Aromatherapy is a centuries-old practice of using essential oils to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are natural plant extracts made by crushing or steaming flowers, leaves, fruit, or bark to extract fragrant compounds, which are then combined with oil. These oils can be inhaled directly or indirectly or applied to the skin through massage, lotions, or bath salts.
Aromatherapy is used to increase appetite by activating the sense of smell, which stimulates the salivary glands. Research conducted at Sharp Coronado Hospital in San Diego showed that people who received aromatherapy had 10 to 20 percent greater food intake than those who didn't.
Some essential oils that can be used to increase appetite include:
- Citrus oils like orange, lemon, and lime
- Bergamot
- Peppermint and spearmint
- Grapefruit
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Ylang-Ylang
- Sandalwood
- Frankincense
- Vanilla
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Essential oils that increase appetite | Bergamot, Cinnamon, Citrus Bliss, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Vanilla, Ylang-Ylang, Yuzu |
Essential oils that suppress appetite | Bergamot, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Vanilla |
What You'll Learn
- Citrus scents such as grapefruit, lemon, orange, and yuzu can suppress appetite
- Bergamot, cinnamon, and peppermint can be used to suppress appetite and increase energy
- Ginger can be used to suppress appetite by reducing nausea
- Vanilla can be used to suppress appetite by increasing feelings of satisfaction and happiness
- Jasmine can be used to suppress appetite by reducing chocolate cravings
Citrus scents such as grapefruit, lemon, orange, and yuzu can suppress appetite
Citrus scents are known to help stimulate appetite in memory loss patients. A study performed by Barbara Bauer, a clinical nutrition program manager at Sharp Coronado Hospital, tracked 50 patients who were experiencing symptoms of appetite loss. Staff applied a scent called 'Citrus Bliss' to patient coverings during two meals each day. Most of the 50 patients stopped losing weight. Six of the seven patients on steroidal appetite stimulants were able to stop their medication and maintain their weight. Bauer found that:
> The use of pure essential oils complements traditional medicine and may stimulate appetite, energize, and promote relaxation in elderly patients. I’ve seen many elderly patients improve to the point where they no longer need appetite stimulants and their sleep medications are decreased.
Citrus scents are scientifically proven to connect with the brain's memory centre and help influence stress levels, mood, energy levels, and even appetite.
Other essential oils that can be used as an appetite suppressant include bergamot, peppermint, cinnamon, yuzu, ginger, sandalwood, frankincense, and vanilla.
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Bergamot, cinnamon, and peppermint can be used to suppress appetite and increase energy
Aromatherapy is a centuries-old practice of using essential oils to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are natural plant extracts made by crushing or steaming the plant to extract fragrant compounds, which are then combined with oil. Aromatherapy can be used to stimulate appetite by activating the sense of smell, which in turn stimulates the salivary glands.
Some essential oils that can be used to suppress appetite and increase energy include bergamot, cinnamon, and peppermint. Bergamot is a natural anti-depressant and is packed with polyphenols, which help the body burn more sugar and stored fat. Cinnamon suppresses appetite but increases metabolism by helping the body break down sugar and use it for energy rather than storing it as fat. Studies show that peppermint stimulates the brain's satiety centre, preventing overeating, and aiding indigestion.
A study at Sharp Coronado Hospital in San Diego showed that people who received aromatherapy had 10 to 20 percent greater food intake than those who didn't. After a year of aromatherapy before lunch and dinner, 86 percent of the participants were able to get off appetite stimulants.
Bergamot, cinnamon, and peppermint can be used in a variety of ways, including indirect inhalation, direct inhalation, and massage. For indirect inhalation, use a room diffuser or place drops on a tissue or piece of cotton nearby. For direct inhalation, apply a dab of the essential oil with a cotton swab onto clothing near the nose or neck at mealtime. For massage, mix the essential oil with unscented lotion and, before mealtime, massage your loved one's hands.
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Ginger can be used to suppress appetite by reducing nausea
Ginger, or *Zingiber officinale*, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. Its root is used as a culinary spice and herbal remedy. The compounds in ginger are believed to have medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger has been shown to decrease inflammation in the intestines, improving the absorption of vital nutrients and preventing diseases. It also stimulates digestion and suppresses appetite. Research indicates that ginger can work alongside a healthy diet and exercise to help people reach a healthy weight.
Ginger contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which stimulate biological activities in the body. These compounds have been found to have anti-obesity effects, helping food to digest faster and stimulating the body to speed digested food through the colon.
A study found that overweight men who consumed ginger stayed fuller for longer. Another study found that ginger consumption enhanced the thermic effect of food and promoted feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men.
Ginger can be consumed in various forms, including fresh root, dried powder, tea, juice, or supplements. However, it is important to note that the amount of ginger present in ginger tea is likely to be much lower than the quantities used in scientific studies.
While ginger is generally considered safe, it may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, heartburn, and increased risk of bleeding. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before use.
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Vanilla can be used to suppress appetite by increasing feelings of satisfaction and happiness
Vanilla is a natural appetite suppressant that can be used to suppress appetite by increasing feelings of satisfaction and happiness. The natural smell of vanilla stimulates the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of satisfaction and happiness. This can be helpful for those who are emotional eaters, as it can help to balance emotions and curb the urge to turn to food for comfort.
A study found that the inhalation of vanilla essential oil increased the rating score for chocolate craving levels compared to a control condition. This demonstrates the potential effectiveness of vanilla as an appetite suppressant, as it can help to reduce cravings and increase feelings of satisfaction.
In addition to vanilla, other essential oils that can be used as natural appetite suppressants include:
- Bergamot
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Lemon
- Yuzu
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Ginger
- Sandalwood
- Frankincense
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Jasmine can be used to suppress appetite by reducing chocolate cravings
Jasmine is a flower used to make medicine. It has been used to treat various conditions, such as liver disease, abdominal pain, and cancer. Jasmine is also used to improve mood, reduce stress, and reduce food cravings.
While there is insufficient evidence that inhaling jasmine improves alertness, it is likely safe for most people when consumed in food amounts. However, there is not enough information to determine its safety when taken by mouth or applied to the skin as medicine.
In a clinical study, participants were introduced to photographs of chocolate foods and asked to rate their craving levels while inhaling vanilla essential oil or Slique Essence, a combination of citrus and mint scents. The results showed that inhaling vanilla essential oil increased chocolate craving levels, while Slique Essence exhibited the opposite effect.
Vanilla essential oil is known to stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone that promotes feelings of satisfaction and happiness. This may explain why vanilla scent increased chocolate cravings in the study.
Therefore, it can be inferred that jasmine, which has similar properties to vanilla as a natural antidepressant, may be used to suppress appetite by reducing chocolate cravings. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of jasmine in suppressing appetite and reducing chocolate cravings specifically.
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Frequently asked questions
Aromatherapy scents that can be used to increase appetite include Citrus Bliss, peppermint, ginger, bergamot, cinnamon, lemon, yuzu, grapefruit, orange, sandalwood, frankincense, and vanilla.
Aromatherapy stimulates the sense of smell, which activates the salivary glands and increases appetite.
Aromatherapy can be administered through indirect inhalation, direct inhalation, or massage.