How to Boost the Metabolism with Essential Oils

Metabolism is the process of converting food to energy (movement and heat). Metabolism happens in your muscles and organs, which results from what we commonly refer to as “burning calories.” Metabolism is essentially the speed at which your body’s motor is running.

“Basal metabolism” is the metabolic rate or caloric expenditure needed to maintain basal body functions such as heart beating, breathing, muscle tone, etc. It’s how fast your “motor” is running when you’re still in a reclined position or sleeping.

Basal metabolism accounts for about 75% of the calories you expend on a daily basis. The good news is there are many ways you can “boost” your metabolism. The more you can incorporate these simple suggestions into your life, the more you’ll boost your metabolism. That means you’ll be expending (“burning”) more calories 24 hours a day!

Always eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast sends the message to your body that you’re starving because you haven’t had food in 18+ hours. As a protective mechanism, your metabolism slows down. Food, especially complex carbohydrates, fuels your metabolism.

Eat earlier in the day. Research has demonstrated that you can lose weight simply by eating a substantial breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner. Dinner should be eaten as early as possible, preferably at least four hours before bedtime.

Never eat less than 1,200 calories per day. Less than 1,200 is usually insufficient to support your basal metabolism and thus will slow your metabolism.

Snack frequently. Complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and grains) fuel your metabolism. Also, snacking prevents you from becoming too hungry. The hungrier you are, the less control you have over what and how much you eat.

Eat more carbohydrates (food from plants), more protein, and less fat (food from many animals and other food with added fat). Carbohydrates boost your metabolism and have fewer calories per weight than fat.

Do some type of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, stationary cycling, aerobic dancing, etc.) daily, preferably in the morning. Forget this twice-a-week stuff. Our bodies were designed to be active on a daily basis. When we are, our metabolism soars.

Look for situations to be active. Park as far from the store as possible rather than driving in circles, looking for the closest parking spot. Use the stairs rather than taking the

elevator, sweep with a broom rather than a leaf blower, etc.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol suppresses your metabolism and stimulates your appetite.

Drink plenty of water every day. Your metabolism needs plenty of water to function correctly. A general rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces

Use one or more essential oils that help support a healthy metabolism.

For the boost in metabolism you will want to consider using essential oils that aid digestion, metabolism, motivation, exercise, and other areas. The following suggestions of oils have chemical properties and characteristics that can help you in your weight management efforts. There are several oils that will be extremely helpful during your diet due to their chemical makeup and benefits for the body.

They are categorized according to their function in weight loss or how they work to help you lose weight faster. You can combine their use with dietary modifications and increased physical activity to get the best results in weight loss. The following oils should be readily available as you work to reach your weight management goals.

An individual’s metabolism is directly connected to their ability to manage weight. When these essential oils are used properly, they can promote a healthy metabolism.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is used in many skin care creams and lotions because of its refreshing citrus nature. It is a favorite oil of aromatherapists in treating depression.

Bergamot is also effective as an antispasmodic and helps to reduce leg cramps and is used for restless leg syndrome.

It also works as a digestive aid. The therapeutic properties of Bergamot include analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, febrifuge, vermifuge, and vulnerary. Bergamot essential oil has phototoxic properties; therefore, exposure to the sun should be avoided after topical use. It may also interfere with the activity of certain prescription drugs.

Note: Top

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) is known to help reduce food addiction withdrawal symptoms when used in a personal inhaler. The spiral of food addiction is often at the root of weight management problems, especially those related to sugar. Black Pepper treats pain, nausea, poor circulation, exhaustion, and muscular aches and stimulates the appetite.

Black Pepper is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Its properties include analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-toxic, aphrodisiac, antiemetic, antiviral, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, rubefacient, and warming. This oil may irritate sensitive skin and, if used too much, could over-stimulate the kidneys.

Note: Middle

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) has been used as a tonic, carminative, and stimulant for treating nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. Chinese and Japanese scientists have found that Cassia’s sedative effect lowers high blood pressure and helps to balance blood sugar. It can be taken in a capsule as a metabolism boost. The therapeutic properties of Cassia are carminative, anti-diarrhea, antimicrobial, and anti-emetic. It is a dermal irritant, dermal sensitizer, and a mucus membrane irritant. Avoid use during pregnancy.

