In today’s extremely fast lifestyle, things can get very demanding and we often forget to take care of ourselves. We get so busy with work, house chores and other activities that we often forget to eat healthy, sleep enough, drink enough water and so on. That usually leads to long term health problems. One particular problem of which is very common and makes things uncomfortable is constipation. It leaves you feeling bloated, moody and it’s really uncomfortable. Of course there are many ways to fix this problem, but one alternative and very popular method is using essential oils.
The usage of essential oils is a rising trend and more and more people are using it for many things, constipation being one among them. It’s a perfectly natural and extremely healthy way to help you deal with constipation. If you haven’t heard about it, stay tuned and read about the best essential oils for constipation, benefits, and usage.
Essential oils for constipation basically are extracts that are highly concentrated and are derived from plants. The process of extraction is either through cold-pressing or steaming the plants. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in alternative medicine and lately the Western worlds have started to notice its healing potential. They are very helpful for lots of problems, including constipation. Of course, there are different types of essential oils that have a different effect on the body. There are countless of benefits, some relax your body, others encourage muscle contractions, helping your digestive system to function better. However, essential oils aren’t meant to be consumed, because some can be toxic. Keep reading and find out which are the best essential oils for constipation, benefits and usage.
How to use essential oils
Like we mentioned in this article there are countless of benefits from using essential oils for constipation. They can help you tackle health problems in an alternative way, which is totally natural and organic based. If you prefer using alternative medicine than you should get definitely get informed about the usage and benefits of essential oils.
Like it was said in this article, different essential oils help you with different problems and in different ways. That being said, it is also important to mention that different essential oils are used differently. In the text bellow we’ll show you 5 ways to use essential oils daily. Without further ado here they are.
1. Diffusion
This is one of the great ways to make the most out of essential oils. You can get your day started on the right foot by defusing oils in the morning. You can also use this method throughout the day by using stimulating oils to help you with study or work. Furthermore you can use uplifting oils whenever you need a boost in energy. Right before bedtime you can try out sedative and relaxing oils. For this purpose you’ll need a diffuser which you can either make yourself or buy a one that covers your desired area.
Relaxing oils
Lemon, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Geranium
Sedative oils
Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Geranium, Frankincense, Vetiver, Melissa
Uplifting oils
Wild Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Geranium, Bergamot, Melissa
Stimulating oils
Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Wild orange, Rosemary, Grapefruit, Basil
2. Inhaling
Another great method for using essential oils is inhaling. Clear your mind, take a deep breath and directly inhale from an open bottle, or you could also put a drop of oil in your palms, rub it and inhale the aroma. Keep doing this as much as you need throughout the day. You could also put a few drops on a handkerchief and carry it around with you in your pocket. Some people also use a terracotta necklace with a few drops of oil inside, making it easy to use.
3. Baths
Baths are a great way to make the most out of essential oils. Simply add 2-5 drops into your bath water. You could also blend it with carrier oil or Epsom salts. It is not recommended that you use cassia, cinnamon, oregano, lemongrass and wintergreen in your bath because they might cause skin irritation to sensitive skin.
4. Massage
Another amazing method is using essential oils through massages. Next time you are going to take a massage, bring your oils with you. You’ll notice a difference right away, it’ll improve your blood circulation and if you rub it on your belly it will help with digestion which can help if you have problems with constipation. You can make your own massage oil mix by combining 15-20 drops diluted to half a cup of carrier oil. If you start massaging your feet first you’ll allow the oils to enter your bloodstream faster and you’ll feel a difference right away.
5. Topically
Another common use of essential oils is if you apply them topically. Usually the best place to start this method is at the bottom of the feet, later on you could try chest, pulse and temple points. Once you get the hang of it, you could try to apply it on different parts of the body where you feel pains and aches. Simply apply 2-3 drops directly on the skin, or use 5-10 drops if you mix it with a carrier oil like olive oil or jojoba.
If you decide to use this method than we strongly recommend that you make sure that you use a safe manufacturer and it also is a good idea to consult with your doctor or dermatologist before usage. Another thing you must have into consideration is that you should never use essential oils near your eyes or in your ear.
Using essential oils for constipation
Essential oils are known for being highly concentrated and shouldn’t be overused. However, if used carefully and with directions provided by a doctor, they can safely and effectively be used towards overcoming several uncomfortable situations – including constipation.
However, you should make sure of several things before you use essential oils for such reasons. Because constipation symptoms can be relieved from essential oils by direct contact of the oil with your skin. This is why it is highly recommended for you to dilute the essential oils with carrier oils like coconut oil, for instance, this way you prevent the occurrence of a rash or other skin issue. It is especially important to dilute the oil if you’ve never used it before and if you aren’t sure of the possible effects it will have on your skin.
Even if you are an adult, we still recommend using an infuser for preparing the air on your surroundings. You can also do this by boiling some of the oil in a small pot and inhaling it. Afterwards, you should put a few drops of the essential oil on a warm cloth and press it on your abdomen. There are several types of oils that you can use for constipation: Ginger oil, peppermint oil, fennel oil, lavender, sweet basil oil, black pepper and chamomile oil. All of them have a different but yet, positive effect on your overall digestion system and can be beneficial remedies for constipation. Still, as there are possible negative effects, it is also suggested to consult a medical expert before choosing any remedy, including an essential oil for constipation.
