6 Best Essential Oils for Better Digestion (Updated April 2020)

Digestive problems can be such a pain, literally and figuratively. They can disrupt your everyday life, interfere with the things you need to get done during the day, and even keep you from enjoying the things you love to do. Fortunately, essential oils for digestion can help you make sure that your digestive system is in tip-top shape.

Things such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, and other similar symptoms are examples of digestive problems. There are many ways to deal with these issues, depending on the cause: changing your diet, taking medication, avoiding certain foods, and more. However, essential oils can help you as well, while allowing you to enjoy all their other benefits.

To make things easier for you, Aroma Foundry has selected six different essential oils that can help you deal with digestive issues. Look no further than our six-pack of essential oils for digestion!

essential oils for digestion

We did a side-by-side comparison with two of the world's biggest essential oil brands.

essential oil brands

 

Essential Oils for Digestion

essential oils for digestionIndigestion covers a large variety of symptoms, including feelings of nausea, heartburn, or painful gas.

 

Each essential oil on this list has the ability to improve digestive health and help you deal with various problems with digestion. Of course, each essential oil also has a wide range of other benefits that can help you with a variety of issues, including those of the digestive variety. 

 

1. Spearmint Essential Oil

spearmint essential oilThe spearmint plant can lose some of its aroma as it matures.

 

Spearmint essential oil can fight against bacteria and fungi, repel insects, improve your blood circulation, relieve respiratory problems, ease nerves, and help resolve menstrual problems. Other than these benefits, spearmint oil can also help resolve stomach and gut issues that may have been bothering you for a while.

The Science of Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint is also known to be peppermint’s milder cousin. Peppermint can be quite strong for many people, and spearmint is a good, equally beneficial alternative. While peppermint is 40% menthol, spearmint is only 0.5% menthol, which is a far cry from the menthol content of the former.

If you’ve been suffering from gas, which can be painful, spearmint oil can help you pass the gas naturally and ease the pain. The oil can even help your body prevent the formation of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

It can also help you treat indigestion, constipation, stomach aches, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you’ve been suffering from one or more of these, spearmint oil is a cool choice -- literally.

spearmint essential oil

Using Spearmint Essential Oil

You can use the oil in aromatherapy, or you can also use it topically. However, you must always dilute spearmint oil in a carrier oil before using it on your skin. It’s also possible to consume the oil orally, but you should consult your physician before you ingest any essential oil in any amount.

These essential oils blend well with spearmint essential oil:

  • Rosemary
  • Tea tree
  • Patchouli
  • Lime
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemongrass

Learn more about spearmint essential oil benefits.

 

2. Tangerine Essential Oil

tangerine essential oilTangerine trees are usually smaller than other citrus trees, and their fruits are more vibrant in color.

 

Tangerine essential oil has a sweet, citrusy scent as well as a lot of health benefits. It can kill bacteria and fungi, which makes it great for treating acne, dandruff, and other skin and scalp conditions. Other than that, it can also reduce the appearance of scars as well as stretch marks and cellulite.

Thus, it is often used in cosmetic products, commonly lotions. Other than this, tangerine oil can also help reduce anxiety, excrete uric acid, and soothe spasms.

The Science of Tangerine Essential Oil

In terms of aiding digestion, tangerine oil can help balance the levels of bile and other digestive juices in your gut. This way, the oil can help you neutralize excess gastric acids. These gastric acids can cause a variety of symptoms, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and dyspepsia. You may also suffer hair loss, bad breath, abdominal pain, and other symptoms if you have too much gastric acid in your stomach.

Of course, tangerine oil isn’t a magic cure-all for these digestive problems. They can help you deal with symptoms, but at the end of the day, you also need to take other steps to combat these issues. Maintaining a healthy diet, eating regularly, and avoiding alcohol and nicotine are a good start to maintaining balance in your gastric acids.

tangerine essential oil

Using Tangerine Essential Oil

Like most other essential oils, tangerine is versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways. It can serve as an ingredient in products such as perfumes, balms, creams, sprays, and more. It can also be applied topically when diluted in carrier oil.

It's important to note, however, that tangerine essential oil can cause photosensitivity. It's best to avoid applying it topically if you'll be going out into the sun within 12 hours after application.

These essential oils bend well with tangerine:

  • Bergamot
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Basil
  • Ylang ylang
  • Patchouli
  • Spearmint

Learn more about tangerine essential oil benefits.

 

3. Sage Essential Oil

sage essential oilSage was part of the traditional medicine practices of several cultures across the world.

 

Sage essential oil offers a lot of health benefits. It can help you get rid of both bacterial and fungal infections, which means that you can use it to inhibit microbial growth in your body. This way, you'll be able to avoid the development of diseases.

