Essential Oils to Find Natural Constipation Relief

Using Essential Oils to Find Constipation Relief

Constipation can happen to anyone at any age. It makes bathroom visits difficult and uncomfortable, and causes bloating, stomach pains, and frustration. Over-the-counter laxatives provide short-term relief but don’t address the underlying causes.

Certain essential oils offer natural constipation remedies without harsh side effects. Their soothing properties bring the body back into balance for more regular, long lasting relief.

What Causes Constipation?

Infrequent, difficult bowel movements signify constipation. Contributing factors can include:

- Dehydration

- Poor fiber intake

- Sedentary lifestyle

- Stress and anxiety

- Medications

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome

- Pregnancy hormonal shifts

Benefits of Essential Oils for Constipation

Certain essential oils can provide natural relief by:

- Stimulating digestion

- Increasing nutrient absorption

- Relaxing intestinal muscles

- Easing cramping

- Reducing bloating and gas production

Oils also uplift mood to minimize anxiety and stress contributing to symptoms. The gentle action soothes the system back into balance.

Choosing High Quality Oils

With pure essential oils, a little goes a long way. Look for ones ethically sourced and steam distilled to preserve therapeutic properties. Avoid synthetic fragrance oils with diluted effects.

For safety, dilute oils before applying topically with a carrier like coconut or jojoba oil. And research any contraindications if pregnant or with certain health conditions.

Essential Oils for Constipation Relief

Ginger

Ginger oil stems from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ginger root. It accelerates digestion by increasing gastric motility. Ginger also eases bloating, cramping, and vomiting accompanying constipation.

Add a few drops to water or tea and drink. Combining with a carrier oil enables abdominal massage. Inhaling ginger oil aromatically also tones the intestines.

Fennel

Fennel oil has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and carminative effects on the digestive system. The phytoestrogens relax intestinal muscles for easier elimination. Fennel also reduces cramping and stomach discomfort.

Drink as fennel water, add to baths, or gently massage diluted oil over the abdomen and along the colon. Be cautious using fennel oil if pregnant or nursing.

Roman Chamomile

The soothing properties of Roman chamomile oil ease digestion while calming nerves. Inhalation alone sends messages to the brain to initiate the rest and digest response. This state relaxes everything for easier bowel movements.

Mix several drops into a warm bath, diffuse through the air before bed, or add to coconut oil for a gentle tummy massage. Roman chamomile is generally very safe, without side effects.

Sweet Orange

Bright, citrusy sweet orange oil lifts constipation in multiple ways. It stimulates digestive action, relieves inflammation, and reduces built up gas pressuring the intestines. The fresh scent also energizes and uplifts mood.

Add orange oil to tea, water, or smoothies. Use diluted on the abdomen before eating to wake up your digestion. Sweet orange oil is very versatile and gentle for regular use.

Peppermint

Cool, refreshing peppermint oil contains menthol that prevents muscles from constricting. This lets them relax, easing knots and spasms causing constipation. Peppermint’s invigorating aroma also boosts circulation.

Enjoy peppermint tea or add drops to water or yogurt. Inhale before meals, apply topically on the stomach diluted with coconut oil, or add to baths. Use in moderation, as it may irritate sensitive skin.

Application Methods for Essential Oil Constipation Relief

Aromatic

Inhaling essential oil molecules sends messages straight to the limbic region of the brain. This controls emotional and physiological functions like digestion, breathing, heart rate, stress levels, and blood pressure.

Try diffusing calming oils like Roman chamomile before bed. Or invigorating scents like sweet orange and peppermint in the morning. Energizing aromas wake up your digestion.

Topical

Applying diluted oils like ginger, fennel, or peppermint on the abdomen enables absorption directly into the skin. Rub gently over the stomach and along the colon in clockwise motions to follow the flow of digestion.

Using a carrier oil helps absorption while preventing sensitivity reactions. Only use oils externally that are safe for your skin.

Ingestion

Many culinary oils like ginger, fennel and sweet orange make healthy, flavorful additions to meals, teas, smoothies, and water. Only use high quality, food-grade essential oils internally.

Start with tiny amounts like 1 drop per drink until you know your tolerance. Most oil-infused beverages act as natural digestion enhancers.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Lasting Relief

While essential oils help stimulate bowel movements for quick constipation relief, fully resolving the problem requires removing underlying causes.

Improve Your Diet

Ensure you eat plenty of high fiber fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains. Proper fiber keeps waste moving smoothly through intestines. Also drink lots of hydrating liquids like herbal tea and water.

Exercise Regularly

Inactivity slows digestion, worsening constipation. Get moving each day with activities like walking, stretching or light aerobic exercise. This motivates intestines and boosts circulation.

Reduce Stress

Anxiety and mental tension manifest physically by freezing up intestinal muscles. Calming activities like meditation, yoga, journaling, or aromatherapy relieve stress for easier bowel movements.

Establish Bathroom Routines

Bowel movements often follow the body’s natural bio rhythms. Try going to the bathroom 20-30 minutes after waking up or eating to sync with your system.

Relaxation signals the body to eliminate, so practice deep breathing with essential oils while sitting calmly on the toilet.

Use Essential Oils to Support Healthy Digestion

Pure, high quality essential oils offer natural constipation relief by soothing intestinal muscles, reducing inflammation, and stimulating motility. Match targeted oils with healthy lifestyle adjustments for optimal digestive health.

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.