The Best Essential Oils for Weight Loss

1.    Grapefruit Essential Oil

The best EO (Essential Oil) out there to suppress appetite, increase energy, prevent water retention, reduce the appearance of cellulite, prevent bloating, and dissolve fat. It helps to cleanse and detox your body from excess toxins and fat. You can find helpful information about the concept of detox in my e-book The Detox Guide, which will teach you how to cleanse and energize your body naturally and safely.

Internally

Drink one glass of water with 1 to 2 drops grapefruit EO. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade). This will help you to flush out more toxins, lose excess fat, and manage your weight. Best to drink it first thing in the morning.

Massage

Add a few drops of grapefruit EO to a carrier oil of your liking. Massage the area where fat accumulates for about 30 minutes. Do not wash the oil off.
FYI: The best carrier oil to use is olive oil. A study conducted at Munich’s Technische Universitaet and the University of Vienna, found that the scent of olive oil helps people to consume less calories and adapt their eating habits.

2.    Lemon Essential Oil

Just as grapefruit EO, lemon can be used to increase energy, suppress appetite and improve digestive health. It helps your body to get rid of toxins which are otherwise stored in fat cells. You can read more about lemon EO in my article about 10 amazing uses for lemon EO.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of lemon EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

Daily Massage

Add a few drops of lemon EO to a carrier oil of your choice and massage the area where fat or cellulite accumulates. This will help your body to eliminate toxins and waste materials stored in fat cells.

Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of lemon EO to your morning water to help your body kick start digestion and eliminate more toxins. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

3.    Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint works wonders to soothe an upset stomach and improves your digestive health. It gives you a full feeling after a meal, stops cravings, and gives you more energy. You can read more about this EO in my article about top 10 uses for peppermint essential oil.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of peppermint EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

FYI: Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Institute of Chicago found that lemon and peppermint EO are the most powerful scents to help control appetite and assist in weight loss.



Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of peppermint EO to one glass of water and drink before a meal to reduce appetite and prevent overeating. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Peppermint Bath

Add 5 to 10 drops to your morning bath to energize your body and reduce food cravings.

4.    Cinnamon Essential Oil

Another great EO to suppress your appetite and boost metabolism. Cinnamon EO assists your body to break down sugars for energy, instead of storing them as fat. It improves digestion, stimulates circulation and has shown some great results to improve IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Internally

Add 1 to 2 drops of cinnamon EO to a cup of warm water with a little honey. Drink before a meal or before going to bed to avoid midnight cravings. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Inhalation

Add a few drops of cinnamon EO to a cotton ball and slowly breathe in the vapors before a meal to avoid overeating and reduce appetite. Seal in a zip lock bag for on the road.

5.    Bergamot

Many people eat more when they are stressed or emotional. The scent of bergamot can help to relax and lift your spirit to avoid eating when you are not truly hungry. Bergamot EO not only has antidepressant or mood lifting properties, it is packed with polyphenols, which are also found in green tea, and help your body to burn fats and sugar. You can also get tips on how to beat emotional eating here.

Inhalation

Add a few drops of bergamot EO on a cloth and slowly breathe in the vapors to calm and relax body and mind when you are in the danger zone of grabbing food to address your emotions.

Feet or Neck Rub

Dilute a few drops of bergamot EO in a suitable carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Gently massage your feet and neck to wind down. Or add a few drops to your morning bath to help you through the day. Just as bergamot, sandalwood can be used to avoid stress eating and overcome negative feelings. Try them both out to see which scent relaxes you the most.

Essential Oil Blends For Weight Loss

Cellulite Reducing and Weight Loss Boosting Bath Blend

Add 5 drops each of grapefruit, ginger, orange, sandalwood, and lemon EO to 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar and add to a warm bath. Do not add the essential oils to running water to avoid evaporation and mix in by hand. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Fat-Burning Trio For Internal Use

Have one of these capsules every day after breakfast with a glass of water to help curb your appetite and speed up fat-burning mechanisms. Make sure to buy quality essential oils for internal use (food grade).

Ingredients (per capsule)

2 drops peppermint EO
2 drops grapefruit EO
2 drops lemon EO
12 drops coconut oil (liquefied)
Combine the ingredients in one capsule. You could multiply the recipe by mixing the EOs in an amber vial, add six drops of the mix into a capsule together with 12 drops liquefied coconut oil. Store pre-made capsules in the fridge for later use.

Opt For Quality Oils Only!