Furthermore, sage oil can also help treat respiratory problems, reduce inflammation, produce antioxidants, and expel toxins. Of course, it has also been found to be able to aid in treating digestive problems.

The Science of Sage Essential Oil

Sage essential oil has also been found to be able to get rid of E. coli  bacteria, which can cause symptoms of food poisoning like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Thus, if you’ve eaten something that may have been contaminated with harmful E. coli bacteria, sage oil can help solve the problem at its root.

Furthermore, sage oil can induce the production of bile, which neutralizes excess stomach acids. This can also help kill off harmful bacteria in the gut, which can cause digestive problems if they proliferate.

This versatile oil can also function as a laxative. Dealing with constipation can be tough, though there are many ways to get rid of it. Using sage oil is one such way, since it can stimulate the intestines and thus get things moving.

sage essential oil

Using Sage Essential Oil

There is a wide variety of ways in which you can use sage essential oil and take full advantage of what it offers. It can serve well as an ingredient in soothing balms, lotions, massage oil blends, and more.

While sage essential oil is generally safe to use, it should be avoided by pregnant women, given its emmenagogue properties. Make sure to use it in moderation.

Sage essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:

  • Bergamot
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary
  • Tea tree
  • Tangerine

Learn more about sage essential oil benefits.

 

4. Lime Essential Oil

lime essential oilLime trees in the northern hemisphere are the most productive in the months of May to September.

 

Lime essential oil can function as a disinfectant, and it is especially effective against tetanus. It is effective against harmful bacteria and viruses as well, which means that it can help stave off infections that can lead to various illnesses. This is also why lime can make a great cleanser, since it can also disinfect surfaces around your home.

Other than these benefits, however, lime essential oil can help improve digestion as well.

The Science of Lime Essential Oil

If you're having problems with your appetite, lime essential oil can help stimulate the production of digestive acids. This can, in turn, help stimulate appetite. If you haven’t been eating well or maybe you haven’t had a good appetite, just the scent of lime oil can get your stomach churning.

There are a lot of possible reasons for appetite loss, including various illnesses and health conditions. It’s also possible that if you haven’t had much of an appetite, there may be an irritation in your stomach lining. Appetite loss may also be a symptom of indigestion.

Thus, though lime oil won’t necessary solve the problem at the source, it can help you begin eating progressively more and more. This can help you regain your energy.

lime essential oil

Using Lime Essential Oil

Lime is a citrus essential oil, which means it can cause or trigger photosensitivity. This is a negative reaction to the rays of the sun, and it can be caused or exacerbated by the topical application of a citrus essential oil. To avoid this, make sure to avoid going out into the sun about 12 hours after applying any amount of lime essential oil onto your skin.

Generally, however, lime essential oil is safe to use and quite beneficial. It can be used as an ingredient in various products, such as balms, cleaners, sprays, and more.

Lime essential oil blends well with these essential oils:

  • Patchouli
  • Lemongrass
  • Lemon
  • Grapefruit
  • Spearmint
  • Ylang ylang
  • Bergamot

Learn more about lime essential oil benefits.

 

5. Bergamot Essential Oil

bergamot essential oilBergamot fruits produce an essential oil that has both a citrusy and floral aroma.

 

Bergamot essential oil can do a lot of things. It can help relieve pain, induce relaxation, combat anxiety and depression, and relax muscles. Thus, if you feel tense and exhausted, but are having a difficult time relaxing, bergamot oil can help you settle down.

Other than these benefits, bergamot can also help manage a number of digestive issues.

The Science of Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot oil can also help reduce blood sugar levels, making it helpful in managing diabetes. It can also help in protecting the liver due to compounds such as limonene and alpha-pinene.

Another bergamot oil compound, bergamottin, has antiarrhythmic and antianginal properties, making the oil good for the heart.

Digestion is another thing that can improve due to bergamot oil, since the oil can kill microbes that cause food poisoning. Food poisoning is a manageable illness, but it can be very unpleasant, making you live through up to a week of vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Fortunately, bergamot oil has been found to be able to stop the proliferation of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria, all of which can cause food poisoning.

bergamot essential oil

Using Bergamot Essential Oil

Unless an essential oil has been labeled as food grade, it should not be ingested. The same goes for bergamot essential oil. It offers a wide variety of benefits, but it's important to make sure that you use it correctly so it can work as it should.

Bergamot essential oil can also cause photosensitivity, so it's best to avoid applying it topically if you need to go out into the sun within 12 hours after its application.

These essential oils can blend well with bergamot essential oil:

  • Rosemary
  • Lemon
  • Eucalyptus
  • Cedarwood
  • Ylang ylang
  • Patchouli
  • Grapefruit
  • Tea tree

Learn more about bergamot essential oil benefits.

