Cellulite is a common term used to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange peel” skin. It appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.

Smooth skin depends on strong, active blood vessels, adequate hydration for healthy skin cells, and the right balance of nutrients. Special attention needs to be paid to diet as well as topical applications. Herbs can help the body flush out toxins, eliminate excess water waste and also help to promote healthy circulation to problem cellulite areas.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)Herbs listed below contain a precursor omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid called ALA) that are important factors in your battle against cellulite and fat deposits. Essential fatty acids are so vital that they have been referred to as vitamin F. They have amazing hydrating abilities when the oils are used topically in skin care, and when taken internally they help to build up the cell membranes and attract water to cells.

Flax is the richest known source of ALA. Hemp borage, and evening primrose seed oils are important sources of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). They can be used both in food, supplement capsules and as body oils. Black Cumin oil, or black seed oil can cause skin irritation and is for food use only. These oils should not be used for cooking, or ever be heated, and are best kept refrigerated.

Aromatherapy oil treatments for cellulite. As well as diet and excercise, whole body massage using essential oils helps get rid of cellulite while you improve overall skin tone and suppleness. Use essential oils in baths as well - the oils work by osmosis.

Everlasting essential oil a natural anti-inflammatory that is often used in aromatherapy oils and topical treatments for all kinds of skin disorders, including cellulite and stretch marks.

Gotu kola is an excellent vasodilator and tones the blood vessels allowing more circulation to problem cellulite areas.

Grapefruit is a slimming addition to the diet, low in calories and cleansing to the system. Grapefruit essential oil is using in cellulite fighting massage blends as an astringent skin toner and to stimulate the lymphatic system.

Guarana, Coffee Herbs containing caffeine such as coffee extracts or guarana act as diuretics that are often used to treat cellulite. When applied topically, these substances dehydrate the treated area causing the area to become smaller because of the loss of water. Unfortunately this decrease is only temporary and can minimize the appearance of cellulite, but not address any of the root causes.

Juniper berry oil Juniper is detoxifying for cellulite. Use the juniper essential oil in massage oils to increase circulation.

Lemon assists in weight loss, and helps to disperse cellulite, and Lemongrass oil stimulates hydration and lymphatic detoxification, strengthens connective tissue, and may tighten elastin.

Rosemary essential oil helps alleviate water retention increases circulation when used in massage blends. Rosemary herb is also useful in promoting the flow of bile which clears liver congestion and jump starts the metabolism.