7 Best Essential Oils for Effective Cellulite Treatment

Facebook
Pinterest
Email
Print

cellulite treatment

Many women (and men) are working to reduce the amount of cellulite on their body through natural means.

You’ll be glad to know that it’s entirely possible to get rid of cellulite naturally with the help of essential oils. It just takes some time, know how and dedication.

A variety of factors may cause cellulite. For example, allergies, toxicity, hormonal changes, endocrine imbalance, lack of oxygenation, fluid/water retention, menstrual factors and poor lymphatic drainage can all play a part in cellulite production. There is also a hereditary predisposition to developing cellulite.

The dimpled, lumpy looking appearance of cellulite indicates that the body is suffering from an inflammatory condition and is in need of some cleansing and detoxification.


While cellulite affects many people, it is those with a more substantial body composition, often labeled as the “kapha” body type in Ayurveda, that is most likely to develop cellulite.

The first thing to understand about treating cellulite is that you DON’T need costly, painful surgery. You also don’t have to wake up early in the morning and overexert yourself by running 5+ miles a day.

Oh, and don’t have to limit how much you eat, either significantly. But you will want to adjust what you’re eating (more on that later).

It’s important to note that working to reduce the appearance cellulite is not just for vanity – if left untreated the conditions that create cellulite can also promote other more serious problems in the body, like lymphatic issues or harmful amounts of fluid retention.

So while some people may say that it’s no big deal to have cellulite, it can be an essential health concern to address!

Related: 12 Essential Oils for Wrinkles and Aging Skin

A simple understanding of cellulite with a simple approach to treatment

The secret to banishing cellulite might be simpler than you think.

And there’s a good chance that you could lose some weight in the process of treatment, too.

Cellulite develops as a result of dense, saturated fatty body tissue becoming bound with digestive impurities (toxins) that collect beneath the skin. T

hus cellulite is essentially a lymph drainage problem as toxins and fluid accumulate as fat pockets when the lymph system is not working properly.

The (simplified) solution is to avoid things that promote these fat and lymph deposits (from a diet, in particular) and focusing on activating and nourishing our digestive and detoxifying powers to flush out the existing deposits.

In addition to diet, daily massages, essential oils, deep breathing, dry brushing, exercising and relaxation can all support the body to dislodge toxic fatty tissue and clear out the cellulite.

Related: How to Safely and Effectively Inhale Essential Oils

When we do this our body is able to metabolize the fat and the accumulated toxins that have build up in our body which allows them to be excreted.

A simple premise, but it can take a lot of work to accomplish because the built-up materials (toxins) that have accumulated in our fatty tissue are tough to eliminate, as they are heavy and sticky substances.

To separate the fatty tissues from these built up materials, you need to focus on what foods we’re putting into your body. And, ideally, work with natural herbs while also directly stimulating your skin with massage and bodywork to help dislodge the deposited cellulite tissues under the skin.

And that last part is where essential oils come in.

You can use essential oils to boost metabolism, add them to stimulating massage oils, and utilize them as calming nutrition to help put your body and mind at ease.

Related: 3 Best High-Capacity Essential Oil Diffusers for Large Rooms

Essential Oils for Cellulite Treatment

eo bottle 2

If you read all the way to this section, I applaud you!

I know this post is specifically about essential oils, but I feel that it’s important to get a broad understanding of the cause of cellulite and also cover a variety of treatment modalities, first.

We’ll now take a look at essential oils and blends for cellulite.

Please do stick around after the oils though as I will be going into more detail about diet, herbal remedies and lifestyle recommendations to help guarantee that can help you do a number on your cellulite and also make you feel a lot healthier.

Okay, onto the oils!

Related: 8 Essential Oils for Hair Loss, Thinning & Alopecia

7 Essential Oils & Oil Blends for Cellulite

1.) Fennel Essential Oil

fennel

Fennel has potent diuretic properties that help the body speed up the elimination of stored up waste materials and reduces the prevalence of water retention in the tissue. Fennel’s properties also make it practical for breaking up the fatty deposits under the surface of the skin.

You can buy fennel essential oil here.

Related: 14 Potent Aphrodisiac Essential Oils for your Love life, Romance, Sex & Libido

2.) Geranium Essential Oil

geranium

Geranium is a great all around oil that is especially supportive of the skin. It also improves circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to diminish water retention and eliminate toxins.

A simple way to use geranium for cellulite is to mix 6 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and firmly massage into the effected areas.