Always make sure to opt for organic 100% pure or therapeutic grade essential oils. These oils are made through non-chemical processes (ie steam distillation) and are save to use externally and internally.
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-essential-oils-for-weight-loss/

15 Plants & Herbs That Can Boost Lung Health

15 Plants & Herbs That Can Boost Lung Health, Heal Respiratory Infections & Repair Pulmonary Damage

by Joe Martino

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 When it comes to taking herbs as a form of treatment for illness, it seems the mainstream belief is that they are not as effective and not worth taking. While effectiveness of each herb and their use has not been studied deeply to determine how effective it can be across the population, the same could be said for most pharmaceutical drugs. Much of the time, pharmaceutical drugs attempt to mimic a compound that occurs naturally in nature (herbs) but often bring the risk of side effects.

Safety is one of the most critical areas of review amongst herbs and drugs. So far, zero deaths have been reported due to the use and consumption of herbs. However, pharmaceutical drugs and physician prescribed medications kill approximately one million Americans each year. While it is important to note that herbal medicines can be lethal in extreme doses, it appears their safety is much greater than that of pharmaceutical drugs. 

Interestingly, pharmaceutical drugs are actually adding to the world-wide issue of declining health due to their side effects and encouragement of viral resistance. Antibiotics in particular are adding to the wave of increased viral strength when it comes to certain infections. [3] Herbs on the other hand can be a useful tool in fighting infections that have turned into super bugs due to the overuse of antibiotics.

It is always useful to perform as much research as possible, or as you see fit, when it comes to both pharmaceutical drugs and herbs prior to taking them. Just as we would be so skeptical about herbs, we should be just as skeptical about pharmaceutical drugs. Contrary to popular belief, the un-popularity of herbs in western culture is due to scrutinization that comes from pharmaceutical companies and those to can benefit from the sale of pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs cannot be patented and owned, only synthetic drugs can which is why many pharma companies operate the way they do. Seek out the assistance of a Naturopathic doctor before you use herbs.

Below is a list of herbs that can not only boost lung and respiratory health but can also repair it.

Herb information is courtesy of John Summerly who is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner.

1. Licorice Root

Licorice is one of the more widely consumed herbs in the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it occurs in more formulas than any other single herb because it is thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs. Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat and especially the lungs and stomach and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support . It reduces the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is the saponins (detergent-like action) that loosen the phlegm in the respiratory tract so that the body can expel the mucus. Compounds within this root help relieve bronchial spasms and block the free radical cells that produce the inflammation and tightening of the air ways. The compounds also have antibacterial and antiviral effects to them as well which helps fight off viral and bacterial strains in the body that can cause lung infections. Glycrrhizins and flavonoids can even help prevent lung cancer cells from forming which means they can even prevent lung cancer.

2. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot has been traditionally used by Native Americans for thousands of years to strengthen the lungs. It clears out excess mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes. It soothes the mucus membranes in the lungs, and has been shown in research to assist with asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other lung ailments. Coltsfoot is available in dried form for tea or as an alcohol extract known as a tincture.

3. Cannabis

The toxic breakdown of therapeutic compounds in cannabis from burning the plant are totally avoided with vaporization. Extraction and inhaling cannabinoid essential oils of the unprocessed plant affords significant mitigation of irritation to the oral cavity that comes from smoking. Cannabis is perhaps one of the most effective anti-cancer plants in the world shown in study after study to stimulate cannabinoid receptor activation in specific genes and mediate the anti-invasive effect of cannabinoids. Vaporizing cannabis allows the active ingredients to stimulate the body’s natural immune response and significantly reduces the ability of infections to spread. Vaporizing cannabis (especially with very high amounts of cannabinoids) opens up airways and sinuses, acting as a bronchodilator. It is even a proven method to treat and reverse asthma.

4. Osha Root

Osha is a herb native to the Rocky Mountain area and has historically been used by the Native Americans for respiratory support. The roots of the plant contain camphor and other compounds which make it one of the best lung-support herbs in America. One of the main benefits of osha root is that it helps increase circulation to the lungs, which makes it easier to take deep breaths. Also, when seasonal sensitivities flare up your sinuses, osha rootm, which is not an actual antihistamine, does produce a similar effect and may be help calm respiratory irritation.

5. Thyme

Thyme is very powerful in the fight against chest congestion. It produces powerful antiseptic essential oils which are classified as naturally antibiotic and anti-fungal. Thyme is well known to zap acne more so than expensive prescription creams, gels and lotions. Thyme tea has the power to chase away and eliminate bacteria and viruses so whether your infection is based on either, it will work. Thyme has been used as a lung remedy consumed since antiquity and is used extensively today to prevent and treat respiratory tract infections and bacterial infection pneumonia.