Note: Middle

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) oil, extracted from the rind of a grapefruit, has been employed

for centuries to help prevent weight gain, sugar cravings, and inflammation. When it comes

to natural remedies for cellulite, Grapefruit essential oil is a top pick. 

In 2010, a research study demonstrated how Grapefruit oil could reduce adipogenesis (the formation of fat or fatty tissue). With its uplifting citrus scent, Grapefruit oil is also a great natural mood booster. Grapefruit is a much-loved citrus fruit for diets, but its oil is just as impressive. In evaluating Grapefruit and Lavender essential oils’ effects after inhaling, researchers found that nerve impulses were affected extensively, leading to fat-burning and appetitereducing benefits.

Topically, Grapefruit is a cosmetic boost during weight loss efforts for cellulite. As a topical blend massaged into the abdomen, Grapefruit essential oil weight loss contributed to reduced waist circumferences and composition changes, boosting the self-image of the women who participated. This essential oil is often referred to as a “dieter’s friend.” It is usually recommended in essential oil blends to regulate and treat eating disorders and improve obesity and excessive weight.

This oil supports weight loss by curbing your appetite, improving digestion, and increasing metabolism and fat breakdown. It is specifically helpful in controlling cravings for sweets. Grapefruit’s therapeutic properties are antiviral, astringent, antidepressant, antiseptic, decongestant, diuretic, and tonic. It is also beneficial in improving a depressed mood.

Inhalation alone of Pink Grapefruit essential oil is known to curb cravings, reduce appetite, and induce fat burning. Include Grapefruit essential oil in a lotion or massage oil blend or diffuse before and during meals. This essential oil is mild phototoxic and may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so avoid sunlight on applied skin for 24 hours.

Note: Top

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Like many citrus oils, Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) oil has been researched extensively and has had promising results regarding weight loss. One study published in 2010 found that Lime essential oil not only assists with weight loss but also prevents weight gain. Lime essential oil is known to support a healthy metabolism. It may help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels when taken internally. One study concluded that Lime essential oil could help treat drug-induced obesity and related diseases. Lime also supports patients who have gained weight after a procedure or surgery.

Lime essential oil can be included in culinary recipes, topical formulas, and diffusion blends to maximize its benefits. Lime has a crisp, refreshing citrus scent with uplifting and revitalizing properties that help with depression. It acts as an astringent on the skin and helps clear oily skin. Lime cools fevers due to colds and flu, eases coughs, strengthens the immune system, and treats bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis. Lime oil is also helpful for arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and eliminating cellulite and obesity. The therapeutic properties of Lime are antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, homeostatic,

restorative, and tonic. Lime is considered phototoxic; users should

avoid direct sunlight after application.

Note: Top

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a stimulating, uplifting, and reviving oil with antiseptic qualities. The therapeutic properties of Thyme oil are anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal,

bechic, cardiac, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticide, stimulant, tonic, and vermifuge. It helps with mental concentration and works well as a bronchial, and lung tonic making it valuable for bronchitis, coughs, colds, and asthma. It may contribute to better overall health and a better diet and exercise regimen when taken internally. It is cleansing to the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive system. It may support healthy metabolism and weight management. Thyme’s warming qualities make it great for rheumatism,

sciatica, arthritis, and gout. Thyme is a potential skin irritant.

Note: Middle-Top

Application: Aromatically, Topically, Internally

Find out more about Weight Loss and the Metabolism with Lose Weight with Essential Oil. Essential oils can play a supportive role in your weight loss journey. In this book, you will find several ways to use essential oils to assist with losing weight. The methods you choose will

rely heavily on your personal goals, current health status, and your inclinations regarding eating, working out, etc.

The fact that essential oils are so versatile makes them easy to work into your daily routine to supplement your diet and exercise regime. No matter your weight loss goals, health status, or preferences, many oils can give considerable help throughout your weight management journey.