Heartburn is the result of acid reflux that travels through the stomach into the esophagus. It is often described as a burning sensation below the breastbone, resulting in a number of additional symptom such as bloating, difficulty swallowing, and indigestion.
Additional heartburn-inducing factors include eating large meals, alcohol consumption, and pregnancy.
Essential oils can help relieve the symptoms of heartburn. The following is a list of the best oils available and how they are useful.
Also read: Burning Sensation in Stomach: Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies
Essential oils for acid reflux and heartburn
Ginger oil
Ginger oil works best when consumed before meals. Thanks to ginger’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great at blocking stomach acid production and suppressing H.pylori bacteria, known for causing stomach ulcers. Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis will benefit from ginger oil. This essential oil is consumed best as a tea.
Peppermint oil
This pleasantly scented oil can help indigestion and acid reflux. It also acts as a pain reliever, which is why it’s a great choice for reducing pain associated with heartburn. Peppermint essential oil provides a refreshing and cooling feeling that most people will find soothing to the throat. It is advised to dilute a small amount in another beverage.
Eucalyptus oil
As this oil is absorbed by the body, the powerful compound Eucalyptol works as a potent vasodilator, increasing the size of blood vessels. This allows for more blood to flow and circulate around the body. This helps relieve the pain caused by acid reflux thanks to eucalyptus’s strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Also read: Natural vasodilators: How to dilate blood vessels naturally and increase blood flow
Lemon oil
The oil from this citrus fruit has a lot of beneficial properties. It encourages production of healthy acids and digestive enzymes.
Orange oil
This common fruit can also be found in oil form. Its use can aid in the prevention of muscle spasms, helping to reduce acid reflux. Additionally, orange oil can be used as a sedative that helps calm anxiety. The oil also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce pain caused by inflammation. It is recommended to combine this oil with other consumable liquids, diluting its potency before ingestion.
Marjoram oil
This essential oil has excellent warming and soothing properties, helping to ease pain associated with acid reflux. It has anti-spasmodic benefits, allowing it to prevent muscle spasms which can be responsible for acid reflux. It also has other beneficial qualities, like helping with blood pressure, arthritis pain, and indigestion.
Valerian root oil
It helps relax the muscles, preventing spasms and reflux. It works in part by increasing an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA, which relaxes your muscles. Valerian root oil is also a mild sedative, making it a useful sleep aid.
Risks of using essential oils for heartburn
It is important to keep in mind that essential oils cannot replace recommended treatment plans set out by your doctor. No scientific studies have been conducted to support the use of essential oils for the treatment of heartburn. Associations between essential oils and heartburn relief have been suggested and are not based on hard evidence.
If you decide to use essential oils by ingesting them, it is advised to be very cautious—it is rarely recommended to take essential oils by mouth due to their potency. If you consume essential oils orally, stop right away if you start feeling nauseous or get an upset stomach. It is recommended to speak to your doctor before treating any condition with essential oils.
Related:
- Foods that won’t cause heartburn: What to eat and avoid
- 10 Natural Antacids to Help With Heartburn & Better Digestion