A key component to reaching your ideal weight and preventing chronic disease is essential oils. That argument, made by Dr. Z and Mama Z, was enough to pique my interest in accepting an offer to review their book, The Essential Oils Diet ($25, Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale).
The authors make it clear that there’s no single oil that gets rid of your excess pounds, and that essential oils alone can’t help with your “transformation.” They also developed a two-stage program, one that helps you lose weight quickly (e.g. for an upcoming vacation), and the other that focuses on your lifestyle.
One of the “Big Four” essential oils for weight loss is lime oil, which is interesting since I’ve seen lemon oil mentioned in other lists. Lime oil has d-limonene, a chemical that also helps decrease stress and fights inflammation. On that note, the authors also list the essential oils that tackle stress, anxiety, gut issues, inflammation and blood sugar issues.
I appreciate how comprehensive this book is. The authors explain how to use essential oils (e.g. inhalation via a diffuser), what foods to avoid, how to meal plan (with recipes), how to make remedies and even how to work out. I look forward to trying the “Restful Evening Detox Bath” one of these days.
Dr. Z (Eric Zielinski) is an aromatherapist, public health researcher and chiropractor, and he also wrote The Healing Power of Essential Oils. He previously suffered from tonsillitis, cystic acne, joint pain and digestive issues. His wife, Sabrina Ann, is a certified group fitness instructor, health coach and beauty pageant trainer.
