The secrets of lemon essential oil to lose weight

Perfectly recognizable by its tangy smell, lemon essential oil (citrus Limonum) is a versatile and therefore precious ally in keeping a radiant shape. Obtained by cold pressing the lemon peel, this pale yellow oil is mainly composed of limonene, pinene, terpinene and geranial. These natural components have proven to be particularly effective in combating many minor physical ailments and, in particular, if you are looking to lose weight.

What are the benefits of lemon essential oil?

Aromatherapy recognizes many qualities of lemon essential oil to lose weight as well as to promote good health, beauty and strong morale. For the Greeks or the Romans, it was a real panacea.

First of all, because it has purifying and antibacterial properties, it helps fight infections such as colds and even promotes the healing process of wounds. Its concentration in antioxidants even makes it a perfect enemy for acne and skin problems (for oily or mature skin in particular).

It is also remarkably effective in combating digestive disorders, particularly nausea, heartburn, constipation and digestive difficulties. For example, two different scientific studies have highlighted the gastro-protective effect of this oil through its action on the proteins HSP-70 and VIP.

Thanks to the limonene it contains, a lemon essential oil also has a protective effect on the liver system. Indeed, it is particularly useful to protect the liver from potentially toxic compounds and to relieve overworked gallbladders.

Finally, this essential oil is a very relevant choice to relieve anxiety and regulate mood. A study(1), published in 2004 in the English scientific journal Brain Research, shows that it not only reduces the level of corticosterone in the body (which is a hormone caused by stress) but also facilitates the management of pain and headaches in particular.

How can lemon essential oil help lose weight?

Using lemon essential oil to lose weight is an excellent strategy because it is a product capable of exerting an overall slimming action on the body, which is declined on several levels and is therefore very effective.

First of all, lemon essential oil acts as an exceptional fat burner. Indeed, studies conducted jointly on lemon and grapefruit essential oils have shown their ability to cause lipolysis (destruction of fat) very important and this thanks to the limonene they both contain.

At the same time, the essential oil of lemon also has a draining action on the organism which allows it to eliminate toxins all the more effectively and in particular the lipids degraded during lipolysis. The digestion process is thus more efficient, as is the action of the liver and kidneys, and the body functions at its highest level of activity. The joint diuretic action of lemon also helps to drain excess water stored by the body. This limits the appearance of cellulite or even helps to reduce it when it is already present.

Finally, by acting on the nervous system, this essential oil (thanks to the geranial which has anxiolytic properties) helps to limit the feeling of frustration that often goes hand in hand with a slimming diet and even has a real appetite suppressant effect by promoting the rapid onset of the feeling of satiety at mealtimes. Also, it would seem, although this has yet to be scientifically demonstrated, that lemon essential oil helps regulate the appetite and thus prevent weight gain.

How to use lemon essential oil?

Generally speaking, as with the vast majority of essential oils, lemon essential oil should never be used pure and should always be diluted.
Once this precaution has been observed, it can be used in four ways:

Ingestion: as part of an appropriate and balanced diet, dilute one to two drops of lemon essential oil in a large glass of water to drink in the morning, before breakfast. Another technique can consist of pouring one or two drops of the same oil on neutral support (a tablet for example) and let it melt under the tongue, before or after each meal for an appetite suppressant action.
Inhalation: to limit the appetite and promote feelings of satiety, 20 minutes before each meal, dilute one to two drops of lemon essential oil in an inhaler and breathe in the vapor produced.
Diffusion: To enjoy the benefits of lemon essential oil without even thinking about it, dilute four to six drops in a bowl of hot water or a diffuser and let the mixture permeate the air in the chosen space.
Skin application: for a slimming action, mix two or three drops of lemon essential oil in a tablespoon of vegetable oil or your moisturizer, apply the preparation to the parts of the body to be treated and massage until completely absorbed.

Are there any contraindications to the use of this essential oil?

Although natural, essential oils are powerful compounds and must, therefore, be used with care. For example, the use of lemon essential oil is prohibited during the first three months of pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding. Nor should it be used to treat a child under five years of age, a frail elderly person or people with hormone-dependent cancers.

Depending on the person and skin type, the lemon essential oil can be irritating, even when diluted. It is, therefore, preferable to test it first on a small area such as the inside of the wrist. However, in all cases, it is photo sensitizing, i.e. when applied to the skin, it should not be exposed to the sun’s rays, nor to UV rays, for at least six to eight hours.

Also read: Grapefruit essential oil for weight loss