Juniper Berries: the source of Juniper oil
I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone what cellulite looks like. Most women get it, and even if you don’t have any, there is enough talk about it. I believe in natural cellulite treatments, and aromatherapy has some great home remedies for cellulite.
Essential Oils: Natural Cellulite Remedies
Will essential oils alone magically get rid of cellulite? Probably not. Neither will the expensive anti-cellulite products in the shops. There probably is no miracle cure for cellulite. But here is a true story from some years ago. When I was learning aromatherapy and massage, us students often got together to practice on each other. I was giving a course of massages to one of the students, and she wanted me to try to reduce cellulite on her legs with massage and essential oils. I gave her leg massages over a period of five to six weeks, using various blends of Rosemary, Geranium, Juniper and Grapefruit essential oils. She also started to dry brush her legs regularly.
After the course of massages my friend said she could clearly notice improvement (and so could I). The skin looked smoother and there was a visible reduction in the “orange peel” look. She said her legs also felt better. So perhaps there is no miracle cure… but there are a few natural home remedies that can help a little.
The Best Essential Oils for Cellulite
It is easy to make your own anti-cellulite aromatherapy blends. Many essential oils have detoxifying properties, but some of the best oils against cellulite are Juniper, Geranium, Rosemary and Grapefruit.
- Juniper berry (Juniperus communis): detoxifying, reduces fluid retention
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): boosts circulation, boosts the lymphatic system: an ineffective lymphatic system can cause cellulite
- Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): reduces fluid retention, a hormone balancer: cellulite can also be related to hormonal imbalances
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): reduces fluid retention and swelling
To make your own anti-cellulite massage oil, choose 2-4 essential oils and blend
- 60 drops of essential oil(s)
- 100 ml of cold-pressed base oil (such as sweet almond)
This is a 3% dilution.
It is a good idea to change to a different blend every few weeks if you are using the oils for long periods of time. You could make two blends and use one blend daily for about 3 weeks, then switch to the other one. For example:
Blend 1: Rosemary and Geranium
- 30 drops of Rosemary essential oil
- 30 drops of Geranium essential oil
- 100 ml of base oil
Blend 2: Juniper and Grapefruit
- 30 drops of Juniper essential oil
- 30 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- 100 ml of base oil
Mix the oils in a dark glass bottle, shake well and keep out of sunlight. Massage the oil into your legs and any other areas of cellulite every day. Don’t bruise yourself: cellulite can feel sensitive, so a light touch is better. Use some long sweeping strokes from the feet up towards the hips (so you’re encouraging lymph flow towards the inguinal lymph nodes in the groin area). These blends are not suitable for pregnant women!
Dry Brushing for Cellulite
Dry brushing enhances the effects of your homemade massage oil. Dry brushing boosts lymph flow, stimulates blood circulation and removes dead skin cells. Brush from the feet up along the legs towards the groin, along the direction of lymph flow.
If you get into dry brushing and want to brush the whole body, brush from hands up along the arms towards the collarbone – always work towards the supraclavicular lymph nodes that are located near the collarbone. When brushing the stomach, use a light circular clockwise movement.
Brush daily before shower and apply your homemade anti-cellulite massage oil after showering. The oils are quite invigorating so you may want to do the whole routine in the morning. You need to be persistent and keep to it for weeks or preferably a few months. Amazon has a selection of affordable brushes. I’ve used one that looks a lot like this* but there are literally dozens of alternatives.
*affiliate link
Photo: Tsvetelina Kostova
not something I ever thought of – but am SO wanting to try it!!
Hillary
My family, Healthy living, essential oils , yoga are my passion.