(Buy Now | Learn More About Geranium Essential Oil)

Related: 15 Essential Oils for Effective Anxiety & Stress Reduction

3.) Grapefruit Essential Oil

grapefruit essential oil

Grapefruit is an uplifting oil that refreshes and eases a stressed-out mind and body. Grapefruit oil encourages the elimination of cellular toxins making it a great everyday oil for treating cellulite and fluid retention.

A bonus of grapefruit oil is appetite reduction, as it can help to curb excess cravings and binge eating. Simply diffuse 6 drops in your home or place 3 drops on a tissue and inhale any time you feel a weakness towards food.

(Buy Now | Learn More About Grapefruit Essential Oil)

Related: 14 Uplifting Essential Oils for Energy & Wakefulness

4.) Juniper Essential Oil

juniper

Well known for it’s detoxifying and cleansing properties, juniper is highly regarded for reducing acne, fluid retention, and cellulite. It helps to clear and stimulate the mind as well. It’s an excellent tonic for the skin and joint pain/arthritis as well.

(Buy Now | Learn More About Juniper Essential Oil)

Related: 12 Essential Oils for Sleep: Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

5.) Lemongrass Essential Oil

Specific oils

Lemongrass is an uplifting oil with both stimulant and sedative properties, as well as strong astringent and antidepressant properties. Its diuretic properties make it a good fit as a remedy for fluid retention and cellulite. It’s also a great energy booster and emotional uplifter.

(Buy Now | Learn More About Lemongrass Essential Oil)

Related: 5 Essential Oils for Dry, Cracked & Flakey Skin

6.) Cedarwood Essential Oil

cedarwood

Cedarwood is effective at balancing the skin and clearing out impurities. Its role as a diuretic makes it a highly valuable oil for treating cellulite, fluid retention, and the accumulation of toxins in the blood.

Cedarwood helps to decongest sluggish tissues, drawing out any excess fat in between the tissues. For a simple treatment mix 6 drops of cedarwood oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat daily.

Buy Cedarwood essential oil here.

Related: 14 Essential Oils for Joint Pain & Discomfort

7.) Rosemary Essential Oil

rosemary essential oil bottle

Rosemary is a great all around oil that combats fluid retention and toxin buildup in the tissues. It’s also a great oil for memory improvement and reduces mental fatigue with its brain stimulant properties.

(Buy Now | Learn More About Rosemary Essential Oil)

Related: 7 Essential Oils for Headaches & Migraines with Recipes & Application Tips

8.) Celery Seed Essential Oil

celery seed essential oils

Celery is an effective oil to remove excess fluid from the body and provide a variety of other benefits like supporting relaxation, sleep support, stimulation of the nervous system and tonic properties that gives strength and vigor. It’s also a strong blood purifier which cleans the blood and can cure gallstones and kidney stones.

Buy Celery Seed Essential oil here.

Some other great essential oils for cellulite include: oregano, lemon, cypress, sage, thyme, basil, patchouli, petitgrain, and coriander.

Related: 8 Essential Oils for Weight Loss with Recipes & Application Tips

Essential Oil Based Recipes and Application Methods for Cellulite

essential oil bottles flower

Cellulite Massage Oil Blend

Directions:

  1. In a 5 mL (1/6 oz) glass bottle combine your essential oils and shake to blend

Ways to use your Cellulite Massage Oil Blend

Below are a few ways you can make use of your massage blend.

  • Dry brushing: Before taking a shower or bathing sprinkle 1-2 drops of your cellulite massage blend onto a natural-bristle body brush. Using small circular motions brush your limbs upwards the hear (stimulating and improving circulation)
  • In the bath: While filling your tub with warm water take a small non-reactive bowl and combine 1 tsp (5 mL) milk (or castile soap) and 4-6 drops of your Cellulite Massage Oil. Add the mixture to the tub once it’s filled. Agitate and disperse the oils then soak for 30 minutes, massaging any floating droplets of oil into your skin. Important: wait until the bath is filled to add your oils. Don’t add under steaming, pouring water as the tub fills to avoid evaporation of the oils.
  • Massage: In a small non-reactive bowl combine 4 tsp (20 mL) of grapeseed or sweet almond oil and 10 drops of your Cellulite Massage Oil. Mix your ingredients well and massage over your body, or ask your massage therapist to perform the massage for you with your mixture. If you are getting a massage from a masseuse try seeking out regular lymphatic massages.

