5 best essential oils for nausea and how to use them

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Natural remedies, such as essential oils, can offer an alternative method of treating nausea.

Essential oils come from plants. The extraction and distillation of the oils create a highly concentrated form of the plant. It is possible to inhale essential oils using a diffuser or to dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them directly to the skin.

The research underlying the efficacy of essential oils for treating nausea is still inconclusive, but it is possible that specific oils may have some benefits.

There are five essential oils that may be beneficial for people with nausea.

1. Ginger oil

Share on PinterestGinger essential oil may help to relieve nausea and digestive issues.

Many people use ginger oil to relieve digestive issues and treating nausea is one of its most common uses.

The authors of a review paper in 2012 concluded that ginger oils reduce the occurrence and severity of nausea.

The results of a more recent study in 2017 showed that ginger oil helped to reduce nausea and vomiting following abdominal surgery.

2.

Peppermint oil

Mints and mint teas may help manage the symptoms of colds and illnesses, including nausea. It is possible that a more concentrated form of peppermint oil will provide more effective relief from nausea symptoms.

One study in 2004 found that inhaling peppermint oil was effective in reducing post-operative nausea, although this may have been due to the slow breathing motion rather than the specific aroma.

A later review paper in 2012 suggested that peppermint oil may reduce nausea symptoms, but the researchers acknowledged that they were unable to fully confirm this on the basis of the existing research.

3. Lavender oil

Lavender has relaxing properties and is an ingredient in many products.

Researchers have tested it as a treatment for anxiety disorders and as a pain reliever. It is possible that lavender oil could also help to reduce nausea symptoms, particularly if anxiety or pain is responsible for causing them.

4. Fennel seed oil

Many people associate fennel seeds with aiding digestion and treating an upset stomach. Fennel seed oil may also be helpful for reducing bloating and gas.

These properties are likely to be due to the phytoestrogens that the oil contains, as these are a digestive aid. It is possible that fennel seed oil could relieve nausea symptoms by easing digestion and settling the stomach.

5. Lemon oil

Lemon oil is beneficial for skin health, and some people believe that it also aids digestion. It could have benefits for reducing nausea too, especially if a digestive issue causes this symptom.

A study in 2014 found that pregnant women who inhaled lemon oil experienced less nausea and vomiting than those in the control group who took a placebo instead.

Share on PinterestA diffuser will allow for safe inhalation of essential oils.

Essential oils are an aromatherapy treatment. There are a few different ways to use them.

Diffusers

Usually, people will use a diffuser to inhale essential oils. A diffuser will gradually release essential oils into the air at room temperature and those present in the room can inhale them.

Steam inhalation

Another method is to use steam inhalation. This involves mixing a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of hot water.

The individual should dip a hand towel or handkerchief into the bowl, wring it out and then place it over the nose and mouth.

By breathing normally, they can gently inhale the essential oil.

Topical applications

It is also possible to apply essential oils topically, but it is vital to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or almond oil, before massaging them into the skin. This is because some essential oils, including lavender oil, may cause skin irritation.

The essential oil should only represent 2–3 percent of the mixture, which is about 3–5 drops of essential oil for 0.5–1 ounce (oz) of carrier oil.

If skin irritation does occur, it is best to discontinue use. Some people are allergic to certain essential oils.

There is still a need for additional evidence supporting the use of essential oils for treating nausea.

In 2018, the Cochrane Collaboration investigated the efficacy of all the essential oils that researchers had systematically tested for treating nausea.

The authors concluded that no oil was significantly effective in reducing nausea, but that the available evidence was of low quality.

Therefore, it is not possible to make any firm recommendations regarding the effectiveness of essential oils until results from additional, well-designed studies become available.

Addressing the underlying cause

Essential oils may provide temporary relief from mild nausea, but treating the cause of this symptom remains the most effective treatment. For this reason, it is best to only use essential oils alongside regular medications.

There is some evidence to suggest that certain essential oils offer a natural and low-risk alternative method of treating nausea, but there is a need for more research to confirm this.

