Stomach upsets can occur for many different reasons. It could be stress related, gut bacteria could be unbalanced due to the wrong foods being combined and consumed which can lead to intense cramping or bloating leaving us doubled up in pain. Our brain and gastrointestinal tract is directly linked and psychological responses to everyday life can influence how our digestive system functions.
Stress, illness, environment, hormonal issues, injuries, digestive disorders, food poisoning and certain medications can all cause painful stomach problems. 90% of the body’s serotonin in mood and management is produced in the gut so it’s important to eat well to feel well and engage in activities that will help keep your mind, body and spirit in balance.
Why opt for Essential oils for pain?
Essential oils are great for stomach pain as they work on the short term and long term issues that are going on when stomach pain arises. The properties of some essential oils help reduce pain immediately so relief is almost instant. They also address underlying issues that could be causing continuous stomach pain and discomfort. So using it routinely can address the root causes of pain and help to rebalance the body.
Here are 5 Essential Oils that you can try to help ease stomach problems.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil has many uses and it a staple in most people’s medicine cabinets. Has a sharp odour and it’s very cool and refreshing. It helps relax and smooth the muscles in the GI tract and has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps minimise symptoms of indigestion, stomach cramps, gas and bloating.
Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel Essential Oil is excellent for digestive health it has a liquorice aroma it provides amazing digestive support. It’s antiseptic and can help reduce gut spasms, prevents gas and bloating and has a relaxing effect on the body including the muscles in the intestines giving you quick relief from muscle spasms.
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil is anti-inflammatory and is a very effective treatment for stomach upsets. It’s detoxifying and digestive properties help elimination of toxins and boosts digestion. It also eases discomfort associated with the stomach and bowel including flatulence, diarrhoea, spasms, dyspepsia, stomach ache and colic.
Coriander Essential Oil
Coriander Essential Oil is colourless to pale yellow with a sweet, woody spicy, slightly musky sweet aroma. It helps ease digestive issues such as indigestion, upset stomach and flatulence and boosts circulation. It also helps fight bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Chamomile Essential Oil
This powerful oil is known to reduce bowl inflammation and ease pain caused by cramping. It eliminates trapped gas in the intestines and gets rid of bloating. It is another favourite go to oil when tummy troubles arise. It also helps cleanse the body of parasites.
Topical Application
Always dilute your oils with a carrier oil of your choice such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil or almond oil before massaging into skin. This is because some oils can cause skin irritation. Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in an ounce of carrier oil and then apply to stomach area. Although you can massage the abdomen while sitting up, it is much more relaxing if you lie down. Lie somewhere comfortable with a cushion under your knees so your back and abdomen is relaxed and put a cushion under your head. Always massage in a clockwise motion when massaging this area as this goes with the flow and workings of the intestine and help relax the abdomen and aids digestion.
If you are taking any medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor first before using any essential oils.
