Your sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses. You've probably witnessed it's power at some point in your life. Perhaps smelling brownies baking in the oven transports you back in time, into your grandmother's kitchen when you were a little girl. As powerful as your sense of smell is, you might still be surprised to learn that it plays a role in your appetite.
Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist, explains that your sense of smell and appetite are closely related. "More than 90% of taste is smell," he says. If you love the smell of hot coffee in the morning, or start to salivate at the mouth when you smell food at a restaurant, it's easy to see the connection.
Hirsch conducted a study involving 3,193 overweight volunteers. Each participant was given an inhalant containing various herb and fruit scents. They were told to inhale three times into each nostril when they felt hungry. Hirsch explains, "The more people used the device, the more weight they lost."
Over a six-month period, the participants didn't diet. They ate 2-4 meals per day and lost an average of almost five pounds each month. Some participants lost up to 18 pounds per month.
So what was the most effective herb scent for weight loss? Peppermint. (Find it here!)
Dr. Hirsch's research found that inhaling peppermint can directly affect your brain's satiety center. Inhaling peppermint right before you eat a meal can help you feel full. You can use this method any time of the day. When you feel a sugar craving coming on, inhale some peppermint essential oil to calm and satisfy your brain, in order to get rid of the craving.
Here's how you can use peppermint oil for weight loss:
Hirsch conducted a study involving 3,193 overweight volunteers. Each participant was given an inhalant containing various herb and fruit scents. They were told to inhale three times into each nostril when they felt hungry. Hirsch explains, "The more people used the device, the more weight they lost."
Over a six-month period, the participants didn't diet. They ate 2-4 meals per day and lost an average of almost five pounds each month. Some participants lost up to 18 pounds per month.
So what was the most effective herb scent for weight loss? Peppermint. (Find it here!)
Peppermint Essential Oil And Weight Loss
It's no secret that sugar is extremely addictive. Research has shown that sugar stimulates receptors in the brain that activate the same pathways stimulated by dangerous drugs, including heroin. "Sugar addiction" isn't just a saying. It's a reality for many people. Eating sugar triggers the production of natural opioids in your brain. These hormones cause pleasure and relieve pain, the same way harmful drugs do. Over consumption of sugar can lead to many health problems, including obesity. But breaking a sugar addiction isn't easy. It can even trigger withdrawal symptoms. That's where peppermint essential oil comes in.
Dr. Hirsch's research found that inhaling peppermint can directly affect your brain's satiety center. Inhaling peppermint right before you eat a meal can help you feel full. You can use this method any time of the day. When you feel a sugar craving coming on, inhale some peppermint essential oil to calm and satisfy your brain, in order to get rid of the craving.
Here's how you can use peppermint oil for weight loss:
- Use a diffuser and inhale peppermint essential oil as cravings arise.
- Apply peppermint essential oil to your feet for a soothing effect.
- Apply 2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil to your abdomen and temples.
- Mix 2 drops of coconut oil with 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Apply the mixture on the inside of your wrists. Do this in the morning and evening.
