Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Five Essential Oils to Aid in Your Weight Loss

As Featured On EzineArticles

Losing weight can be a mighty task for many people, but help is at hand.  If you are looking to add something to your diet changes and exercise plan, then essential oils might be just the thing.  You can find essential oils at health food suppliers and some of the "natural" grocers in your area.

1. Lemon Oil.  Lemon oil can boost metabolism and improve immune functions.  Boosting your metabolism is a great benefit if you find that you have reached a plateau in your weight loss, and helping your immune system is an added boon.  Some people find it difficult to stick to a diet and exercise plan if they have a cold, so taking care of your immunity should be a priority.  Lemon oil has also shown promise as an anti-depressant in research.  Since depression can lead to overeating, lemon oil can help you keep a bright mood and a trim waist line.  If you add a few drops to a little coconut oil and spread over your problem areas, you can help tighten the skin as well.

2. Peppermint oil.  If you feel like you are still having trouble over consuming at each meal, you should consider adding peppermint oil to your routine.  Peppermint oil has been shown to affect the areas of your brain that trigger feelings of fullness.  You can either place a few drops in a glass of water to drink before meals, or place a few drops on a piece of cloth and sniff it when you feel yourself having cravings.

3. Bergamot.  If you feel that your weight is directly tied to your stress levels, perhaps you should consider using a stress relieving essential oil such as bergamot.  Bergamot comes from a genus of plants that Native Americans had used as medicinal plants, and tends to help relieve stress and tension.  Simply sniff a few drops of bergamot to help calm your nerves.  There is also a possibility that bergamot has hormonal support capabilities.

4. Grapefruit.  Grapefruit oils are a refreshing addition to your weight loss regime.  Grapefruit is even sometimes used in cellulite treatments because it is believed it may assist with fat cell reduction.  Add a few drops to your massage oil and rub it into your skin.  You can also inhale it to help curb and hunger pangs or cravings you are having.

5. Ocotea.  Ocotea oil comes from an Ecuadoran tree, and has an odor and flavor remarkably similar to cinnamon.  It is used to help control blood glucose levels, food cravings, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  To use, place a few drops in a glass of water to help control your blood sugar and reduce cravings.  You can also place a few drops under your tongue for a more powerful effect.

If you're ready to take your weight loss to the next level, perhaps it is time you considered using essential oils.  There are many more essential oils than on this list that can help you, but the oils listed here are a great way to begin adding essential oils to your diet plan.