Essential Oils for Gas Relief - Reduce Bloating and Cramping Naturally

Using Essential Oils to Relieve Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms to deal with. While there are many over-the-counter medications available to help reduce gas, some people prefer using natural remedies like essential oils.

Essential oils are extracted from plants and capture the plant's scent and flavor. They are highly concentrated, so you only need to use a small amount to get the benefits. Essential oils are thought to help relieve gas through their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, and analgesic properties.

Keep reading to learn more about how essential oils can be used to find relief from gas and bloating.

What Causes Gas and Bloating?

Gas and bloating occur when there is excess gas buildup in the gastrointestinal tract. This can happen for a few different reasons:

• Swallowing too much air when eating or drinking
• Eating foods that are more difficult to digest, like beans, dairy, high-fiber foods
• Food sensitivities or allergies
• Gut infections
• Medications like antibiotics
• Health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

The gases that contribute to gas and bloating include hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. When these gases build up, it causes abdominal distension.

How Essential Oils Help with Gas

There are several ways that essential oils can help relieve gas and bloating:

• Prevent gas production - Some essential oils may reduce gas production by killing harmful gut bacteria that produce gas and improving digestion.
• Relax gastrointestinal muscles - Essential oils like peppermint oil contain menthol, which helps relax tight muscles in the intestines that can cause gas pain and bloating.
• Relieve pain and cramping - The natural analgesic properties in some essential oils can help provide pain relief from gas and bloating.
• Improve digestion - Oils like ginger, fennel, and peppermint help stimulate bile production and digestive enzymes to support better digestion.

Best Essential Oils for Gas and Bloating

Some of the best essential oils to use for relieving gas and bloating include:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which helps relax intestinal smooth muscle. This can relieve painful gas cramps and spasms.

One study found that 75% of patients with IBS who took peppermint oil for 4 weeks had reduced symptoms of gas and bloating.

Peppermint oil can be taken as enteric-coated capsules or used topically on the abdomen by diluting with a carrier oil. Avoid peppermint if you have GERD, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil contains anti-inflammatory gingerols and antispasmodic compounds called shogaols. This helps relieve bloating, gas pains, diarrhea, and other GI discomforts.

One study found that ginger capsules reduced flatulence scores by 50% compared to placebo in patients with IBS. Ginger oil can be ingested, applied topically, or diffused.

Fennel Oil

Fennel oil has carminative properties, meaning it helps expel gas from the intestines. It also helps improve motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

A clinical trial found that a combination of fennel oil, ginger, and artichoke leaf extract reduced IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help relax the intestinal muscles and relieve gas pain. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety associated with IBS symptoms.

One study found chamomile oil reduced gas scores by 53% compared to placebo after 4 weeks of treatment in patients with IBS.

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate. This helps provide relief from gas discomfort and may inhibit gas-producing bacteria.

Lavender oil can be applied diluted on the stomach or taken as an oral supplement to reduce gas and cramping.

Citrus Oils

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, grapefruit, and lime contain the compound d-limonene. This helps stimulate bile flow and gastric juices to support healthy digestion and prevent gas accumulation.

Diffusing citrus oils or using them aromatically may help reduce bloating related to poor digestion. Avoid applying them directly to the skin.

How to Use Essential Oils for Gas Relief

Essential oils can be used a few different ways to help relieve gas and bloating:

• Topically - Apply diluted essential oils over the abdomen to relieve cramps and pain. Mix 3-5 drops of oil with 1 tablespoon carrier oil before applying.
• Aromatically - Inhale essential oils by diffusing or smelling directly from the bottle to provide a calming effect.
• Orally - Consume essential oils in capsules, water, tea, or baked goods. Only use food-grade oils meant for internal use.
• Massage - Use essential oils in an abdominal massage to stimulate digestion and relieve tight muscles.

Always dilute essential oils properly before topical use. Peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, lavender and lemon oils are generally safe for most adults when used correctly. Talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you take any medications or have a medical condition.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

While essential oils are more gentle than medications, there are still some precautions to keep in mind:

• Perform a patch test before applying any oil directly to the skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil before topical use.
• Only purchase therapeutic-grade, 100% pure essential oils from reputable brands.
• Avoid getting essential oils near the eyes, inner ears, or other sensitive areas.
• Do not ingest essential oils unless they are approved for internal use. Consuming some oils can be toxic.
• Talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you take medications, are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are giving them to children.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Gas and Bloating

While essential oils can provide quick relief for gas and bloating, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms long-term:

• Avoid foods that trigger gas like beans, dairy, high-fiber foods, artificial sweeteners.
• Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid drinking through a straw to reduce air swallowing.
• Exercise regularly to improve digestion and relieve constipation.
• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can worsen gas.
• Take a probiotic supplement to restore healthy gut flora.

See your doctor if lifestyle changes and essential oil remedies do not provide relief for ongoing gas and bloating issues. This may be a sign of an underlying condition like IBS, food intolerance, or SIBO that requires medical treatment.

Bottom Line

Essential oils provide a safe, natural way to get relief from uncomfortable gas and bloating symptoms. Oils like peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, lavender, and citrus oils have been shown to help reduce gas production, relieve cramping, improve digestion, and calm gastrointestinal muscles when used properly.

While essential oils can help provide quick symptom relief, make dietary and lifestyle changes as well to address the underlying cause of excessive gas. With a little patience and consistency, you can achieve lasting relief from gas and bloating.

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.