Using essential oils revitalizes the mind, body and spirit.
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using naturally extracted flower and plant oils (flower essences or essential oils) to "balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit," according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. It is especially effective for weight loss because the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalmus gland, which is directly linked to the olfactory bulb of your nose, regulates satiety. In other words, your nose has the ability to tell your brain that your stomach is full and stop you from craving food.
Best Scents
Dr. A.R. Hirsch's study, "Weight Loss Reduction Through Inhalation of Odorants" determined that the three scents most beneficial to weight loss are peppermint, banana and green apple. The study and his subsequent book "Dr. Hirsch's Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss," noted that the aromas of herbs that you would use for cooking are also highly beneficial for weight loss. You can find essential oils with the following culinary scents: pink grapefruit, basil, peppermint, spearmint, thyme, vanilla, rosemary, lemon, lime and orange. Most of the floral essential oils are ineffective for weight loss. However, these spicy essential oils will help you stay on your diet by easing cravings, depression and anxiety: bergamot, ylang ylang, sandalwood, and patchouli.
Method
Dr. Hirsch's studies determined that the most effective way of using the oils for aromatherapy weight loss is to sniff them directly from the bottle. Do not sniff the scent with both nostrils at the same time. Take the cap off your chosen essential oil. Close off one nostril with your finger and take three slow and deep breaths. Rest for a breath or two, close off the other nostril and take three more slow and deep breaths. Lastly, replace the cap to your essential oil. The minimum amount of use should be three times a day but you can sniff your essential oils as often as you have food cravings. Choose three different essential oils to carry around with you each day. Your body likes a variety of foods to feel satiated. You should vary your essential oils daily just as you would vary your diet.
Blending Scents
You may develop a love for some of the scents and wish to wear them as perfumes. Essential oils in their purest forms may be caustic to your skin and you must blend them with either an alcohol and distilled water mixture or place them in a carrier oil such as almond oil before applying essential oils to your skin. You can try blending the citrus oils with ylang ylang or mixing some of the spicy scents together. A good rule of thumb is to add from five to ten drops total from a combination of oils to one and a half tablespoons of carrier oil.
Caution
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be handled carefully. You should be cautious using them if you have allergies, asthma or skin conditions. If you suffer from epilepsy, high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis, consult a doctor before using essential oils. You may wish to avoid use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some people experience mild side effects such as nausea, headaches or allergic reactions to the oils.
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