Essential oil for constipation in babies
Constipation can be a very unpleasant thing to deal with for any adult, so you can imagine how tough can be for a little baby if it suffers from constipation. It makes it an even worse situation because of the fact that babies can’t tell you what’s wrong with them. You as a parent must keep an eye out on your child, making sure that its digestion is fine and its metabolism is working like it should be.
However if you have to deal with constipation in your baby, essential oils can provide a very safe, organic and natural alternative if you don’t want to expose your kid to the unwanted effects of traditional medicine. Lavender oil and Roman Chamomile that are great oils to help you in your fight. Simply add a drop of either oils to one table spoon of carrier oil and massage the tummy in a clockwise motion. What this does it helps stimulate digestion and allows your kid to have a normal digestive system.
Other uses
There are other uses for these two oils as well, so if you have them in your house it is also useful to know their other uses. It can help you with diaper rash, crying or diarrhea.
Dealing with diaper rash
Mix one drop of Lavender and one drop of Roman Chamomile with one drop of whole milk. Then add it to your baby’s bath water and swirl it around before giving your baby a bath, make sure you keep it away from your baby’s eyes.
Crying
Lavender oil and Roman Chamomile have a soothing effect. Place a small drop of either oils on your hand or on a hanky and let your baby smell the oil.
Diarrhea
Combine one drop of Roman Chamomile with one table spoon of carrier oil, put 2-3 drops on the baby’s tummy and gently massage it in a clockwise motion. Make sure you follow the natural movement of the colon. This will help its digestive system.
Essential oils for constipation in toddlers
Toddlers and older children, asides from babies can also suffer from constipation and it is a very uncomfortable problem. However, as a good parent you should always be prepared at home with some helpful, safe alternative medicine remedies like essential oils. There is a very broad list of essential oils you can purchase and have at home in case your child has constipation. After all, it is a normal process where your child’s digestive system is being developed and still finds some tastes and flavors as new.
For instance, constipation can be fought off using Rosemary, Sweet Orange or Ginger essential oil. The process is quite simple. You just dilute one or two drops of the oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil like virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Next, you take the liquid and use it to massage your kid’s feet and the stomach area. This way you relieve discomforts from constipation. This treatment is very healthy and good for your child as it also makes the child feel cared-for and has other positive effects on his or her whole immune system.
If you have a rosemary essential oil for instance, you can also find other uses for it. It is extremely helpful for treating colds, and we all know how often small children get cold. The process is exactly the same, you dilute it in a carrier oil and massage with the liquid. Only when your kid has a cold, you should massage the neck and the chest as these are the most important areas for a common cold.
Essential oils for constipation relief in Adults
As we already mentioned, essential oils are highly concentrated extracts. Naturally, they come from plants and they don’t pose a great threat to health, but still, they are extracted through cold-pressing and streaming different plants. A lot of our predecessors used them as alternative medicine, and we are going back to our roots by doing the same, as these are the most natural and yet, effective means of treating multiple ailments – constipation too. As adults, we aren’t safe from such conditions – constipation can happen due to numerous reasons – stress, bad nutrition, health problems and whatnot.
You should know that essential oils aren’t consumed like regular medicine, some can even be toxic. This is why we dilute them in a carrier oil, even for adults. When applied properly on the skin, they have several positive effects. These include: encouraging muscle contractions, sedative effects and other pain-relieving effects. All of these processes help our body, and our digestive system function properly. As an adult, you have several types of effective constipation relief essential oils you can choose from, here is what we recommend:
Ginger oil
Ginger is often used for improving digestion and reducing nausea, a lot of doctors recommend ginger tea too. Also, it can be very helpful in treating constipation as it has a lot of great stimulatory effects. Specifically, it increases gastric motility and if used regularly, it can even prevent occurrences of constipation. You can use ginger oil by mixing 3 to 5 ginger oil drops in one ounce of carrier oil. As an adult, you can also use grape seed oil asides from coconut oil. With this mixture, you should massage the abdomen and the stomach area gently without putting too much pressure there. If you repeat this process two to three times a day, the results are almost guaranteed.
Fennel oil
Another strong digestive stimulant is fennel oil, deriving from fennel seed. Although these seeds act as laxatives when they are ingested, they can treat constipation in a very efficient manner when used as an essential oil. The process of using the fennel oil is exactly the same as using the ginger essential oil.
Lemon oil
If you didn’t know by now, lemon essential oil is highly concentrated. It is very healthy because it contains a lot of strong antioxidants. These have a positive effect in both improving digestion and reducing inflammation. If these benefits are combined, they give the secret to having a properly working digestive system. Some studies suggest that lemon oil aromatherapy also has a positive effect on a person’s digestion.
This is why you can use lemon essential oil in two ways. First, you can use it to massage your abdomen and stomach in the same manner as we mentioned above. Second, you can sue it as an aromatherapy. Put it in an air diffuser and inhale the scent, as this will also help you achieve your results. Still, remember that it is suggested not to go under direct sunlight if you apply lemon oil on your skin.
