Aromatherapy to Increase Metabolism

Aromatherapy is the art of using fragrances to change mood or imptove health. For example, sniffing pure lavender oil will help you feel calm within moments. You can also use aromatherapy to increase your metabolism and help you lose weight.

• Geranium essential oil stimulates your metabolism and facilitates weight loss.

History

• Essential oils, which are pure oils extracted from plants, have been used for thousands of years, primarily for healing. In 1928, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term "aromatherapy," and today it is widely used around the world.

Expert Insight

• According to cardiovascular surgeon and author Mehmet Oz, just the scent of grapefruit oil can reduce your body weight, as well as your appetite. Oz says the cause is not clear, "But it may work through grapefruit oil's effects on liver enzymes."

Features

• Essential oils that increase your metabolism and promote weight loss include fennel, geranium, grapefruit and calamus.

Function

• There are a variety of ways to use aromatherapy, but when using one of the metabolism-increasing essential oils just put a drop or two on tissue or cotton ball and inhale.

Warning

• Use caution with calamus essential oil, as it is toxic and narcotic and should not be used by pregnant women.
  Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, says that although aromatherapy is safe, "Improper use of essential oils can cause burns, allergic reactions, headaches and nausea, and some are toxic if ingested."