If you’ve been feeling bloated since the holidays, consider using essential oils. Many essential oils help improve digestive health, whether applied topically, infused in a drink, or inhaled through a diffuser. Here’s how to reduce holiday bloat with essential oils.
1. Peppermint
Extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, this cool and refreshing oil can be used to treat a variety of digestive problems. It’s known to reduce gas, calm the stomach muscles and fight irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You can also use it to treat nausea and headaches.
Try mixing 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil. Then, apply a generous amount of the mixture onto your palms. Next, rub your hands together and massage your belly. You’ll notice a cooling sensation on your skin!
For headaches, you can also apply 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil. Then, rub a small amount onto your temples and the back of your neck. Apply as needed.
2. Ginger
Grown in South America, Africa, and Asia, this spice is known for an entire plethora of benefits. Not only does it help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, but it also supports women’s health. For women of reproductive age, ginger can help soothe menstrual cramps and reduce the effects of premenstrual syndrome.
If you’ve been wondering how to reduce holiday bloat with essential oils, ginger also helps soothe stomach pains and discomfort. Moreover, it serves as a natural laxative that can help improve bowel movement and support intestinal health.
Mix 2 to 3 drops of ginger essential oil with a warm cup of water. Drink this mixture before meals, and notice how much lighter and better you feel even after you’ve eaten!
3. Chamomile
The chamomile flower is best known for its calming benefits, especially when it comes to managing anxiety, depression, and insomnia. However, chamomile also has profound effects on the digestive system.
Chamomile serves a digestive relaxant. Studies show that it can serve as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Try diffusing chamomile essential oil! In your diffuser, add 3 to 5 drops of chamomile essential oil in water. Position your diffuser next to your bed, and leave it on overnight. You’ll wake up feeling lighter and more energized!
4. Lemon
If you enjoy infusing your water with lemon, then try using lemon essential oil too! Lemon helps neutralize stomach acids, and preps your stomach for optimal digestion. If you’re the type to really bloat after eating, then this will be extremely beneficial for you too.
Add a few drops of lemon essential oil in your water or beverage of choice. For an added citrusy flavor in your morning smoothie, why not add lemon essential oil as part of the blend?
Lemon is also rich in vitamin C and is particularly known for its mood-boosting effects. Bloating can sometimes leave you feeling down and lethargic, so a few drops of your lemon EO should help you feel energized and more upbeat.
5. Rosemary
This fragrant herb serves as a natural pain reliever and, when blended with carrier oils, can even serve as a potent beauty tonic. Rosemary is particularly known for its ability to boost hair and skin health, helping you achieve shiny locks and a radiant glow.
However, rosemary can also help soothe the digestive tract. Rosemary tea is known for soothing heartburn, fighting gas, and reducing bloating. Try a cup of rosemary tea with 1 to 2 drops of rosemary essential oil, for an extra flavorful cup.
A sprig of rosemary can also fight halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Bad breath may also be an effect of bloating or indigestion, after all! Try infusing your mouthwash with a drop of rosemary essential oil.
6. Fennel
When massaged onto the skin or inhaled through a diffuser, fennel oil can help balance the gut. Whether you’re suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or constipation, fennel oil can help improve your bowel movements and help you feel much better.
You can infuse your lotion and evening body creams with fennel. Fennel has warm and woody undertones, so it will give your products a soothing and aromatic touch.
Fennel oil can also be particularly helpful for breastfeeding mothers, as it helps increase breastmilk production.
