So many people today want to learn how to burn fat and lose weight fast but also safely and effectively. For that reason, essential oils for weight loss are one of your best choices.
I want to be upfront with you and let you know you’re not going to start using essential oils and lose 20, 30 or 50 pounds. But it could help your body in shedding a few pounds, plus support your body in important, healthy ways for weight loss.
Are you trying all the traditional weight loss methods like diet & exercise, but they seem to be less effective than you desire? Then you should consider using essential oils for weight loss. Using essential oils as a tool for weight loss is only a part of the puzzle for losing weight. But it is a part that is so easy to do. With just a few drops of the oils described below, you can overcome common hang-ups that plague people on weight loss journeys, like fatigue, digestive problems, inflammation, sugar cravings, and lack of motivation.
Lose Weight with These 3 Essential Oils
There are really three main essential oils that I really believe can help your body with weight loss.
1. Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit essential oil works with your body in activating enzymes that help your body break down brown body fat. We know that grapefruit can benefit weight loss and that the essential oil of grapefruit comes from the grapefruit peel, which is very high in certain compounds like D-limonene and helps support the metabolism as well as the cleansing and drainage of your lymphatic glands.
When applied topically to the skin in lesser amounts, grapefruit essential oil is an excellent diuretic and lymphatic stimulant. This is one reason why it’s included in many cellulite creams and blends that are used for dry brushing. For that reason, grapefruit essential oil is the number one oil that can help your body in burning fat and losing weight because of how it activates enzymes in your saliva, which helps break down body fat in your body..
When mixed with Fennel oil, grapefruit oil is known to lower cravings and hunger, which makes it a great tool to lose weight fast in a healthy way. Add several drops to your water, diffuse it in your office or home, or massage some onto your chest and wrists when a craving strikes.
Grapefruit Essential Oil quick facts
Commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, grapefruit oil has a sweet, crisp, and uplifting aroma.
- Curbs cravings
- Boosts metabolism
- Increases energy and endurance
- Reduces abdominal fat accumulation
Why it Works
Grapefruit contains nootkatone, a natural chemical compound. Nootkatone stimulates a specific enzyme (AMPK to be precise) that controls the body’s energy levels and metabolic rate. When nootkatone is introduced into the system, AMPK accelerates chemical reactions in the tissues of the brain, liver, and skeletal muscle. Research on the interactions between nootkatone and AMPK have resulted in increased endurance, reduced weight gain and a decrease in body fat, as well as improved physical performance.
In another study lab rats were exposed to grapefruit oil three times per week for 15-minute intervals. The outcome:
- Reduced appetite
- weight loss.
It is thought that limonene–grapefruit’s primary component–induces lipolysis, the process whereby body fat and protein is broken down and dissolved.
How to use grapefruit essential oil for weight loss:
1. Drink it: Add 1-2 drops of therapeutic-grade grapefruit essential oil in water (one glassful) and drink it as soon as you wake up in the morning. This routine will help to improve metabolism, increase fat loss, detoxify the body by flushing out toxins, and help to maintain your weight.
Drinking grapefruit oil after a meal can help you digest food better and alleviate bloating.
2. Inhale directly: Have a sudden craving? The fresh scent of grapefruit oil can do wonders. Inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a cotton ball and breathe deeply. Smelling grapefruit oil relaxes the parasympathetic gastric nerve, the body’s main mechanism that activates ghrelin-induced feeding (our body’s natural process of having food cravings).
3. Apply topically: Rubbing grapefruit oil on your wrists, chest, temples, and just under your nose can instantly help to control cravings and curb your appetite.
4. Diffuse: Add a few drops of grapefruit oil to your diffuser, especially when a craving strikes–great to restrain late-night snacking.
5. Reduce cellulite: Grapefruit oil is an effective diuretic (prevents water retention) and stimulates the lymphatic system. It also contains bromelain, a powerful anti-inflammatory enzyme that helps to break down cellulite. This is why grapefruit oil is used in many cellulite creams. Try the chemical-free blend below to reduce cellulite naturally.
