Overview

Constipation is a very common issue that many people suffer from. Constipation makes it difficult to pass the stool and can also cause pain or strain during the bowel movement. An upset stomach also sometimes leads to constipation, causing discomfort and uneasiness.

Some constipation may be simple to treat and can be treated with the help of home remedies. But certain constipation and other digestive issues might be chronic in nature and require proper treatment. Constipation that lasts for weeks or months is known as chronic constipation.

There are medications to deal with the issue of constipation, but they might have certain side effects. Due to this reason, people often incline towards natural remedies to treat constipation.

Essential oils are one of the best natural remedies that can treat constipation. Essential oils are full of therapeutic properties extracted from different parts of plants. The use of essential oils can improve the digestive system and helps in proper bowel movement. Aromatherapy is considered a natural way to treat constipation.

Best Essential Oils For Constipation Relief

Following are some of the top essential oils that may relieve constipation and help ease constipation pain.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint (Menthol) essential oil contains antispasmodic properties that help in relaxing the muscles around the digestive tract, which helps in easing the bowel moment. According to a study it has been found out that peppermint essential oil has proved to offer relief from constipation. Peppermint oil has menthol that has a cooling effect, and using this oil can help treat pain associated with constipation [1]. 

Summary

According to the study, [1], it has been found that peppermint oil helps in improving irritable bowel syndrome and thus can also help in treating constipation.

2. Ginger Oil

Ginger essential oil is an ancient medicinal product with many healing properties. Ginger oil can help in improving digestion and eliminates constipation. It also helps in dealing with the gastric issue [2]. 

Summary

A study [2] proves ginger oil used for abdominal massage can treat constipation.

3. Fennel Essential Oil

Fennel oil is one of the best essential oils that stimulate the digestive system. Massaging the abdomen with this oil can help in releasing pain and promote effective bowel movement. Fennel oil has antispasmodic properties that help in relieving cramps, pains, gastric issues, and constipation [3]. 

Summary

A study [3] proves that you can use essential fennel oil, which is Foeniculum vulgare plant extract, for relief from constipation.

4. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon oil has therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial properties, etc. that help in releasing pain. The use of this oil promotes stimulation that reduces inflammation and pain. Lemon oil aromatherapy improves digestion which is crucial in treating constipation [4].

Summary

A study [4] proves that lemon essential oil can be used to improve the digestive system and treat issues like constipation.

5. Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is one of the most effective essential oils that help deal with indigestion and gastric issues. Oregano oil has antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that help treat different digestive issues and constipation [5]. 

Summary

A study [5] proves that oregano essential oil has antiparasitic properties that help in treating issues like constipation.

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

The use of natural rosemary essential oil helps in relaxing the muscles. Its use can also help in suppressing muscle spasms. The use of rosemary oil can also improve the digestive system. Massaging with this oil can help provide relief from the pain associated with constipation and the pain of constipation [6]. 

Summary

The study [6] results prove that using rosemary essential oil helps relieve constipation problems mainly because of its spasmolytic effect. 

7. Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help ease pain and release muscle stress. Its use improves digestion and treats different gastrointestinal problems. It promotes good bacteria in the gut that help improve the stomach's condition and improve bowel movement [7]. 

Summary

Studies prove that using chamomile essential oil can help with constipation.

8. Turmeric Essential Oil

Turmeric oil is one of the ancient medical treatments that help in resolving many different skin issues and health conditions. Turmeric essential oils are used to improve digestive functions in a natural manner, improving the digestive process. Turmeric essential oil is rich in antioxidants [8]. 

Summary

Turmeric oil has a constituent called curcumin that has therapeutic properties and can help in relieving constipation.

9. Lavender Essential Oil

The lavender essential oil has natural healing properties and therapeutic properties. It promotes the digestive system's effective functioning, ensuring the easy release of stool and bowel movement. It has antibacterial properties that help in fighting bad bacteria in the gut and improve the quality of your digestive system [9]. 

Summary

The use of lavender oil for abdominal massage can offer relief from constipation.

10. Basil Essential Oil

Basil oil has many medicinal and therapeutic properties. Basil oil can be used when you are facing stomach issues, stomach aches, gastric issues, etc. Basil oil can also help relieve constipation pain [10]. 

Summary 

Study proves that the use of basil essential oil can help in the treatment of constipation.

11. Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram oil contains antispasmodic properties that can help improve digestion and promotes effective bowel movement. It makes the stool loose and thus treats the issue of constipation [11]. 

Summary

For the relief of constipation, you can use marjoram essential oil.

