Using Essential Oils to Relieve Constipation Symptoms Naturally

Using Essential Oils to Help Relieve Constipation

Constipation affects nearly 16 out of 100 adults, bringing unpleasant symptoms like infrequent bowel movements, straining, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. While increasing fiber, fluids, and exercise provides constipation relief for many, essential oils may offer additional support as natural remedies when traditional treatments alone arent giving the results you want.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation has numerous possible causes including:

• Medications like opioids or antacids
• Dehydration
• High stress levels
• Sedentary lifestyle/low physical activity
• Poor diet lacking fiber and fluids
• Travel, hospitalization, or schedule changes disrupting normal routine
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome

How Essential Oils May Help

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquid extracts derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, or peels of certain plants. Applied topically, inhaled aromatically, or ingested in very small amounts, these potent oils provide the characteristic scents, flavors, and potential therapeutic bioactive compounds of source botanicals.

For constipation, many essential oils contain antioxidants and plant compounds that may:

• Stimulate peristalsis contractions to move stool
• Soothe intestinal inflammation or spasms
• Provide smooth muscle relaxation
• Boost circulation
• Alleviate pain and bloating

Best Essential Oils for Relieving Constipation

Research shows the essential oils below demonstrate efficacy against different causes of constipation:

Sweet Orange

Sweet orange oil derives from the fresh peel of Citrus sinensis fruit. In studies, it displays:

• Antispasmodic activity relaxing tight intestinal muscles
• Anti-inflammatory effects on gut lining
• Ability to normalize intestinal movement

Ginger

The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) offers an essential rhizome oil that provides:

• Gastrointestinal toning and stimulation
• Anti-nausea and gas relief
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic intestinal effects

Fennel

Deriving from crushed Fennel seeds, this Foeniculum vulgare oil demonstrates:

• Gut and bowel muscle relaxant capabilities
• Bloat relief and carminative properties to reduce gas
• Ability to trigger contractions and motivate bowel movements

Rosemary

Extracted from the needle-like leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis, this woody scented oil can:

• Initiate bile production to support healthy digestion
• Provide antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle
• Activate intestinal contraction waves

Basil

Sweetly aromatic basil oil from Ocimum basilicum plants shows:

• Antimicrobial effects combating gut pathogens
• Inflammation-reducing properties in the intestines
• Ability to relax cramping and stimulate motility

Methods for Using Essential Oils for Constipation Relief

Never ingest essential oils without guidance. However, the oils above can be used aromatically, topically, or in home remedies to leverage the intestinal and digestive benefits.

Aromatic Use

Inhaling diffused molecules stimulates odor-sensing nerves communicating directly with digestion-regulating brain regions. Simple diffusion methods include:

• Personal inhalers with a few drops for on-the-go relief
• Bedside diffusers running while you sleep
• Adding oils to your bathwater and inhaling vapors
• Applying favorite oils to fabrics or bedsheets
• Using a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball to breathe in

Topical Application

Applying oils to skin enables absorption into circulation. Dilute first with a carrier oil. Effective techniques include:

• Massaging oil blends clockwise over the abdomen
• Applying to reflexology pressure points on the feet
• Rubbing into the lower back and sides
• Adding to coconut oil for a full-body massage

Home Remedies

Adding a few drops of oil to tea, water, smoothies, honey, or supplements enables safe internal use. Consider:

• Lemon ginger tea with orange or fennel oil
• Mint smoothie with basil oil
• Yogurt or applesauce with diluted rosemary oil

Precautions When Using Essential Oils Internally

Despite benefits, using oils internally does pose dangers if misused. To ensure safety:

• ONLY ingest certified food-grade essential oils
• Always dilute in an edible carrier like honey, milk, or coconut oil
• Follow oil-specific dosage guidelines stringently
• Discontinue use if any irritation or discomfort occurs
• Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion

When used aromatically or topically, essential oils provide a promising gentle alternative or complement to existing approaches giving constipation relief. Just ensure proper dilution and maintenance under guidance from an aromatherapy practitioner or health provider.

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.