All of us have phases when we experience a loss of appetite, a low desire to eat. However, if it continues, it can become an issue by causing extreme weight loss or malnutrition. Your body isn’t getting all the required nutrients that are essential for functioning. Most of the times, the elderly (and sometimes children) are the ones who suffer from a prolonged loss of appetite.

There are many synthetic appetite stimulants available out there. But it is always better to try natural solutions first, including to help stimulate appetite. And that is where essential oils that help increase appetite come into the picture.

Table of Contents

1. Why Are You Experiencing a Loss of Appetite?

2. Which essential oils can be used to stimulate appetite?

2.1 Lavender Essential Oil

2.2 Peppermint Essential oil

2.3 Bergamot Essential Oil

2.4 Sweet Orange Essential Oil

3. Final Thoughts

3.1 WOW Lemongrass Essential Oil

Why Are You Experiencing a Loss of Appetite?

There can be many different causes for loss of appetite and sudden weight loss. Common short-term causes include respiratory infections, stomach infections, constipation, allergies, stress, side effects of medications, etc. Other causes may be related to diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, asthma, HIV-AIDS, COPD, and other health conditions.

Even though the exact cause of loss of appetite and weight loss in older people is unknown, it may have something to do with the fact that they are very likely to suffer from one or more diseases that affect the digestive system.

Which Essential Oils Can Be Used to Stimulate Appetite?

Some essential oils are known to help boost appetite. Discover them all below!  

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial & antimicrobial properties. This essential oil promotes relaxation of the body and helps relieve the symptoms of allergies, nausea, and menstrual cramps, among others. And since, in some cases, loss of appetite may be directly linked to these conditions, lavender oil may prove to be very beneficial. 

A study was performed on rats in 2005 to determine the effect of lavender oil on appetite. It was found that this oil stimulates the autonomic parasympathetic gastric nerve that enhances appetite and body weight. The active component linalool is responsible for this action.

Inhaling this essential oil in small quantities is one way to use it to obtain the desired results, as it indirectly stimulates appetite.

Peppermint Essential Oil 

Peppermint essential oil is particularly beneficial to people who experience nausea frequently, which tends to cause a loss of appetite. This essential oil helps reduce nausea and has a soothing effect.

Moreover, peppermint oil contains active ingredients that help in relieving indigestion and other digestion related issues such as cramping, all of which may be responsible for loss of appetite and weight loss. For patients suffering from digestive disorders, peppermint oil is a boon. One study has shown that peppermint oil also has significant beneficial effects on patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

To enhance appetite, dilute four to five drops of this essential oil in a carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or jojoba oil and apply it topically on your temples and the back of your neck, or simply diffuse the oil. Alternatively, you can drink peppermint tea for the same effect.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot oil is also excellent for regulating appetite. It has a powerful effect on the digestive tract because it promotes the secretion of gastric juices. These juices improve digestion as well as the absorption of nutrients by sending a hunger signal to the brain.

Earl Grey tea contains bergamot essential oil so you can drink that. You can also mix a few drops of this essential oil with coconut oil and rub it on your stomach to get the desired effects. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of bergamot essential oil to an essential oil diffuser and inhale.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

In some cases, loss of appetite is a result of various psychological disorders. Citrus oils, such as sweet orange oil, act as relaxants, both on a physiological and a psychological level, stimulating the olfactory senses through their sweet aroma. Orange oil is rich in natural compounds that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve the mood.

It also helps in activating gastric juices in the digestive system, which results in the brain sending a hunger signal to the system. Sweet orange oil also promotes overall growth, increased immunity, and improves your body’s resistance to some microorganisms.

Use it before meals, and sparingly.

Final Thoughts on Boosting Appetite

I would mention one more essential oil that can help boost appetite:

Lemongrass Essential Oil

WOW Lemongrass Essential Oil is a 100% pure oil. It has a fresh, lemony aroma that works well to help stimulate appetite.

Lemongrass essential oil improves digestion, reduces nausea, and has antioxidant and analgesic properties. It is beneficial in relieving stress, anxiety, and regulating blood sugar levels. This essential oil contains the active ingredient eugenol, which is efficient against microorganisms and digestive diseases and helps stimulate appetite by releasing serotonin and dopamine.

The best way to benefit from the properties of this oil is to inhale it by simply adding it to an essential oil diffuser.