Grapefruit essential oil all-natural cellulite cream:
15 drops grapefruit oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
Glass jar. Blend the grapefruit oil with coconut oil and store in a glass jar. Rub and massage for 5 minutes daily onto the areas of the skin that have cellulite and need firming.
2. Lemon Essential Oil
Cold pressed from the peel, lemon oil has a clean pick-me-up scent with slightly sour overtones. Lemon also contains the fat-dissolving powers of limonene. Supporting the findings of the aforementioned grapefruit oil study, researchers found that lemon oil used in conjunction with grapefruit oil increased lipolysis.
As a mood booster, lemon oil is a particularly powerful treatment for alleviating negative feelings. It also raises norepinephrine levels, a stress hormone and neurotransmitter that is responsible for the fight-or-flight mechanism. Consequently, norepinephrine increases oxygen in the brain for better cognitive function and ramps up heart rate and blood flow which allows muscles to work faster and better.
Aches and strained muscles may prevent you from keeping up with your workout routine, but lemon oil has yet another viable function as a pain reliever.
What it Does
- Suppresses weight gain
- Increases energy
- Enhances mood
- Relieves pain
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Fresh, minty, and quite intense, peppermint oil contains menthol which has a calming and cooling effect. Containing up to 70% menthol, peppermint has been used medicinally for centuries to treat indigestion, Peppermint oil is an effective muscle relaxer, and when used along with marjoram oil, it was found to:
- Ease the muscles of the stomach
- Reduce bloating
- Improve the flow of bile – which allows food to pass through the body faster.
In an experiment pitting peppermint oil against ylang-ylang, researchers discovered that volunteers who inhaled the peppermint aroma were more alert, had improved memory function, and were calmer in mood. Peppermint oil is also a natural appetite suppressant. In a 2008 study titled Effects of Peppermint Scent on Appetite Control and Caloric Intake, participants who inhaled peppermint oil every two hours reported lower hunger levels and consumed “significantly fewer” calories.
What it Does
- Increases energy and mental alertness
- Elevates mood
- Aids digestion
- Reduces appetite
4. Fennel Essential Oil
Earthy and sweet, fennel essential oil is steam distilled from fennel seeds.
What it Does
- Improves digestion.
- Suppresses appetite
- Reduces weight gain
- More restful sleep
Why it Works
Fennel is a source of melatonin, the hormone that naturally regulates circadian rhythms by signaling to the brain daily wake-sleep cycles. In addition to a more restful sleep, melatonin has also been found to reduce weight gain by creating more “beige fat” (which burns off as energy) rather than “white fat” (which is stored for energy).
In the middle ages, fennel seeds were eaten to suppress the appetite on fasting days. This idea has garnered scientific support through a study on fennel oil aromatherapy performed on rats. Over the course of eight weeks, the rats inhaled fennel oil twice a day for 10 minutes; this resulted in fewer calories consumed and a faster rate of food digestion.
5. Befit essential oil Blend
Ingredients:
- Grapefruit
- Cinnamon
- Copiaba
- Anise seed
- Peppermint
- Basil
- Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit essential oil works with your body in activating enzymes that help your body break down brown body fat. We know that grapefruit can benefit weight loss and that the essential oil of grapefruit comes from the grapefruit peel, which is very high in certain compounds like D-limonene and helps support the metabolism as well as the cleansing and drainage of your lymphatic glands.
When applied topically to the skin in lesser amounts, grapefruit essential oil is an excellent diuretic and lymphatic stimulant. This is one reason why it’s included in many cellulite creams and blends that are used for dry brushing. For that reason, grapefruit essential oil is the number one oil that can help your body in burning fat and losing weight because of how it activates enzymes in your saliva, which helps break down body fat in your body.
