The Essential Oil Combinations To Tame Your Upset Tummy

Stomach pain and an upset tummy can leave you feeling horrid and helpless. When a hot water bottle and plenty of rest aren't helping, it might be time to try something new. Essential oils have long been used in aromatherapy for different purposes, but you may be wondering what essential oils can do for you. Although as of now there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove they can help heal ailments, American consumers spent a huge $1 billion dollars on the essential oil market in 2019, a figure that is only expected to rise (via Scientific American).

There's a misconception that essential oils are completely safe because they are natural, but this isn't the case. You should always keep essential oils away from pets and children, as The New York Times reports that they can be harmful even when diffused. This is not because they are dangerous, but because children and animals are more prone to irritation from the oil particles. These particles can reach our airways more easily and cause coughing and discomfort. However, if you are careful when using essential oils and contain them to one room in your home, the likelihood of issues is much less.

The easiest way to use essential oils is with a diffuser. This way, the scent and calming effect of the oils will be filtered all around a room instead of just in one specific spot. Good Housekeeping recommends opting for a diffuser that scores highly in the following categories: how simple the set-up is, the steam capacity, any bonus features like automatic shut-off, and, of course, what it looks like. Their overall top pick amongst readers and testers was the Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser, which can mist for a maximum of eight hours and has ten different color choices. However, if $123 is too pricey, there are plenty of cheaper diffusers out there that will still work well. 

Once your diffuser is set up, you'll need to research which oils are best for your situation. For an upset tummy, The Natural Side recommends using three drops of peppermint oil, two drops of lemon oil, and a single drop of rosemary oil. This unique blend may help to ease discomfort and any anxiety that may come from feeling unwell.

Peppermint oil has long been used for upset stomachs and other symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, aka IBS (via Healthline). It has been clinically proven to help soothe flare-up symptoms, though the science behind why this happens isn't fully understood. Lemon oil won't help with pain, but it is thought to improve your mood and provide a generally calming effect, ideal for the stress that comes with an upset stomach (via Holland&Barrett). Last but not least, rosemary oil could help with indigestion and fatigue among other things, though WedMD does state none of these claims have been scientifically backed up.

When all three of these oils are mixed together, you'll have a potent concoction that may help ease your sore tummy. There are many essential oil combinations out there, but the most important thing is always using your oils safely and in small amounts. Remember to keep them away from pets and children, and never ingest them under any circumstances. By doing all of the above, you can reap the potential benefits of essential oils without any harm.