Relieve Constipation with Essential Oils - Safety and Uses

Using Essential Oils to Relieve Constipation

Constipation affects nearly 16 out of 100 adults. It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and difficult to pass. Using essential oils is one natural way to help find constipation relief.

Certain essential oils can help treat the root causes of constipation like bloating, muscle tension, and poor digestion. When used properly, they may relax the bowels, enable better nutrient absorption, reduce cramping, and allow easier passage of stools.

Keep reading to understand how essential oils alleviate constipation through various mechanisms. Additionally, discover research-backed essential oil remedies for constipation you can try at home.

How Essential Oils Help with Constipation

Essential oils derive from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, resin, or peels of certain plants. Through plant distillation methods, the oils capture the “essence” of the plant’s aroma, flavors, and therapeutic compounds.

When it comes to constipation relief, essential oils can help in a few key ways:

• Relaxing intestinal and abdominal muscles
• Reducing gut inflammation
• Stimulating peristaltic motion to move bowels
• Promoting bile production and pancreatic enzyme secretion

Additionally, some essential oils have anti-bacterial effects within the gut microbiome. This helps eliminate bad bacteria that may hinder regularity.

Overall, using essential oils can help create bowel movements that are easier to pass. The oils also enable better nutrient absorption from your diet once waste fully clears your colon.

Best Essential Oils for Treating Constipation

Science supports several essential oils for alleviating constipation safely and effectively. Here are five research-backed options:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil contains the active ingredient menthol. It provides a cooling sensation while relaxing intestinal muscles. Studies demonstrate peppermint oil’s ability to reduce IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent stools.

One study had 57 patients with IBS take either peppermint oil or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. The peppermint oil group saw significant improvements in bowel movement regularity and ease versus placebo.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil contains over 115 phytochemicals that ease nausea, inflammation, cramping, and other gas-related stomach issues. Compounds like zingiberene in ginger promote gut contraction and motility.

According to one study, taking ginger capsules containing essential oil accelerated colonic motility better than a placebo. After 4 weeks, the ginger group also reported better stool regularity and consistency.

Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange essential oil beats constipation through different digestive effects. Limonene, a primary component, stimulates bile flow to back regular bowel movements. The oil also minimizes gas, abdominal pain, and bloating.

A clinical trial had 32 constipated children take sweet orange oil or a placebo 5 times per day for one week. By Day 3, 84% of the orange oil group established a regular bowel habit, compared to just 46% of placebo participants.

Roman Chamomile Oil

Roman chamomile essential oil harbors digestion-boosting flavonoids called quercetin glucoside and rutin. These compounds curb inflammation in the gut lining while relaxing tense intestines.

In a recent study, nursing home residents applied either chamomile oil, massage, or no treatment to their abdomens. The chamomile oil group reported significantly easier bowel movements upon straining after one month of treatment.

Fennel Oil

Containing potent phytonutrients like anethole, fennel oil has carminative effects. This means it reduces bloating, gas pain, and flatulence that commonly cause constipated bowels. Fennel also enhances bile production needed for proper digestion and stool elimination.

According to one clinical trial, infants with constipation who received a fennel oil emulsion defecated more easily. It helped resolve abdominal discomfort, crying from pain, and the inability to pass stool.

Methods for Using Essential Oils for Constipation

Essential oils enter your bloodstream rapidly through methods like inhalation or skin application. This enables them to start interacting with your digestive system quickly to relieve constipation.

However, always dilute essential oils properly before applying them topically. Oils like peppermint and ginger should have carrier oil ratios of at least 2% concentration on the skin to prevent irritation.

Here are some of the easiest ways to leverage essential oils to alleviate constipation and get bowels moving more regularly:

Massage Oil Blends

Create your own massage oil by mixing several drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. Rub this gently into the skin of your abdomen and lower back to relax tight muscles.

Baths

Draw a warm (not hot) bath and add 5-10 drops of essential oils like sweet orange or roman chamomile. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes to ease constipation through skin/scent absorption and muscle relaxation.

Diffusers

Inhale essential oils dispersed in the air via a diffuser. For constipation, set your diffuser to run for 20-30 minutes while oils like peppermint, ginger, or fennel permeate the room.

Teas

Certain essential oils are safe for internal consumption like lemon, peppermint, ginger, and fennel. Add 2-5 drops into a hot cup of tea and drink slowly. This lets compounds directly contact your digestive organs.

Lifestyle Changes That Also Help Constipation

While using essential oils can alleviate constipation, implement certain lifestyle changes as well. Combining these with essential oil remedies provides comprehensive relief:

• Drink more water - Proper hydration softens stool for easier passing.
• Eat more fiber - Fiber gives stool bulk which triggers bowel contractions.
• Exercise regularly - Physical activity accelerates digestion and motility.
• Improve toilet posture -Leaning forward relaxes abdominal muscles for easier bowel movements.

Signs It’s Time to See Your Doctor

Occasional constipation is normal. However, if you experience any of the following, seek medical advice promptly:

• No bowel movement in 7+ days
• Visible weight loss
• Fatigue, fever, vomiting
• Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, black/tarry stool

These require assessment for underlying conditions like bowel obstruction, intestinal tear, thyroid issues, or possible colon cancer.

The Takeaway

Constipation results from various digestive hindrances like gut inflammation, weak intestinal contractions, and abdominal muscle tension. Using essential oils can help relieve many of these issues safely and naturally.

Research shows essential oils like peppermint, ginger, sweet orange, roman chamomile, and fennel improve constipation. Through digestion-enhancing mechanisms, they allow easier passage of waste and bowel movement regularity.

Implement targeted essential oil remedies through massage, bathing, inhaling, or ingesting teas. Pair these with positive lifestyle changes like more fiber, fluid, and exercise. Over time, your bowel regularity should greatly improve without laxative dependence.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.