Essential Oils to Soothe Stomach Flu Symptoms Naturally

Using Essential Oils to Soothe Stomach Flu Symptoms

Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, can be miserable. The main symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, and body aches. While stomach flu usually resolves on its own within a few days, the symptoms can make you feel awful. Thankfully, essential oils may help provide relief for some of the symptoms.

What Causes Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu is most commonly caused by noroviruses. These highly contagious viruses spread through contaminated food or water, or contact with an infected person or surface. Once a norovirus enters your body, it multiplies rapidly and attacks the lining of your stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and digestive distress.

Other viruses, bacteria, and parasites can also cause stomach flu symptoms. Rotavirus is a common cause in children, while bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli occasionally trigger outbreaks from contaminated food. Parasites like Giardia may produce longer-lasting illness if you ingest contaminated water.

Using Essential Oils for Symptom Relief

While essential oils cannot cure stomach flu itself, they may help provide relief for some of the most bothersome symptoms:

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are some of the first symptoms of stomach flu. Essential oils like peppermint, ginger, and lemon may help calm nausea when inhaled or applied topically behind the ears. Taking slow, deep breaths and sipping on cold water can also ease nausea.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea leads to cramps, bloating and discomfort. Peppermint oil contains antispasmodic properties that may relieve cramping and relax intestinal muscles. Diluted oregano oil may also help reduce loose stools due to its anti-microbial effects against gut pathogens.

Dehydration

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration as your body loses fluids and electrolytes. Sipping clear broths, coconut water, or diluted fruit juices may help restore hydration and nutrients. You can also add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt and lemon essential oil to water to replenish electrolytes.

Headaches

Headaches are common with stomach flu due to dehydration, hunger, and body aches. Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may provide a cooling sensation to soothe headaches. Staying hydrated and getting rest can further alleviate headaches.

Essential Oils to Use for Stomach Flu Symptoms

Here are some of the best essential oils to help relieve stomach flu misery:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils for stomach flu symptoms. It helps relax intestinal cramps, eases nausea and vomiting, relieves headaches, and can increase bile flow to speed digestion. Always dilute peppermint oil before applying it topically to avoid skin irritation.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil contains potent anti-nausea compounds like gingerols and shogaols. It provides a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. You can add a few drops of ginger oil to a diffuser, inhale directly from the bottle, or dilute and rub behind the ears.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil has anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic and immune-boosting effects. It also aids hydration by encouraging water intake. Add lemon oil to water or tea, diffuse it, or apply it topically to soothe stomach distress.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has strong antimicrobial and anti-parasitic effects to combat gut pathogens. It may help reduce diarrhea from stomach bugs when diluted and taken internally for short periods. Oregano oil can cause irritation, so dilution and caution are key.

Other Remedies for Stomach Flu Symptoms

While using essential oils can help mitigate some misery, other home remedies can further help you recover:

Rest and Hydration

Get ample rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body heal. Bone broth, coconut water, diluted fruit juices and electrolyte drinks help replenish lost fluids and nutrients. Sip liquids slowly to avoid further nausea and vomiting.

Probiotics

Probiotic supplements may help restore beneficial gut bacteria damaged by stomach flu viruses and bacteria. Look for broad-spectrum probiotic formulas to replenish diverse microbiome strains.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea can help settle the stomach and ease nausea. Steep fresh grated ginger root or tea bags in hot water with lemon. Avoid dairy creamers as they may exacerbate digestive issues.

BRAT Diet

Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods until symptoms resolve. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) provides easily tolerated carbs and nutrients.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of stomach flu resolve within a few days, contact your doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than 2 days in adults, or more than 1 day in children
• You experience bloody stools or black stools
• You cannot keep fluids down for 12 hours
• You develop signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dark urine, or dizziness
• Your temperature rises above 102℉F

Infants, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems should also seek medical care for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to avoid complications.

Use Essential Oils to Relieve Stomach Flu Symptoms

While stomach flu needs to run its course, essential oils can help provide symptomatic relief for some of the most uncomfortable symptoms. Always dilute oils properly before use, and discontinue use if any irritation develops. Along with essential oils, be sure to get plentiful rest, stay hydrated, and see a doctor if severe symptoms persist.

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.