Natural Remedies for Cellulite
Just as there seem to be an endless array of over the counter cellulite products, medical treatments, and spa procedures to reduce the appearance of cellulite, there are just as many, if not more natural cellulite treatments.
These types of treatments range from supplements and herbs, to diet plans, and from exercise routines to homemade concoctions. It is nearly impossible to mention every type of natural cellulite treatment people have tried and continue to try each and every day. While some natural remedies are quite simple in nature and include items such as mayonnaise and olive oil that is massaged into the skin to improve circulation and elasticity, others are a bit more complex and include making mixtures of vinegar, fruit juices, oils, and herbs to promote healing from the inside out.
Still, other naturopaths and cellulite insiders recommend combination programs that include herbs, diet, exercise, and massage to fully counter the effects of cellulite.
One common thing amongst most natural treatments is a healthful diet. While there is no clinical proof that a healthier diet will melt away cellulite, what is known is that it does melt fat. When this happens the appearance of cellulite can also diminish.
Even though many people would rather purchase a simple cream, lotion, or pill than have to invest the time and discipline in changing their eating habits, changing the way you eat provides a number of health benefits, including a more efficient metabolism, which can help the body burn more fat and cellulite.
By incorporating great variety in your daily diet, from foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat or fat free dairy, and lean protein, the metabolism speeds up, the body burns more calories, and in turn burns fat stores.
Getting rid of junk foods, fatty foods, sugary foods, and processed foods will further promote fat loss as these types of foods tend to accumulate quickly in the body.
In addition to healthier food choices, drinking healthier beverages is also key to burning fat and calories.
Sugary beverages add tons of empty calories that end up being stored as excess fat in the body. Drinking more water is not only sugar free; it is calorie free and helps the body to naturally rid itself of toxins.
Finally, consuming a healthier diet of smaller meals several times a day, instead of just three large meals will keep hunger at bay, will reduce cravings, and will keep you from mindlessly snacking between meal times. All of these small changes can make a large difference in your overall appearance, including the appearance of cellulite.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #1: Herbs to Fight Cellulite
Herbs are sometimes referred to as medicinal plants, and have been used for centuries to heal a variety of medical conditions.
Herbs have also been used to promote general health and well-being. In the case of cellulite, the natural healing power of herbs can help the body rid itself of toxins, increase circulation, and provide a variety of other benefits. Below are some of the most commonly used herbs to fight cellulite.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #2: Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract has been used to help fight cellulite by reinforcing collagen fibers. Since this substance is a type of antioxidant, it helps to promote the health and general function of blood vessels.
It also contains tannins and flavonoids which strengthen lymphatic vessels and veins. All of these benefits improve general circulation, especially in the legs, thus preventing the development of cellulite.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #3: Green Tea
Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants and provides a thinning effect to the blood. Drinking at least one cup of green tea per day can provide a wide range of health benefits.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #4: Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba increases circulation because it is a vasodilator. Since it has antioxidant properties and reduces the amount of oxidized cholesterol that forms in the body’s vessels, blood is able to flow more smoothly throughout the entire body.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #5: Various Herbal Oils
Various types of herbal oils such as evening primrose oil, strawberry, sweet clover, seaweed, algae, ivy barley, and lecithins help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin to the areas it is applied.
The oils should be applied directly to the problem areas of the skin three to four times each day.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #6: Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a type of herb that provides stimulant effects. This herb helps the body to produce chemicals that work to strengthen the fibers of collagen and improve the overall flow of blood throughout the body. Gotu kola further helps to slow down the hardening of connective tissues just beneath the skin’s surface, as well as strengthen the walls of veins. The end result is less vein damage, improved circulation, and increased connective tissue flexibility.
All of these benefits improve the firmness, tone, and texture of the skin. Gotu kola can be found in extract form in supplements, creams, and injections.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #7: Dandelion
Dandelion has been shown to have a positive impact on the liver’s ability to remove toxins and waste from the body. It can also assist the kidneys with better blood filtration, to further remove excess toxins and waste. The leaves of the dandelion can be eaten in salads, or cooked as a green. One cup of dandelion tea daily can be consumed by brewing fifty grams of fresh dandelion leaves in a half liter of water.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #8: Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is an anti inflammatory herb. One of the main properties found in horse chestnut is Aescin, which has been shown to decrease the size of pores in capillary walls, thus improving the overall flow of blood. Since this helps to improve the tone of the capillaries found just under the skin, the overall appearance of cellulite is smoothed as well. Aescin has become a very popular additive to lotions, creams, and various other types of cellulite products.
Natural Remedies for Cellulite #9: Kelp
Kelp has a high amount of iodine which helps to improve the metabolic function within the body. This in turn helps to burn more fat and calories. Kelp also contains mucilage, which naturally prevents a buildup of fluid. Kelp is commonly used as a body wrap for cellulite treatment.
