When the new year finally rolls around, so does one of the most common of all New Year Resolutions: weight loss. Whether you’re aiming to lose a life-changing amount or want to shed just a few pounds to fit into your favorite jeans a bit better, essential oils are a really great tool to help you on your weight loss journey.
Essential oils can directly influence your appetite and support a healthy digestive process.
It’s a real struggle to lose pounds when your mind is focused on food — especially unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks. And you also need to consider how your body is taking in the food you do decide to eat. Are enough nutrients being absorbed? Is your digestive track flowing smoothly or is it a blocked-up, uncomfortable mess? No matter your concern, there is an essential oil that can support your goals.
If you want to learn more information about how smell affects our hunger cues, check out this blog:
Can Essential Oils Help Me Lose Weight?
Here are a few of our favorite essential oils and blends to support your weight loss goal. Keep in mind that we can all experience essential oils in our own unique way, so personal experimentation may be in order! Hopefully, this list will provide you with a jumping off point for your journey:
Grapefruit
The sweet, fresh, citrusy aroma of this essential oil isn’t the only thing it’s good for. Grapefruit actually works to activate enzymes that help your body break down brown body fat, which is a special type of fat that can burn calories at a very high rate. In fact, brown body fat can generate three hundred times more heat than any other tissue in the body [1]! Not only that, but Grapefruit is rich in certain compounds, such as D-limonene, that help support the metabolism. It also supports the cleansing and drainage of lymphatic glands, allowing for better nutrient absorption in tissues and the bloodstream [2].
To use, diffuse alone or in a blend, or dilute to 1% in a carrier oil and apply topically to the stomach to help support the digestive system.
Ginger Root CO2
When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to consider ways to support your digestion and absorption of nutrients. Ginger Root CO2 contains the constituent gingerol, which has been shown to reduce disease-causing inflammation in your intestines and overall improve absorption of the vitamins and minerals you’re consuming [3]. And if you’re absorbing more vitamins and minerals, then you’re helping to support your body’s cellular energy and help create weight loss.
Enjoy the warm and spicy scent in a diffuser or personal aromatherapy inhaler. To apply topically, dilute to 1% and massage on the abdomen to aid in digestion and stimulate circulation.
Cinnamon Leaf
A happy gut is important for healthy, long-term weight loss. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil contains certain compounds that are known to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the upper gastrointestinal tract that can aid in digestion. One of these compounds is eugenol, which Cinnamon Leaf contains a very high percentage of. Eugenol may reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal distress such as upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea [4].
When using Cinnamon Leaf, keep in mind that this essential oil is a mucous membrane irritant and can cause coughing or irritation to the nose, eyes, and mouth. Very little of this powerful oil is needed to enjoy its benefits — dilute to a maximum of 0.6% if you would like to apply it topically or diffuse it for small amounts of time or in a blend with other essential oils.
Lemon
So bright and fresh, Lemon Essential Oil is great to use for a multitude of uses, including helping with weight loss goals. When the weather is grey and dreary outside, Lemon can add a pop of brightness into your life, helping to motivate you out of the winter blues. Diffuse or use in your personal aromatherapy inhaler or necklace to enjoy this amazing citrus oil.
Turmeric CO2
This warm, spicy scent may be familiar to cooking enthusiasts, but did you know you can use Turmeric Essential Oil to help provide comfort to stomach issues? When uncomfortable bloating, gas, and cramping is deterring you away from your weight loss goals, add a couple of drops to a teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen.
Stop the Snacking Inhaler Blend
What you’ll need:
- Aromatherapy Inhaler
- 5 drops Grapefruit Pink
- 2 drops Yuzu
- 1 drop Ginger Root CO2
Add all these products to your cart
What you’ll do:
Add drops to personal aromatherapy inhaler and inhale immediately after eating a meal.
*This sale does NOT include Yuzu Essential Oil or Aromatherapy Inhalers.
Sources:
[1] King, G. What is Brown Fat? Key Facts to Boost Your Metabolism. Retrieved from https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/brown-fat-boost-metabolism/
[2] Nagai, K., Niijima, A., Horii, Y., Shen, J., & Tanida, M. (2014). Olfactory stimulatory with grapefruit and lavender oils change autonomic nerve activity and physiological function. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25002406
[3] Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
[4] Zainol, N. A., Ming, T. S., & Darwis, Y. (2015). Development and Characterization of Cinnamon Leaf Oil Nanocream for Topical Application. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 77(4), 422-33. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4649780/
What can I do to replace cinnamon EO as I’m allergic to it?
You can use any of the other oils listed as they’ll have a similar effect. Plus, the Stop Snacking Inhaler Blend is Cinnamon-free!
I’m studying aromatherapy and this post was helpful in working with someone for whom weight was an issue; didn’t have yuzu, substituted orange (sweet), and they very much enjoyed the inhaler.