12. Orange Essential Oil

Orange oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and pain and relieve cramps due to constipation. Orange oil has limonene and myrcene improve circulation and boosts the immune system. It promotes the digestive system's effective functioning and can help treat issues like constipation [12]. 

Summary

The use of orange essential oil helps in the digestion process and thus offers relief from constipation.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Constipation?

Essential oils have many different benefits that can help people suffering from the issue of constipation. Following are some of the benefits of essential oil for constipation:

It Facilitates Healthy Gut Bacteria.

The presence of good bacteria is required in order to maintain a good gut balance and improve the overall digestive system. Gut balance plays a strategic role in breaking the food particles, which will treat the problem of constipation. The use of essential oils helps in increasing the absorption of nutrients within the gut and thus helps in overcoming the issue of constipation.

Helps Release Toxins

The use of essential oils facilitates the release of toxins from the body and removes waste from the digestive system, promotive it's effective functioning. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils help in releasing toxins.

Promotes Easy Bowel Movement

One of the causes of difficult bowel movements is constipation which also leads to pain. The use of essential oils helps in treating the issue of constipation by treating stomach aches and other stomach issues like gastric issues.

How To Use Essential Oils For Constipation?

Essential oils can be used in a different manners to treat the issue of constipation.

Topical Application

Topical use is one of the most commonly used methods to use essential oils for constipation.

Step 1: Dilute your favorite essential oils from the above-given list with a carrier oil.

Step 2- Mix well all the oils to make a nice blend.

Step 3- Store this blend in a glass jar and keep it in a cool and dark place.

Step 4- Take a few drops of this oil and massage the abdominal area for 10 to 15 minutes.

Inhalation

You can use a diffuser to diffuse the essential oils and inhale them to get relief from constipation. You can also use an essential oils inhaler. Along with diffusing essential oils, it is recommended that you also perform abdominal massage with essential oils to get better results in constipation treatment.

DIY Oil Blends

DIY Recipe #1

DIY Massage Oil Blend To Treat Constipation With Essential Oils

Ingredients

• 3 drops of lemon oil
• 3 drops of peppermint oil
• 3 drops of basil oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential
• Coconut oil ( 3 tablespoons)

According to a study conducted in 2005, it has been found that massaging the abdominal area with lemon oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil can help in improving constipation [13]. 

DIY Recipe #2

DIY Essential Oils Diffuser Blend To Treat Constipation

Ingredients

• 5 drops of rosemary oil
• 5 drops of ginger oil
• 3 drops of lavender oil
• 3 drops of clove oil

DIY Recipe #3

Massage Oil Blend To Treat Constipation

Ingredients

• 8 drops of fennel oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 3 drops of lemon oil
• 2 drops of orange oil
• Coconut oil (carrier oil) 3 tablespoon

Side Effects And Risks Associated With The Use Of Essential Oils

Essential oils are considered a natural remedy that has almost negligible side effects. But there are certain side effects and risks attached to the use of essential oils if not used with precaution. The concentration level of essential oils is very high, which can cause certain side effects to a few people.

Following are some of the side effects of using essential oils that you should keep in mind:

• Redness
• Itching
• Inflammation
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions

If you face any of the above side effects, immediately discontinue the use of essential oils and consult a doctor.

There are certain risks as well attached to the use of essential oils, like,

• Ingesting essential oil can cause severe damage. According to a study in 2012, it has been found out that a near-fatal accident has been experienced by someone who had accidentally ingested peppermint oil [14]. Though, you need to consider that such severe reactions are not commonly witnessed in the case of essential oils.
• Children can face another major risk as the toxicity of essential oils can be high for children and can cause a lot of damage to them. Hence, it is recommended to store essential oils away from the reach of children.
• The use of essential oils can also impose serious risks on pets. Therefore, it is advisable to enquire and do research before using any essential oil.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are believed to be at risk of the use of essential oils. Hence, they should avoid it.

Precautions

Essential oils are safe for use, but to ensure this, there are some precautionary measures that should be adopted.

• Undiluted essential oils are highly concentrated, so it is advisable to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application. Carrier oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, etc., can be used to dilute with essential oils before application.
• Always undertake a patch test before applying it.
• Avoid using essential oils for infants and children or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common problem that many people face, but its effects are very painful. So, to get rid of this issue, you can always go for one of the best natural ways to use essential oils. Essential oils can help in reducing pain, and, at the same time, they can help in reducing uneasiness and discomfort. The use of essential oils will help in promoting effective bowel movement.