Suffering from severe constipation? In that case, there are few essential oils for constipation that can come to your rescue. Essential oils are very concentrated extracts derived from plants either by cold-pressing the plants or steaming.
Not just constipation, but essential oils also help treat many ailments and have been treated as medicine for ages. The oil can relax the body and allow muscle contractions which further support the digestive system to perform correctly.
Constipation affects at least one among six individuals regularly worldwide. On average, women suffer from constipation more than men, and the elderly face more challenges than younger individuals. A great deal of money and discomfort is encountered by the people who suffer the problem of constipation.
The ‘functionally constipated’ individuals spend a lot more time allowing the stool to exit their bodies. The stool turns hard. This is why it becomes difficult for the stool to get released. Some cannot defecate for more than three days and find the procedure unnaturally painful.
Constipation on an occasional basis is not very serious and can be cured over time by changing the diet, implementing workout schedules and taking fibre supplements.
Let us see the essential oils for constipation that you must include in your diet to help cure the illness and allow the proper and smooth functioning of the digestive system.
Essential oils to save you from constipation
Studies and research have claimed that microscopic organisms in the gut are related to the constipation problem. People already suffering from constipation have different gut bacteria as compared to healthy individuals.
The bacteria present in the gut are otherwise necessary as they promote proper functions by the digestive system. These bacteria help to break the food and allow easy digestion and nutrients absorption. When the bacteria level goes out of balance, problems like constipation and diarrhoea crop up.
A study by the International Journal of Food Microbiology established that certain essential oils carry antibacterial properties. The function of oil in the plant is to protect the plant from undesired bacteria and fungi, which also benefits the human digestive system.
1. Ginger Oil
Ginger is a great option to improve the digestion system and reduce problems of nausea. Therefore, it also helps to treat constipation. Ginger helps to increase gastric mortality, which eventually treats and prevents constipation.
To help with constipation, you can mix 3 to 5 ginger oil drops with 1 ounce of carrier oil like grapeseed or coconut oil. Then apply the mixture onto your abdomen. Repeat this method three times a day for a better result.
2. Fennel Oil
Fennel seed is a potent digestive stimulant that acts as a laxative when ingested. Fennel oil treats constipation effectively. Mix a few drops of fennel oil with a small carrier oil, then massage the solution onto the abdomen. Repeat this thrice a day for a quicker result.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil carries antispasmodic properties, which helps to relax the digestive tract muscles and helps in better bowels movement. This further relieves one from constipation issues.
To prepare the peppermint oil for constipation, mix 2 drops of peppermint oil and 1 tsp of warmed carrier oil like coconut oil or grapeseed oil. Then apply the mixture onto the abdomen and try to inhale the aroma also.
The rubbing on the stomach will help to increase bowel movement, and inhaling the aroma will relax the muscles. Repeat this procedure three times a day.
4. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil offers a spasmolytic effect to relieve the muscle spasm. Like peppermint oil, this too acts as excellent oil perfectly suitable for promoting the proper digestive system. Inhaling rosemary oil can also give the desired effects. One can also use this oil for aromatherapy purposes.
Mix the oil with some lotion and apply it to the abdomen to get a useful result loaded with benefits.
5. Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is excellent for alleviating constipation. It improves digestion function and soothes inflammation. Lemon oil constitutes several strong antioxidants that help in the digestion process and reduce soreness. Lemon oil for aromatherapy purposes can also improve digestion.
To apply, mix lemon oil with the carrier oil and massage onto your skin. You can also inhale the lemon oil scent from an air diffuser for better results. Do not go out in the sun after applying lemon oil.
6. Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black pepper oil not only soothes inflammation but also promotes better functioning of the digestive system. It prevents the buildup of waste and lessens gassiness in the stomach. Thus it acts as a great natural remedy to cure constipation. Apply the mixture with any carrier oil onto your abdomen to enjoy the benefits.
7. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil improves digestive function. However, it is suggested that you do not use this particular oil very often.
Put a few drops of marjoram oil into the hot and steaming water. Then, position a towel over your head and breathe in the hot steam to get relief from constipation.
8. Basil Oil
Sweet basil is being used for ages as a traditional medicine that helps to relieve stomach and gas problems. It also lessens the pain of constipation.
Put a few drops in a hot water bowl and breathe in the steam. You can also add a few drops to your bath.
Adverse effects of using essential oils
Essential oils cannot be consumed as they can be toxic for direct consumption. Aromatherapy with massage and inhaling the aroma of the oil can be beneficial for health.
Essential oils are safe for use. However, those with menthols such as spearmint oil or peppermint oil are safe only for adults as they can be dangerous for infants and young children.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeed their children should also avoid the essential oil.
One of the most significant risks involved in using essential oil is that it can cause allergic rashes and irritation to the skin. Especially people with sensitive skin issues should actively avoid using essential oils.
Essential oils should not be applied directly as their firm concentrated texture may not suit the skin. One must always make a mixture with few drops of any essential oil with a chosen carrier oil like grapeseed oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil or olive oil.
To test, apply a small amount of the diluted mixture to a small portion of the skin. If you find no allergic reaction till 48 hours from the time of application, you can consider it safe for topical use. Usually, they are more reliable for adult usage. Always go for well known and trusted brands of essential oils to ensure the best result. Essential oils can easily heal minor constipation problems. But for more severe or chronic constipation issues, it is always better to fix an appointment with the doctor to look deeper into other underlying circumstances leading to your constipation problems.
It is not always necessary to use a complex concoction of ingredients to alleviate constipation. One of the easiest and the natural things you can do is drink plenty of water every day. When a person drinks less water and other fluids, the body loses the natural ability to remove waste. Without sufficient water, the body cannot painlessly and effectively eliminate waste through movements of the bowel.