I made the stop snacking inhaler this week. It really does work! Thanks PT
Great post! My family s Grapefruit oil and I frequently diffuse it in the morning to help us wake up. Now I know that it has more great benefits. I’ve just ordered Munchy Stop roll-on and look forward to its help with my healthy, long term weight loss goals. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for the post! Definitely going to be purchasing these oils in the future to help me get on the right track towards losing some weight!
Really interesting and helpful info!
Sounds like I need to add grapefruit oil to my next purchase. Thanks for the information. So excited to add some of these to my lifestyle!
I am starting to introduce a friend essential oils, she is really interested but she did not believe me when I told her there are oils to help with weight, I will have to print this out for her. Thanks for the this PT!
I love the smell of Citrus so I’m glad I have more reasons to enjoy and benefit from their aroma.
I knew I had that big bottle of Grapefruit for a reason! I need to start using it a whole lot more around here 🙂
I will be starting a diet program on Monday. I am excited about this new journey and I am excited to learn new ways to use my EOs to help me along the way!
I bought a bottle of grapefruit to start diffusing in my office to cut down on the mid-afternoon snacking. I’m hoping for good results!
How does munchy stop help with weight loss?
Sheila, you can contact our aromatherapists at [email protected] to discuss your particular weight loss goals and learn more about how Munchy Stop can help 🙂
Not a fan of grapefruit but I guess I’ll have to give it a try. Great info! I definitely learned a few things.
What is the deal with the C02 part of ginger root?
Great question, Jamie! I’m going to link a blog we have on CO2s if you’re interested in learning more about them: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2017/08/31/what-is-the-big-deal-about-co2s/
Which is best for weight loss in mid-life?
Janet, reach out to our aromatherapists at [email protected] to discuss your particular situation and I’m sure they will be able to point you in the right direction 🙂
Using an inhaler is one thing that I haven’t tried yet. I don’t know why it has taken me so long! This may give me the extra push to make one.
As someone who needs to lose weight, this is good info to have. Between my wife and I we have all of these oils except turmeric. Which is a good start I suppose! Now I’ve got some work to do.
Another thing that grapefruit is good for…Alas I’m going to need a bigger bottle.
Absolutely, Heather! Grapefruit Pink is perfect to lighten up mental fatigue and moodiness and can also help with oily and congested skin! Just make sure to dilute to 1% on the face and up to 4% on other areas of the body, as it may cause phototoxic reactions when using more than recommended 🙂
I love all three of these oils do naturally I have them all. I’ll be making this inhaler this afternoon.
So interesting learning all that oils can do. I always have to have grapefruit on hand because it’s my daughters favorite. She always demands it.
I am certain I need Ginger and turmeric eo’s in my life!
While I love all of these oils, I cannot blend them together for weight loss. I’ve been dealing with a rare form of colitis for almost a year and have lost too much weight. Do you recommend anything that can help with weight gain?
Vicki, reach out to our aromatherapists at [email protected] and I’m sure they will be able to help you out with this!
Definitely need to try this inhaler blend!
Love this! Thank you!!
Excited to try some of these suggestions!
What a great idea! And so convenient to carry around when you’re out and about when cravings so often strike.
I think I’ll give this dyi a try!
I appreciate these articles about oils to help with our New Years resolutions. Your oils are great and your info is even better.
Love Ginger and Grapefruit Pink – already had one 10 ml of each from sets. Ginger is pretty potent so a little goes a long way for me, but I had to upgrade my Grapefruit to a 30 ml because I love the citrus. PT makes this affordable.
This is amazing, I’ve never thought to diffuse oils to help with food cravings! Definitely want to get some grapefruit and ginger oil to try this!!
Thank you so much for this! I have been on the fence about grapefruit oil, but I think this article just convinced me on it. I love how Plant Therapy provides not just a great product but so much education in it as well.
After much indulgence other the Christmas/ Holiday session I’m going to give these oils a try to curb my appetite. Cheers
This is a great read. I started my healthy eating and fitness journey in August and have lost 40 pounds with 20 more to go to hit my goal. This is great for me to keep away the temptation. Thanks for the great information.
Awesome information! Thanks a lot. These are next on my wishlist!
Such an interesting article, I never would have thought using oils to help curb appetites or for weight loss. Just another reason for me, to have jump on the essential oils band wagon. Thanks P.T.
Great information. I already have Munch Stop – which I love! It really works. I love the scent and use it in my diffuser in my office at work and also in a pendant I have. When I am in my office and get the munchies, I honestly feel like taking some strong inhales of Munch Stop have helped me not go into the break room and get something junky to eat. I also ordered the Yuzu, Turmeric CO2, Cinnamon Leaf, and Grapefruit Pink essential oils. I’ve had grapefruit in the past and LOVE it, so I’m excited to receive it plus the others. Your blogs have provided great information and I love the recipes you include. Thanks!!
