Because the uses of essential oils are so broad, when you want to use them to promote weight loss, it is a good idea to understand how they work and why they are effective so you can use them properly.

Uses of Essential Oils for Weight Loss

While essential oils typically have the same properties, there are different ways to use each type of essential oil. As you learn more about aromatherapy and essential oils, you will no doubt discover your own favorite methods for using them.

Peppermint Sandalwood Oil is one no dieter should be without. It provides unique weight loss benefits, directly affecting the brain’s satiety center. It allows you to eat less and feel satisfied, and provides a feeling of fullness after meals. You can either inhale peppermint oil before your meal, or you can drink a few drops in a glass of water or with tea prior to every meal. Do not ingest peppermint oil unless it is labeled for supplement use – if you see a label marked “GRAS” or Generally Regarded As Safe, don’t ingest it; inhale it only.

Other than peppermint oil, the remainder of the oils are normally inhaled. There are several different methods for inhaling. One of the best uses of essential oils is to use an inhaler, which can be worn around your neck or carried in a purse or pocket for fast, easy access. You can also learn how to compound fragrance sprays, and how to combine them with other products; for instance, some people like to begin with fragrance free body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, or body wash, and add their favorite oils so that any time the products are used, those wonderful scents can be enjoyed.

Before you do anything other than simply inhale them though, it is important to conduct a patch test to be sure that your skin will not have an adverse reaction to the essential oils you plan to use as part of your weight loss program.

First, it is important to understand that these products are potent, and in their pure form, they can cause extreme skin irritation. They are normally blended with carrier oils, like almond or apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or another stable oil without a heavy fragrance of its own.

To do a patch test, take a look at the ratio you plan to use – let’s say you were planning to use one drop of Ylang Ylang oil to ½ teaspoon of almond oil – and double the amount of essential oil. So in this imaginary patch test, you would blend two drops of Ylang Ylang oil with ½ teaspoon of almond oil.

After you have blended the oils, apply a little dab of the desired oil to the inside of your wrist or to the inner bend of your elbow, and cover it with a bandage or a little piece of gauze and some cloth tape. Leave it covered for 24 to 48 hours, and if at any time during that period you experience redness or puffed skin, blistering, or burning, then you should not use that particular essential oil topically.

In addition, be sure that any essential oils you plan to use for weight loss are not contraindicated to another medical condition, or by any medications you are taking. In general, these natural remedies are very safe to use, but they are potent so it is important to take appropriate precautions.

Last, but certainly not least, remember that uses of essential oils for weight loss is part of an overall strategy for healthy living. Eating right and moving your body, and taking appropriate steps to be healthy inside and out help to complete a healthy lifestyle.