Most essential oils should be safe for use by the majority of people and do not have severe associated health risks. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should talk to their doctor before using essential oils though. It is also crucial to speak to a doctor before allowing children to use them.

Even if people decide to try using essential oils, they should continue treating the cause of their nausea using traditional medications.

The essential oil products listed in this article are available for purchase online.

• Shop for ginger oil.
• Shop for peppermint oil.
• Shop for lavender oil.
• Shop for fennel seed oil.
• Shop for lemon oil.
• Shop for essential oil diffusers.

What Works and How to Use Them

Overview

Essential oils are the active compounds found in plants, distilled into potent oils. These oils harness the powerful properties of some botanical herbs and spices. Some of these properties can work to kill bacteria, relax muscles, relieve pain, improve digestion, and cure nausea. Because they carry few side effects and little risk, essential oils are becoming popular home remedies for all sorts of medical conditions.

Essential oils are not meant to be ingested and some can be toxic. Essential oils are meant to be infused into the air in an inhaler or mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

If you experience frequent nausea due to pregnancy, stomach irritation, vertigo, gastro-intestinal reflux, or other common conditions, essential oils might be a helpful treatment.

Lavender essential oil is perhaps best known for its relaxing properties. Using lavender oil topically or in a diffuser can help your mind decompress as you get ready for bed. This same property can also make lavender effective in fighting nausea.

If your nausea is caused by anxiety or physical pain, lavender’s power to relax might be just what you’re looking for. This remedy works best when you put a few drops of lavender in an essential oil diffuser and breathe in slowly as the scent fills the air.

For nausea caused by pregnancy, a virus, or post-operative pain, you might want to try some of the other oils on this list.

Ginger essential oil has been studied as a remedy for nausea and motion sickness. People swear by it, and the research agrees that it works. Ginger oil can be diffused into the air with an oil diffuser, rubbed onto pressure points at your forehead and wrists, or even rubbed directly on your stomach to improve nausea.

One clinical trial revealed that this remedy is particularly effective for people that experience nausea while recovering from surgical anesthesia. Ginger is also generally considered safe for pregnant women experiencing nausea.

Peppermint tea is often suggested as a remedy for nausea, but the essential oil can have the same soothing effect. Peppermint oil, some researchers believe, relaxes the gastric muscles and keeps them from cramping up or over-contracting.

One scientific review concluded that inhaling peppermint oil when you feel nauseous will improve your symptoms and have you feeling better quickly. Though more research is needed into peppermint oil’s effects on different kinds of nausea, try peppermint oil in a diffuser the next time you’re feeling sick.

Though not as well-known as a nausea treatment, peppermint’s purer-bred relative spearmint is also effective. Like peppermint and ginger oils, spearmint essential oil can be applied to pressure points, rubbed gently over the stomach and intestinal area, or diffused through the air to bring relief for nausea. The refreshing scent of spearmint, mixed with the menthol component of its oil, can make you feel more alert and able to breathe despite your nausea.

Cardamom is a spice in the same family as ginger, with its own unique properties and scent. The essential oil of cardamom was used in a blend of other essential oils in a clinical trial for post-operative nausea. The study found cardamom to be a promising anti-nausea agent when mixed with other essential oils.

To use cardamom in a mix, or try it on its own, put a few drops into an essential oil diffuser. The rich, spicy scent of the cardamom may also help you to relax, which could decrease nausea and anxiety due to illness.

Fennel is frequently used as a digestive aid and a constipation reliever. Fennel is able to relax the digestive tract, which prevents and aids nausea. Using fennel essential oil could have the same effect. Fennel oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied to pressure points on your body or diffused. There’s little risk to using fennel oil several times per day.

Using essential oils for nausea is a generally low-risk home remedy. But there are some people that shouldn’t use this treatment as a way to get rid of nausea. In very rare cases, over-exposure from the menthol contained in peppermint and spearmint can hurt your skin. A more commonly reported side effect is dermatitis from lavender oil.

Use a gentle carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil, to mix with more potent oils before applying to your skin. This will help you avoid burning or irritating your skin’s surface when you use essential oils topically. Three to five drops of essential oil in an ounce of carrier oil is the usual recipe.

