, also keep in mind phototoxicity and essential oil safety.

What the research shows

More research is needed to truly determine efficacy in humans, as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of essential oils. Although research is limited, there are several studies that support the use of essential oils for weight loss.

Some essential oils used to help with weight loss include:

Juniper

In a 2014 study researchers looked at the chemical compounds found in juniper essential oil. They found that the oil has rich anti-obesity and antioxidant properties.

Although there are no studies directly evaluating the use of juniper essential oil for weight loss, this data suggests that it may be a useful tool for weight loss management.

The oil is thought to reduce water retention, so topical application may be the best approach.

Garden tea

Long used in Asia for its medicinal properties, sage essential oil can also help treat or prevent obesity. 2013 study found that sage essential oil can help protect the body from oxidative stress. This stress can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more.

How to use essential oils for weight loss

If you want to add essential oils to your weight loss plan, you should first consult with your doctor to determine if this is the right option for you and to discuss any potential risks.

Topical application is the best option when using essential oils for weight loss. Depending on the oil used, this can help you reduce water retention and bloating, or reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.

Be sure to dilute your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil before applying. Applying undiluted essential oil to the skin can cause inflammation or irritation. Some carrier oils include coconut oil and olive oil. For every 12 drops of essential oil, you should add 30 ml of carrier oil. For more on safe use, read How to Use Essential Oils Safely.

It is important to do a skin test with this mixture before applying it all over. The skin on the inside of your forearm is usually the best place for this. Wait 24 hours and note any symptoms you may experience. If you do not experience any irritation or discomfort, the mixture should be safe to use.

The best way to use essential oils to keep you motivated to lose weight

Using a portable aromatherapy inhaler is a great way to use essential oils to aid in weight loss efforts.

Keeping the skin hydrated and nourished during weight loss

If you have more than a few pounds to lose, it's especially important to keep your skin well moisturized. Try not to lose weight too quickly. If you lose weight too quickly, your skin may be more likely to stay stretched and sag. Keep your skin well moisturized to help maintain its elasticity.

Conclusion

Essential oils are not a miracle cure for weight loss, but they can support motivation, sleep, energy, and skin care as part of a comprehensive plan agreed upon with a doctor. Always dilute oils in a carrier oil, do a sensitivity test, and consult a professional if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking medications.