4 Organic Essential Oils for Digestive Support + Recipes!

Ease Digestion with Essential Oils

The digestive system is a group of organs that function to absorb and assimilate food and nutrients. Essential oils have been used as a complementary medicine for thousands of years and can offer physical and mental relief from various symptoms and discomforts. Essential oils won't solve or cure any conditions, but they can soothe pain, relieve tension and stress, promote local blood flow and muscle contractions. This can stimulate the function of certain processes, in this case, digestion. During the autumn and winter seasons, the digestive system slows down. We may be more prone to feelings of fatigue, bloating and flatulence. For digestive relief, use essential oils aromatically and topically, as they should never be consumed. By simply inhaling the aromas, or massage where there is tension, essential oils can make their way into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body for effective relief.

Essential Oils for Digestive Relief

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a popular herb harnessed amongst many folk traditions, most commonly used for various digestive and respiratory ailments. Peppermint contains the active ingredients, menthol, which exhibits antispasmodic actions on the gastro-intestinal tract. Peppermint essential oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial, which may be helpful against symptoms of IBS (Alammar, N et al., 2019). Whether drinking peppermint in the form of a tea, or topically against pain, it has the ability soothe inflammation caused by heat by cooling the local area. To use peppermint essential oil for digestive relief, diffuse its aromas throughout your home or massage the diluted oil across your abdomen.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a citrus aroma that is refreshing and penetrating. This can also be useful for digestive support. Lemon can relieve nausea and morning sickness while also improving mood, energy levels and concentration. Lemon essential oil is an aroma to stimulate the senses and bring the body to the present moment. For digestive relief, combine lemon essential oil with peppermint and marjoram in a diffuser, or dilute up to 6 drops in a carrier oil for a DIY body massage blend.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram is commonly used throughout traditional Mediterranean practices for its functions on the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, the cardiac system, and for neurological disorders. Marjoram essential oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, strengthens the core of the cardiac system and may protect the gastrointestinal tract. Combine up to 6 drops of marjoram essential oil with lemon, peppermint, and ginger essential oils to create a potent blend for the digestive system.

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil is warming and stimulating. It may improve digestion by energising the circulatory system and igniting metabolic movement. Ginger is an ancient spice that has been used for centuries in regards to aiding the digestive system, relieving nausea, intestinal cramping, flatulence, and bloating (Ali et al., 2008). You can learn more about the healing benefits of ginger essential oil.

Ease Digestion with DIY Recipes

Digest with Ease Diffuser Blend

Ingredients:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops marjoram essential oil

For digestive relief, diffuse the aromas throughout your home before and after eating.

DIY Massage Oil for Digestive Support

Ingredients:

• 15 ml grapeseed oil
• 15 ml sweet almond oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 drops cinnamon bark essential oil

Blend the essential oils with carrier oils and combine into a sterilised 30ml dropper bottle. To use this blend, drop onto your stomach, wherever the pain is strongest. Gently massage the area in circular motion, alongside upward strokes towards your heart. Massage for as long as needed, inhaling the aromas and taking deep breaths along the way. Keep in mind that digestive discomforts can be triggered by stress and emotional processes. Given that, it is important to make time and space for yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed. Nurture your body with stress-relieving practices and incorporate breathing techniques to ground the body into stability.

*Please do not disregard professional medical advise. This information is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare practitioner for appropriate treatment. Take caution if your are diabetic, epileptic, pregnant, breastfeeding or facing any serious health issues.