My Favorite Essential Oils for IBS Management
Essential oils are all the rage in our culture right now, because we are shifting our mindset from using over the counter remedies for everyday issues, and instead turning to more natural solutions. Essential oils may be able to meet that need.
I’ll start by saying the research supporting essential oil use is limited, and essential oil companies are not regulated. This means, as a consumer, it’s important to educate yourself about which oils may be better supported, and what companies may be more trustworthy.
My general recommendation is to always buy from a well-known, reputable company, versus looking for the cheapest option in a google search.
Can essential oils help IBS?
When it comes to IBS, essential oils can definitely play a role. There’s research to support the use of peppermint oil as a remedy for bloating and constipation. For other oils, there may not be as much research to back up their use. However, you can try them for yourself and if they work for you, whether it be a placebo effect or not, great! That’s how I found my top oils for my IBS management:
Peppermint & Peppermint Vitality
Peppermint oil is an oil I talk about the most and recommend to my clients. You can use it topically to help relieve cramping, stomach pain from bloating, as well as headaches and nausea. I use Peppermint Vitality from Young Living for internal use because it is a high-quality oil that has been tested to be safe for consumption. This helps me relieve bloating or constipation. Warm water with 1-2 drops of this oil is my go-to remedy for that annoying morning bloat.
Digize Vitality from Young Living is another oil I use for internal use to help with digestion. It’s made from a mixture of different herbs and spices that have been shown to aid in digestion. I will add this to an evening cup of tea to help digest my dinner before settling into bed.
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These are my top stress relief oils. I will add these to a warm bath with epsom salts, or diffuse them at night or during a more tense day.
Deep Relief Roll-On and PanAway
These don’t have as much of a direct effect on my IBS, but are my top oils for muscle soreness and recovery. As a Barre3 instructor, I stay active and my muscles stay sore. I keep the Deep Relief Roll-On with me to apply directly to the areas that are more tense or sore.
Since I do carry most of my stress in my neck and back, I will use this when I’m stressed to avoid a tension headache or an injury due to tight muscles. I use PanAway in my epsom salt bath for ultimate muscle recovery. You can also create a muscle rub with coconut oil and a few drops of oil.
As I mentioned before, essential oils still lack the research to put all of your hope into their role in the management of your IBS, however, they could still work for you. If you’ve been interested in trying them out, go for it! Then check in to see how your body is responding.
If you have a favorite essential oil you use, comment and share!
Do you want clear guidance to manage your IBS so you can feel confident in your body again?
