5 best essential oils for bloating

We all get bloated from time to time. We feel sluggish, are not motivated to do anything, and even have trouble buttoning up our pants because our stomach has grown in size. While uncomfortable, bloating can be the result of any number of things, from the food we eat to hormonal fluctuations of your bodies.

Sometimes bloating can cause us to experience pain due to gas build-up, but other times, it may be due to causes that we can’t quite put our finger on.

Luckily, through the use of essential oils for bloating, you can help relieve your discomfort. The following are five essential oils you should try today.

5 essential oils for bloating

Peppermint oil

This pleasantly scented oil can help with most forms of pain, helping to relieve the symptoms of bloating as well. Peppermint candy, often given after meals, isn’t to simply give you a sweet treat after you’ve eaten, but instead, it helps to settle the stomach. This concept is also put into effect when using peppermint essential oil, as it calms the stomach and reduces the pain from cramping. After mixing peppermint oil with your choice of carrier oil, simply apply it to the skin to reap its effects.

Juniper berry oil

Known for containing antioxidants such as polyphenol and flavonoids, juniper oil is one of the best essential oils to help relieve bloating. By eliminating free radicals, it also helps to promote overall health. Juniper oil can also help improve blood circulation by eliminating excess fluids from your body and, in effect, reduce bloating. Being a versatile oil, it can be used aromatically with the use of a diffuser. Once mixed with a carrier oil, it can be massaged on to your abdomen. If so inclined, you can simply just inhale its wonderful scent straight from the bottle.

Ginger oil

This root spice has been long known to harbor many beneficial health effects when consumed, but its oil can also be used externally on your skin as well. Thanks to ginger’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great at relieving bloating, abdominal pain, and other digestive problems. Simply apply a ginger oil mix onto your stomach to get all of its amazing benefits.

Chamomile oil

This plant is well known for helping us relax to get much-needed sleep, but it can also be used to help relieve annoying cases of bloating as well. Chamomile oil works by reducing bowel inflammation. Simply massage your chamomile oil solution onto your stomach to get relief from your bloating.

Cumin essential oil

Cumin seeds have long been used to spice up any dish, but not known to most is that cumin essential oils are some of the finest for bloating. It works to help reduce cramping, abdominal pain, and even irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea. Simply apply your cumin essential oil mixture to your bloated stomach at night to get quick relief. While cumin oil is great, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

Ways to use essential oils for bloating

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways, but the most effective methods for the treatment of bloating and other digestion related issues is through aromatherapy or applying it topically on the skin.

The use of diffusers is the simplest way to help fill the room with the wonderful sent for your chosen essential oil. It allows for the oil molecules to be released into the air, enter your nose, and stimulate your olfactory nerves, which are responsible for your sense of smell.

Using essential oil on your skin is the most common method, as their absorption makes it easier to reach your bloodstream. It is important to note that using essential oils in their raw form is not recommended, and to first mix them with a carrier oil such as olive oil. To help relieve digestive and bloating problems, simply rub the essential oil mix in a clockwise direction, mimicking the flow of normal digestion, on to your stomach.

Related: 7 foods to help you fight the bloat