 

6. Lemongrass Essential Oil

lemongrass essential oilThe lemongrass plant is extremely versatile. It can be used for teas, condiments, insect repellents, and, of course, for its essential oil.

 

Lemongrass essential oil is known for its many health benefits, and it also has a fresh, distinctive scent that makes it a great choice for aromatherapy. Lemongrass oil in aromatherapy can induce relaxation, relieve stress and anxiety, and induce sleep to combat insomnia.

The Science of Lemongrass Essential Oil

The oil can also help alleviate pain and soothe sore muscles. If you’re prone to getting menstrual cramps, lemongrass oil can help with that as well.

Perhaps one of the best-known uses for lemongrass oil is for repelling insects, especially mosquitoes. This can be vital in regions of the world that are prone to mosquito-borne viral diseases.

Other than these benefits, lemongrass oil is also reliable in dealing with digestive issues. The oil can help you relieve problems such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It can also help prevent the production of excess gas, as well as relieve flatulence.

lemongrass essential oil

Using Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil can help alleviate digestive problems, but it's also important to take steps to avoid foods and habits that cause and exacerbate digestive problems. Being careful with the food we eat, as well as avoiding nicotine and excessive alcohol consumption, can help with maintaining digestive health.

You can use lemongrass essential oil as an ingredient in various homemade concoctions. These include massage oil blends, bath soaps, lotions, balms, aromatherapy blends, and more.

Lemongrass essential oil blends well with these oils:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Cedarwood
  • Patchouli
  • Ylang ylang
  • Sage
  • Lime
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary
  • Spearmint
  • Bergamot

Learn more about lemongrass essential oil benefits.

 

Precautions

Usually, the safety of essential oils can be influenced by their quality. If your essential oils aren’t pure and have one or more additives, they may be less safe to use than those that are indeed pure. You can be sure that Aroma Foundry’s essential oils are 100% pure and all-natural, thus reducing the risk of irritations and other negative reactions.

It’s generally best to avoid ingesting any amount of any essential oil, at least not without the supervision of a medical professional. If you want to try ingesting an essential oil, you should first consult your doctor if it’s safe to do. You should also first make sure that you are not allergic to the essential oils you intend to ingest.

It’s also possible that essential oils for digestion and other issues may interfere with any medications you’re taking. There are also certain health conditions that can be exacerbated by the use of essential oils. Thus, if you are not as healthy as you could be, you should talk to your doctor first to figure out how to safely use essential oils.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also reasons not to use essential oils. While there is no conclusive evidence that essential oils are dangerous for pregnant and lactating women, there is also no conclusive evidence that they are safe. Thus, to reduce as many risks to your pregnancy as possible, avoid using essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should not use essential oils on young children as well. It’s best if you keep these oils away from children younger than the age of 7. This is because essential oils can be quite strong, and the bodies of young children have not yet developed enough to be able to withstand the effects of the oils like adults can.

Lastly, avoid using too much of undiluted essential oils on your skin. If you want to use more than a few drops of oil directly on your skin, make sure that you dilute it first in carrier oil. This way, you’ll be able to avoid skin irritations.

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How to Use Essential Oils for Digestion

essential oils for digestionEssential oils can benefit your digestive health in different ways.

 

Digestion is an important part of everyday life, though we may not always give much thought to it. Problems with digestion may not seem like much at first, but over time they may get worse and may also lead to other conditions. It’s also possible that digestive issues are symptomatic of underlying problems, so paying attention to our bodies is a good way to deal with illnesses as soon as you can.

These essential oils for digestion can help you deal with digestive issues in a natural, environmentally-friendly way as soon as they arise.

The recipes below produce great DIY products that deserve only the best. Using Aroma Foundry’s essential oils is one step, but another is storing the products in airtight containers made of ultraviolet glass.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look very far. You can check out Infinity Jars for an extensive line of durable UV glass containers that can keep out harmful visible light and filter UV and infrared light in. UV and infrared light can help enhance all-natural products such as essential oils, as well as extend their shelf life.

 

Aromatic Shower Vapor Disk

Shower disks are an interesting take on aromatherapy. You just need to spend time making it, but once you’ve made several pieces, aromatherapy can be an easy endeavor. Here are the things you’ll need:

  • 8 drops of essential oils (see below for suggested essential oil combinations)
  • 2 cups of baking soda
  • ½ cup of water
  • Cupcake baking pan
  • 12 Silicone baking cups

Suggested essential oil combinations:

  • 6 drops of lime essential oil
  • 2 drops of spearmint essential oil

or,

  • 3 drops of lime essential oil
  • 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil

essential oil recipes

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking pan with the baking cups. Take a glass bowl, preferably medium to large in size, and combine the baking soda and water. Mix until you’ve made a smooth paste.

