Benefits of Essential Oils: Improving Digestive Health for Autoimmune Conditions
- Camille McClellan
- Nov 28, 2016
- 4 min read
Did you know that essential oils have been around for centuries? Can you imagine not having these vital medicinal remedies at your side in ancient times? Essential oils are used to fight various maladies from the common flu to more serious conditions such as Cholera. In case you don’t know much about the benefits of essential oils and what they can do for your autoimmune health, find out more here.
Autoimmune symptoms can range from foggy memory, lack of concentration, hair loss, fatigue and digestive complaints, just to name a few. The key to understanding your conditions is to cultivate a mind-body connection, allowing you to heal from within. No one understands their body more than the owner of the body, so holistic practitioners rely on the individual’s responses (both physical and mental) to therapies, not just lab results.
Holistic practices depend on the individual’s vitality and how they bounce back from adverse conditions, as opposed to suppressive therapy where drugs limit the immune system’s response, effectively preventing the body from healing on its own. This can be seen in many holistic therapies such as naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture and other important modalities that boost the immune system, rather than suppress it.
Essential oils can have a very strong medicinal effect on the body. They can bring vital energy to the body through tiny molecules that spread through the blood. These potent oils can actually pass through the blood-brain barrier and have a very positive effect on the body and brain.
Autoimmune conditions can be frustrating, especially with respect to your digestive health. Sometimes autoimmunity can lead to an embarrassing situation, if you’re not in control of your own health. The first step is always remembering to treat your body well, no matter what autoimmune condition you may have. This is why it’s so important to be in tune with your body by connecting through mind-body practices such as yoga, massage and meditation. Supplementation with essential oils can further improve your symptoms.
Some essential oils can improve digestive complaints, including indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, which often mask the underlying problem.
These essential oils are:
Lavender oil: - which kills bacteria and helps to relieve digestive pain. There are great benefits using essential oils for digestive problems. Here are some other essential oils that can be used therapeutically for digestive disorders.
Clove Bud: This essential oil is antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral.This is an excellent digestive aid to relax the smooth muscle lining of your gastrointestinal tract by easing digestive problems, nausea and vomiting. More about clove bud can be read here.
Clove Bud Compress
1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil
3 drops clove bud essential oil
In the palm of your hand, combine all ingredients above
Apply essential oils to the abdomen and massage in a clockwise direction. Begin at the navel.
Lie down and cover your abdomen with a warm heating pad or warm cloth for approximately 15 minutes.
Repeat once or twice daily once symptoms arise
Peppermint massages can help you get over symptoms by increasing circulation in the muscles. Peppermint oil allows the muscles in the abdomen to relax, and relieves stress and tension.
Peppermint Massage
2 Drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops carrier oil
Apply the peppermint oil directly beneath the sternum then apply the carrier oil over the peppermint oil
Repeat once or twice daily while suffering from indigestion
Cardamom: Provides circulation and improves common digestive complaints. This is a great simple remedy to soothe IBS and other digestive complaints. Find out more about Cardamom essential oils!
Cardamom balm
4 ounces coconut oil
32 drops cardamom essential oil
In a small bowl combine the cardamom balm ingredients. Mix well with a spoon and transfer to a jar
Apply 1 teaspoon of mixture to the abdomen and massage in a clockwise motion. Repeat once or twice daily
Common symptoms of IBS are pain, bloating, nausea, alternating with constipation and diarrhea. The reason for IBS is unknown and many people with it go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
Essential oils for IBS: Soothing Chamomile Balm:
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1 tablespoon shea butter
1 tablespoon hemp oil
20 drops German or Roman Chamomile essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix them well until all ingredients are well incorporated. Next transfer the ingredients into a jar
Apply 1 teaspoon of balm to the abdomen, and massage the area clockwise starting from the navel. Repeat two-three times daily
Essential oils are a gift from nature that should be used more commonly for your autoimmune health. Like any condition you should consult your doctor if your symptoms continue to affect your health and daily life. Take control by adding simple healthy practices such as essential oils to improve your health, naturally!
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Camille McClellan, MD, DNM, MBS
Naturopathic Practitioner
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