The irritable bowel, whose more exact denomination is “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” (IBS) is a chronic disorder, characterized by the existence of abdominal pain and/or changes in the intestinal rhythm.
It has some not very pleasant symptoms:
• Abdominal pain.
• Gases.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Alternating periods of constipation with diarrhea.
• colon-irritable.
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and looking for natural essential oils, you are here at the right place.
Let us find out here which essential oils can give you relief from IBS:
1. Mint essential oil:
Sometimes it seems that the essential oil of mint, only serves to give freshness in the homemade toothpaste, but it has many benefits that will help to calm the hard symptoms of IBS.
As its flavonoid content, it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic which will help to reduce inflammation of the intestine and to relieve pain caused by IBS symptoms. Its content in Carvacrol, thymol, and menthol, gives it carminative properties, which favors the decrease of gases in the digestive system, decreasing flatulence and colic.
Also, its terpene content, it exerts an antispasmodic action on the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestine. It is astringent, so it will improve cases with diarrhea. Its menthol content gives it refreshing properties, so it relieves acidity and the sensation of nausea.
How to use mint essential oil in this case?
Mix 4-6 drops with a teaspoon of vegetable oil (almond oil, coconut oil) because its menthol content in direct contact with the skin can cause irritation and is better to prevent.
Put the mixture in the palm of your hand and gently massage your abdomen around the navel for a few minutes, until you notice how the symptoms are relieved.
2. Myrrh essential oil:
Myrrh oil is one of the oldest remedies for irritable bowel syndrome. It has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antifungal properties and contracts the outer layers of the mucous membrane. The medicinal plant lowers the state of tension of the smooth intestinal musculature, reduces the number of intestinal contractions and so relieves intestinal cramps.
This effect makes myrrh an ideal “long-term companion” when people suffer from cramps in the abdomen.
3. Chamomile oil:
Chamomile is the most commonly used medicinal plant in the world and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and defatting properties. Thus, the true chamomile oil can often help with cramps, pain, injury, and inflammation of the mucous membrane.
4. Aniseed oil:
Already in the Bible and in the oldest writings of the Indians, the Vedas, the anise is mentioned. In ancient Rome and ancient Egypt, anise was one of the most important medicinal plants, just as it was in ancient Greece. For the Greeks, the anise was then an indispensable remedy for cough or poison, such as bites of snakes and scorpions.
Pythagoras, known as a great mathematician, described the anise as an herb for flatulence and to stimulate the appetite.
Nowadays, the aniseed is mainly used as a spice, which is used for baking and cooking, so that the food becomes more digestible and wholesome.
The essential oil can be massaged on the stomach, help against menstrual pain. Aniseed oil is an effective anti-spasmodic remedy for menstrual pain and can also be used to combat stomach cramps and flatulence.
Add a few drops of aniseed oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil and massage on the stomach. Combined with chamomile oil and ginger oil, this effect is intensified.
5. Bergamot oil:
Bergamot – the plant from which this oil is extracted belongs to the citrus family and originates from the Asian regions. For the production of the oil, one uses only the shells of these fruits, from which one wins the yellowish to green, low-viscosity oil by a so-called cold pressing. This oil smells slightly sweet and floral, but also very fruity, it is typically oriental and is therefore often used in perfumes. The bergamot oil is also known by refreshment wipes and Eau de Toilette.
The bergamot oil has a digestive effect, it reduces fever, it relieves pain, it heals wounds faster, and it is antiseptic.
Bergamot oil stimulates the pancreas and liver. The antimicrobial effect has been shown in some studies to be particularly helpful in the treatment of bronchial disorders. In addition, the oil stimulates slow digestion and helps with high blood pressure.
The bergamot oil contains substances that increase the sensitivity of the skin to UV rays, so that dark spots can quickly form. So if you have applied this oil to the skin, you should avoid staying in the sun or in the solarium for a long time.
6. Cumin oil:
Cumin has always been used as a spice. Caraway is used primarily as a seasoning in bread, cheese, meat, cucumbers, sauces, and spices.
The cumin oil distilled from the seeds is colorless and sometimes slightly yellowish but it darkens over time. The smell has something of musk and, like the related cumin, is fruity and hot.
Research has since confirmed that the high percentage of carvone contained stimulates digestion. So the cumin oil is ideal against all digestive problems such as flatulence, pain, indigestion, colic, and etc.
For indigestion, chew a few seeds slowly and then drink a glass of water.
The cumin is traditionally used to treat indigestion, intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, and loss of appetite. It is known to be beneficial for milk secretion and is especially well-suited for controlling colic in children.
7. Lavender essential oil:
Lavender oil is one of the popular essential oils. It has an antimicrobial impact so it can help with digestive problems. It also seems to have analgesic effects. There are some evidence suggests that this essential oil helps to prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria and germs.
And at the last but one of the most important parts of this article, as always in the use of essential oils, be careful in their use:
• It is not advisable to use it in pregnant women, and the lactation period.
• Do not use in children under 6-8 years.
• Check a possible allergy first on the skin.
• It is advisable to consult your doctor before applying any essential oils.
