This uncomfortable, stomach-extending feeling can come on when excess fluid or gas gets trapped in your digestive tract and creates pressure. Although it can be a symptom of a serious condition, it’s more commonly the result of overeating, gas-producing foods, or a dietary response to certain foods (such as milk or wheat). Anxiety and tension may also be bloating culprits.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for bloating are:
• Cardamom
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Peppermint
A Problem for Women
While anyone can experience bloating, women seem more likely to have this condition. Their colons are 10 centimeters longer than those of men, and that extra length competes for space with more organs, including the uterus and ovaries.
When that pressure starts to build, these options may offer relief.
• Abdominal massage. Dilute digestive oils in your favorite carrier and massage the mixture onto your stomach in clockwise circles.
• Soothing soak. Relaxing in a warm bath with relieving essential oils may help remedy the discomfort that accompanies bloating.
• Warm compress. Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm compress and apply it to your abdomen to help soothe your stomach. Lemon and fennel make a good combination.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Flush your system. Drink warm water infused with ginger or lemon to aid digestion.
• Check for allergies. Try an elimination diet under professional guidance to find out which foods may be the cause of the bloating.
• Move your body. Certain exercises and yoga can help wring out trapped gas.
When bloating starts to build and you want quick relief, here are two remedies to try.
Diuretic lemon and soothing cardamom and peppermint make a great combination for releasing gas and cramping. Breathing the oils deeply assists in settling the stomach.
2 drops lemon oil
2 drops peppermint oil
2 drops cardamom oil
6 drops carrier oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Massage the mixture onto your abdomen in slow, clockwise circles.
This warm compress infused with oils to relieve bloating will also reduce the pain and discomfort.
2 drops ginger oil
2 drops lemon oil
2 drops rosemary oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup warm or hot water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to your abdomen. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.