What Essential Oils Soothe Upset Stomachs Fast? | Stomach Pain Relief

What Essential Oils Are Good For Soothing Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain can be debilitating and disrupt your daily activities. While there are many potential causes for stomach discomfort, using essential oils is one natural way to find relief fast. Certain essential oils have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and pain-relieving properties that can calm an upset stomach.

Peppermint Oil for Stomach Cramps

Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular remedies for stomach pain. The potent menthol naturally found in peppermint has analgesic and anesthetic effects that can relax stomach muscles to alleviate cramps and spasms.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology reviewed 12 trials involving over 500 patients. It concluded that peppermint oil preparations significantly improved symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like abdominal pain and discomfort.

Other research shows that the muscle-relaxing effects of peppermint oil can ease stomach cramps related to digestion or menstrual cycles. Diluted peppermint oil can be applied topically to the abdomen or taken orally in capsules when stomach issues flare up.

Ginger Oil to Reduce Nausea

Known for its ability to ease nausea and vomiting, ginger essential oil can calm inflammation that triggers stomach problems. Ginger oil contains the active compound gingerol that inhibits excess production of stomach acid while reducing spasms.

A 2015 study showed that just 1 gram of ginger could significantly shorten waves of nausea. Other studies confirm taking ginger capsules, drinking ginger tea, or inhaling ginger essential oil lessens nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy.

Try adding a few drops of ginger oil to water or tea and slowly sip it when you feel queasy. Applying diluted ginger oil topically to pulse points can also curb feelings of nausea fast.

Chamomile Oil Soothes Stomach Inflammation

With potent anti-inflammatory properties, German chamomile essential oil can relieve stomach pains related to gastritis, ulcers, diverticulitis, IBS, and inflammatory bowel disease. The chamazulene found in chamomile oil inhibits the production of leukotrienes that cause stomach inflammation.

A 2016 study demonstrated that chamomile oil stopped ulcer formation by preserving the stomach's protective mucus lining. It also accelerates tissue healing to combat stomach lesions related to alcohol, stress, or medications like NSAIDs.

Sipping chamomile tea is a gentle way to introduce chamomile oil to ease stomach discomfort. For faster relief, take chamomile oil capsules or add a few drops to water to drink before meals.

Lavender Oil Eases Stomach Bloating

With its sweet floral scent and subtle medicinal properties, lavender essential oil helps alleviate bloating and flatulence that further irritates stomach issues. Lavender contains potent antimicrobial and antifungal compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate that fight infections causing stomach problems.

Research shows lavender oil exhibits antispasmodic effects on intestinal muscles comparable to prescription anticholinergic drugs that reduce spasms. This helps food and gas pass through your system more easily to prevent bloating pain.

Drink lavender tea, add lavender oil to baths, or dilute a few drops in a carrier oil to massage over the stomach when it feels distended. But avoid excessive internal use of lavender oil which may irritate the stomach lining.

Fennel Oil Eases Digestive Problems

Fennel essential oil has an anise-like aroma that activates digestive juices to break down foods preventing stomach upset. Like dill, cumin, and caraway oils, fennel contains the compound anethole that relaxes gastrointestinal muscles to allow trapped gas to pass.

A 2016 study of nursing mothers showed that taking fennel oil capsules significantly improved colic symptoms in babies by relaxing intestinal tracts. Fennel oil can have similar antispasmodic effects on adults' digestion issues.

Add a drop of fennel oil to herbal tea or diluted in water to drink with meals. Fennel oil blends especially well with ginger, peppermint, chamomile, and lavender oils to enhance their stomach-soothing benefits.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely for Stomach Pain

While research confirms the stomach-calming effects of many essential oils, you need to use them carefully to avoid side effects. Always dilute essential oils before applying them topically and consult your doctor before taking essential oils internally.

Dilute Before Topical Use

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can irritate skin if applied directly. Only use essential oils diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or almond oils. As a general rule, add 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Rub the diluted oil over your stomach and abdomen in gentle circular motions to allow absorption through the skin. The ideal dilution also allows you to customize the aroma strength to your personal tolerance.

Stay Below Recommended Internal Doses

While many essential oils can be ingested in tiny amounts, taking too much can upset stomachs. Carefully follow dosing on supplement labels or advice from your doctor or certified aromatherapist.

As an example, the recommended internal dose for peppermint oil is 0.2 ml taken three times daily with meals. Taking peppermint oil capsules with enteric coatings allows the oil to bypass the stomach for intestinal absorption.

Ask Your Doctor About Drug Interactions

If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications regularly, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using essential oils. Some essential oils can interfere with how medications work or increase absorption to dangerous levels.

For instance, chamomile, fennel, and peppermint oils can all potentially interact with blood thinners. Ginger and lavender oil can make you drowsier when combined with sedative drugs. Providing complete transparency about essential oil use allows your doctor to manage risks.

Other Natural Remedies for Stomach Discomfort

While essential oils should help provide fast-acting relief for stomach troubles, consider adding these other natural remedies:

Mindful Eating

Eating too fast, taking big gulps of liquid, and laying down after meals can trigger stomach pain. Eating slower, chewing thoroughly, and staying upright for at least 30 minutes after eating allows your body to digest properly.

Probiotic Foods

Fueling your gut with probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir introduces good bacteria to balance digestion. This keeps pain-provoking pathogens and yeast growth under control.

Licorice Root Tea

Drinking licorice root tea coats and protects stomach lining damaged by aspirin or alcohol. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) supplements are best for long-term use under medical supervision due to potential side effects.

Slippery Elm

The bark of the slippery elm tree contains mucilage that forms a slick gel to coat and heal irritated digestive tissues. Stir slippery elm powder into water or juice to sip for stomach issues.

Avoid relying on antacids to mask stomach pain daily. Check with your doctor if discomfort persists to rule out ulcers, gallstones, GERD, or other chronic GI problems needing medicine. Using essential oils, improving diet, reducing stress, and making healthy lifestyle changes offers natural relief.

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.