Essential oils from herbs such as peppermint, fennel, anise, cinnamon and ginger are a natural way to ease digestive symptoms from indigestion to constipation.

Digestive symptoms are some of the most commonly medicated problems, but they don't have to be. Cultures around the world have used spices and herbs to improve digestion and ease symptoms from heartburn to food poisoning and from constipation to diarrhea. Essential oils, the most potent form of any herb or plant, are recommended today to boost the efficiency of the digestive system and ease any complaints.

How to Ease Digestion with Essential Oils

1. Topically: Essential oils can be applied over the stomach or on the belly to ease cramps, gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, or other complaints. Essential oils are very potent, so only a drop or two is needed at a time to achieve results.*
2. Internally, by Mouth: A drop or two of peppermint (the most palatable essential oil recommended to aid digestion) on or under the tongue can do wonders for the digestive system.*
3. Internally, in Capsules: More intense digestive problems such as a stomach flu or food poisoning require tougher treatment. These and other serious digestive upset usually respond well to essential oils taken in capsules (empty gelatin or vegetarian capsules can be found at most health food and bulk stores).*

*Therapeutic-Grade Only, Please

Whether you are applying the oils on your stomach, under your tongue, or taking them in capsules, quality is of the utmost importance.

Most essential oils have additives that are not listed on the labels – in fact, they may be marketed as "100% pure" and "organic" even if all the ingredients are not.

For your health and safety, please make sure that any essential oils you use on or in your body are therapeutic grade and safe to be used internally.

Essential Oil Digestive Aids

Some of the best essential oils for treating digestive complaints include:

Peppermint - one of the most well-known herbs for the digestive system. It is cooling and soothing, and is often used as a tea. It is anti-inflammatory to the digestive system.

Anise - a seed, used to give a delicate licorice flavor to food and as a digestive tonic. It is antispasmodic and antiseptic, and may help with hormone balance.

Fennel - believed during Medieval times to protect against evil spirits; it is sometimes offered after a meal as a digestive aid. It supports the digestive system and balances hormones (especially for women). It is used against gas, cramps, bloating and vomiting.

Cinnamon - a very powerful antimicrobial essential oil, fighting all kinds of infection. It may also be used to boost the metabolism and as an aid for weight loss.

Ginger - originates in China. It is known as a digestive tonic and is often used to fight nausea and car sickness, as well as to balance low or excessive appetite.

Reference

Essential Science Publishing, Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd Edition, USA, 2001.