Herbs are plants that are used for medicinal purposes. When consumed or applied externally, they strengthen the body’s systems and increase the body’s natural healing powers. Herbs by themselves are not often recommended as a cellulite treatment but are instead usually found in anti cellulite creams, lotions used for body wraps and other natural cellulite treatments where they assist other active ingredients or therapies.
This article will focus on herbs that are usually recommended for home treatments in the form of food, supplement capsules, aromatherapy or body oils.
Birch Tea
Sweet birch contains salicylate, which is the active ingredient found in aspirin. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of birch tea enable it to eliminate cellulite toxins and the accumulation of fluid in the fat cells.
Everlasting Essential Oil
This oil is distilled from the flowers of the Helichrysum angustifolium plant. With its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, it is commonly used to treat cellulite and stretch marks. The oil is also known to stimulate the production of collagen. It can be used in aromatherapy or as topical treatment for the skin.
Kelp
Kelp is also known as Bladderwrack or most commonly, seaweed. This is a herb that is commonly used for cellulite and is found in many cellulite creams or it can be taken as a supplement capsule. It is thought that the high iodine content of Kelp stimulates the thyroid and this causes the body to burn more energy, reducing the amount of fat and associated cellulite.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola stimulates both blood flow and collagen production, and can stabilize the connective tissue of the thighs via glycosaminoglycan production. The herb can be consumed as a tea or applied as a lotion.
Grapefruit Oil
When used during massage, grapefuit oil stimulates the lymphatic system and tones the skin.
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Guarana
Caffeine enriched herbs like guarana are thought to reduce fat and decrease the built up fluid from under the skin. In fact, caffeine is the main stay active ingredient found in the majority of anti cellulite lotions. It is recommended that you apply guarana as an external treatment to the cellulite affected skin.
Horse Chestnut Bark
Horse chestnut bark contains aescin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling qualities, and this helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is often found in cellulite creams but can also be taken as a tea.
Juniper Essential Oil
Juniper essential oil is often used in cellulite massage to help draw out the toxins from the fat deposits, increase circulation and detoxify the skin.
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