The Best Essential Oils for Treating Flatulence

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Whether your gas is temporary or chronic, no one wants to be THAT person who stinks up the room, right? Learning to treat your flatulence, which is a very polite way of talking about farts, can help relieve the intestinal gas before it escapes your body and save you from embarrassing moments.

Understanding Flatulence

There are several reasons why you may have excess gas in your digestive tract. One of the leading causes of flatulence is because you swallow air when you eat or drink. Some of the leading reasons you may be swallowing air are that you are eating too quickly, you are eating very hot food, you are talking while you are eating, you are drinking from a straw, you smoke, you have dentures that are poorly fitted, or you are chewing gum. All these result in lots of air being sent down into your stomach.

Sometimes, the foods you eat can create or contain gas that gets trapped inside your gut. Carbonated beverages, for example, contain gas which is often eliminated through belching but can also end up traveling all the way through your system and coming out the other end.

Other causes of gas include food that stays in your system, undigested, for a long time and starts to produce gas, certain types of foods that are high in sulfur (like cabbage), food high in fiber, and many types of sugar substitutes. Underlying medical problems and disorders that result in inflammation of the gut lining can often cause gas to build up in the gut and result in flatulence. If you have IBS, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, constipation, or gastroenteritis, you may suffer from excess gas and flatulence.

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Which Essential Oils Treat Flatulence?

Over the centuries, herbalists and healers have identified many plants that can aid digestion, help relieve excess gas and bloating, and treat flatulence. And today, because we have access to these plants in the form of essential oils, you can use these same botanicals in your own home to help reduce your gas and relieve the bloating and pain that result from this unpleasant symptom. Which essential oils are best for treating flatulence? Let us find out!

Caraway Essential Oil

Caraway seeds have long been prized for their ability to reduce digestive spasms and reduce the buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Today, caraway essential oil contains many of the phytochemicals of these seeds and can to protect your digestive and ease your flatulence. These compounds help to fight the gas-causing bacteria that lead to gas.

Peppermint Essential Oil

By soothing your digestive system, peppermint oil can effectively relieve your gas and help you expel any gas that is trapped inside your system. Those with IBS often experience significant bloating, and peppermint oil is known to help relieve these symptoms. When you are constipation or your digestion is sluggish, taking peppermint oil can help move things along, thus reducing trapped gas, as well. It also works well to relieve heartburn and other digestive symptoms.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is a natural carminative (anti-gas) agent. It also helps you reduce stress and relieve pain, which makes it an excellent choice for treating a wide range of medical problems. It is effective at treating bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and sluggish digestion. One of the reasons Chamomile is so effective is that it helps your body to breakdown fats, which is a leading cause of excess gas.

Fennel Essential Oil

Fennel’s oils contain strong properties that have long made it prized for treating digestive problems. Fennel essential oil can help to prevent bloating as well as aid digestion after eating. This can relieve gas and prevent other digestive problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping.

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger is a strong carminative because it keeps your digestive system moving and prevents the sluggishness that often gases bloating and excess gas. Compounds in ginger, known as gingerols, relieve cramps while improving circulation, too. As an anti-spasmodic, ginger is quite effective at preventing gas or for treating it once it sets in.

Cardamom Essential Oil

Cardamom is a natural digestive aid that supports your natural processes. It can relieve gas and bloat while preventing nausea and cramps. This herb is traditionally used in digestive herbal teas, and today, you can include this essential oil in your healthcare routine to enjoy its many benefits.

Other essential oils that can improve digestion include anise, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, and thyme.

How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Gas

You can use one or a blend of essential oils to relieve your excess gas and reduce your flatulence. Essential oils’ effects vary by person, so what works for you may not work for others, and you may need to try out several types of blends of oils to find what works best for you. The following are common and effective ways of using essential oils to reduce gas.

Mix two drops of your favorite essential oil or blend with one-half of a teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil, then massage this into your abdomen, This action will help to relieve gas and improve digestion, and the oils will have their intended effect on your stomach and intestines. Massage for at least ten minutes for best results.

Use your favorite essential oil or blend in your room diffuser for aromatherapy. Oils that work well for this application include peppermint, ginger, fennel, and chamomile.
You can also massage essential oils (mixed with a carrier oil) into the soles of your feet. This stimulates your circulation and can help to improve digestion while relieving bloating.
Some essential oils are safe to ingest. Always read the label first. Place a few drops of food-grade oils into your tea or a cup of hot water, then drink.