Alternate Cellulite Massage EO Blends

Alternate Blend 1

Alternate Blend 2

Alternate blend 3


Alternate blend 4

Alternate blend 5

 Related: 7 Essential Oils for Back Pain & Sciatica

Alternate blend 6

Alternate blend 7

Cellulite Bath Blends

foot bath

Next, we have a bunch of bath oil blends that you can create and use on a regular basis.

Special Toxin Eliminator Bath Blend

Step #1: Create a synergistic anti-cellulite blend of the following essential oils:

Step #2: Place the following ingredients in your bath water:

  • 2 handfuls of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)
  • 1 handful rock salt
  • 8 drops of your synergistic blend from step #1

Step #3: Once the ingredients have been added get in your bath water and massage the cellulite areas while they are under the water. Enjoy!

Related: 5 Essential Oil Based Remedies that Treat Constipation

Alternate anti-cellulite EO blends

Here are some more blends that you can use in place of the blend from step #1.

Below are proportions that you can make in any volume that you desire.

Alternate Blend 1

Alternate Blend 2

Alternate Blend 3

Related: 12 Pain Relieving Essential Oils for Nerve Pain

Why you should use natural treatments for cellulite (and avoid unnatural methods)

healthy eating food salad

According to modern medical science, there is no outstanding treatment for cellulite.

This narrowed view of the condition opens up a bunch of surgical/pharmaceutical alternative treatments that may or may not work directly on the condition. These treatments can make things worse while potentially doing nothing in the way of limiting the appearance of your cellulite.

Here is a short list and some descriptions of modern treatments available:

  • Collagenase shots. This treatment method involves administering shots that break down the connective tissue under your skin. The long terms effects are unknown, and there is not yet consensus available about the potential for improvements.
  • Methylxanthines. This is a chemical that is administered to break down fat stores. Its efficacy and safety are questionable.
  • Mesotherapy. Multiple doctor visits required with administration via injection of drugs directly into tissue. Some physicians offer this, but most experts question the treatment and its potential risks.
  • Laser therapy. This treatment method can reduce signs of cellulite over time, after many treatments ($$$), but it will not help you treat and remove the underlying causes that lead to your condition.
  • Liposuction. Occasionally recommended as a treatment for cellulite, liposuction can worsen the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks and create additional dimpling of the skin.

All of these treatments attempt to fix the symptoms of cellulite, but not the causes. The risks involved and limited potential for short-term benefits doesn’t seem inviting for many, especially with natural approaches being available.

Additional (Non-Essential Oil Based) Natural Remedies for Cellulite

ayurveda symbol

I hope that you enjoyed all of those essential oils!

Now it’s time to go over some alternative natural remedies that will complement your essential oil treatments.

It’s good to remember that, while essential oils and topical applications using essential oils can do wonders for cellulite, sometimes the approach of healing from the inside is the most effective for certain conditions

The following herbs and herbal blends are trusted Ayurvedic remedies that I stand behind 100% for treating cellulite.

Herbal support for cellulite

Trim Support Tablets (Ayurvedic Herbal Remedy)

banyan botanicals organic trim support

This herbal formula eliminates accumulated fat in the tissues by gently drawing them from the system while supporting proper nutrition by increasing digestion, absorption and assimilation.

When the toxins are clearing out of our system, and our metabolic function is increasing in efficiency we are paving the way to a healthier, more fit and able body that can efficiently shed cellulite and fat.

It’s recommended that you take this formula after meals to bolster the digestive benefits, but you can play around with different times to see what works best for you.

banyan botanicals organic kanchanar guggulu

Kanchanar Guggulu (Ayurvedic Herbal Remedy)

Kanchanar Guggulu is a blend of traditional Ayurvedic herbs that are formulated specifically to break up deep-seated imbalances like fat deposits and accumulated toxins.

Kanchanar, the main ingredient in the blend, is highly astringent. This quality counters the stagnant, moist qualities of cellulite deposits under the skin.

When mixed with the other herbs, including the revered tri-fruit mixture Triphala, the blend further enhances the detoxifying qualities and works very well to remove excess materials from the tissue.

Here are the main benefits of kanchanar Guggulu:

  • Removes excess fat and toxins (kapha) stored in the tissue
  • Minimizes reoccurrence of fat and toxin build-up
  • Improves digestive strength
  • Supports healthy thyroid function
  • Cleanses the lymphatic system
  • Promotes healthy elimination

Use a Natural Bristle Body Brush

cellulite treatment

Using a dry bristle body brush before showering or bathing can stimulate circulation and tone skin, preventing and treating cellulite.

