Nausea is the feeling of being uneasy in the stomach or having an unpleasant sensation of sickness. It is harmless in itself but it is often an indicator of an underlying condition, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, early pregnancy symptoms, intense pain, medication effects, heart attack, overeating, brain tumor, ulcers and so much more.
Both nausea and vomiting typically go away on their own. However, there are certain instances when you need to book an appointment with the doctor, including when you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood
- Vomiting for longer than 24 hours
- A persistent headache
- A stiff neck
- Dehydration signs (dark, infrequent urine and a dry mouth)
Treatment of nausea is no mean feat. Research is still ongoing but there’s proof that essential oils can help alleviate the symptoms greatly. On the surface, here are a few reasons why you should trust in essential oils for nausea:
- They are natural: using essential oils for nausea means that you are giving yourself a natural relief that’s free from the many side effects of synthetic drugs. The oils are also safe for kids between 2-3 years.
- They provide more than nausea relief: Most essential oils do not just calm the stomach but also relax your mind and body. They also give you a burst of energy and promote healthy and restful sleep.
- They are cheaper compared to over-the-counter treatments. They are very potent, which means that a couple of drops is all it takes to get a quick relief from nausea.
However, the potency of essential oils varies. So, some are better for managing nausea than others. To this end, the following are some of the top essential oils that are worth trying:
Ginger oil
Ginger has been beneficial in treating nausea and vomiting for centuries. It helps treat a wide range of digestive issues with nausea being one of them. A study done in 2012 indicated that ginger oil brings down the severity and occurrence of nausea. Another clinical trial done in 2017 went further to show that ginger actually reduces the likelihood of vomiting and nausea after a surgical procedure.
Peppermint oil
Just like ginger, peppermint has been used as a nausea treatment option for years. Peppermint tea is excellent in relaxing gastric muscles. Peppermint oil is more superior at relieving nausea symptoms as seen in past scientific studies. Use peppermint oil in a diffuser next time you feel nauseous and experience its magical healing properties.
Cardamom oil
Cardamom is a common spice within the ginger family. The essential oil has been proven to be a powerful anti-nausea agent, particularly when mixed with other essential oils. The oil provides much more than treating nausea; its spicy scent helps the body to relax and the mind to decompress.
Lemon oil
Lemon is often taken alongside ginger to reduce nausea symptoms, particularly by pregnant women. It not only aids digestion but has excellent benefits for the skin as well. One study conducted in 2014 indicated that inhaling lemon oil during pregnancy brings down the symptoms of nausea substantially. Women who used lemon oil felt much better than those who took a placebo.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil has tremendous relaxing properties. Many people diffuse it as they get ready to go to bed to help ease the mind. This is the exact reason why lavender oil helps to cure nausea or reduce it to a manageable level. It works well to rid the mind of the anxious feelings.
Nutmeg
This is another great essential oil that’s particularly famed for nausea, digestion, vomiting and morning sickness. It boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate nausea and aid digestive processes in a matter of minutes. It is beneficial to the immune, nervous, and the hormonal system.
Final Takeaway
Some of the above highlighted essential oils work better when diffused while some are better off inhaled or rubbed in certain parts of the body. Find the appropriate method for the essential oil and you will soon reclaim your perfect health. You can also blend two or more oils to create quicker relief.