Never directly inhale the vapor from an oil diffuser or steam dispenser, as it can irritate your mucous membrane. If your nausea persists over 48 hours, or if you begin to show signs of dehydration, stop using essential oils and contact your health provider.

This home remedy is meant to help mild nausea. It won’t cure the source of your nausea if you have a bacterial or viral infection. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and looking for help with morning sickness, you should consult with your midwife or doctor before using alternative treatments.

It’s important to remember that essential oils are not a miracle cure. They are still being researched, and their limits as remedies aren’t yet fully understood. Keeping that in mind, there’s not much to lose by grabbing your favorite essential oil to treat your next bout of nausea. By taking a deep breath and calming your body, you might be able to ward off the nausea and keep it from becoming worse.

The FDA does not monitor the use or manufacture of essential oils. To ensure a pure, safe product, research company quality before purchasing a specific brand. A certified aromatherapist can make recommendations.

Keep an eye out for emergency symptoms regardless of whether you’re feeling better, and never try to treat dehydration, severe headaches, or severe bleeding that come along with nausea yourself. Remember that your healthcare provider is the best person to ask about the causes and potential cures for any nausea that you experience.

11 essential oils to help with nausea

When you urgently need to cheer up.

Nausea. What could be worse than this? Many remedies (including homemade ones) help to cope with it, but essential oils are the most effective, writes Natural Food Series.

Here are 11 oils that will help you get rid of nausea, restore your strength and vitality.

1) Lavender essential oil.

getty images/mindbodygreen.com

It normalizes the functions of the nervous system, is used for insomnia, neurosis, general weakness, increased fatigue, loss of strength, improves attention and memory.

2) Dill essential oil.

do essential oils.com

Dill is a popular garden herb, but few people know it has healing powers. Dill essential oil has a calming effect, stimulates the digestive organs, and is used for stress and neuroses.

3) Peppermint essential oil.

shutterstock/naturalfoodseries.com

The smell of mint works very well at the moment when you need to cheer up, shake up, get rid of an attack of nausea. The bright and fresh aroma of mint has a great effect on the human nervous system.

4) Ginger oil.

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In addition, ginger oil strengthens the body’s immune system, tones, normalizes the functions of the digestive system, increases potency, is an antiemetic and diaphoretic.

5) Lemon essential oil.

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Lemon essential oil restores clarity of thought, helps to concentrate, gives strength, its bright citrus aroma improves blood microcirculation, stimulates the immune system, strengthens memory, and has a relaxing effect.

6) Essential oil of anise.

shutterstock/naturalfoodseries.com

It improves the functioning of the digestive tract, stimulates intestinal motility, helps with colic, flatulence, and relieves attacks of vomiting and nausea, which are caused by a nervous breakdown.

7) Chamomile essential oil.

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Chamomile oil improves the functioning of the immune system, stimulates appetite, and has a positive effect on the function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also beneficial for women’s health.

8) Orange essential oil.

simplyverbena.com

It improves immunity, has antiseptic properties, normalizes the stomach, quickly relieves nausea, helps with poisoning and constipation, increases blood circulation and normalizes blood pressure.

9) Hemp essential oil.

shutterstock/optionsmedicalcenter.com

Although hemp oil is banned in Ukraine, it is extremely useful: it contains substances that relax muscles and have a calming and analgesic effect.

10) Essential oil of cardamom.

do essential oils.com

Cardamom and its amazing, energetic aroma uplifts, excites, gives lightness and calmness, restores mental clarity, strength, energy, relieves stress, relieves fatigue and depression.

11) Bergamot essential oil.

lifebeyondorganic.com

This essential oil increases appetite, expels intestinal parasites, fights fungus. It can be called an aphrodisiac – it enhances the sexual desire of partners.

Be sure to share this useful information with others!

Jan 25, 2019

4 best essential oils for nausea and dizziness

Nausea is a common sensation that often precedes vomiting. While it’s common to start with abdominal discomfort, other symptoms associated with nausea typically include sweating, dizziness, fatigue, or weakness. Read: The Best Oils for Dizziness!