When mixed with Fennel oil, grapefruit oil is known to lower cravings and hunger, which makes it a great tool to lose weight fast in a healthy way. Add several drops to your water, diffuse it in your office or home, or massage some onto your chest and wrists when a craving strikes.
Grapefruit Essential Oil quick facts
Commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, grapefruit oil has a sweet, crisp, and uplifting aroma.
- Curbs cravings
- Boosts metabolism
- Increases energy and endurance
- Reduces abdominal fat accumulation
Why it Works
Grapefruit contains nootkatone, a natural chemical compound. Nootkatone stimulates a specific enzyme (AMPK to be precise) that controls the body’s energy levels and metabolic rate. When nootkatone is introduced into the system, AMPK accelerates chemical reactions in the tissues of the brain, liver, and skeletal muscle. Research on the interactions between nootkatone and AMPK have resulted in increased endurance, reduced weight gain and a decrease in body fat, as well as improved physical performance.
In another study lab rats were exposed to grapefruit oil three times per week for 15-minute intervals. The outcome:
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss.
It is thought that limonene–grapefruit’s primary component–induces lipolysis, the process whereby body fat and protein is broken down and dissolved.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
The second best essential oil to support weight loss is cinnamon oil. Cinnamon oil has been shown time and time again to help regulate blood glucose levels and something in your body called GTF, glucose tolerance factor. For that reason, cinnamon oil is also fantastic for anybody with diabetes.
It helps balance blood sugar, which long-term will help with weight loss and help reduce those cravings for sugar. Unstable blood sugar can lead to overeating, low energy and weight gain, but adding cinnamon oil to fruit, tea, oats, baked goods or smoothies helps slow the rate at which glucose is released into the blood.
Derived from the inner bark or leaves of the Cinnamomum tree, cinnamon essential oil has a warm and sweet fragrance.
What it Does
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Reduce inflammation
Why it Works
Insulin is the hormone responsible for metabolizing carbohydrates and fat by facilitating the absorption of blood glucose by either converting it to energy or storing it as fat. When cells in the body stop responding to insulin–a condition called insulin resistance–the body erroneously begins to store fat instead of burning it, resulting in not only weight gain but also difficulty in losing weight. Leading to high blood sugar and elevated blood insulin levels, it is a precursor for Type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon extract, however, has been shown to help heighten insulin sensitivity in the brain and increase the rate of blood glucose uptake.
Up to 25% of Americans are affected by metabolic syndrome, a confluence of disorders that include impaired glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood cholesterol. Certain inflammatory cells have been identified in the body fat of genetically obese people; cinnamon extract has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the production of these molecules, which could be a crucial factor for preventing weight gain in the first place.
Ginger Oil
Ginger works because it also reduces sugar cravings and helps reduce inflammation in the body. It’s so important that if you’re going to lose weight, that you’re also reducing inflammation, and supporting digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The compounds in ginger are called gingerols. Gingerols have been scientifically proven to reduce disease-causing inflammation in your intestines and overall improve absorption of the vitamins and minerals you’re consuming. If you’re absorbing more vitamins and minerals, then you’re helping to support your body’s cellular energy and create weight loss.
A 2013 study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology concluded that ginger essential oil possesses antioxidant activity as well as significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. After being treated with ginger essential oil for one month, enzyme levels increased in the blood of mice. The dose also scavenged free radicals and produced significant reduction in acute inflammation.
Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba Essential Oil is sourced from the resin of Copaiba trees in Brazil. Copaiba Essential Oil is a blend of 4 species of the Copaiba plant. This is done to increase the therapeutic potential and potency of the Essential Oil.
Science behind the oil
This essential oil works on the Endocannabinoid system of the body, which is a critical part of our body’s functioning. It has Beta CaryoPhyllene in it. Beta CaryoPhyllene works on the CB2 receptor in the body, which affects the Endocrine and Immune System of the body. This makes it a perfect alternative to other oils like CBD and THC (hemp oil), since it does not give the high that is experienced with these other oils, yet still offers the same benefits.
