The use of essential oils and herbs dates back to the earliest beginnings of man. Early people looked to their environment for cures to common maladies. Today, the application of these items has expanded to weight loss remedies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. The use of essential oils and herb pills reflects the awareness of weight control. However, the usefulness of some of these remedies is mixed.
Effects
Essential oils and herb pills may affect weight loss in several ways. Some herbal supplements, such as green tea, may speed up fat metabolism, according to a 2010 study conducted by R. Hursel of the Maastricht University and published in the "International Journal of Obesity." Essential oils may help weight loss by reducing stress, which can lead to overeating. Lavender, for example, has a calming effect which may relieve anxiety, according to a 2009 study performed by R. McCaffrey and colleagues at the Florida Atlantic University and published in "Holistic Nursing Practice."
Benefits
One purported benefit of essential oils and herb pills is weight loss. Some people may prefer taking a pill rather than exercising or making drastic diet changes. In this way, either type of product offers the convenience of a complement to weight loss efforts. Some herbal supplements, such as cinnamon, may help stabilize blood sugar and reduce overeating, according to a 2009 study conducted by Richard Anderson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and colleagues.
Considerations
Some essential oils and herb pills, such as ginseng, may have stimulating effects which explains in part their use for weight loss. For individuals sensitive to these effects, these products may not be appropriate. If you are nursing, you should refrain from eating substances which may unintentionally affect your baby. Another thing to consider is the action of these products. If they have a positive effect on weight loss, it may only occur during use. You may gain the weight you lost once you discontinue use of the product.
Guidelines
To achieve long-term weight loss, one course of action you may consider is making lifestyle changes in order to prevent those extra pounds. You can use essential oils and herb pills provided there are no side effects as part of a weight management plan which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Remember, there is no silver bullet when it comes to weight loss. From a biological perspective, metabolism is too complicated a process to be affected by a single supplement.
Warning
Use of weight loss essential oils or herb pills carries risks due to possible side effects and drug interactions. You should not take green tea for example, if you are on a blood thinner such as warfarin. If you are on any prescription medications, you should therefore consult your doctor before using alternative treatments for weight loss. Likewise, you should use caution with essential oils. These concentrated extracts may cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity and Overweight
- "International Journal of Obesity"; Thermogenic Ingredients and Body Weight Regulation; R. Hursel and M. Westerterp-Plantenga; April 2010
- "Holistic Nursing Practice"; The Effects of Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils on Test-Taking Anxiety among Graduate Nursing Students; R. McCaffrey et al; March 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Antioxidant Effects of a Cinnamon Extract in People with Impaired Fasting Glucose That Are Overweight or Obese; AM Roussel et al; February 2009
- AromaWeb, LLC: Essential Oil Safety Information
- Drugsite Trust: Green Tea
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