Peppermint essential oils for constipation in adults
Another essential oil you can use for constipation is peppermint as it has a cooling and soothing effect. This effect is due to the content of menthol in the peppermint. However, the menthol is also the reason why you should be very careful when you are using peppermint essential oils for any reason, including constipation.
You should be informed that the menthol in the peppermint can have an irritating effect on some skin types, so make sure that yours isn’t among those. Also, make sure to test it on a small area to make sure that you aren’t having an allergic reaction. For instance, after applying it, watch out for bumps, redness, burning sensations and rashes. If you feel some of these symptoms, know that they are a sign of an allergy and you should stop using peppermint ASAP.
This is basically exactly why experts suggest that peppermint essential oils aren’t used in babies and children, even if they are properly diluted. So, only use this type of essential oil on yourself, if you are a full-grown adult.
And if you are an adult, the process of using it is quite simple for constipation. All you need to do is to mix three or four drops of peppermint oil in a mild or warm carrier oil. This minimizes the potency of the peppermint oil and ensures a safe usage. Next, you just massage it on your abdominal area. You will feel the results in a few minutes as peppermint has a treat potential of relieving discomforts. It also relaxes the muscles and relieves different types of pain – including migraine.
DiGize essential oil for constipation
Whenever you are feeling as if your immune system is going in the wrong place, you should always look for the best remedies possible. Luckily for all of us, there are certain brands that can offer high-quality, effective oil blends. One of those who are completely reliable are DiGize, with a great specter of different oil blends. When it comes to constipation relief essential oil with immediate effect – DiGize is the brand for you.
For relieving stomach discomfort, you just take some of the oil and dilute it just like any other oil. Still, make sure to dilute it in the right ratio: one part DiGize and one part carrier or vegetable oil. After this, you are completely safe to apply the drops to the chakras and the vita-flex points. These include your temples, feet, forehead, ears, neck and wrists. Know that DiGize has an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic quality that combats indigestion.
However, if you are feeling an excruciating stomach discomfort from constipation, bloating, diarrhea or gas, feel free to massage your stomach by applying it there. Know that it is suggested that rubbing the oil in a clockwise motion will speed up the actions in your stomach, whereas the counterclockwise motion slows these actions down.
In both cases using DiGize on a regular basis as an alternative medicine remedy can be a great support of your overall immune system, including the digestive one. Some people use DiGize as a dietary supplement too whenever they are going on a trip or a vacation. They add a few drops in honey or their drinking water, only in glass cups. Others who are feeling indigestion, bloating and heartburn even apply one or two drops under the tongue and hold it there for a minute, as it relieves these symptoms too.
Side effects of using essential oils to help constipation
In general, essential oils are very safe to use. However there are a few things you must have into consideration when using essential oils. They aren’t meant to be taken orally as some of them are toxic. We mentioned the ways on how to use them above, for example aromatherapy is when you massage or inhale essential oils. One exception when it comes to inhaling is oils that contain menthol, like spearmint or peppermint oils. Adults can use these oils completely safely, however they can be dangerous for infants, toddlers or young children to inhale them. It is also recommended that nursing or pregnant women avoid the use of essential oils completely, simply because of the fact that there isn’t enough research yet to ensure that they are 100% safe to use.
Furthermore, probably the biggest risk of using essential oils is allergic reactions or irritations. Essential oils that are used topically are not recommended for those with sensitive skin because it might cause irritation. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor or dermatologist before using essential oils.
To prevent irritation it is smart to never apply the oil directly on the skin. Always make a mix of the essential oil with a carrier oil that suits you best, whether that’s olive, sweet almond, coconut or jojoba oil. If you don’t know if you’re allergic to any of this, it’s smart to go easy at first and test it out on a small part of your skin, if there is no reaction in the next 24-48 hours, you should be safe to use it. In general, essential oils are safe for adults, however the effects on children can be different, so always make sure that you consult a pediatrician before using essential oils.
How to choose the right essential oils for you
There are a number of things to keep in mind when looking for the right essential oil for you. First thing you have to know is how do you plan to use it and for what. Essential oils have multiple purposes so you have to make sure you know what your problem is and what do you need the oil for. For example if you have trouble sleeping you should consider inhaling sedative or relaxing oils, or if you have problems with constipation and your digestive system you should look for oils that stimulate the muscles and apply it on your tummy to stimulate your digestive system. Another important thing you must have into consideration is if you have sensitive skin or if you’re allergic to some of the oils. If that is the case than you should forget about using oils topically, just stick to inhaling or diffusion. If you aren’t sure if you’re allergic to a certain type of oil you should start slow, apply it on a smaller piece of skin and if there is no reaction in the next 24-48 hours, you should be safe to use it. Also keep in mind that you should never put it on your eyes or in your ears. In addition, it is wise if you consult your doctor or dermatologist before using essential oils topically. Even if you think you know what is best for you, still, your body can change and so can its reactions to certain external factors – including essential oils. So, although alternative medicine is generally very safe as it is natural, we always suggest consulting a medical expert before taking the things into your own hands completely.