6 Essential Oils that Improve Digestion

Essential oils can provide powerful relief to your digestive woes.

A healthy, happy body begins with a well-functioning digestion system. And with this decade’s ubiquitous presence of digestion enemies like processed foods, alcohol, and sugary beverages on the rise, we have certainly compromised our gut health. Although what we choose to consume certainly contributes to damage, mental components like stress and anxiety can also do a number on your digestion. Regardless, taking care of your gut will help you feel happier, healthier, and more energized, as your digestive system contributes to about 80% of your immunity!

Essential oils can provide powerful relief to your digestive woes. Natural and safe, these herbal alternatives to medications come with very little (if any) side effects, and pack in numerous health benefits. These 6 oils have undergone extensive research by experts, who have reached the verdict that they can reduce symptoms of tummy upset while stimulating or repairing digestion. Try them for yourself, and banish digestive discomfort today!

1. Ginger

A fundamental component in Asian cooking, ginger is added to many dishes for its super effective digestive properties. The gut-friendly oil contains the highest levels of gingerol, the nutrient that delivers powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ever wonder why people sip ginger ale when they’re feeling queasy on planes? Ginger works as one of nature’s best natural remedies for indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

2. Clove

Many factors can trigger inflammation in the intestinal lining, which in turn invites digestive issues like discomfort, abdominal pain, and bloating. This incredible oil can seriously heal the intestinal lining and keep spasms at bay, while reducing bloating and gas. Meanwhile, the eugenol in clove oil helps banish fungal overgrowths that can damage the digestion system and actually invite serious health issues down the road. A few drops of clove oil with meals will also help with digestion!

3. Peppermint

Used for centuries and widely cultivated for its bold fragrance, peppermint oil can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where inhabitants praised the seemingly magical potion for its countless wonders. Research proves the oil can strengthen and tone the intestines and stomach, ultimately helping relieve stomach aches, irritable bowel, menstrual cramps, and even nausea. Thymol and eugenol, the main components of peppermint oil, keep your oral and intestinal flora balance in check, which helps digest food better and ward off stomach pain.

Did you know sniffing pepperming oil can also curb your appetite and help with weight loss? For more painless, exercise-free hunger busters, check out these Top 10 Natural Appetite Suppressants!

4. Oil of Oregano

This bomb oil carries an extensive list of health benefits that’ll help you feel your best. For one thing, oil of oregano has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe inflammation in the colon and intestines, ultimately smoothening out the digestion process and eliminating issues like abdominal pain and bloating. In addition, this amazing oil shields you against bacterial infections that can affect your entire system, including within the colon and unirary tract, thanks to its anti-bacterial abilities. And finally, the oil’s anti-fungal properties serve as forceful armor against diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.

5. Fennel

Known for its subtly sweet licorice aroma, fennel’s health benefits date back to Ancient Rome, and are widely recognized and praised to this day. Among the many mind-blowing faculties, this oil helps with digestion by ensuring that the secretions of digestive acids and bile are functioning properly in the stomach, while protecting against infections and ulcers. Considered a tonic, fennel also tones and strengthens the digestive system, warding off problems like indigestion and bloating.

And as an added bonus, fennel can help boost the metabolism and fight sweet tooth cravings, ultimately acting as an awesome weight loss aid!

6. Cardamom

Recognized in the culinary world as a pretty pricy cooking spice, cardamom in its oil form has a variety of unique properties, some of which can certainly help improve digestion naturally. It acts as a stimulant, meaning it awakens the digestion system and encourages secretion of gastric juices, acid, and bile in the stomach, while improving the elimination of toxins and cleansing the colon naturally.

Cleansing the colon naturally can help you feel less sluggish, bloated, or constipated, without having a harsh impact on your digestive system. For additional ideas, here are 12 Natural Ways to do a Colon Cleanse. 

Essential oils improve more than just digestion. Learn more about their astonishing health benefits by checking out Your Guide to Essential Oils or 5 Healthy Oils to Add to your Diet.