With the growing interest in natural remedies and holistic healthcare, many individuals are turning to essential oils as an alternative method to support digestive issues, particularly nausea and vomiting. This shift toward non-pharmacological interventions underscores a desire for gentle, natural health solutions that promote wellness without the use of pharmaceuticals. In this article, we’ll explore how essential oils can offer relief for those experiencing vomiting, backed by promising research and highlighting their potential benefits.
How Essential Oils Help with Vomiting
Essential oils have long been valued for their healing properties, extracted from plants and distilled into concentrated forms. When it comes to digestive discomfort, essential oils are often used through inhalation or topical application. The theory behind their effectiveness lies in their ability to engage with the central nervous system through the olfactory system, potentially influencing areas of the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting. For instance, a study by the University of Minnesota noted that certain scents might trigger positive sensory responses, helping reduce nausea and vomiting (Source link to University of Minnesota overview on aromatherapy and its effects).
Several essential oils have been specifically noted for their antiemetic (anti-vomiting) properties, such as:
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Known for its cooling and calming effects, peppermint essential oil helps relieve nausea, settle the stomach, and reduce vomiting.*
- Ginger Root Essential Oil: Commonly used for its warming and soothing effects, ginger root essential oil aids digestion, reduces nausea, and is particularly helpful for motion sickness and upset stomachs.*
- Fennel Essential Oil: Beneficial for digestion, fennel essential oil helps reduce bloating, soothes the digestive system, and relaxes the stomach muscles to alleviate nausea and vomiting.*
- Lemon Essential Oil: With its refreshing citrus scent, lemon essential oil can help reduce nausea, especially in pregnant women, by promoting digestive comfort and easing morning sickness.* If you are pregnant be sure to check with your physician before using.
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: Roman chamomile essential oil is particularly effective in calming the digestive system and relaxing stomach muscles to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting.*
While there is growing anecdotal evidence supporting the use of these essential oils for nausea and vomiting relief, it’s important to note that scientific research in this area is still limited. The existing studies are promising, but further research is needed to conclusively prove their effectiveness.
Essential Oil Blends for Stomach Comfort
Essential oil blends have been used for centuries to alleviate various ailments, including stomach upsets. These natural remedies can serve as a complementary treatment for nausea, indigestion, and bloating by harnessing the therapeutic properties of specific oils.* If you’re looking for some pre-blended options that could be helpful in managing vomiting, consider these blends from Biosource Naturals:
-
Biosource Naturals Digestive Support Blend: This blend combines peppermint, ginger, and fennel essential oils to provide a soothing and effective solution for nausea and vomiting.* Peppermint essential oil helps settle the stomach, ginger essential oil provides digestive comfort, and fennel essential oil relieves bloating and discomfort, making it ideal for relieving nausea and vomiting.*
- Biosource Naturals Citrus Essential Oil Blend: Can help with vomiting by promoting relaxation and reducing nausea and vomiting through the uplifting, refreshing aroma of lemon, lime, and sweet orange essential oils*. The invigorating scent of these citrus essential oils is believed to soothe the stomach and alleviate feelings of nausea, providing relief from vomiting.*
Ingredient Selection To Make Your Own Blends
Always Following These Safety Precautions
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to minimize skin sensitivity.
- Conduct a skin patch test before using a new blend to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
- Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.
- Consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
- Store essential oils and blends in cool, dark places to preserve their integrity.
- These essential oils and blends are for external use only.
- See our Safety Information page for further details when using essential oils.
Essential Oil Blend Recipes
1. Digestion Soothing Blend
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop of fennel essential oil
- 5.5 ml of carrier oil (to fill the remaining volume in 9 ml roll on)
Instructions: Mix the oils in a 9 ml dropper bottle. Shake well before each use and apply to the abdomen, massaging in a circular motion.
2. Nausea Relief Blend
- 3 drops of ginger essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5.5 ml of carrier oil (to fill the remaining volume in 9 ml roll on)
Instructions: Combine the oils in a 9 ml dropper bottle. Apply a small amount behind ears or on the wrists when feeling nauseous.
3. General Stomach Comfort Blend
- 2 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 5.5 ml of carrier oil (to fill the remaining volume in 9 ml roll on)
Instructions: Blend the oils in the bottle and apply to the stomach or soles of the feet for a calming effect on the digestive system.
4. Anti-Bloating Blend
- 2 drops of fennel essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5.5 ml of carrier oil (to fill the remaining volume in 9 ml roll on)
Instructions: Stir the mixture in the dropper bottle; apply to the abdomen, rubbing gently in a clockwise direction.
5. Motion Sickness Ease Blend
- 3 drops of ginger essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 5.5 ml of carrier oil (to fill the remaining volume in 9 ml roll on)
Instructions: Merge the oils in a bottle. Inhale the scent directly from the bottle or apply to pulse points when traveling.
Usage Tips
- Apply these blends topically after dilution, as recommended above. Inhaling their aroma can also be beneficial—simply open the bottle and take a few deep breaths.
- Essential oils can be diffused in your environment; however, for topical stomach issues, direct application is often more effective.
- Adding a few drops of these blends to your bathwater can offer a more relaxing experience, aiding in overall digestion and wellness.
Diverse Perspectives on Aromatherapy
Although many healthcare professionals recognize the benefits of integrating essential oils into a wellness routine, opinions about their efficacy vary. Some medical practitioners caution against using essential oils as a primary treatment for health issues, particularly in the absence of robust clinical evidence. However, holistic health advocates view these oils as a valuable addition to a comprehensive wellness plan.*
Incorporating essential oils for nausea and vomiting relief should be approached with a balanced perspective—using them as a complement to traditional medical treatments rather than a replacement.* It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating essential oils into any health regimen, ensuring their safe and appropriate use.*
As interest in natural remedies grows, essential oils offer a promising avenue for managing vomiting and nausea. Their potential benefits, supported by both historical use and emerging research, present an alternative for those seeking relief from stomach issues.* With the right essential oils and blends, you can naturally soothe discomfort, reduce nausea, and support digestion.* However, it’s important to approach these remedies with informed care, recognizing the need for further research and the importance of consulting medical professionals before use.
For additional insights and remedies for nausea, be sure to check out this page on Biosource Naturals, which offers a range of essential oils specifically formulated to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
See our references at the bottom of this page for additional information.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