6. Oregano

Although oregano contains the vitamins and nutrients required by the immune system, its primary benefits are owed to its carvacrol and rosmarinic acid content. Both compounds are natural decongestants and histamine reducers that have direct, positive benefits on the respiratory tract and nasal passage airflow. Oil of oregano fights off the dangerous bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, better than the most common antibiotic treatments. Oregano has so many health benefits that a bottle of organic oregano oil should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet.

7. Lobelia

Did you know that horses given lobelia are able to breathe more deeply? Its benefits are not limited to equestrians. It has been used as “asthmador” in Appalachian folk medicine. Lobelia, by some accounts, is thought to be one of the most valuable herbal remedies in existence. Extracts of Lobelia inflata contain lobeline, which showed positive effects in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tumor cells. Lobelia contains an alkaloid known as lobeline, which thins mucus, breaks up congestion. Additionally, lobelia stimulates the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, in effect, this relaxes the airways and allows for easier breathing. Also, because lobelia helps to relax smooth muscles, it is included in many cough and cold remedies. Lobelia should be part of everyone’s respiratory support protocol!

8. Elecampane

Elecampane has been used by Native Americans for many years to clear out excess mucus that impairs lung function. It is known as a natural antibacterial agent for the lungs, helping to lessen infection particularly for people who are prone to lung infections like bronchitis. Herbal practitioners often recommend one teaspoon of the herb per cup of boiling water, drunk three times daily for two to three weeks. Elecampane is also available in tincture format for ease.

9. Eucalyptus

Native to Australia, eucalyptus isn’t just for Koala bears! Aborigines, Germans, and Americans have all used the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus to promote respiratory health and soothe throat irritation. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough lozenges and syrups and its effectiveness is due to a compound called cineole. Cineole has numerous benefits — it’s an expectorant, can ease a cough, fights congestion, and soothes irritated sinus passages. As an added bonus, because eucalyptus contains antioxidants, it supports the immune system during a cold or other illness.

10. Mullein

Both the flowers and the leaves of the mullein plant are used to make an herbal extract that helps strengthen the lungs. Mullein is used by herbal practitioners to clear excess mucus from the lungs, cleanse the bronchial tubes, and reduce inflammation that is present in the respiratory tract. A tea can be made from one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiled water. Alternatively, you can take a tincture form of this herb.

11. Lungwort

Lungwort is a tree-growing lichen that actually resembles lung tissue in appearance. However, this natural remedy doesn’t just look the part. As early as the 1600′s, lungwort has been used to promote lung and respiratory health and clear congestion. Pulmonaria selections come in all kinds so seek a herbologist for direction. Lungwort also contains compounds that are powerfully effective against harmful organisms that affect respiratory health.

12. Chaparral

Chaparral, a plant native to the Southwest, has been appreciated by the Native Americans for lung detoxification and respiratory support. Chaparral contains powerful antioxidants that resist irritation and NDGA which is known to fight histamine response. NDGA inhibits aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis (the energy-producing ability) of cancer cells. Chaparral is also a herb that fights harmful organisms. The benefits of chaparral are mostly available in a tincture extraction but chaparral tea may support respiratory problems by encouraging an expectorant action to clear airways of mucus.

13. Sage

Sage’s textured leaves give off a heady aroma, which arises from sage’s essential oils. These oils are the source of the many benefits of sage tea for lung problems and common respiratory ailments. Sage tea is a traditional treatment for sore throats and coughs. The rich aromatic properties arising from sage’s volatile oils of thujone, camphor, terpene and salvene can be put to use by inhaling sage tea’s vapors to dispel lung disorders and sinusitis. Alternatively, brew a strong pot of sage tea and place it into a bowl or a vaporizer.

14. Peppermint

Peppermint, and peppermint oil, contains menthol — a soothing ingredient known to relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and promote free breathing. Dried peppermint typically contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran and cineol. Peppermint oil also contains small amounts of many additional compounds including limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene and pinene. Paired with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is a fantastic decongestant. Many people use therapeutic chest balms and other inhalants that contain menthol to help break up congestion. Additionally, peppermint is an antioxidant and fights harmful organisms.

15. Plantain Leaf

With fruit that is similar in appearance to a banana, plantain leaf has been used for hundreds of years to ease cough and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Many of its active constituents show antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. Clinical trials have found it favorable against cough, cold, and lung irritation. Plantain leaf has an added bonus in that it may help relieve a dry cough by spawning mucus production in the lungs.

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/02/20/15-plants-herbs-that-can-boost-lung-health-heal-respiratory-infections-repair-pulmonary-damage/