Use your brush liberally and always remember to brush the limbs up towards the heart using small circular movements.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Treating Cellulite

ginger powder root candied

Follow cellulite reducing diet

Even though the diet recommendations come later in this post, that does not mean they are less important than what we’ve already discussed.

In fact, diet is perhaps the most important aspect of cellulite reduction. And this is also where the need to have a strong sense of dedication comes in – some of the most basic recommendations, like cutting out tea, coffee and alcohol prove hard for many to put into practice.

If you do everything else perfect – you use your essential oils, you take herbal remedies – but don’t watch your diet, you might end up seeing no changes to your cellulite. In fact, if your diet is really poor, your cellulite could get worse.

Changing diet is is the hardest thing to do in this whole article.

We are all attached to the foods we have eaten all our lives, and most people can be stubborn about changing what they eat. Even when it’s incredibly important for their health.

The plus side of eating a cellulite reducing diet isn’t just the reduction of cellulite. It’s that you’re likely going to get closer to your ideal weight, too. Following the diet I recommend below, you’ll also likely suffer from less congestion, feel less lethargic, need less sleep and have a lighter, quicker mind and body.

It’s a win-win for a lot of reasons.

What to eat and what not to eat

If we want to eliminate excess stores of body weight and toxins, then we need to stop eating things that make us accumulate excess body weight and toxins.

Simple.

Below is a very brief list of food categories. If you want to learn more about these categories more in-depth, and with recommended foods, check out this post on Banyan Botanicals. Remember that Kapha equals excess fat and toxins that we are trying to get rid of, so a Kapha reducing diet like what is explained in their post is one that will reduce fat and the presence of cellulite.

  • Fruits – Focus on eating mildly sweet and astringent fruits. Fresh fruits are better than dried. Avoid overly sweet, sour, heavy, dense and watery fruits like bananas, coconut, dates, melons, pineapple or plums. Also, try to eat fruits by themselves and not mixed in with other foods to help their digestion.
  • Vegetables – Focus on eating pungent, bitter and astringent veggies. Cooked veggies are easier to digest than fresh, so limit fresh ones. Avoid dense, oily, watery vegetables like avocado, cucumber, olives.
  • Grains – Focus on eating light, dry and rough grains. But reduce grain consumption overall if you can. Avoid grains that are heavy, moist or dense like wheat, flour, bread, cooked outs, and pasta. Replace these grains with extra veggies and legumes.
  • Legumes – Legumes are astringent which is a balancing taste for anyone overweight or dealing with cellulite. Cook your legumes well and use spices to help assist digestion.
  • Dairy – Try to minimize dairy as it is heavy and mucus promoting. It congests the body, which is what we are trying to avoid. Almond and rice milk are better to drink.
  • Nuts and Seeds – Nuts and seeds are heavy, dense and oily which isn’t good for trying to lose extra off your figure. If you eat nuts eat lighter ones and only enjoy occasionally.
  • Meat & Eggs – Focus on lighter fare meats like chicken and freshwater fish. Avoid heavy, dense, oily meats like pork and beef. Too much meat will add more strain and digestive workload on your body and can do more harm than good.
  • Oils – Consume plenty of saturated fat. Polyunsaturated (omega 6 & 9)oils should be limited. Coconut oil, Avocado oil, & ghee are all great options.
  • Sweeteners – Limit sweeteners, in general. But small amounts of honey, which is lighter and drier than other sweeteners, is recommended. But use it raw, as cooking can damage honey. Limit artificial sweeteners and HFCS (high fructose corn syrup).
  • Spices – Spices, which help with digestion, are recommended. Use spices freely to boost your metabolism and help your body improve circulation and elimination.

More on food choices

I put a lot of stock in Ayurvedic interpretations of digestion and food. If you want to learn more about foods that are recommended for cellulite (kapha balancing foods) you can read more from the links below:

Exercise

Exercise is recommended for reducing cellulite. Some people put a lot of stock into exercise as a cure for cellulite, and tend to go overboard in their recommendations.

You don’t have to become a marathoner to get rid of cellulite… Simple and moderate activity will help you a lot.

For one, exercise will help your body improve its ability to circulate blood efficiently as well as burn fat, toxins, and fatty acids. All of this helps improve the elimination of unnecessary tissues and toxins.

Daily aerobic exercise and yoga did daily or 20 minutes or so should be sufficient. Focus on doing activities that are both doable and fun for you. No need to overdo it! Only do more if you want to. And remember to exercise at fifty to seventy percent of your capacity. Don’t strain yourself unnecessarily.

