Stomach issues such as gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, etc can make life miserable for many people. This may be referred to as irritable bowel syndrome. According to Mayoclinic, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. In this post, we look at the use of essential oils for gas and bloating issues, as well as, their use for solving general digestive problems.
Essential Oils for Gas and Bloating | How Do EOs Help?
Many herbs, for instance fennel, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and sage, have been used traditionally as digestives, aiding digestion, or reducing flatulence. The essential oils of these herbs have also been used to reduce or treat general digestive issues. Oils or extracts of coriander, lemon balm, and peppermint are all present in herbal medicines that have been validated for use in the treatment of IBS.
Essential oils (EOs) act as an alternative therapeutic approach to improving digestion. These essential oils or digestive EOs have properties that can either calm or stimulate the central nervous system and reverse the effects of the condition or disease that may be causing your symptoms.
EOs also decrease inflammation which can be especially helpful to those experiencing irritable bowel syndrome or gastroenteritis. They rarely produce side effects and may cause hormone-like effects in some people.
Essential oils and herbal extracts have an advantage over conventional antibiotics since they may contain several antibacterial compounds that act in different ways so that it would be more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.
Essential Oils for Gas and Bloating | EOs that Relieve Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Coriander seed, fennel, mandarin, peppermint, sage, tea tree, and thyme essential oils all have the ability to block the growth of E. coli. Whereas lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, pine, and rosemary oils possess strong antibacterial activities. Any of these essential oils, or a mixture of them, would be good for the treatment of IBS.
The advantages of using a mixture of essential oils rather than a single oil are that the larger number of compounds would act on a wider range of bacteria. The oils might act synergistically to have a stronger effect on any given bacterium and there would be a reduced chance of producing resistant bacteria.
Methods of Application
There are 3 ways to use EOs to provide gastrointestinal comfort while supporting the digestive system.
1. Inhalation
Many practitioners recommend using EOs as aromatherapy agents. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils that come from flowers, herbs, or trees to improve our spiritual, mental, or physical well-being. There are a few tools that can help to support aromatherapy practices including the use of a diffuser, spray, or scent pot.
2. Topical
You can apply diluted forms of essential oils to your skin by way of massage or merely rubbing oil on your abdomen for relief. Take care when applying oils to your skin. They can cause a rash, irritation, or another form of reaction. Always test a small area before using an EO over a large area of the skin. Remember to dilute EOs with carrier oils before topical application.
Not every essential oil is good for the skin – including edible oils. Some citrus oils are bad for your skin and can cause blistering. Topical oils are not necessarily edible either. You must read labels carefully to ensure you do not ingest a toxic solution that is intended for topical use only.
3. Oral
Before taking an oil orally, make sure you read the manufacturer’s label to confirm that it is safe for consumption. Several EOs are available in the form of an enteric-coated capsule.
Essential Oils for Gas and Bloating & General Digestive Issues
Which oils are best for which digestive issues? Knowing the oil that will improve your stomach or intestinal problems can go a long way to support your efforts in managing your symptoms. Here is a list of the top essential oils for gas and bloating.
1. Ginger Oil
Ginger oil can provide diarrhea relief by regulating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Also, ginger contains analgesic properties that enable it to relieve stomach pain, reducing inflammation of the gut, and reduce symptoms of nausea. Therefore, ginger oil is considered one of the best essential oils for gas and bloating.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules receives high marks for treating symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. As an inhalant, peppermint oil can be just as beneficial in your quest to treat nausea. Peppermint oil can be toxic if you consume too much, so always pay attention to the labels and follow instructions carefully.
3. Clary Sage
Clary sage benefits the overall health of the gut. This expensive essential oil stimulates the digestive juices when applied topically to the abdomen. It helps to calm the gastrointestinal tract, relieving it of painful cramps and spasms. It is one of the best essential oils for gas and bloating.
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4. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil can help you combat nausea and diarrhea. Just rubbing this oil on the abdomen with other oils can help you to manage stomach woes effectively. This sweet-scented oil also works just as well as an aromatherapy agent.
5. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is a wonderful herb for upset stomachs. Its essential oil contains compounds that allow it to act as an antispasmodic agent that can help to manage diarrhea, gas, acid reflux, indigestion, and vomiting. You can apply a diluted form of chamomile oil topically to the stomach area to soothe the stomach and relax the intestinal muscles, curing it of cramps.
Conclusion
These are some of the essential oils for digestive issues. Combining essential oils to relieve your stomach issues works better than using one oil because each oil has its own properties that will enhance the effectiveness of others. If you are seeking a natural remedy for your stomach or intestinal problems, this alternative way of managing gut issues may be a fantastic next step for you.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4220539/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6337770/