Essential oils for weight loss
Although conclusive data is not yet available, several studies conducted with in vitro and in vivo systems on animal models (administering essential oils to rats or mice orally in microcapsule form and via inhalation) demonstrate that essential oils exert a promising effect in the treatment of overweight.
Specifically, oral intake of essential oils containing limonene has shown several positive effects. Limonene is a terpene richly present in essential oils extracted from the peels of citrus fruits such as Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Lemon, Lime, and Grapefruit. In addition to citrus fruits, plants from the Lamiaceae family, such as Spearmint and Peppermint, can also have positive effects. Essential oils can act on fat accumulation through several mechanisms:
- they reduce the activity of enzymes that store fatty acids inside cells (adipocytes)
- they exert an antioxidant effect, limiting the production of free radicals generated by lipid peroxidation, which damage tissues
- they act on the brain's sense of satiety
- they lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood
- they improve sugar metabolism
- they reduce fat absorption in the intestine
Oral, Olfactory and Topical Intake
We can benefit from the "slimming" properties of essential oils through various intake methods. However, it should be noted that oral intake is strongly discouraged unless under medical supervision, with precise indications regarding dosage and administration.
Regarding olfactory intake, numerous studies (inhalation in mice and rats) demonstrate a great potential of essential oils in appetite regulation and a beneficial action in cases of eating disorders.
Topical administration – through massages, compresses, baths – is highly recommended for a localized and general action on the entire body. Essential oils are composed of fat-soluble molecules: if appropriately diluted in a carrier (cream, oil) and applied to the skin, they pass through the superficial layers of the epidermis and reach the underlying dermal layer, where there is a rich vascular network of capillaries.
In the following paragraphs, we will discover how to best use essential oils for the treatment of excess weight, both orally and topically.
Essential Oils for Emotional Eating: How to Use Them
Weight gain is often linked to a lack of appetite regulation, which can result from both physiological and psychological factors, such as reward mechanisms. Laboratory studies have shown that inhaling essential oils containing limonene, citral, citronellol, thymol, and cineole can limit appetite in guinea pigs.
These essential oils regulate appetite and reduce emotional eating by stimulating leptin release. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose tissue. Once in circulation, it activates neuronal receptors in the hypothalamus: it reduces the feeling of hunger, decreases appetite, and increases basal metabolism. Severely overweight people often exhibit resistance to this substance, meaning the signal from this hormone does not reach the brain effectively.
The main essential oils for regulating appetite:
Lemon
Applied topically, it improves venous and lymphatic circulation in the legs; inhaled, it has an antidepressant and motivating effect.
Grapefruit
Applied topically, it fights cellulite; inhaled, it stimulates fat metabolism. Other oils that can play a useful role:
Bitter Orange
Applied topically, it fights cellulite; inhaled, it reduces "diet stress."
Ginger
Applied topically, massaged on the abdomen, it helps relax contracted intestinal muscles, which can cause abdominal cramps and bloating; inhaled, it provides energy.
Environmental Diffusion
For therapeutic application in humans, however, further research will be needed, as the effect of each essential oil differs based on concentration, duration of exposure, and route of administration.
Each of us, therefore, will have to find the essential oil that works best for them:
- Find an essential oil you like: Lemon, Grapefruit, Mint, Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Mandarin, Pine
- Diffuse it in rooms at least half an hour before meals or when you experience peaks of emotional hunger
- Start with 5-6 drops for a 20 sqm room
- Listen, concentrate for a few minutes on the scent of the essential oil and the message of the plant
- Repeat this operation for a few days until you find the best method for you. Adjust the diffusion duration and essential oil concentration according to your needs.
Inhalation
Pour a few drops of essential oil onto a tissue and inhale the scent for at least one minute several times a day, particularly before meals and when experiencing the urge of emotional eating.
In addition to using a single essential oil, you can also use a specific blend. Create your synergy of essential oils against emotional eating in a dropper bottle:
- 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil)
- 2 drops of grapefruit
- 2 drops of mandarin
- 2 drops of lemon
- 2 drops of mint
Topical Application
The essential oils we have discussed in this article also have lipolytic properties. It is therefore possible to use the blend just described topically, on areas where a reduction of adipose tissue is desired (thighs, buttocks, abdomen). Just apply a few drops and massage them to facilitate absorption. This operation should be repeated at least 4 times a week, if not daily.
In addition to reducing the fat layer, essential oils can also facilitate circulation and reduce cellulite.
After the massage, it is advisable not to expose the treated areas to the sun, as essential oils extracted from citrus peels contain some photosensitizing substances (furocoumarins).
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