Natural Remedies For GERD: Essential Oils That Work
It's considered a common type of reflux that occurs when stomach contents back up and irritate the lining of the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. GERD is a condition that can have many underlying causes, including age, medications, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and chronic stress. It's estimated that over 20 million Americans suffer from GERD. Every day millions of Americans are suffering from gastric reflux disease (GERD). This relatively common condition is characterized by heartburn and can cause significant discomfort for sufferers. GERD symptoms include burning pain in the chest or throat after eating or drinking; a sour taste in your mouth; trouble swallowing; difficulty breathing; fatigue and nausea. GERD can be a chronic condition brought on by lifestyle changes, medications, pregnancy, and other health conditions. If this sounds like you or someone you know, natural treatment options are a good place to start.
You may also like:
Several essential oils have been tested and shown to be effective in reducing the pain and pressure that may occur after eating or drinking. Specifically, lavender, peppermint, and lemon oil have been found to alleviate the symptoms associated with GERD. Of these three, lavender is probably the one you are most familiar with since it is such a popular ingredient in many fragrances. This oil has been shown to calm the stomach and is also used for tissue regeneration. Peppermint has also been shown to relieve discomfort when applied topically on the skin as well as in oral use; however, like lavender, it has also been found effective when used orally as well.
Best Essential Oils For GERD You Can Ingest:
1) Lavender Essential Oil
This oil is known for its calming abilities and has been used to ease anxiety and insomnia for centuries. It soothes sore throats as well; it's even recommended during the cold season to prevent drowsiness in children. It also works as an antibacterial and antiviral, which makes it great for healing cuts and preventing infection.
2) Peppermint Essential Oil
This oil is well known to relieve the pain and pressure of GERD. It is a more effective calmative than antacids when it comes to easing the symptoms associated with gas and heartburn. Best used in a salve or rub, peppermint oil is also great for those suffering from nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, and spasms, as well as congestion.
3) Lemon Essential Oil
This oil has been shown to reduce the migration of stomach acid into the esophagus because it lowers prostaglandin levels in the body. It also stimulates bile production and helps to cleanse the liver. And, of course, it has a lovely citrus scent that eases nausea and stomach discomfort.
4) Spearmint Essential Oil
This oil also works as a calmative and helps to relieve nausea and vomiting. Spearmint essential oil is well known for reducing inflammation, gas pains, headaches, migraines, and backaches.
5) Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil has been shown to reduce the amount of acid that can reach the esophagus in GERD sufferers. Its antibacterial properties are also great for easing sore throats, fighting off infections in cuts and scrapes, neutralizing bad breath (it has been said that chewing on a sprig of fresh eucalyptus will do the trick), relieving congestion and coughs, as well as controlling coughs.
6) Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is known to aid in digestion and has proven anti-fungal properties, making it great for treating foot odor, acne, and other skin conditions.
7) Geranium Essential Oil
The Geranium essential oil has been shown to help prevent nausea and vomiting when used in an inhaler. It's also an antiseptic which makes it great for healing cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, and scalds.
8) Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil can be used topically or orally to relieve nausea and help with congestion associated with the flu or cold. It has also been shown to aid in digestion when taken internally by increasing bile production (this helps with both cholesterol and weight issues).
Benefits Of Using Essential Oil For GERD:
1) GERD sufferers can ingest one to three drops of peppermint oil before meals to reduce heartburn and acid reflux.
2) For those who suffer from a sinus infection, bronchitis, laryngitis, or pneumonia, after GERD, the use of lemon oil may help ease your discomfort. Just add one to three drops in the diffuser and breathe deeply.
3) If you suffer from a cough or congestion, try adding lavender oil to your diffuser (start with three drops), or try adding eucalyptus oil (three to five drops) for a soothing vapor rub for your chest and throat.
4) Inhaling the aroma of eucalyptus oil may help those with bronchitis, pneumonia, and laryngitis.
5) Oregano oil is effective in fighting off fungi and yeast infections.
6) Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a warm bath can soothe muscle pain and tension due to stress.
7) When applied to the skin, lemon essential oil helps ease nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness when diffused or rubbed on the temple or back of the neck.
8) Those suffering from pains from GERD, have reported that inhaling lavender may help them relieve their pain by stimulating blood flow and oxygenation in the brain.
9) If you have trouble with GERD and trouble sleeping at night, try placing three to five drops of eucalyptus oil or lavender oil in a nearby diffuser at night (be sure to place it out of reach of children and pets).
10) When mixed with a carrier oil, lemon oil works as an effective antiseptic. Just add 10 drops of lemon oil and 15 drops of coconut oil to two ounces of carrier oil before bedtime. After washing your hands, apply the lightweight solution to your hands and massage them together for three minutes.
You may also like:
DIY Recipes Of Essential Oils Blend For GERD:
Recipe 1: Oil Mix For Babies
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil,
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil, and
- 1/16 cup of grape seed oil.
Procedure:
- Add three drops of oil in 3/4 of a teaspoon of carrier oil and mix well.
- Rub on the baby's bottom.
Recipe 2: A Calming Diffuser Blend For Adults
Ingredients:
- 5 drops lavender essential oil,
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil,
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil, and
- 1 drop of each essential oil in 3/4 of a teaspoon of carrier oil; this will make one ounce (1/2 fl oz).
Procedure:
- Mix equal amounts (1/2 fl oz) of the blend.
- Massage blend on the chest daily before bedtime.
Recipe 3: Oil Mix For Children
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of water, and
- 2 drops of each of the following essential oils: eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of grape seed oil.
Procedure:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Put the mixture in a labeled bottle.
- Use within 6 months.
FAQs
1) What size should an oil diffuser be?
The typical size of a good-quality oil diffuser should be about one to two inches in diameter and about three to four inches tall. This will allow the oils to cover a larger area and make the most out of the essential oil you purchased.
2) How long do they last? And how long do they run before you have to refill them?
The length of time will vary depending on the scent, brand, and size that is being used. On average, a small-size diffuser can last up to 3 hours when it is full, while the larger ones can last up to 6 hours.
Leave a comment