The Best Essential Oils for IBS

What are the best essential oils for IBS?

Essential oils will NOT cure your IBS but it can help with cramping and stress reduction. Chronic stress is so hard on your digestive tract.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can come with a large range of symptoms and discomfort.

This inflammation of the intestines is difficult to pin down and find out exactly what food, environmental or mental stress is causing most of your pain.

Here are a few of the common IBS symptoms:

• Chronic Pain
• Sudden Bowel Movements
• Menstrual Problems
• Depression
• Low Libido
• Excess Gas
• Weight Loss

One thing that can alert you to the presence of IBS is if you have chronic abdominal pain.

This pain can be caused by a number of things, the first of which could simply be the inflammation of the intestines and lower gastrointestinal system.

Among some of the more annoying symptoms of IBS is the sensation that you suddenly have to go to the bathroom.

This can be highly disruptive to anyone that has the kind of day where they have to be in various locations, deal with children, or even just sit completely still for those who write or edit copy for a living. 

For women, IBS can be a very difficult experience because a large percentage of women report that the symptoms of IBS intensify during times of menstruation, which is extremely uncomfortable because they are already dealing with cramping and fluids.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a challenging disorder to deal with, but if your IBS isn’t very severe, then most of your management can be handled by having a balanced diet, getting a decent amount of low impact physical activity like yoga and other isometric exercises combined with a powerful assortment of natural remedies.

Some of these natural remedies can include essential oils, which are known for their relaxing properties. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best essential oils for IBS.

The Best Essential Oils for IBS

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a go-to for digestive health.  It has a wide range of uses including providing strong support for digestive action.

In short, it helps the digestive system to function on a much more efficient level, as well as helping to stimulate the production of bile. Peppermint oil is also a powerful antispasmodic.

This means that it helps reduce the painful spasms that happen in the gut. It is also helpful in the creation of some of the essential gastric juices. (source)

Ginger Oil

Even ginger in its plant form has been long associated with the ability to calm and soothe the digestive tract.

Ginger is an amazing anti-inflammatory as well, which makes it a huge weapon against irritable bowel syndrome. It does a great job of reducing gas that can cause painful bloating, and it helps with your circulation.

Anise Oil

This essential oil is another powerful anti-spasmodic, but it also has some pretty amazing side benefits.

Anise has anti-fungal properties and is an antiseptic making it great at reducing gas.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can use it for its light sedative effects as well. Studies have shown that there is some relationship between lack of sleep and the occurrences of IBS, so getting good sleep is a good idea when you are trying to heal up from IBS.

Frankincense Oil

This is another strong antibacterial, antifungal essential oil.

That means that it can cut back heavy on foreign agents that may invade the digestive tract and cause inflammation or provide the conditions that can work together to cause IBS.

It is famous for being able to relieve a few intestinal issues like diarrhea and gas.

It has a tendency for helping to keep the stool more regular and relieves intestinal pain and cramping.

We love this brand of Frankincense oil. 

Fennel Oil

Fennel is a great choice for constipation. It can work as a gentle stimulant or laxative when mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the stomach. 

It also can be used to reduce depression and lift your mood because of the sweet licorice aroma. 

How to use Essential Oils with IBS

These oils can be rubbed right on your stomach with a little carrier oil to help dilute them. This is perfect for cramping and frequent bowel movements.

The oils can also be rubbed on the bottom of your feet for good absorption. I do this with my children when they have a cough or fever and it works very well. 

Since stress can cause an IBS flare, you can add these essential oils to a diffuser or to a warm bath to help relax and reduce anxiety.

A lot of these herbs can also be found in teas which can be beneficial for intestinal cramping.

We love Trader Joe’s peppermint tea. 

If you are ready to restore your gut health and need a step by step program, Dr. Jockers Digestive Health Restoration program is my top recommendation.

It’s full of video recipes, meal plans, checklists, and food journals to repair your gut health.

Which do you think are the best essential oils for IBS that work for you?