
Healthy digestion with essential oils
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Stomach health with digestive blend of essential oils
“Every disease begins in the gut” Hippocrates
There are several things you can do to maintain your gut health, starting with what you eat and focusing on nutritious foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. Along the same lines, activities you can incorporate into your lifestyle such as exercise, quality sleep, and stress reduction are the best preventative measures. However, no one is exempt from consuming something that upsets the stomach or living through stressful situations for a prolonged period of time that become difficult to “digest.”
An upset stomach can be quite distressing and in those times of digestive discomfort, no other essential oil comes close to matching the accomplishments of the digestive blend.
Ingredients such as mint, lemongrass, juniper, ginger, fennel, tarragon or anise each have specific relief properties, but in general, it is thanks to natural constituents such as alpha-pinene, camphene and beta-pinene that are known monoterpenes.
A wide range of pharmacological activities have been reported as an effect of essential oils that contain these components and that include modulation of antibiotic resistance, anticoagulant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti- leishmaniasis , as well as analgesic effects. ( study )
A joint study by several international universities on the potential therapeutic effects of a- and ß-pinenes showed that these compounds derived from essential oils extracted from plants exhibit several important biological activities that make them very useful in various applications such as flavorings, fungicides, fragrances, antivirals and microbial agents.
A miraculous gift of nature
Some of the most notable effects of these isomers are found specifically in essential oils extracted from coniferous trees such as pine and have been detected in at least 40 different essential oils.
Some of the plants that contain or produce a-pinene and/or ß-pinene are Ocimum menthaefolium , Pinus spp., Juniperus communis , Rosmarinus officinalis , Lavandula stoechas , Coriandrum sativum , Cuminum cyminum , Juniperus oxycedrus , Myristica fragrans , Cinnamomum verum , Melaleuca alternifolia , Achillea millefolium , Ligusticum levisticum , Pistacia lentiscus , Grindelia camporum , Piper nigrum , Pilocarpus microphyllus , Agastache rugosa , Artemisia capillaris , Eugenia aromatic , Piper guineense , Solanum erianthum , Citrus limon , Citrus bergamia , Ferula kuhistanica and Ferula clematidifolia .
The biological activity of these phytochemicals can be perceived in many conditions of the body, but our interest today is mainly related to digestive health :
- Modulation in antibiotic resistance
Bacterial pathogens have a high capacity to become resistant to antibiotics and this is something that is worrying the scientific and medical communities because bacteria are appearing that do not yield to any type of antibiotic. α-pinene has been used successfully as a modulator against bacterial resistance and in the prevention of antimicrobial discharge.
- Anticoagulant activity
Angelica sinensis is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for hematopoietic and anti-inflammatory activity in menstrual-related diseases. Yang et al., and published in the text Dietary Chinese herbs: chemistry, pharmacology and clinic , where A. sinensis and its constituents were studied as anticoagulant agents. The a-pinene derivatives were found to be potent anticoagulant agents and it was indicated that these compounds are capable of preventing thromboxane A 2 production or platelet Ca 2+ promotion.
- Gastro-protective effect
Gastrointestinal transit is the period of time taken by food to leave the stomach and pass through the intestines. It is a crucial process affected by many parameters that take time to take place. For healing purposes, several medicinal plants and their compounds such as monoterpenes (a-pinene and/or ß-pinene) have been used as an important therapeutic source to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
The results show that these monoterpenes present in some essential oils reduce gastric retention and enhance gastric tone (performed in experiments with rats). This means that it helps eliminate liquids and relieves by relaxing the duodenum.
Other experiments have also been done for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori with the essential oils of carrot seed, clove, yellow grapefruit and lemongrass. ( study )
Likewise, essential oils such as peppermint can reduce damage to gastric tissue and necrosis in cases of gastric ulcers. ( study )
Learn about the essential oils involved in stomach relief
Ginger : Ginger rhizome calms the digestive system, it is good against diarrhea, gas, indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, vomiting, morning sickness, etc.
Mint : The essential oil is obtained from mint leaves and is good against poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, motion sickness, infections, gastritis, heartburn, gastroenteritis, etc.
Lemongrass : It is used to relieve stomach pain, constipation, flatulence and more.
Basil : against spasms and gastric ulcers.
Chamomile : against diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.
Fennel seeds : dewormer, antiseptic, antispasmodic, commonly used for gastritis and digestive support.
Anise seeds : calms and strengthens the digestive system.
Juniper : It is a powerful cleansing and detoxifying agent, specifically for urinary tract infections and healthy kidney function. It is said to have anti-diabetic properties.
Tarragon : used to treat dyspepsia, gas, intestinal spasms and nervous or slow digestion.
Caraway seed : similar to cumin seeds, this essential oil is antiparasitic, antispasmodic, helps digestion and flatulence.
Other essential oils that are also good for the digestive system are:
Wild marjoram : helps with stomach pain and indigestion.
Rosemary : against constipation and indigestion.
Typically, digestive blends contain a selection of the oils we have mentioned and, depending on the proportions, this is the effect.
If you have a specific condition you can still treat it with the individual oils:
Essential oils for nausea
Ginger, mint, lemon .
As for peppermint , it helps with nausea caused by indigestion, nausea with headache, nausea with heat around the abdominal area. For children and during pregnancy, spearmint essential oil can be used for similar effects.
