Soothe Nausea Naturally with Essential Oils Remedies and Lifestyle Tips

Using Essential Oils to Soothe Nausea Naturally

Nausea is an unpleasant and uncomfortable sensation that can arise from a variety of causes. While there are medications that can help relieve nausea, many people prefer natural remedies like essential oils. Essential oils have been used for centuries to help soothe digestive upset and nausea.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how essential oils can be used to find nausea relief. We’ll cover:

• What causes nausea and how essential oils help
• The top essential oils for nausea
• Tips for using essential oils for nausea relief
• Essential oil recipes for nausea
• Lifestyle changes to reduce nausea long-term

What Causes Nausea?

Nausea is caused by irritation to the digestive system, stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain, or disruption of the inner ear. Common causes of nausea include:

• Pregnancy
• Motion sickness
• Migraines
• Food poisoning
• Stomach flu
• UTIs
• Acid reflux
• Some infections
• Certain medications
• Overeating
• Low blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Anxiety
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy

How Essential Oils Help Nausea

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants that capture the plant's scent and flavor. When inhaled or applied topically, essential oils promote physical and emotional well-being.

Essential oils help relieve nausea in a few key ways:

• Aromatherapy - Inhaling essential oil molecules stimulates smell receptors in the nose that trigger signals to the brain, including the limbic system which controls emotions, mood, and anxiety. This can help calm feelings of nausea.
• Antiemetic properties - Some essential oils contain active compounds that help relieve nausea and reduce vomiting.
• Digestive benefits - Essential oils can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe the stomach.
• Stress and anxiety relief - Essential oils help relax the body and mind, reducing nausea caused by stress.

Best Essential Oils for Nausea

Many different essential oils can help relieve nausea symptoms. Some of the best choices include:

Ginger

Derived from ginger root, ginger essential oil contains the active compound gingerol which has antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show ginger is highly effective at reducing nausea caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil contains menthol which helps calm the stomach. It also has a cooling sensation that can help relieve nausea. Research indicates peppermint oil can significantly reduce nausea after surgery and during pregnancy.

Lavender

With its floral, fresh scent, lavender essential oil promotes relaxation and relieves anxiety. Reducing stress is key to controlling nausea. Lavender can also aid digestion.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil helps remedy nausea due to its anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antifungal, and sedative effects. For many people, lemongrass oil helps quickly relieve an upset stomach.

Chamomile

Known for its gentle, calming properties, chamomile oil can relieve nausea by reducing anxiety, soothing the stomach, and promoting sleep. It's commonly used for pregnancy-related nausea.

Fennel

Fennel oil has antispasmodic and digestive properties. It can relax gastrointestinal muscles to relieve cramping, bloating, and stomach upset. Fennel also contains the compound anethole which has an antiemetic effect.

Clove

Clove oil contains a compound called eugenol which has anesthetic and antiseptic properties. This can help numb nausea symptoms. Clove oil's anti-inflammatory effects also aid digestion.

Basil

With a refreshing, restorative scent, basil essential oil helps calm the senses. This can relieve nausea triggered by anxiety or motion sickness. Basil also has antispasmodic, analgesic, and antibacterial benefits.

Black Pepper

Black pepper oil stimulates the stomach to increase digestive juice secretion. This helps gastrointestinal mobility to relieve nausea, bloating, and cramping. The scent of black pepper oil also helps stabilize emotions.

Tips for Using Essential Oils for Nausea

Essential oils can be used aromatically through inhalation, applied topically on the skin, or ingested in some cases. Here are some tips for using essential oils to find nausea relief:

Inhalation

Inhaling essential oil aromas is an easy way to benefit from their nausea-soothing properties. Try these inhalation methods:

• Directly inhale the scent from the bottle
• Apply a few drops to your palms, rub hands together, and inhale
• Use a diffuser to disperse oil aroma into the air
• Place 1-2 drops on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale
• Add a few drops to a steaming hot shower or bath and inhale the vapor
• Spritz essential oils in water in a spray bottle and mist around you

Topical Application

Applying essential oils diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil directly on the skin can provide nausea relief. Try these methods:

• Massage diluted oil on the abdomen, forehead, wrists, back of neck
• Apply to pressure points like inside wrists or behind ears
• Add to a warm bath or footbath

Internal Use

Taking essential oils internally should only be done very carefully and sparingly. Oils like peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, lavender, and lemon can be taken in very small doses with water, tea, or honey if diluted properly.

It’s best to consult an aromatherapy practitioner or healthcare provider before ingesting oils.

Recipes for Nausea Relief

Combining a few complementary essential oils can provide enhanced relief from nausea symptoms. Here are some recipes to try:

Nausea Relief Bath

• 2 drops ginger oil
• 2 drops peppermint oil
• 1 drop lavender oil
• Add oils to warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes

Nausea Massage Blend

• 2 drops chamomile oil
• 2 drops lavender oil
• 1 drop ginger oil
• 4 tablespoons carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil
• Rub diluted oils on abdomen and wrists as needed

Morning Sickness Rollerball

• 10 drops lemon oil
• 10 drops peppermint oil
• 5 drops ginger oil
• 5 drops fennel oil
• Fill 10ml roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil
• Apply to wrists as needed for pregnancy nausea

Motion Sickness Inhaler

• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops ginger oil
• 2 drops lavender oil
• Add oils to inhaler tube
• Inhale aroma as needed for motion sickness nausea

Lifestyle Remedies for Nausea

While essential oils can provide quick relief for acute nausea, making certain lifestyle changes help reduce nausea over the long run. Try incorporating these habits:

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Keep a food diary to pinpoint foods that seem to trigger your nausea. Avoid foods that cause reflux like spicy, fried, or acidic foods. Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. Stay hydrated since dehydration can spur nausea.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Eating several smaller meals a day rather than a few large meals places less pressure on your stomach. Don’t allow yourself to become overly hungry, which can cause nausea.

Incorporate Ginger

Consuming fresh ginger root in cooking, ginger tea, or ginger supplements can help minimize nausea. Ginger acts as a digestive aid and natural anti-emetic.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles in specific pressure points around the body. This ancient therapy can help reduce nausea by restoring qi or energy flow. Acupressure wrist bands can also relieve nausea.

Manage Stress

Anxiety, fatigue, and emotional turmoil can all trigger nausea. Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and sufficient sleep to manage life's stresses. Seek counseling if severe anxiety persists.

Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance often cause nausea. Drink adequate water and electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water. Consuming ice chips can help if drinking liquids triggers nausea.

When to See a Doctor

Essential oils and lifestyle adjustments can often manage minor nausea. However, contact your doctor if nausea persists or worsens. Seek immediate care for nausea along with:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Blood in vomit
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Extreme fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss

These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition needing medical treatment. It’s especially crucial for pregnant women with severe vomiting to seek care to avoid dehydration.

Use Essential Oils to Soothe Nausea Naturally

Nausea can happen to anyone at any time. Essential oils provide a safe, effective way to find fast relief from that sickening, unsettled feeling. Next time nausea strikes, take a whiff of peppermint or ginger oil or soak in an aromatherapy bath blended with lavender and chamomile.

Along with using essential oils, make dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent nausea from recurring. With natural remedies like essential oils and smart self-care, you can minimize nausea and maximize your comfort and wellbeing.

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.