By using essential oils for IBS, you can get your stomach pain, gas, bloating and/or constipation under control. In this article, find out the top 10 essential oils for IBS and how to use them.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that affect the digestive system. Such symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and stomach cramps. IBS symptoms vary between people, with some having them much worse than others.
Some of the triggers of IBS include the following:
- Food allergies
- Stress
- Hormonal imbalances
- Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
- Hormonal imbalances
- And more
How Do Essential Oils Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Essential oils are powerful substances with healing properties. Their natural chemical makeup consists of terpenes, oxides, ketones, ethanol and others that give each oil its unique scent and therapeutic properties. Below are some of the ways essential oils help irritable bowel syndrome:
- Stimulating digestion
- Healing inflammation
- Promoting proper bowel movement
- Reducing diarrhea
- Promoting deep peaceful sleep
- Soothing muscle spasms
- Curbing nausea and vomiting
- Reducing heart burn and acid reflux
- Minimizing bloating
- Strengthening the immune system
- Balancing hormones
- Reducing anxiety and depression
Top 10 Essential Oils for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1. Peppermint (where to get it)
2. Lavender (where to get it)
3. Ginger (where to get it)
4. Oregano (where to get it)
5. Frankincense (where to get it)
6. Coriander (where to get it)
7. Fennel (where to get it)
8. Lemon (where to get it)
9. Clove (where to get it)
10. Black Pepper (where to get it)
Essential Oil Recipes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Caution: If you can new to essential oils, please first read Caution & Safety when Using Essential Oils. Below are three essential oil recipes for irritable bowel syndrome:
1. Stomach Rub Blend
What you need
- 2 tsp coconut oil (where to get it)
- 5 drops ginger
- 5 drops lavender
- 3 drops clove
Method
Mix the oils together and rub onto your belly in slow circular motions to relieve cramps, reduce inflammation, stimulate digestion and heal the gut.
2. Epsom Salts Bath
What you need
- 2 cups Epsom salts (where to get it)
- 5 drops ginger
- 5 drops fennel
- 10 drops frankincense
- 10 drops lavender
Method
- Run a hot bath.
- Mix the essential oils in the Epsom salt until well combined.
- Add the salt into the bath and stir it well.
- Soak for 15 minutes or more to relief IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain.
3. Castor Oil Hot Treatment
What you need
- 1 tbsp castor oil (where to get it)
- 3 drops black pepper
- 5 drops coriander
- 3 drops frankincense
- Hot water bottle (where to get it)
- Cotton flannel (where to get it)
Method
- Mix the essential oils into the castor oil and rub this all over your belly in gentle circular motions.
- Wet a cotton flannel under hot water, wring it out and place it on your oiled belly.
- Then hold a hot water bottle on top of the damp cloth for about 25 minutes or more.
Have you ever tried essential oils for IBS? Share your experiences in the comments below!
