Eating and sleeping are two basic body needs that should not be complicated. Yet, our product saturated world has not only confused our minds in making choices day to day, but our bodies as well. Simple physical needs become distorted when you introduce artificial means to provide your body with energy when it may really need rest, and depriving it of food when it needs fuel. Our culture is over-sugared from soda, candy and processed foods sweetened to entice your taste buds. These extra sugars actually increase our appetite making us want more, many of them hidden in foods and condiments we might be unaware of. The first step in becoming more balanced is to be aware of when you are relying on certain stimulants to bring your body to a point that it might not want to be at. Whether you are trying to lose weight by curbing your appetite or gain more stamina for life when you need it, there is an essential oil that can help without the need for chemical stimulants or suppressants. It is essential to use only Therapeutic Grade oils, preferably food grade so you can ingest them for maximum effect when you need it. Using essential oils is also a great way to wean yourself off of synthetics or artificial products until you can become more in tune with your body.
Peppermint oil is one of my favorite oils with hundreds of uses. In addition to being a safe appetite suppressant, it is a stimulating oil and can perk you up when you need it. It can also enhance memory and ease aches and pains. If you are looking for therapeutic benefits, teas or peppermint candies won’t be as effective. Some teachers will recommend students eat candy canes or peppermint candy before taking a test to help them be more alert. While this will work for a brief time, the sugar in the candy will not only contribute to an energy letdown, it will also increase your appetite – definitely a disadvantage if you are looking to lose some weight. So, for the holidays and beyond, skip the peppermint candies and use a drop of peppermint essential oil instead.
Essential oils are a great compliment to a healthy lifestyle and not a substitute for poor choices in your diet or life. You will naturally gain more balance in your life when you choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet and lessen exposure to toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrance found in many home and personal care products.
If you’d like to curb your appetite, simply take 1 drop of food grade peppermint oil and add it to a glass or stainless steel water bottle and fill with purified water. Sip on this throughout the day to satisfy your hunger between meals and for a boost of energy. One drop is potent, equal to drinking 28 cups of peppermint tea, and can flavor up to a gallon of water! If you are looking for a quick burst of energy, you can place the drop of peppermint oil on your tongue or in a spoonful of rice milk to drink. This is powerful, so be prepared! The best part is, this energy works with your body and will gradually soften, unlike caffeine which remains in your body for hours. Artificial stimulants may work for the short term, but in long run they can affect your body’s natural rhythms. Whether you are looking to curb your appetite or boost your energy, it is important to become aware of your body’s needs on a daily basis. Ideally you should be responding to what your body needs at any given point in the day, practicing moderation in all your choices. In the meantime, peppermint essential oil is a great choice to assist your body’s natural flow without ingredients that might contribute to problems you want to avoid.
In addition to peppermint oil, citrus oils like lemon, grapefruit, tangerine and orange are also invigorating. You can add a drop of food grade citrus oils to your water as well to lift your spirits and energize. Citrus oils should not be used on the skin before sun exposure as they increase photosensitivity.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant as a substitute for medical advice and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. If you need medical treatment see your doctor.
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