Constipation is one issue many people have to deal with. It can make you feel bloated, uncomfortable, and frustrated. Fortunately, essential oils for constipation are very helpful. These natural oils have long been traditionally recognized for easing digestive problems and offering ease that helps regulate bowel movements.ย
What is constipation?
Constipation refers to when a person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week or finds it difficult to pass stools. This condition can cause discomfort, bloating, and sometimes pain.
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The causes of constipation can be varied, such as a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or even stress. Sometimes, it is the medication or your lifestyle that may slow digestion down.
Good to know, there are numerous essential oils for constipation that support the digestive system and help alleviate the very uncomfortable symptoms.
How Essential Oils Help with Constipation
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that possess various naturally occurring compounds that are considered therapeutic.
Most of these have antispasmodic and antiflatulent properties, which means their assistance in the relaxation of muscles helps in releasing gas, reducing bloating.
Other essential oils have properties facilitating circulation and digestion for regular bowel movements.
Essential oils for constipation can be used as a natural way to help people with this condition. Some of them may work by stimulating the digestive system and easing discomfort, helping move things along in your intestines. These essential oils for constipation not only act to relieve symptoms but also prevent recurrence in the future.
Best Essential Oils for Constipation
Peppermint oil is one of the most well-known essential oils regarding digestive system issues. It soothes the digestive tract and reduces bloating and cramping. Peppermint oil relaxes the intestines and allows the correct flow of bile, which is really important in digestion.
Ginger is well-known for digestion. Ginger oil stirs the digestive system, circulating the blood, and soothes nausea that may sometimes go with constipation. Promoting the secretion of stomach digestive juices, ginger oil keeps foods moving through the intestines more smoothly.
Fennel oil is another good essential oil for constipation. It helps relax the digestive muscles and reduce bloating and gas. It also soothes swelling or irritation in the intestines and improves digestion.
Coriander oil is sweet and soft, an essential oil that soothes the gut. It’s mainly used for bloating, cramping, and gas. Coriander oil promotes food movement in the gut and helps reduce spasms of the intestines. You can dilute and apply it to your abdomen.
It cools the bloating response brought about by gas and increases bowel movement. Cardamom is naturally antiflatulent, that is, it prevents gas from building up in your intestines.
How to Use Essential Oils for Constipation
Among the easiest ways of using essential oils, diffusing is a great way where you can have them floating in the air. This helps in relaxation and also stimulates your digestive system. Using a diffuser in your bedroom or living room may help you benefit from oils like peppermint or ginger throughout the day.
Another way essential oils can be used in the case of constipation is topical application. In topical application, which is the application of essential oils to skin or hair, the use of a carrier oil (oils used to dilute essential oils; mostly used is coconut oil and jojoba oil).ย
Massaging your abdomen in circles would help relax all the digestive muscles and stimulate the intestines to move.
Essential oils can be used in a warm bath for relieving constipation. Just add a few drops of your preferred essential oils, like fennel or ginger, to your bath water. While the warm water will ease your muscles, the essential oil could stimulate digestion.
Thinned out with a carrier oil, some essential oils are taken by mouth as well. However, you should be quite cautious while taking it through your mouth. Infact, you are supposed to consult a medical practitioner prior to ingestion, more particularly if you are a pregnant woman, breastfeeding your kid, or suffering from certain acute health disorders.
Safety Precautions
Essential oils may be very useful for getting relief from constipation, but safety cannot be overlooked. Here are some safety tips to follow while using them.
- Dilution
If it is to be used directly on the skin, it is highly important to dilute it in a carrier oil; or else, it could even irritate your skin.
- Patch Testing
Apply a few drops to your wrist or inner elbow and wait to see if any allergic reactions occur before applying essential oils to larger areas of your skin.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider
In the case of chronic constipation or any other health issues, it is always better to consult your doctor before using essential oils.
- Pregnancy and Children
In these situations, not all the essential oils are safe. It is better to have a consultation with a healthcare expert in such cases.
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Conclusion
Essential oils have proved to be one of the most effective natural remedies for constipation. Oils like peppermint, ginger, fennel, coriander, and cardamom possess properties by which digestion can be smoothed, bloating reduced, and bowel movements regulated. Always use essential oils safely, and consult a healthcare professional before use if you have any concerns.
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