We are sure that you have been using different medications for treating nausea. But have you ever thought that you could use essential oils for nausea?
Quite surprising, right? Aromatherapy has made a quiet niche for itself in the medical world. Essential oils have been used as an aid to medicines for a long time now. And through this article, we will talk about how you can use essential oils for nausea.
Nausea is a common problem that can be caused due to a variety of factors. Doctors often recommend the use of essential oils for nausea. It rarely causes side effects and often helps in ameliorating the root cause of nausea too.
So without much ado, let us look into the essential oils for nausea.
A. What is Nausea?
Nausea is a medical condition that is defined as a feeling of sickness, inclining to vomit.
Nausea and vomiting are generally considered major symptoms of motion sickness. Sometimes nausea can be beneficial too. When nausea is caused due to bacterial infection and throwing up the food helps in cleansing the system.
Some of the potential causes of nausea are:
- Heartburn or gastrointestinal ailments, especially an upset stomach
- Microbial infection
- As a side effect of some medication
- Motion sickness
- Diet or due to any physical pain
- Ulcers
B. Which Essential Oils to Be Used for Nausea?
Essential oils are formed from the active compounds found in plants. Through the process of distillation, these are converted into potent oils. These oils, therefore, have the powerful properties of botanical herbs and spices.
These oil help in curing the problems caused due to nausea. And it also helps in ameliorating the root cause of nausea too.
Some essential oils that can be effective in treating nausea are:
1. Lavender oil
Renowned for its relaxing properties, lavender oil is extremely effective in treating nausea. Use diluted lavender oil topically or in a diffuser before going to bed. It will help you relax and achieve a good night’s sleep, helping to combat nausea faster. Lavender oil is used when nausea is caused due to physical pain or anxiety.
2. Ginger Oil
We know that ginger has always been used as an effective remedy for digestive issues. But did you know that ginger essential oil is also as beneficial as ginger?
Rub the ginger oil on the pressure points on your forehead and wrists. You can also even use the diluted ginger oil topically on your stomach to alleviate nausea.
Ginger oil is generally used for people who are affected by nausea caused due to anesthesia. Also, if the cause of nausea is due to pregnancy, then ginger oil is considered safe for pregnant women.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is known worldwide for its healing and cooling properties. And therefore, it is no surprise when our list of essential oils for nausea would include peppermint oil.
Peppermint essential oil can be applied topically. It helps in relaxing the gastric muscles and also prevents them from cramping or over-contracting.
Peppermint oil helps in improving your symptoms quickly and has a faster effect than other essential oils.
4. Spearmint Oil
Next on the list of essential oils for nausea is spearmint oil.
Like ginger and peppermint oil, spearmint oil can also be applied topically. Apply on the pressure points of the body or rub it on the stomach and intestinal areas.
The menthol component of the oil mixed with a refreshing scent of spearmint helps you to relax instantly. It also allows you to regulate breathing despite being nauseous.
5. Cardamom Oil
For people suffering from post-operative nausea, using cardamom oil can be extremely beneficial for the affected.
Cardamom is a spice that belongs in the same family as that ginger. Therefore, cardamom oil acts as an effective anti-nausea agent. The spicy scent of the cardamom oil will help you to relax and ameliorate nausea and anxiety quickly.
Apart from the list of essential oils for nausea, fennel oil, lemon oil, and chamomile oils are also very effective in combating nausea.
C. How To Use Essential Oils?
These oils work as a part of an aromatherapy treatment, and there are a few different ways to use them.
1. Through Diffusers
Put 2-3 drops of the essential oil into a diffuser. The diffuser will gradually release the essential oils into the air at room temperature.
2. Steam Inhalation
Mix a few drops of the essential oil into a hot water bowl. Then put a handkerchief or a small tin in the bowl. After wringing it, place it on your nose and mouth.
3. Topical application
For topical applications, it is essential to dilute the essential oil with light carrier oils like coconut or jojoba. Mix 3-5 drops of essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil.
D. Potential Side Effects of Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are extremely effective in combating nausea. But there are also certain potential side effects that one should be aware of before using.
- Essential oils are considered toxic and therefore should not be ingested or applied directly to the skin. Use it through a diffuser. Or you can apply it topically while mixing it with carrier oil.
- Applying the essential oils directly onto the skin can cause inflammation and a burning sensation.
- Over-exposure to essential oils can lead to the development of allergic reactions on your skin.
- Inhaling essential oil directly is also strictly prohibited as it can lead to damage to mucous membranes.
It is essentially recommended to consult a medical provider before applying the essential oils.
Now there you go, everything you need to know about all these oils for nausea. But it is important to understand that nausea is always considered a symptom of an underlying ailment. Therefore, it is extremely important to cure the root cause to treat nausea completely.
Essential oil acts as a natural remedy that helps in boosting the healing period for people who are affected. And in no way should this be replacing the actual medications. Always consult with your medical provider before using these essential oils for nausea.
Also, check out “What Essential Oils Kill Toenail Fungus”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Apply Peppermint Oil for Motion Sickness?
To relieve motion sickness or general nausea, massage several drops onto your stomach, dab a drop on your wrists, or take a deep breath. Traditionally, the best approach to settle an upset stomach was to drink mint tea.
2. Is It Ok to Use Peppermint Oil to My Stomach?
Since peppermint oil has the carminative effect of evacuating gas from the stomach or intestines to reduce flatulence, abdominal pain, or distension, it is particularly beneficial for digestion.
3. How Do You Apply Lemon Oil for Motion Sickness?
A diffuser or oil burner in the bedroom with one or two drops of lemon essential oil helps to calm and relieve NVP.
