Essential oils have long been used to help soothe an upset stomach, and believe it or not, have been shown by peer-reviewed scientific studies to be effective today.
From ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the Greeks all the way to our modern times, essential oils have been a staple in providing digestive relief. Whether you suffer from occasional indigestion or chronic conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease, using essential oils for digestion or an upset stomach can provide a natural way to alleviate discomfort.
In this guide, we’ll examine the science behind why essential oils may be beneficial for upset stomachs, discuss how to use them safely, and outline some of the best essential oils to use when dealing with digestive issues.
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Using Essential Oils for Digestion and an Upset Stomach to Ease Discomfort
Essential oils can be an effective remedy for soothing an upset stomach, especially when you know precisely which oils have the best effects.
Peppermint oil has been known throughout time to have calming effects, reduce nausea, and aid in digestion, and other helpful oils such as ginger and fennel are known for their soothing properties and inflammation-reducing properties. Using the right essential oils for stomach bug relief or finding an essential oil for upset stomach nausea relief can be well worth it if you know exactly what you’re doing.
Studies That Show Essential Oils can be a Safe and Effective Remedy
Ingesting essential oils is never recommended, but treating an upset stomach and digestion issues with aromatherapy has been extensively studied, showing positive benefits as a result.
One study observed the effects of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The results showed a statistically significant difference in the group that used inhalation aromatherapy and the control group, with nausea and vomiting intensity being significantly lower for the group that used lemon essential oil.
Another study conducted in 2018 observed how aromatherapy affected nausea and vomiting in postoperative patients. The results found that nausea scores at 15 minutes of aromatherapy inhalation were significantly improved, particularly with ginger and lavender essential oils that were superior to pure water and rose oil alternatives.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils to Soothe an Upset Stomach
Essential oils have long been used as a natural remedy to soothe an upset stomach. The volatile oils found in many plants, herbs, and spices are often rich sources of potent compounds that can help relieve digestive discomfort such as nausea, bloating, and stomach cramps.
For example, peppermint oil is one of the best-known and most widely used essential oils for calming the stomach. Its antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles in the digestive system and reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort.
Other essential oils we’re going to explore for relieving stomach issues include ginger, fennel, and chamomile. Each of these oils has different properties that can help to reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and calm the stomach as a result.
To use essential oils for nausea or upset stomach relief, you can smell them directly from the bottle, add them to a diffuser or hot bath, or dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them topically to the abdomen.
With proper use, essential oils can help provide effective natural relief.
Listing the Top 6 Essential Oils for Stomach Pain and Bloating
From aiding in relaxation to helping with nausea and cramps, essential oils can be a powerful tool for improving overall gut health.
Here are some of the top essential oils for an upset stomach and how to use them for obtaining the best results. Whether you’re dealing with occasional indigestion or chronic digestive issues, these oils can help provide relief and support.
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has long been used as a natural remedy for an upset stomach. It is thought that the oil can help relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestine, allowing the digestive system to work more efficiently.
It has been found to reduce feelings of nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating, making it a great choice for those looking for relief from occasional indigestion.
How to Use Peppermint Oil
You can dilute the oil with an equal amount of carrier oil, such as coconut or sweet almond oil, and massage the diluted oil onto your abdomen.
For added benefit, try adding a few drops of ginger oil to your mixture and do this at least three times a day for a week.
Peppermint oil is also available as a capsule or in tea form, both of which can be taken as directed on the label. If you experience discomfort after taking any of these forms of peppermint oil, or any adverse effects during aromatherapy, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Peppermint oil may interact with certain medications, so be sure to speak to your doctor before taking it.
2. Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel oil is a natural remedy for any upset stomach. Originating in the Mediterranean, it has a long tradition of being used as a digestive aid. The essential oil extracted from fennel seeds has been proven to reduce bloating, indigestion, and cramping.
How to Use Fennel Oil
Fennel oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and used as a massage oil to help reduce abdominal pain. As with any new remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using fennel oil or oil fennel essential .
3. Lemon Essential Oil
Rich in Vitamin C and other helpful nutrients, lemon oil can help to soothe the digestive tract, reduce nausea and bloating, and promote healthy digestion. In addition to its internal benefits, lemon oil also has antiseptic properties and can be applied topically to help reduce inflammation from digestive discomfort.
How to Use Lemon Oil
To use lemon essential oil for an upset stomach, dilute a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and massage into the abdomen. Alternatively, mix a few drops of the oil with warm water for a soothing tea to help ease the symptoms of an upset stomach.
4. Ginger Essential Oil
Extracted from the root of the ginger plant, this natural remedy contains a number of beneficial components that are known to help ease indigestion, nausea, and other stomach ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, allowing your body to heal itself and bring balance back to your gut.
How to Use Ginger Oil
Ginger essential oil can be diluted in a carrier oil or added to teas, smoothies, and other drinks in small quantities. You can also apply it topically by adding a few drops to a warm compress or massage oil. Thanks to its pleasant aroma, ginger oil is a great way to combat queasiness and discomfort while promoting relaxation and calm.
5. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has long been touted as a natural remedy for digestive issues, including an upset stomach. Extracted from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, lavender oil is believed to have antispasmodic and carminative properties, which can help to soothe cramping and reduce gas in the gastrointestinal system.
How to Use Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil can be used topically or inhaled, making it easy to incorporate into daily life. To use lavender oil for an upset stomach, mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil such as almond or grape seed oil and massage gently into the stomach area in a circular motion.
Alternatively, add a few drops to a hot compress and apply to the abdomen for relief. Inhaling the scent of lavender oil may also help to settle an upset stomach — simply hold a bottle of essential oil under your nose and take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
6. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil’s calming properties have been known to help reduce nausea, cramps, and abdominal discomfort. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can soothe an irritated digestive system.
How to Use Chamomile Oil
Chamomile essential oil can be taken in capsule form, mixed with water or tea, or massaged directly into the abdomen. Taking regular chamomile oil can help reduce chronic digestive issues, and its mild flavor makes it easy to incorporate into your routine. Its calming effects can also help to reduce anxiety, making it a great holistic option for managing digestive issues.
Wrapping It Up
These six essential oils – peppermint, fennel, lemon, ginger, lavender, and chamomile – are some of the most beneficial essential oils for digestion, stomach ache, and diarrhea, as well as general upset stomach comfort.
Peppermint is known to be a soothing digestive aid, while fennel is an excellent carminative. Lemon essential oil helps to break down fat and reduce bloating, and ginger helps to reduce nausea and calm the stomach.
Lavender is a calming oil that can help to reduce anxiety, while chamomile is a gentle sedative that can help you relax. Using these essential oils for stomach ache and diarrhea, as well as stomach pain, will allow you to get the relief you need.
By choosing the right essential oil blend for your needs, you can make sure that you experience relief from an upset stomach quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What essential oil is good for upset stomach and diarrhea?
Peppermint oil is an excellent choice for aiding digestion and calming an upset stomach or diarrhea. Research has shown that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut and reduce gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. For best results, dilute peppermint oil into a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and apply topically.
What essential oil is good for nausea and vomiting?
Aromatherapy is a great way to soothe digestive distress naturally, and one of the best oils for nausea and vomiting is ginger. Deliciously spicy and pungent, ginger helps boost your appetite and restore your digestion. Plus, its uplifting aroma will make you feel better in no time! So next time you’re feeling nauseated or dizzy, grab some ginger essential oil and inhale deeply – you might be surprised by the results.