While there are plenty of constipation remedies, there’s one that’s all natural that many sufferers of this uncomfortable condition swear by. Using essential oils for constipation is a safe and effective way to find relief. Not only can certain essential oils help to alleviate constipation, but they can also reduce and eliminate all the nasty side effects that come along with it, such as bloating and gassiness.
If you want to know more about what essential oils are good for constipation, how you can use them and the science behind why they work, this guide covers it all.
How to use essential oils for constipation relief
Not only are there many essential oils that can help you deal with constipation, but there are also multiple ways that you can use them.
How do you use essential oils for constipation? Choose from the following methods:
Inhalation
Inhaling the best essential oils for constipation can be just as effective as applying them directly to your skin after properly diluting them. You can inhale them directly from the bottle, ensuring that they don’t come into direct contact with your skin.
Another option is putting them into a diffuser, which will disseminate their fragrance all around the room very effectively.
Topical application
When you know what essential oils are good for constipation, you can apply them topically, after diluting them properly.
One way to do this is by adding them to your bath. You can also mix them into your favorite body lotion or add them to a hot or cold compress to get their benefits.
Massage
Blending essential oils for constipation with a carrier oil and then massaging your abdominal area in a clockwise direction is another extremely effective method of combating constipation.
The best essential oils for constipation
While they should never replace medical treatment, using certain essential oils for constipation relief can be a very effective way to feel better.
The following oils are all recommended for treating this ailment:
Lavender essential oil
Diffusing lavender essential oil can drastically reduce your stress levels and help you to relax and unwind. This means it’s effective as a preventative method for tension-related constipation, gas and stomach aches. Stress can reduce or even stop intestinal motility, which keeps things from moving. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties also help make it a good choice for dealing with digestive issues.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is highly concentrated and contains several antioxidants that improve digestion while reducing inflammation. Both these processes pave the way for improved food maceration which, in turn, eliminates the likelihood of constipation.
Bear in mind that lemon is phototoxic, so you'll need to stay out of the sun if you’ve applied it to your skin as part of a diluted mix.
Peppermint essential oil
Because of its antispasmodic properties that relax our digestive tract muscles and loosen the bowels, peppermint essential oil is another good essential oil for constipation. It will ease the pain of cramps and can lessen bloating and gas.
Fennel seed
Fennel seed essential oil is a powerful digestive stimulant that can have a laxative effect on our bodies. Fennel seed can soothe irritation and swelling in the intestines and aid indigestion, and it may help relax the muscles in this area too. This helps to relieve the gassiness often associated with constipation. The anethole component in fennel seeds is responsible for these benefits.
Ginger oil
Ginger is another commonly used oil for both improving digestion and reducing nausea. It’s an effective treatment for constipation because it stimulates our digestive systems. This increases gastric motility which prevents and treats constipation.
Roman chamomile
With its analgesic properties, Roman chamomile essential oil is wonderful for easing inflammation and improving blood circulation. It’s excellent at improving digestion and relieving gas. It is widely used to deal with bloating, constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