Traditional use : To treat nausea simply open the bottle of essential oil and inhale several times for the next 30 minutes, repeating every 5 minutes if symptoms persist.
Quick Treatment : Pour a drop of essential oil onto the collar of your clothing (test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to make sure it won't stain) or put a drop of essential oil on a tissue and tuck it into your bra or a breast pocket where you can smell the scent throughout the day.
Essential oils for poor digestion or indigestion
Slow digestion can make us feel heavy, blocked and with a full stomach. Poor digestion can be the result of stress, overeating or a weakened digestive system. Essential oils used to relieve poor digestion offer a warm and stimulating sensation.
The essential oils of Ginger , Black Pepper , Rosemary , Lemon and Lemongrass are mainly used to relieve nausea, stimulate and tone gastric tissue.
Rosemary oil especially stimulates the liver and gallbladder, while lemon oil stimulates the movement of digestive fluids and provides a feeling of cleanliness and freshness.
Ways to use:
- For hot compresses : Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Dip a washcloth in it and then wring it out to remove excess water. Place the compress on your abdomen and replace it when it cools. You can also place the compress on your lower back.
- For massage : dilute about 5 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil, a light olive oil or a good quality almond oil). Apply to the abdomen, massaging in a clockwise direction, and to the lower back.
Warning : Some essential oils with warming effects may irritate sensitive skin and prolonged use may cause sensitivity to the product. It is best to test for skin reactions before use and try to avoid prolonged use of the same oil for more than 3 weeks at a time.
- As a relaxing treatment : Pour 1-2 drops into 5ml of carrier oil and gently apply to the abdomen starting from the top of the right hip towards the lower ribs on that same side and continue towards the ribs on the left side and then down to the left hip. Continue the same circular motion while breathing deeply. Keep the massage short and gentle so as not to further upset the stomach.
In addition, it is recommended:
- Movement : A short walk after meals stimulates digestive movement.
- Deep breathing : Intentionally deep breathing forces the diaphragm to push the upper intestines out, causing peristalsis or bowel movement.
- Rest and relaxation : Poor digestion can be a result of stress. Part of the body's response to stress is to divert blood flow from the digestive system to the skeletal muscles and prepare the body for fight or flight. A 5-10 minute break after meals can help clear your mind and stimulate the body to restore proper function to the digestive system. You can even use this time to practice deep breathing to enhance the relaxation process.
Essential oils to treat intestinal spasms
A short, sharp, stinging pain in the abdomen may be caused by a spasm in the intestine. Peppermint essential oil has been shown to decrease spasms in the intestine and may be helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Other essential oils that provide great relief due to their antispasmodic, sedative, and carminative properties include ginger , lavender , chamomile , and spearmint .
Digestive-protective blend
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The digestive-protective blend contains the oils mentioned above to encompass in one container the power and relief needed when treating stomach problems.
There are several essential oil brands that have a version of the digestive blend in their products. For example, Young Living offers a blend of mint, lemongrass, juniper, patchouli, ginger, fennel, tarragon and anise in its DiGize product.
DoTerra's ZenGest blend includes ginger, fennel and coriander to relieve upset stomach, motion sickness and indigestion, while mint, tarragon, anise and caraway seeds help aid digestion and maintain a healthy intestinal tract.
Ways this mixture can be used:
Inhalation : In cases of motion sickness simply open the bottle and inhale the aroma to calm nausea on a car or plane ride.
Topic : Massage a few drops into the stomach area to relieve pain and bloating.
Ingestion : Add 1-3 drops to ¼ cup water for immediate stomach relief.
Infusion: Add 1-3 drops to aromatic water or warm water to maintain intestinal health.
This is a medicine worth having on hand when an upset stomach arises as it is safe and effective. Internal use (ingestion) of the digestive mixture is a natural, healthy one that gently relieves upset stomach and other digestive ailments.
It is believed that massaging the stomach with the digestive mixture in a clockwise direction will cause whatever is stuck in the colon to move, while massaging counter-clockwise will slow down the movements.
How to use the digestive blend in your daily life
- Massage your stomach with 1-2 drops of the mixture to relieve symptoms of heartburn, constipation, gas, diarrhea or stomach inflammation.
- Rub a drop of the mixture into your hands and rub it behind your ears to relieve nausea or morning sickness.
Precautions
- For very sensitive skin, dilute first in a carrier oil before applying.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing medical treatment, consult your doctor first.
- Avoid contact with eyes, inner ear and other sensitive areas.
Recipe if you want to prepare your own digestive mixture
You can prepare the amount you want, keeping the following proportions:
Use 12 drops of therapeutic grade A essential oil per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (this can be a light olive oil, a good quality almond oil or fractionated coconut oil, or even virgin coconut oil).
The 12 drops of essential oils are: 3 drops of Roman chamomile, 3 drops of lemongrass, 2 drops of basil, 2 drops of ginger and 2 drops of mint.
Mix well and store in a glass bottle.
I am not a doctor and this information I share with you is not intended to replace the advice given by your doctor. It is what I recommend and what works for me and my family. On the other hand, if you use essential oils for medical purposes, be sure to use the highest quality, high purity, therapeutic, Grade A essential oils.
Typically, top quality essential oils are expensive for their quality and the way the oil has been obtained (often by distillation) so you should be wary of the quality of a cheap oil, it may be a diluted or blended oil and will not give you the results you are looking for.