Good info to know about grapefruit. I had no clue it could help with weight loss! I think I’ll start applying it to my abdomin now!
What great information! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to try some of these out.
Ordered yesterday!! Great information from a great company.
Turmeric is interesting. I am trying to come up with a blend for monthly discomfort. I will need to incorporate this. It’s a very comforting scent, too.
I was so excited to see that I have all of the oils to make the Stop Snacking blend, that I made it right away after reading the blog. The blend smells fantastic! Thanks for posting the recipe and all of the information you provide.
Please let us know how it works for you.
Thanks for all the wonderful information. Lots of great benefits from some of my favorite oils. I definitely want to make the blend, but don’t have Yuzu…substitutions?
Yuzu is very lemony, so you can easily substitute it for Lemon if you would like, or any other bright citrus that you love 🙂
I have munchy stop, and was at first diffusing it. It was working okay for me, but this blog inspired me to put it in a personal inhaler and I’m really enjoying the scent even more. I think in the diffuser, I couldn’t smell the blend of the EOs as well. Thanks for the inspiration.
There are many ways to use the oils. I am glad the inhaler is working so well for you!!
Can’t wait for my grapefruit to arrive!
One of my favorite oils. I am sure you will love it.
New information for me. I never thought about EO being helpful to reaching weight loss goals. Thank you for highlighting these oils and their uses.
They can be very helpful. Let us know of your success.
Love all the good information. Can’t wait to try.
Great information……Will recommend to my friends!
I Love the smell of grapefruit but have been on the fence about buying ginger for a long time. I must try it!
What is the best method to use the cinnamon leaf to help with gut health? Thanks!
Dilute Cinnamon Leaf in a carrier oil and apply to the abdomen. Please keep in mind that this EO has a dilution of .6% for topical application, so use it carefully 🙂
I am going to try these! About to start a diet so this will be beneficial!
We hope they offer some help, Sherri 🙂
This is great information. If you add Turmeric to your weight loss regimen and you choose to do so outside the oily world make sure you do some research on how to use if effectively. I had never heard of Cinnamon Leaf, but I will be adding that to my cart!
I shared this blog as just about everyone starts a new diet plan after New Years . I found a few helpful hints in this blog. Thank you!!
I just bought the turmeric oil I am so looking forward to try it.
I will be trying these oils for help in my weight lose journey. The citrus will be a nice change from the usual mint blends for appetite help. Thanks for the information.
I have many of these oils but not the Yuzu. Is there any substitute for it since it is a bit above my budget.
Yuzu has a nice citrusy scent so you can substitute it for another citrus oil, like Lemon 🙂
How does turmeric smell? It is the only one in the sale I do not have. My husband has the powder capsules and they don’t smell super pleasant
Turmeric has a warm and spicy smell. I don’t personally find it unpleasant, but everyone has different reactions to scent 🙂
Hmmmm, might need to give this a try!!
This post came at the perfect time! Grapefruit in my diffuser immediately! Thanks!
What is a good substitute for Ylang Ylang since it is not included in the sale? I have the Grapefruit and I am going to order the Ginger CO2 using the 15% off deal. I really want to make the inhaler .Thank you!
Stephanie, I think you may be referring to the Yuzu used in this blend? You can substitute it with any bright citrus oil you have! Lemon or Bergamot for instance. However, if you have Davana on hand that may be a great substitution as well 🙂
Perfect timing for this blog! Started my diet AGAIN 1/1/19. Any extra help I can get is fantastic. Will make this blend for inhaler tonight.
I am so happy to see this recipe, it sounds great!!
Thanks for the info. I only thought o lemon for cleaning!
Is there a blend that you can make from these oils for a 10ml roller or do you recommend using them in the inhaler only? I didn’t realize all these oils did all of that stuff! It’s amazing what I have learned from this blog!
Nicole, if you’d like to use this recipe in a 10 mL roller blend, it would make a dilution that is slightly less than 3%. The biggest skin irritation concern here would be the Ginger Root C02, but in this particular recipe it is less than 1%, making it perfectly safe 🙂 Let us know if you prefer it as a roller rather than an inhaler!
Since Yuzu was not explained in the blog post, can you please tell me how it is helpful in this blend? Thanks!
Yuzu is a great essential oil for overall immune wellness, like many other citrus oils. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this blog: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2016/11/29/november-oil-of-the-month-yuzu/
Love this!
I just ordered a set with grapefruit and I have been wanting ginger root and turmeric. This is perfect. Thanks!
Does grapefruit oil react with meds the way the actual fruit does. If so which meds?
Ann, for information about this, please check out this wonderful response from the Tisserand Institute: https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/grapefruit-oil-and-medication/
Grapefruit is my favorite oil, I didn’t know it helped with metabolism so now I love it even more.
