Essential oils are a reliable, all-natural method for treating many conditions including constipation.
Essential oils are not just for aromatherapy.
They have been proven to offer therapeutic benefits both externally and internally.
It is important to note that essential oils should not be taken in their pure form.
However, they can be mixed with ‘carrier’ oils and solutions to allow for safe ingestion.
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Best Essential Oils for Constipation
Many essential oils can be an effective treatment for constipation (We will discuss the options and which is best later).
It is important to know how to use the oils for maximum effectiveness.
To treat constipation you should mix your essential oil with a carrier solution; coconut oil is an effective carrier.
Massage the mixture into the abdomen.
Massaging will aid in intestinal relaxation and help to get things moving.
For maximum results, concentrate attention on specific acupuncture points.
After this treatment, it may also be useful to add the mixture to a warm bath.
This provides further relaxation, and the warm water-essential oil solution can be conducive to a gentle, cleansing bowel movement.
There are a variety of essential oils that have proven effective in treating constipation.
Many people choose their favorite based on their scent.
It is important to research the different oils and understand how they work before you choose one to sample.
The following paragraphs are a superb place to begin your research.
We will discuss the advantages of different kinds of essential oils and how they may help relieve your constipation.
1. Rosemary Oil
The rosemary essential oil that has been used for centuries to combat gastrointestinal disorders.
In addition to constipation, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach bloating, dyspepsia, and loss of appetite.
Rosemary oil also aids in improving blood flow.
It treats constipation through a form of detoxification and abdomen muscle relaxation.
2. Sweet Basil Oil
This oil is often used as a flavor enhancer in culinary applications.
It also functions as a very effective carminative, that is; it helps to relieve flatulence.
It aids in digestion and helps to ease stomach cramps.
Sweet basil oil promotes holistic digestion system health.
Additionally sweet basil oil also effectively treats asthma, migraines, mental fatigue, and depression.
3. Lemon Oil
Lemon is one of the most versatile essential oils.
It is used for its aromatic properties as well as health, household cleaning, and cosmetic applications.
Lemon oil is another carminative that aids in the relief of uncomfortable flatulence.
Mixed in the correct concoction it can also be effective in relieving upset stomach, indigestion, and stomach bloating.
All of these promote digestive health and help avoid, or eliminate constipation.
Lemon oil also aids in weight management, insomnia, and fevers.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is sometimes referred to as the ‘world’s oldest medicine’.
The veracity of that title is unknown, but the fact is that peppermint oil has a long medicinal history.
Peppermint oil has anti-spasmodic properties.
This means that it relaxes the smooth muscles of the GI tract and helps the digestive system.
An added benefit to using peppermint oil to treat constipation is that it is also an effective pain reliever which is an associated symptom of constipation.
Peppermint oil is a very prolific essential oil, and all of its benefits have yet to be discovered.
5. Fennel Oil
Fennel oil mixed with peppermint oil has proven to be one of the better constipation relievers.
The correct ratio of Fennel oil to peppermint oil to carrier oil has been very effective.
6. Orange Oil
Citrus oil is known for its benefits to the digestive system.
The oil is derived from the orange peels and is not as fragrant as lemon oil but does offer relief from dyspepsia and constipation.
7. Black Pepper Oil
This oil is high in Monoterpenes, which have proven to promote overall health in many ways.
It is widely used as a supplement to improve and maintain digestive health.
It is especially effective when it is applied as outlined above.
Essential Oil Massage for Constipation
2 Teaspoons of Coconut Oil
5 to 10 drops of the above Essential Oils
While constipation can have a multitude of biological beginnings, it is typically and ultimately a physical problem of a square peg trying to fit through a round hole.
Massaging the area around the large intestine can do wonders for each bout of constipation, and the essential oils and coconut oil will be absorbed and utilized by the body.
What we are trying to accomplish is physically encouraging the fecal matter to move along the intestinal path by applying light pressure to the pathway and following that pathway towards the exit.
There are a couple of massage techniques that you will want to perform, and here’s how to do them.
Essential Oil Massage for Constipation
Step One: Do whatever you need to do to relax. Your core muscles need to be loose for you to be able to apply pressure.
Take a bath in Epsom Salts, listen to some Kenny G, or do whatever else works for you.
I find the lavender essential oil helps me to settle my mind and my muscles and make the massage more effective.
When ready, lay down upon your back.
Step Two: Find the large intestine (colon). It is housed in outer regions of the belly.
Think of a square that fits between the pelvic bones and the ribs.
The left, top, and right walls of that square will follow the path of the colon.
Step Three: Apply some of the essential oil mixture to the hands.
Step Four: Starting at the bottom of the right side.
Use a few fingers to apply light pressure while making a clockwise motion with those fingers.
Don’t use a lot of force because that can compact the fecal matter.
You just want to encourage it along to its destination. Keep making the circular motions, and slowly move those fingers along the pathway.
Move up the right side.
When you reach just below the ribs, continue the massage, moving from the right side to the left.
After reaching the left side, continue the massage heading downwards.
Conclusion
When using essential oils to battle constipation, it is important to remember that everyone is different.
You must find the oil, or mixture of oils, that produce the best results for you.
Another important consideration that you must take is the quality of your essential oils.
The industry lacks a specific standard, and that allows for products of lesser quality.
Many widely distributed products may not be as ‘pure’ or ‘natural’ as they claim.
You must do diligent research to find the highest quality essential oils that provide you with the best results.
Constipation is an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and often very serious health condition.
When your body can not eliminate waste in a timely and efficient matter, your overall health suffers.
It can also cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.
Chronic constipation is a serious matter and should be reported to a medical professional as soon as possible.
As with any condition, the best option is prevention, but sometimes these types of problems are unavoidable.
Essential oils are a natural, healthy, and safe way to combat the discomfort and inconvenience of periodic constipation.
There are a wide variety of essential oils that can provide constipation relief.
A lot of these oils combat bloating and relax abdominal muscles, so that bowel movements are gentle and efficient.
Essential oils such as peppermint have been proven to relieve the discomfort of constipation.
I hope that this article aids in your research into the health benefits of essential oils.