Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a disorder that can cause bloating, cramping, gas and abdominal pain; it can also cause constipation and diarrhea. In some cases, you may need to take medication and get professional help to control your symptoms. However, depending on how severe your IBS is, you may be able to manage your symptoms by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and controlling your stress levels. You can also use these six essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome to help keep your symptoms under control.
Best Essential Oils for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ginger Oil For IBS
Ginger can help soothe and balance the digestive system. Its antispasmodic effects can help relax the intestines to prevent or ease an attack. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will increase blood circulation when applied topically; rub ginger oil on your lower back to help stimulate your colon. Ginger also has the ability to reduce bloating and gas.
Peppermint Oil For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Peppermint oil has many uses, including relieving symptoms of IBS. It has therapeutic properties that aid the digestive system to help it function more efficiently. It can help the gallbladder secrete bile juices, reduce intestinal tract spasms and increase the production of gastric juices.
Peppermint oil also contains eugenol and thymol compounds which help reduce the fermentation of undigested foods left in your stomach. It does this by helping to balance intestinal flora. In short, it may help improve your IBS symptoms so you have fewer episodes, and the ones you do have are less severe.
Anise Oil And IBS
Anise essential oil contains antiseptic, antifungal and anti-spasmodic properties that may help improve IBS symptoms. These include belching, gas, bloating, vomiting, chronic diarrhea and gastrointestinal cramps. It works by assisting the digestive system and helping it to function more efficiently. Its mild sedative action may help relieve nervousness caused by stress and it may help prevent insomnia, both of which contribute to IBS symptoms.
Thieves Oil Blend
Thieves oil is actually a combination of lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus and clove essential oils. These oils contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that help heal the body. It’s rich in antioxidants and has the ability to fight off bad bacteria within the stomach that can cause IBS. This blend also aids the digestive system, which helps to reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Frankincense Oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The frankincense oil has very strong antifungal, antiparasitic and antibacterial properties that help to prevent or eliminate pathogens within the digestive tract that can cause IBS.
This oil has the ability to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as gas, cramps, constipation, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. It speeds up the digestive process and helps to ease tension and stress that can cause IBS symptoms.
WebMD has more information on the possible causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
Fennel Oil For IBS
Fennel oil contains fenchone, anethole and estragole, which are very important volatile oils. These oils along with the anti-spasmodic agent help to increase the production of gastric juices and relax the intestines to reduce the chances of having an attack. Fennel oil also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help to relieve IBS symptoms that include bloating, gas, cramps, indigestion, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea.
Essential Oils For IBS: Recipe
Add 3 drops each of the following oils to 4 oz of carrier oil, and massage your abdomen with this blend: it will help slow down digestion, decrease bloating and heartburn.
- Coriander Oil
- Dill Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Fennel Oil
- Ginger Root Oil
- Lemon Oil
Conclusion
If you suffer with irritable bowel syndrome, use these six essential oils to help relieve your symptoms so you can feel better. They have properties that aid the digestive system so the body can function the way it was meant to work. They can also help relieve IBS symptoms by eliminating some of its triggers such as stress, tension and the inability to get enough sleep.