It’s also recommended that you do exercises the work specifically on the cellulite-prone areas of your body, as these are often the places that get no exercise and, hence, tend to gather toxins.

Certain times of the day are better and more conducive to exercise than others. The morning is the best, between 6 am, and 10 am. But anytime that you can fit it in is great!

If you like yoga or want to incorporate it into your life I recommend you explore this kapha pacifying yoga page. You might want to attend a yoga class in addition to your home practice. The community and guidance from an instructor can help you to maintain your commitment.

Conclusion

tea green tea

I hope you enjoyed this rather lengthy post on cellulite.

I’ve started including more Ayurveda in the essential oil posts that I believe people would benefit from additional healing methods. Let me know if you liked the addition.

Also if you have any questions, comments or suggestions of your own let us know in the comment section below!

Welcome to EOSanctuary

Hi. Glad to see you here. My name is Loren Elara and I run Essential Oil Sanctuary. I’d love to connect with you and share ideas. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please let us know in the comment sections.

Essential Oil Sanctuary is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Related Posts


 

13 thoughts on “7 Best Essential Oils for Effective Cellulite Treatment”

  1. Thank you for such a thorough post! If I boil this all down, the program your suggest is a combination of the right foods, essential oils, dry brushing, supplements and exercise. You give many suggestion about the essential oil mix, but I think I’ll start with the first one you describe. As for the supplements, to you suggest taking both the trim tablets and Kanchanar Guggulu? Thank you for your help.

    1. Hi Lynn. Glad you found the post helpful. The Ayurvedic supplements I recommended can certainly be used in unison:)

        1. FreeSpirit

          In other words, it’s a curse that mostly certain women must endure or become a full time slave to trying to eradicate it. Great! Just what I wanted to do with my time!

  2. This is very thorough and I feel like I can easily do this. I am wondering if I could benefit even more by ingesting some of my oils. I already do every day, just haven’t done ones for cellulite. My essential oils are of a very high quality 100% pure oil. Just want to know if it will help cellulite by taking it internally as well. Thank you.

    1. Dorinda Health Coach

      The beauty of essential oils is that they are absorbed through the skin in a very brief amount of time, and are very effective. You do not want to send them through your digestive system for a few reasons: essential oils are very strong and can cause digestive upset or even toxicity. There are a few exceptions such as peppermint oil but overall there is no reason to ingest when they work wonders through the skin. A better option for internal cleansing is fresh squeezed lemon juice in water, first thing in the morning. Drinking 8 glasses of clean water, daily, and taking herbs that are known for their cleansing properties also helps the body flush toxins. Also, taking extra fiber while detoxing helps the body eliminate toxins much faster and more efficiently so that they do not need to recirculate in the body.

  3. Gizem Acar

    For cellulite reduction try to use dermalmd cellulite cream it’s really great product. i tried it and it was very effective the product didn’t smell at all like some others have a really bad odor that i don’t like. but it really helped stain away the cellulite from my ass my inner thighs tht was showing the most highly recommend.

  4. Cypress essential is also consider for the cellulite removal. It is enriched with sudorific qualities which is responsible for the sweating and the perspiration process which helps in the removal of excess water, toxins and salt through pores. But if you want quick results than you can also prefer for the cosmetics creams that are available in the market.

  5. Tressie@Dermology skin brightening solution

    Hey,
    Thanks for the tips. The best part about this post is that all the treatment are effective and the natural oils don’t make any side effect to our skin.

  6. I am putting all of these in a massage blend. I used to have cellulite from the age of 15, but I made a blend for myself when I was 28, and within a couple of months, I couldn’t find cellulite ANYWHERE on my body. I do remember, though, that I also used black pepper oil and pine needle oil, in addition to these 7. Essential oil blends for cellulite are better than anything I’ve ever found on the market, and I’ve tried a ton of them!

  7. Lisa Hill

    Thanks for such an informative article! Normally cellulite is not a serious disease but it can make us uncomfortable and lower down our confidence due to its weird look. There are many products on the market which you can try but they could make bad effect on our skin, in other side natural remedies are safe for our skin and also work effectively.

  8. Jane Woods

    The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but many distinct viruses can cause a cold. Seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May, although flu viruses are around all year. Since colds and flu are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria, antibiotics are not an effective treatment option. There is no cure for a cold, though over-the-counter medications may ease symptoms. Types of flu: Influenza A, Influenza B, Influenza C & Influenza D.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *