Anti Cellulite Home Remedies

Those lumpy, cottage-cheese dimples that collect on hips, thighs and buttocks plague many women. Because researchers don't always agree on what causes cellulite---some see it as simply fat, while others believe cellulite to consist of fat globules, toxins and excess water encased in skin tissue---it's no surprise that the remedies for cellulite vary so wildly. Along with exercise and smart eating, consider experimenting with classic home remedies that flush your system of toxins and excess water.
Naturopathic, home remedies promote a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.

System Flush

Getting rid of excess water trapped in your system seems to reduce the appearance of cellulite, notes "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies," by the editors of Prevention magazine. That means making all of your body's elimination systems as efficient as possible. Fight constipation by drinking at least six glasses of water a day, preferably mineral or distilled water. Drink the water at room temperature, rather than straight out of the refrigerator, because cold fluids inhibit digestive enzymes. Eat high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables, perhaps with bran sprinkled on top.

Dry Brushing

Boosting your skin's circulation also goes a long way toward helping it rid itself of excess water and waste trapped in the connective tissue. Purchase a soft-bristled body brush and focus on problem areas by dry-brushing your skin in circular motions. Better yet, promote whole-system circulation by starting at the toes and working your way toward your torso in circular motions, then dry-massaging from your fingertips back up your arms and shoulders.

Deep Massage

Knead problem areas gently but deeply at least twice a week. Extend the massage's benefits by coating your hands with massage oil that contains "anti-cellulite" essential oils. Herbalist Jeanne Rose recommends sage, grapefruit and lemongrass essential oils, while "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies" mentions sage, juniper and cypress oils. Add between ¼ to 1 oz. essential oils, alone or in combination, for every quart of body oil. Wheat germ, olive or sweet almond oils all make useful body oils, Rose notes. For a different take on the massage technique, Rose suggests using one or two clean avocado pits. Roll them over your body in circular motions to bust up fat deposits.

Herbal Teas

Some herbs aid in flushing water from your skin cells by promoting either increased perspiration or urine flow. Rose's favorites for cellulite removal include horsetail, dandelion, parsley, thyme, lemon peel, green tea and stinging nettle. Buy loose or bagged teas containing these ingredients, or harvest and dry your own. Drink one or two cups a day.

Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt promotes sweating, an excellent way to rid your body of toxins and excess water. Rose recommends pouring 1 lb. Epsom salts directly into the bathtub. Pour more salts into a muslin bag, and, before sitting down in the tub, dry-massage your body as described in the dry massage section. Sit down in the tub and soak for at least 20 minutes. Keep a bottle of water nearby to prevent dehydration.