Knowing that you need to eat but not physically feeling hungry can be frustrating. Whether the reason is emotional, such as trauma, or physical, such as aging issues or illness, essential oils may be able to help you get your appetite back. Appetite and digestion are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Just smelling the right essential oils will help regulate this system, reducing the tension that inhibits appetite and increasing the health of digestion.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for appetite loss are:
• Bergamot
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Peppermint
Safety First
Unexplained weight loss can indicate a more serious underlying condition. If you’re not sure what’s causing you to lose your appetite, talk to your healthcare practitioner.
Some suggestions to use these appetite-inducing oils include:
• Abdominal massage. Dilute a few drops of essential oil with carrier oil and massage it onto your stomach in clockwise circles.
• Soothing soak. When stimulating your appetite is a matter of calming both mind and stomach, a hot, oil-infused bath may help.
• In the air. Diffusing or inhaling appetite-boosting oils before meals may help make you hungry.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Start small. Smaller, more frequent meals may be better tolerated than three large ones.
• Move more. Jump-start your body’s metabolism by exercising regularly. Exercise is healthy for the mind as well.
• Meditate. A relaxed mind can ease tension that may be interfering with appetite.
To assist you in having a healthy appetite, give these simple aromatherapy recipes a try.
This diffuser blend may help establish a healthy digestive system and appetite.
3 drops fennel oil
3 drops ginger oil
2 drops peppermint oil
Every diffuser is different. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for diffusing this blend.
When massaged onto the abdomen, these essential oils can help regulate the digestive system and appetite.
5 drops bergamot oil
5 drops lemon oil
3 drops fennel oil
5 drops ginger oil
2 ounces carrier oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage the mixture onto the stomach in clockwise circles.
If your appetite tends to disappear when your anxiety crops up, give this easing bath blend a try.
6 drops bergamot oil
2 drops lemon oil
4 drops ginger oil
1 tablespoon coconut or jojoba oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl before adding them to a hot bath while the water runs.