| romatherapy and Weight Loss
A wooden box filled with bottles of essential oils.
I receive a lot of E-mails from persons asking if aromatherapy can aid with weight loss. Grapefruit essential oil, in particular, is often asked about.
The quick answer is that the use of essential oils will not provide a miracle in weight loss. Used in conjunction with other things described below, however, proper use of essential oils may be a valuable aid in your weight loss plan.
The first step in establishing a weight loss program should be to consult your medical doctor or practitioner. Work with your practitioner to establish a safe plan suitable to your particular medical needs. As a person who has struggled with her weight for years, I also find significant value in defining the reasons why you have poor eating habits. Your particular reasons will vary from those of others, but knowing the reasons and dealing with them will help you on your way to permanent weight loss. Going on crash diets isn't a long-term solution. Several reasons why you may overeat are listed below:
Physical/medical reasons
Poor knowledge of nutrition
Eating as a form of comfort
Eating as entertainment when bored
Depression
Grief
Eating because everyone else is/afraid to say "no"
The use of essential oils or aromatic blends will not miraculously shed pounds. They, however, can assist you with the struggles and "withdrawal" symptoms that you may feel as you begin and continue your weight loss program. The aroma of energizing essential oils (i.e. orange, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, peppermint) may help provide energy during workouts and during times where you feel sluggish. The Emotional Well-Being section of AromaWeb's Recipe Box area provides a variety of blends. The use of these blends may help you in dealing with the difficulties that you are trying to overcome. |
