15 Essential Oils For Nausea: What Works and How to Use Them
Overview
If you experience recurring nausea because of pregnancy, stomach irritation, vertigo, or other conditions, essential oils might help you. Because they have few side effects and little risk, essential oils are becoming popular home remedies for all sorts of medical conditions.
Aromatherapy for Nausea
Nausea is a symptom that can arise from different conditions or causes. Some people feel nauseous because of motion sickness, while others may feel nausea when they are around certain foods or scents that trigger the feeling. Essentially, nausea causes discomfort in your stomach while making you feel like you need to vomit. In some cases, nausea leads to vomiting, but sometimes it passes by in waves.
Unfortunately, there isn't a fast-acting cure for nausea. There aren't many effective anti-nausea treatments that work without unwanted side effects. However, you can try using an essential oil for nausea as it may provide relief with little to no side effects.
What essential oils help with nausea?
If you’ve been going through bouts of nausea lately, here are 15 best essential oils for nausea and how to use them.
1. Ginger Essential Oil
Spicy and earthy Ginger oil may soothe nausea and it’s also great for soothing stomach aches! A popular essential oil for motion sickness, this oil is safe for pregnant women and is often a crowd favourite for people who suffer from persistent nausea.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint tea is often recommended to soothe nausea but peppermint oil for nausea works just as well. Peppermint for nausea has a fresh scent that is cooling and soothing for the senses. Peppermint oil for morning sickness is a helpful home remedy as it’s safe for pregnant women.
3. Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel oil is popularly used to soothe upset stomachs and constipation. Fennel is able to relax the digestive tract, which prevents and soothes nausea.
4. Camphor Essential Oil
With a fresh, sharp, and woodsy scent, Camphor oil might be just the thing you need to calm nauseous sensations.
5. Nutmeg Essential Oil
Warm, spicy and soothing, Nutmeg oil provides relief for upset stomachs and bouts of quesiness.
6. Cardamom Essential Oil
If you crave a sweeter scent, Cardamom oil might be what you’re looking for. Sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly warming, Cardamom calms nausea and motion sickness.
7. Spearmint Essential Oil
The pure-bred cousin of Peppermint, Spearmint oil is as effective, if not better, at soothing nausea and dizzy spells.
8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Minty, herbaceous, and slightly woodsy, Eucalyptus oil is one of many essential oils for nausea and headaches.
9. Cilantro Essential Oil
Not to be confused with coriander, cilantro refers to the leaves on the coriander plant. This herbaceous, sweet, and fresh oil is great for relieving indigestion and nausea.
10. Caraway Essential Oil
Herbaceous and spicy, Caraway oil is packed with properties that relieve indigestion, headaches, migraines, and nausea.
11. Mandarin Essential Oil
Sweet and citrusy, Mandarin oil improves digestion and relieves nausea thanks to its zesty scent.
12. Cumin Essential Oil
Cumin oil makes mealtimes enjoyable again. This earthy and nutty oil promotes smoother digestion and soothes nausea. It’s one out of many ways to settle an upset stomach.
13. Chili Essential Oil
If you’re looking for a spicy and invigorating oil, look no further. Chili oil eases stomach pains and feelings of nausea for all-day comfort.
14. Garlic Essential Oil
Garlic-lovers, rejoice! Garlic oil has a potent scent that kicks nausea to the curb and is a natural remedy for an upset stomach.
15. Mace Essential Oil
Mace is a spicy and soothing oil that soothes indigestion, making it one of many good essential oils for nausea to help you bid that pesky sensation goodbye.
How To Use
Diffuse
The most common way to inhale essential oils is through a diffuser. A diffuser will gradually release essential oils into the air at room temperature so that those present in the room can inhale nausea-soothing scents.
Steam Inhalation
For steam inhalation, mix a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of hot water, dip a hand towel or handkerchief into the bowl, wring it out and then place it over the nose and mouth. Breathe normally and gently inhale the essential oil.
Topical Application
Applying essential oils that help with nausea to the skin (such as over the chest and abdomen) can be helpful but be sure to dilute the oils with carrier oils such as jojoba oil or coconut oil first. A good rule of thumb is three drops of essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil.
Safety
Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and caution when using them to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe! Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
- Read the label and instructions to ensure you’re using the oil correctly.
- Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
- Avoid using essential oils on sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
- Don’t use essential oils on sunburnt or broken skin unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
- Keep essential oils out of reach from kids and furkids.
- Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
- If you show signs of irritation, stop using and consult a health professional.
- Never ingest or swallow essential oils.
