How Essential Oils Soothe and Shorten Stomach Bug Misery

Using Essential Oils to Soothe and Shorten Stomach Bug Misery

Stomach bugs are never fun. That queasy feeling, abdominal cramps, and urgent trips to the bathroom are symptoms no one enjoys. While most stomach bugs resolve on their own, essential oils can help reduce the misery.

Certain essential oils have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Using them smartly during a stomach virus may relieve discomfort and help you bounce back faster.

What Causes Stomach Bugs?

Viruses are usually the culprit behind stomach bug symptoms. The most common include:

• Norovirus - Highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Rotavirus - Leading cause of stomach flu in infants and kids.
• Adenovirus - Rare; mostly affects young children.
• Astrovirus - Less common but can affect people of all ages.

These nasty viruses spread easily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Once inside your body, they invade and damage the cells lining the intestines.

This leads to inflammation and interferes with proper absorption of water and nutrients. The result is vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and fever.

How Essential Oils Can Help

While prescription medicines arent available to cure stomach viruses, certain essential oils may alleviate symptoms and speed recovery. Benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory - Soothes intestinal swelling and discomfort.
• Antispasmodic - Relaxes intestinal muscles to reduce cramping.
• Antiemetic - Calms nausea and prevents vomiting.
• Sanitizing - Kills viruses and bacteria to limit transmission.
• Immunity boosting - Helps body resist and overcome infection.

Always dilute essential oils properly before use. Introduce them gradually to ensure tolerance, especially for children and pregnant women.

Best Essential Oils for Stomach Bugs

Here are 5 of the top essential oils for easing symptoms of stomach viruses and shortening their duration:

Ginger

Ginger oil contains the compounds gingerol and shogaol. Studies confirm these combat nausea and vomiting even more effectively than prescription antiemetics.

How to use: Add 2 drops of ginger oil to warm tea or water. Inhale diffusion blends for nausea relief. Massage with carrier oil over abdomen.

Peppermint

Menthol gives peppermint oil its ability to relax stomach and intestinal muscles. This reduces spasms, cramping, bloating, and gas during a stomach virus.

How to use: Dilute 4 drops peppermint oil per ounce of carrier oil. Gently massage over abdomen and lower back.

Basil

Eugenol and linalool in basil oil exhibit strong antiviral effects against norovirus and rotavirus. This helps kill stomach bug germs and shorten illness duration.

How to use: Diffuse 3-5 drops basil oil throughout room. Add 2 drops to herbal tea for sipping.

Wild Orange

Wild orange oil contains the powerful antimicrobial d-limonene. Its effectively sanitizing yet gentle enough for children over 2 years old.

How to use: Add 2 drops orange oil to cold water for stomach settling sip. Use 4-5 drops in spray bottle for surface cleaning.

Clove

The eugenol in clove oil exhibits strong antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes clove ideal for fighting stomach viruses.

How to use: Place 1 drop clove oil on cold compress and apply to abdomen for symptom relief.

Other Suggested Oils

Here are some other essential oils to consider for soothing stomach bug misery:

• Chamomile - Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming
• Ginger - Antiemetic, immune supporting
• Fennel - Antimicrobial, indigestion easing
• Oregano - Powerful antiviral and antibacterial
• Lavender - Stress and anxiety relieving

Use these oils singly or create your own synergistic blends. Let symptoms guide which oils you select.

Safety Tips for Essential Oil Use

When using essential oils for a stomach virus, adhere to these safety guidelines:

• Always dilute oils before applying topically.
• Use gentle oils like lavender for children under 3 years old.
• Limit use during pregnancy to oils like ginger and wild orange.
• Never ingest essential oils unless food-grade quality.
• Discontinue use if any irritation or discomfort occurs.
• Keep away from eyes, inner nose, and sensitive areas.
• Store properly in dark glass bottles out of sunlight.

Consult your doctor before using any essential oils if you have a medical condition or take certain medications. Check for allergy sensitivities too.

When to See a Doctor

While essential oils can help you feel better faster, always contact your doctor if you experience:

• Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
• Bloody diarrhea or vomit
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Fever over 101 F
• Signs of dehydration - dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine

Infants, elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems also need extra care. Dont hesitate to seek medical treatment if symptoms dont improve or worsen.

Using Essential Oils Alongside Other Remedies

While not replacements for conventional medicine, properly used essential oils make excellent complements to other stomach bug treatments like:

• Oral rehydration solutions
• Over-the-counter anti-nausea/diarrhea medication
• Probiotics to restore gut health
• BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
• Plenty of rest and fluids

A holistic approach combining essential oils, home remedies, oral hydration, and doctors care as needed can help you bounce back from a stomach bug as quickly as possible.

Tips for Preventing Stomach Viruses

While essential oils treat symptoms, prevention is ideal for avoiding stomach bugs entirely. Follow these tips:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
• Clean contaminated surfaces with antimicrobial essential oils
• Avoid people who are sick
• Dont share food, drinks, utensils
• Get adequate sleep and nutrition
• Diffuse immunity boosting oils like eucalyptus

Practice proper hygiene and self-care year-round to lower risk. Using essential oils wisely can help hasten recovery when a stomach bug does strike.

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.