Aromatherapy for Weight Loss
Attack appetite naturally...
with aromatherapy weight loss blends!
Over the years, people have doubted the effectiveness of aromatherapy for weight loss.
More recently, though, scientists have studied the relationship between weight loss and the sense of smell.
And they've reached some interesting conclusions.
So... Can you use aromatherapy for weight loss? The short answer is "Yes".
This is not to say that aromatherapy is a "magic bullet" or instant weight loss cure - there is no such thing.
But aromatherapy can be a valuable part of a healthy, sensible weight loss program.
Aromatherapy for weight loss does two things:
It can help manage cravings and feelings of hunger, and it can also address some contributors to weight issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Aromatherapy for Weight Loss
Suppressing the Appetite
Research shows that appetite and the sense of smell are closely connected.
In fact, studies have found that our sense of smell actually triggers feelings of fullness before our stomach does.
Aromatherapy for weight loss works like this:
When you inhale an essential oil, its microscopic molecules directly affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.
An area inside the hypothalamus called the "satiety center" controls feelings of hunger/fullness.
The satiety center 'reads' certain essential oil molecules as a signal that you are full.
And the good news is, this happens much faster than your brain gets the signals from your stomach telling you you're full - so you feel full sooner!
Best Essential Oils for Weight Loss
The most well-known essential oil for weight loss is Grapefruit.
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Vanilla and Ylang Ylang are some other appetite-suppressing essential oils for weight loss.
The trick to using these essential oils to curb your cravings and suppress your appetite is to inhale the appetite-suppressing essential oil for at least five minutes.
Inhaling for less than five minutes can actually stimulate your appetite - not good!
Aromatherapy Weight Loss Recipe
Make Your Own Aromatherapy Weight Loss Inhaler
Use this handy aromatherapy inhaler any time you feel a craving come along.
Carry it in your bag, keep one in your desk, your kitchen... wherever it will do the most good.
Pour a teaspoon of coarse sea salt in a very small
dark glass or PET plastic bottle
and add one of the following blends:
Aromatherapy Weight Loss Citrus Blend
- 30 drops Grapefruit essential oil
- 4 drops Lemon essential oil
- 1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
Aromatherapy Weight Loss Mint Blend
- 20 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops Spearmint essential oil
- 1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil
Aromatherapy Weight Loss Herb Blend
- 15 drops Basil essential oil
- 15 drops Marjoram essential oil
- 1 drop Oregano essential oil
- 1 drop Thyme essential oil
To use your aromatherapy for weight loss inhaler, take three long, slow, deep breaths of the aroma.
Take a short break, then take three more deep breaths. Do this three times. Sniff long and hard through each nostril.
Really flood your nose with scent - in this case, more is better!
Use the aromatherapy for weight loss inhaler before eating and whenever your appetite is triggered.
Scientific studies show that the more often you inhale essential oils for weight loss throughout the day, the more effective it will be.
Some studies suggest that aromatherapy is more effective for weight loss if you change up the scents every day.
You might try making an aromatherapy inhaler with each of the essential oil weight loss blends above, and then use Citrus on Monday, Mint on Tuesday, Herb on Wednesday and so on.
Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite source for essential oils and other aromatherapy supplies.
Their quality is excellent, their prices are good, and their attitude is great!
Aromatherapy for Weight Loss
Emotional Eating
Aromatherapy can help overcome food addiction, especially when we eat for comfort.
Instead of eating to stuff down our stress, anger, boredom, depression, anxiety or other feelings, we can use aromatherapy to help change our emotional state.
Try using Vanilla essential oil to connect with feelings of security, home and comfort.
You might find that inhaling its sweet scent replaces your urge to eat that cookie or doughnut.
You can also try Cocoa Absolute, the sweet, rich essence of chocolate.
Again, you may find that its smell replaces the need to actually eat a chocolate bar or brownie.
Eating and Stress
It's so easy to reach for a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta when stress is shredding our nerves.
But when it comes to weight loss, you're better off reaching for some massage oil or bath salts instead.
We all need to give ourselves permission to 'get off the ride', lock the door and spend some time taking care of ourselves.
When we're calmer and more rested, we have the capacity to respond more positively to the stressors in our lives - and that includes meeting the challenge of achieving our weight loss goals.
Click on the links below for some really lovely (and effective) stress-reducing aromatherapy recipes.
Super Relaxing Bath Oil Recipe
Take a slow, deep breath of this super-relaxing aromatherapy bath oil and feel all the bad stuff slide away. Also use it as a relaxing, grounding body oil.
Happy Bath Salt Recipe
Come back to your happy place with these uplifting aromatherapy bath salts.
Nerves, tension and stress melt away as this relaxing recipe balances your nervous system - and your mood.
Stress Buster Massage Oil Recipe
This sweet aromatherapy stress reliever relaxes your muscles, calms your mind and helps you fall asleep.
And it smells good enough to eat!
Aromatherapy Recipes for Depression
Aromatherapy recipes to help ease depression by lifting your mood and reducing anxiety, fear and anger.
Aromatherapy Stress Reduction Recipes
More aromatherapy recipes to help you deal with your stress in a healthy, positive way.
My Personal Struggle with Weight Loss
(not about aromatherapy)
A nice way to describe me is to say I'm " generously curved".
Lucky me, I inherited my dad's large frame and genetic disposition to be well filled out.
I've struggled with my weight since I was a kid, including coping with anorexia and bulemia as a teenager (the only time I was ever really thin.)
Now that I'm getting closer to forty, weight loss is more challenging than ever, but my attitude has improved (most days, anyway!)
According to the "rules" I do everything right. I eat mostly fruits and vegetables (mostly raw,) I drink plenty of water, I exercise every day.
I get enough sleep, I don't eat too many "treats", I manage my stress, blah blah blah.
I don't get thin...
I did, however, get thinNER when I started taking a weight loss supplement that specifically targets hormonal issues.
There's a hormone in our body called Leptin, which tells us when to feel hungry and when to burn fat.
The supplement increases leptin sensitivity, which boosts your fat burning and reduces your hunger.
(As a really tremendous side benefit, it also balances out the rest of your hormones, making life better for you and everyone around you.)
If you're interested in learning more, click here to visit the MaxWLX website.
CAVEAT: This supplement will not necessarily work for you if you don't have a healthy diet.
Exercise is also critical; you can't lose weight sitting around eating junk!
That said, if you're like me and don't lose weight even when you're doing all the right stuff, this may be the answer - it was for me.
Wishing you good health and happiness!
Go to Aromatherapy Recipes Homepage from Aromatherapy for Weight Loss
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