Once you have the desired consistency, evenly divide the mixture into the 12 silicone cups. Make sure that each portion of the mixture in the cups has a smooth surface. Place the baking tray in the oven and bake the mixture for 20 minutes.

After this, let the disks cool on a countertop for five minutes or so. While you wait, add the essential oil blends suggested above to each disk. Remember that each disk warrants a total of eight drops of essential oil each.

When the disks are cool, take them out of the silicone cups and store them in airtight jars. To use, simply take one disk and put it on the floor of your shower as you bathe. Make sure that you place the disk away from the shower drain so it won’t dissolve too quickly in the pooling water.

 

Body Cream for Improved Digestion

While you can make the previous recipe with ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, this recipe may be a little more complicated. However, if you try this recipe, there’s a big chance that you’ll really enjoy it.

  • 25 drops of essential oils (see below for suggested essential oil combinations)
  • 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
  • 1/2 cup almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons beeswax
  • 1/2 tablespoon vitamin E oil

essential oil recipes

Suggested essential oil combinations:

  • 12 drops of spearmint essential oil
  • 7 drops of bergamot essential oil
  • 6 drops of sage essential oil

or,

  • 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
  • 10 drops of sage essential oil
  • 5 drops of tangerine essential oil

Start by melting the beeswax. This is best done using a double boiler, but if you don’t have one, you can fashion one easily. Simply take a large pot, preferably one that you don't cook food in, fill it up with about an inch or two of water, then place a ceramic or glass bowl filled with beeswax.

Add the grapeseed oil, almond oil, and vitamin E oil as the beeswax melts. Once the beeswax has melted, take the bowl or pan off the heat and set it aside for up to three minutes. When this is over, add the essential oils and stir the mixture until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Spoon the mixture into an airtight glass jar. Let it set for at least two hours before using it. Once it’s ready, you can massage the salve onto your stomach to help ease digestive issues.

 

Summary

Digestive issues can happen once in a while, and the balance in our gut can be quite delicate. Essential oils for digestion can help you maintain that balance and help you deal with the disruptive symptoms of different issues with the digestive system.

These symptoms, while manageable, can be painful and can also mess up important plans. Thus, it’s important to deal with these issues as soon as they come up.

Luckily, Aroma Foundry has curated a collection of essential oils for digestion, each of which has been proven to be effective in helping you ease symptoms of digestive issues. Order an Essential Oil Six Pack for Better Digestion today and keep your gut healthy and working well.

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References

  1. Understanding Digestion Problems: Gerd, Ibd, and More https://www.healthline.com/health/digestion-problems
  2. Help Reduce Excess Stomach Acid and Neutralize Gastric Acid https://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/stomach-acid-relief-information.html
  3. Nausea, Appetite Loss and Indigestion https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/digestive-system/indigestion/symptoms/nausea-loss-of-appetite/
  4. Herbal Oil: Spearmint Oil Benefits and Uses https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/spearmint-oil.aspx
  5. What Is Tangerine Oil Good For? https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/tangerine-oil.aspx
  6. Sage Oil: 12 Timeless Uses and Benefits That Can Improve Your Life https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/sage-oil.aspx
  7. 17 Surprising Benefits Of Sage Essential Oil https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/sage-essential-oil.html
  8. 10 Ways To Use Lime Oil On Your Body and Around the House https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lime-oil.aspx
  9. Herbal Oil: Bergamot Oil Benefits and Uses https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/bergamot-oil.aspx
  10. 12 Health Benefits and Uses Of Bergamot Oil To Enjoy https://naturallydaily.com/bergamot-oil/
  11. Herbal Oil: Lemongrass Oil Benefits and Uses https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx
  12. DIY Shower Vapor Disks https://newleafwellness.biz/2014/03/17/diy-shower-vapor-disks/
View all resources

 

Author Profile

Fagjun Santos is an avid reader who eventually decided to try her hand at writing her own stuff. After spending her teen years writing what can be considered to be Vogon poetry, she now writes things that aren't a pain to read. Her favorite Aroma Foundry scent is peppermint, with lavender coming in a close second.

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  1. Background
  2. Essential Oils for Digestion
    1. Spearmint
    2. Tangerine
    3. Sage
    4. Lime
    5. Bergamot
    6. Lemongrass
  3. Precautions
  4. How to Use Essential Oils for Digestion
    1. Aromatic Shower Vapor Disk
    2. Body Cream for Improved Digestion
  5. Summary
  6. References