Essential Oils for Weight Loss

Essential oils such as peppermint, bergamot, grapefruit and sandlewood can have a positive impact in your efforts to lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. While essential oils are not guaranteed to contribute to weight loss, they can boost your mood and imbue your body with energy and vitality. Look for them in health food stores or purchase them online.

Peppermint

• Peppermint is an effective digestive aid and can help ease an upset stomach. According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, peppermint can contribute toward weight loss by working on your brain's satiety center--the ventro-medial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Peppermint stimulates a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

  Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a handkerchief and inhale deeply before meals to reduce your appetite. You also could add a drop or two to an 8 ounce glass of water or tea and drink right before a meal.

Bergamot

• Bergamot combats emotional stress, which is a common trigger for overeating. By stimulating the endocrine system, bergamot works to produce a sense of calmness and well-being, along with alleviating stress. Adding lavender essential oil to bergamot will enhance the effect. Again, like peppermint essential oil, add a drop or two of bergamot essential oil to a handkerchief and inhale deeply to feel a sense of relaxation.

Grapefruit

• Grapefruit essential oil aids in reducing water retention and also can dissolve fat. One of the main ingredients in grapefruit essential oil is limonene, which helps release fatty acids into the bloodstream where they are broken down and used as energy in the body. Grapefruit essential oil is also considered a strong appetite suppressant. Inhale a few drops of grapefruit essential oil to shut down a hunger pang.

Sandlewood

• Sandlewood facilitates feelings of well-being. It is known for its medicinal properties as an astringent, sedative, and skin treatment. However, its most important function may be its ability to influence negative cell programming and behavior. Sandlewood may influence the brain's ability to resist temptation and excess, allowing for weight loss and a greater sense of self control. Inhale some sandlewood essential oil to feel calm and for a sense of well-being.