Benefits to the body
Some of the benefits this Essential Oil can provide to the body are:
- Liver and antioxidant support
- Cardiovascular health
- Sustain proper immune response
- Digestive support
- Support proper neurological function
- Proper respiratory function
- Neurological support
- Underlying skin tissue
- Inflammation
- Calming to emotions especially for stress
- Combine with citrus Essential Oils to elevate mood
Anise seed
The medicinal qualities of anise have been known to man as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Anise aids in the body’s digestion and fat metabolism. In the Middle East, India, and in parts of Europe, anise is used as a breath freshener. Acting as a mild expectorant, you will often find anise in cough drops and cough medicine. It also has a diuretic effect, allowing the body to eliminate toxins. Anise also acts as an antiseptic or an antispasmodic.
The belly can be a target for the consequences of poor dietary choices. Not only does it tend to store fat, but it can also be prone to gas and flatulence. Knowing how to reduce belly fat with the help of daily anise infusion can help you permanently get rid of this bothersome part of your body.
It increases metabolism to the rate at which our cells use up energy from the food we eat. By boosting metabolism, calories in food are burned off faster in the body, aiding in fat loss. It is a natural appetite suppressant.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Fresh, minty, and quite intense, peppermint oil contains menthol which has a calming and cooling effect. Containing up to 70% menthol, peppermint has been used medicinally for centuries to treat indigestion. Peppermint oil is an effective muscle relaxer, and when used along with marjoram oil, it was found to:
- Ease the muscles of the stomach
- Reduce bloating
- Improve the flow of bile–which allows food to pass through the body faster.
In an experiment pitting peppermint oil against ylang-ylang, researchers discovered that volunteers who inhaled the peppermint aroma were more alert, had improved memory function, and were calmer in mood. Peppermint oil is also a natural appetite suppressant. In a 2008 study titled Effects of Peppermint Scent on Appetite Control and Caloric intake, participants who inhaled peppermint oil every two hours reported lower hunger levels and consumed “significantly fewer calories.
What it Does
- Increases energy and mental alertness
- Elevates mood
- Aids digestion
- Reduces appetite
Basil Essential Oil
Basil or “queen of herbs” is the healthiest, sacred and wonderful medicinal ayurvedic herb. It belongs to the mint family–Lamiaceae. The aromatic herb is full of nutrients and medicinal values. It is used to make a variety of recipes. There are about 35 types of basil species. As far as ayurveda treatments are concerned, the holy herb is used in about 300 treatment cases. It shows its medical importance.
Basil can also be used for weight loss purposes. The regular use of basil helps to maintain your weight and also enhances the energy level of the body.
Cortisol
Basil has possibly been linked to weight loss because of its ability to lower elevated cortisol levels. Known as the “Stress hormone,” cortisol is produced in the adrenal cortex; its function is to help regulate blood sugar, the production of energy, the immune system and healing. If cortisol levels are too high, you may notice some weight gain, particularly around the lower abdomen. High cortisol levels can make it difficult to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight.
Weight Loss
Basil is an adaptogen; this means it can help the body to cope more easily with stress. It does so by boosting the adrenal glands; the glands that produce stress hormones epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine. In doing so, adaptogens can help to reduce cortisol levels. Holy basil may help with weight loss, as part of a balanced diet with exercise by reducing elevated cortisol.
How to Use These Essential Oils for Weight Loss
You can put one single drop of each in water and drink it that way, or you can put it on topically, or diffuse it. When you’re putting it on topically, I recommend using a carrier oil, especially when you’re using the cinnamon oil. Or one of my favorite ways is just diffuse it, such as on your desk at the office or around your home. It has a great scent. It will activate parts of your body that will support weight loss.
Essential oils have been used for over five thousand years. They’re one of the most powerful forms of medicine in the world, but grapefruit, cinnamon and ginger are probably the most effective essential oils for weight loss.