25 Essential Oils for Soothing Stomach Pain and Discomfort

Using Essential Oils to Soothe Stomach Pain and Discomfort

Stomach pain can have many different causes, from minor indigestion to more serious conditions like ulcers or IBS. While medications are often necessary for treating underlying issues, essential oils can provide complementary relief for many types of stomach troubles. Certain oils have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties that can aid digestion and ease upset stomachs when used appropriately.

What Causes Stomach Pain?

Some common causes of stomach pain include:

• Indigestion or gas
• Gastritis (stomach lining inflammation)
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Food poisoning
• Gallstones
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Menstrual cramps
• Stomach flu

Short-term stomach aches are often caused by gas, indigestion, or minor viruses. More chronic, severe, or recurring pain can signal an underlying gastrointestinal issue needing medical attention.

How Essential Oils Can Help Soothe Stomach Discomfort

While essential oils should not replace necessary medical treatment, they can provide additional relief for mild stomach upset:

• Pain relief - Oils like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can ease stomach cramps and discomfort.
• Muscle relaxation - Antispasmodic oils like roman chamomile and marjoram can help relax tightened stomach muscles.
• Nausea relief - Nausea-relieving scents like peppermint, ginger, and spearmint can calm upset stomachs.
• Improved digestion - Carminative oils like fennel, dill, and peppermint can aid digestion and relieve gas.

Choosing High Quality Essential Oils

When using essential oils internally or near sensitive areas like the stomach, be sure to choose 100% pure, high quality oils:

• Look for oils labeled "therapeutic grade" from reputable brands.
• Only use oils derived from edible plants safe for ingestion.
• Choose oils in dark glass bottles to prevent oxidation.
• Read labels carefully and avoid oils with additives.

Essential Oils for Common Stomach Problems

Here are some of the top essential oils to help soothe different causes of stomach troubles:

Indigestion and Gas

• Peppermint - Relaxes stomach muscles and aids digestion. Alleviates gas.
• Ginger - Settles the stomach and provides pain relief. Dispels gas.
• Fennel - Reduces muscle spasms and flatulence. Boosts digestion.
• Dill - Calms digestion, relieves gas pain, and improves appetite.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Ginger - Settles nausea and vomiting including morning sickness.
• Peppermint - Soothes nausea, cramping, and stomach spasms.
• Spearmint - Alleviates nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
• Lemon - Relieves nausea. Mix with ginger and honey in tea.

Gastritis and Ulcers

• Chamomile - Reduces inflammation in the stomach lining and intestines.
• Licorice - Soothes ulcers and gastroinflammation. Stimulates mucus production.
• Helichrysum - Anti-inflammatory. Speeds tissue and ulcer healing.
• Clove - Alleviates gastric pain and gut inflammation.

IBS and IBD Symptoms

• Peppermint - Relaxes intestinal muscles. Eases IBS abdominal pain and bowel spasms.
• Marjoram- Soothes intestinal inflammation. Relieves cramps and spastic pain.
• Basil - Contains linalool which reduces gut spasms and flatulence.
• Fennel - Improves digestion and reduces IBS gas and bloating.

Menstrual Cramps

• Clary sage - Alleviates stomach cramps and discomfort during periods.
• Marjoram - Relieves menstrual cramps. Calms muscle tension.
• Cinnamon - Has pain-relieving properties that ease cramps.
• Rose - Provides comfort and helps strengthen the uterus.

Methods for Using Essential Oils for Stomach Pain

There are several ways to use essential oils to ease stomach troubles:

Aromatherapy

Inhaling diffused essential oils stimulates the part of the brain connected to digestion and nausea. It also triggers relaxation.

• Add a few drops of oil to a diffuser. Inhale deeply. Use peppermint, spearmint, or lemon oils.
• Place 1-2 drops on a tissue or cotton ball. Inhale as needed for nausea relief.

Topical Application

Applying diluted oils to the skin over the stomach can provide localized pain relief.

• Mix 2-4 drops of oil with 1 tsp carrier oil. Rub over abdomen.
• Add oils like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger to a warm compress.
• For cramps, massage oils into lower back and abdomen.

Internal Use

Taking essential oils by mouth allows them to work internally. Use caution and only ingest oils safe for consumption.

• Add 1 drop oil to water, tea, or a spoonful of honey. Use fennel, ginger, or dill oil.
• Place 1 drop on the tongue or under tongue. Use for quick nausea relief.
• Consume in veggie capsules but only if properly diluted. Start with very small amounts.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Stomach Pain

• Dilute oils properly to avoid skin irritation. Perform a skin patch test first.
• Start with very small amounts when ingesting oils internally.
• Do not ingest potentially toxic oils like wintergreen, eucalyptus, or pine.
• Avoid using essential oils if you have serious conditions like appendicitis, fibroids, or diverticulitis without first consulting your doctor.
• Do not rely solely on essential oils to treat severe or chronic stomach pain. Seek medical diagnosis and care.
• Stop use if any irritation develops.

When to See a Doctor

While essential oils can help provide symptom relief, see a doctor promptly if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Pain combined with symptoms like vomiting, fever, or bloody stool
• Inability to pass gas
• Unintentional weight loss
• Anemia from blood loss in the GI tract

Such symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical treatment. Essential oils should complement, not replace, professional care if you have an underlying gastrointestinal disorder.

Conclusion

When used properly, certain essential oils can help relieve mild stomach pain and discomfort. Oils like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and pain-reducing properties benefiting various stomach troubles. Always select high quality therapeutic oils. Dilute oils properly and start with small amounts if ingesting internally. See a doctor for severe or ongoing abdominal pain not alleviated with essential oils. With some precautions, essential oils can be a helpful natural remedy for soothing many types of stomach disturbances.

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.