Nausea is not a disease, but a symptom that can be caused by many factors. It acts as a warning sign, alerting you to any dangers associated with movement or eating, and can protect your body from digesting harmful substances.

This symptom can also be caused by pregnancy, motion sickness, chemotherapy treatment, bad smells, toxic food, severe pain or emotional stress.

Contents

1. Features of oils against nausea
2. Which essential oil is good for nausea?
3. Peppermint essential oil for nausea
4. Ginger essential oil for nausea
5. Lemon essential oil for nausea
6. Spearmint essential oil for nausea

Features of oils for nausea

The most common treatments for nausea are over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Gravol. However, these medicines can cause unwanted drowsiness, stomach upset, or headaches (headaches can also be treated with essential oils).

People with chronic nausea may want to explore alternative methods of relieving nausea without having to constantly resort to a prescription bottle. In recent years, natural remedies for nausea have become increasingly popular. For those wondering how to get rid of nausea naturally, essential oils can be used as a gentle alternative to over-the-counter medications.

Which essential oil is good for nausea?

While everyone experiences nausea at some point in their lives, some people may be more susceptible. Below, essential oil experts explore the best essential oils for nausea, as well as home remedies for nausea that will make you feel good again.

The best essential oils for nausea:

• Peppermint essential oil
• Essential oil of ginger
• Lemon essential oil
• Spearmint essential oil

Peppermint Essential Oil for Nausea

Peppermint essential oil has been shown to help relieve nausea, reduce bloating and gas, and soothe digestive problems. Widely known for its cooling sensation and invigorating aroma, peppermint is considered the best essential oil for nausea.

A 2012 clinical study found that peppermint essential oil can be an effective natural remedy for nausea. The study focused on participants who regularly experience nausea due to cancer treatment. The researchers found that after six weeks of daily inhalations, 83% of participants using peppermint essential oil for nausea reported a significant reduction in nausea and related symptoms. Read: Sore Throat Oils!

In another study, 75% of participants with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reported improvement in symptoms after taking enteric-coated peppermint capsules for two weeks. Further research has shown that when applied topically to animals, peppermint essential oil helps to relax the abdominal muscles.

Peppermint Essential Oil Recipe for Nausea

To use peppermint essential oils for nausea and diarrhea, apply 4-6 drops of diluted peppermint oil topically to the abdomen or inhale. Try adding 3-5 drops to a warm water diffuser and let it circulate.

Note: Commercially available essential oils should not be ingested without the strict supervision of a medical practitioner.

Ginger Essential Oil for Nausea

Ginger essential oil, derived from ginger root, helps relieve stomach problems and nausea. In traditional medicine in India, China, and America, ginger essential oil is used to relieve symptoms of nausea, stomach cramps, and even headaches.

A 2012 study noted that inhaling ginger essential oil can reduce the severity of nausea as well as reduce the need for anti-nausea medication.

Ginger essential oil recipe for nausea

To use ginger for nausea, mix 2 drops of ginger essential oil with 1 teaspoon. carrier oil and apply to the stomach area. For quick relief, users can simply inhale the scent of ginger essential oil while holding the bottle 2-4cm away from their nose.

Lemon essential oil for nausea

One of the benefits of lemon essential oil is to relieve nausea. A recent double-blind study found that the scent of lemon essential oil can help reduce feelings of nausea in pregnant women. Participants who inhaled lemon essential oil over the course of the four-day study noted a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting.

Homemade Lemon Nausea Recipe

For users using essential oils for dizziness and nausea at home, add 2-4 drops of lemon essential oil to a diffuser of water. Let the scent fill the room with a soothing remedy for nausea. Always check with your doctor before using any essential oils for nausea during pregnancy.

Spearmint Essential Oil for Nausea

Of all the essential oils that are useful for nausea, spearmint essential oil’s healing properties make it one of the best. In a 2013 study, chemotherapy patients took two drops of spearmint essential oil in a specially designed capsule. Compared with the control group, patients treated with spearmint essential oil reported less frequent vomiting and an overall reduction in feelings of nausea.