The term “digestive disorder” can describe a wide variety of symptoms, including flatulence, stomachache, acid reflux, and irregular bowel movements. Essential oils that comfort and soothe the system should also ease many of these symptoms. Again, of the many options available, choose scents you find pleasant—particularly at times when your stomach may be queasy.
Essential Oils: 5 Essential Oils for Digestive Disorders
- Peppermint
- Grapefruit
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
Warnings
- Some essential oils are contraindicated for preexisting medical conditions. Speak with your doctor before adopting this or any other complementary therapy.
- Essential oils should be used as a complement to conventional medicine, not a substitute. If your digestive troubles get worse, speak with your doctor.
- Essential oils are highly potent. You rarely need more than a few drops, and using them undiluted can irritate your skin. Unless you’re working with a diffuser or oil lamp, dilute the individual oils in warm water, or in a carrier oil (for example sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed or jojoba).
Directions: Whether working with one essential oil or a blend, you have several methods of administration from which to choose. Would you prefer to massage the oils into your skin, diffuse them throughout the room, or keep them on hand so that you can choose when to inhale them? Pick an approach that works for you.
Some options:
- Add a few drops of the oil/s to a bath and soak for about 15 minutes.
- Gently massage a few drops of the diluted oil/s over your abdomen
- Add a few drops of the diluted oil/s to a compress. Apply the compress to your abdomen.
- Use an aromatherapy diffuser or oil burner (DIY version: A few drops in a bowl of very hot water).Add a few drops to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as needed.
One Step Further: Essential oils should not be thought of as a cure-all. There are a variety of holistic steps you can take to treat digestive disorders (dyspepsia), for example, exercise, herbal remedies, and a change in diet. For more information, see Related Tips & How To’s.