I love i,alway used grapefruit in my inhaler or rub on my wrist. Going to add the rest of the oils.
I wish yuzu was included in the sale
This is such a helpful blog for my goals this year! Have a few of these oils, will have to use them more and try the rest.
Glad I already have all of these oils, but never thought to use them for weight issues. I consume many of these as foods and it’s help me to lose 33 pounds in 3 month as well as lose inches (diet change and some exercise has also factored into the weight loss. Eating more wholesome foods, eating until I’m full, but not overeating and not skipping meals.) And my morning glucose levels are down from 289 to 89.
I especially never thought to use oils after eating. I’m going to make this blend this afternoon!
Would lemon be a good substitute for Yuzu essential oil? I have plenty of lemon and no yuzu.
Absolutely!
I just ordered the Munchy Stop Roller and some Grapefruit to diffuse! Can’t wait!
Thank you so much for the great information! I absolutely love Citrus Burst….do you think that would be a good synergy to use?
Yes! Citrus Burst is wonderfully bright and energizing, plus it includes Grapefruit, Lemon, and quite a few other citrusy aromas 🙂
Great information! I love to diffuse grapefruit but have never applied topically – can’t wait to try it!
Kathryn, Grapefruit is very nice to apply topically, but please keep in mind the dilution rate we recommend – 1-4%! This is because Grapefruit oil is considered a phototoxic essential oil and can cause negative skin reactions. To learn more about photosensitivity, check out https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/05/26/what-is-phototoxicity/
I made many grapefruit pink sugar scrub for my friends as Xmas gifts… I reminded them to only use it at night as it’s phototoxic. It should be fine right ??
Karen, as long as your dilution of Grapefruit was 4% or lower, you are just fine! Also, sugar scrubs are washed off the body, which means a very, very little amount of Grapefruit will be absorbed into the skin, if at all, so no worries! 🙂
Great post! I just wish the Yuzu oil mentioned here was included in the sale. 🙁
Thanks for the blog post! However, I have the opposite problem, I need to gain weight. Stress plus the holidays coming has taken away my appetite. Are there oils that could increase my appetite?
You may want to give Coriander Seed a try to help increase appetite. Sometimes sweet-smelling oils can make people hungry, too 🙂
I definitely need the Stop the Snacking Inhaler Blend! Thanks for sharing the recipe! Time to treat myself to some new oils this year. 🙂
Thank for another great blog! Great to know how EOs can help with stomach issues
I never thought to inhale these oils after a meal. I’ll have to try that. Thank you.
Interesting! Since several of these oils mention using diluted on the abdomen, what would be a good blend of them to dilute into a roller bottle for maximum effect? I’m still new to creating blends, so I appreciate the feedback!
Molly, absolutely! You can use the recipe for the inhaler blend in a roller ball if you’d like. It would make about a 3% dilution. You can also try a blend of Grapefruit and Turmeric CO2; for an overall 3% dilution, try 7 drops of Grapefruit and 2 drops of Turmeric. Hope this helps!
I tried adding these to use the code and you are out of the inhalers and the code doesn’t work on the Yuzu.
You might not have seen it, but the blog post does say that Yuzu and the inhalers are not included in the sale. It’s right below the bold green font.
Great info… didn’t realize the benefits of Ginger!
Such helpful information! I love using grapefruit in my diffuser necklace throughout the day. Didn’t know it was helping me lose weight!
Thank you for this post PT! needed this!!
Sounds amazing. Like always!
I am so going to try this blend! I have to loose about 10 lbs, not a New Year’s Resolution, but just been tempted by too many sweets lately!
How does this compare to the munchy stop synergy?
It’s hard to say for sure, since everyone interacts with oils and blends in their own personal way. If you give this blend a try let us know what you think!
It sounds like the oils listed here will be very beneficial for a variety of stomach issues. Thank you for the information,
You’re welcome, Rebecca!
Oh! This blend sounds so fresh. I’m going to try it today!
Can you please make a munchy stop blend that is kidsafe? Thanks
This is a great suggestion Manni!
Loved hearing about the Grapefruit uses as I have this and diffuse into the air. I also have and use lemon often as well. It was informational to learn about the Ginger Root CO2.
Very useful information! Thank you very much! I will be ordering a few of these oils to try. Thanks
Snacking is something that I battle HARD, so I would love to try this inhaler blend. I know that ginger root CO2 is not KidSafe, but is it safe to use in an inhaler when breastfeeding?
Dara, we do not recommend that. If you need more information, please contact our aromatherapists at [email protected]
This is great to know and thank you for the 15% off! One question – are there any essential oils that help with persistent cellulite?
Sarah, email our aromatherapists at [email protected] to get some information for your particular situation 🙂