At barbecues and picnics, it's not uncommon to indulge in delicious dishes that can be heavy on our digestive system. Large meals can lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating, nausea, or a heavy stomach. Fortunately, essential oils can offer a natural solution to support your digestion, allowing you to fully enjoy your gourmet moments outdoors without worrying about digestive discomfort.
Thanks to their unique biochemical properties, certain essential oils can help detoxify the digestive system, soothe spasms, and stimulate digestion. Whether you're a novice or an aromatherapy enthusiast, this article will guide you through the best essential oils to become your natural allies for smooth digestion during your next outdoor meal. Dive into the world of aromatic benefits and learn how to use these precious oils to improve your digestive well-being.
3 essential oils for optimal digestion
Lemon: A detoxifying ally
Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the peel of lemons. It is rich in limonene, a biochemical compound with powerful properties. Limonene helps stimulate the production of bile, which is essential for digesting fats, thus promoting smoother and more efficient digestion. By using lemon essential oil, you can naturally support your digestive system during barbecues and picnics.
Lemon essential oil is known for its detoxifying properties. It helps eliminate toxins from the body and purify the digestive system. By stimulating bile production, it also aids in the digestion of fatty foods often consumed at barbecues. Thus, using lemon essential oil can prevent feelings of heaviness and digestive discomfort after heavy meals.
- Practical Advice: Add one to two drops to a glass of water. You can also apply two drops diluted with a vegetable oil to the abdominal area to stimulate digestion (be careful of photosensitivity).
- Precautions: Not suitable for pregnant women under 3 months - Not suitable for children under 1 year - Dilute before applying to the skin - Do not apply to the skin before sun exposure, as lemon oil is photosensitizing.
Peppermint: Immediate relief
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from peppermint leaves through steam distillation. It primarily contains menthol and menthone, two biochemical compounds with beneficial effects on the digestive system. Menthol is known for its antispasmodic and carminative properties, making it an excellent choice for relieving bloating and abdominal pain.
Peppermint essential oil is particularly effective in soothing intestinal spasms and pain associated with digestive disorders. It helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating the passage of gas and reducing bloating. In addition, its cooling effect provides an immediate feeling of relief, ideal after a heavy meal at barbecues or picnics.
- Helpful Hints: Add a drop to herbal tea after meals to aid digestion. For topical application, dilute 2 drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil and gently massage the abdomen. Inhaling its fresh aroma can also soothe nausea and stimulate digestion.
- Precautions: Dilute before applying to the skin - Avoid application near the eyes and mucous membranes. Prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 7 years old. Not recommended for people with epilepsy.
Ginger: Powerful digestive stimulant
Ginger essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of ginger rhizomes. It is rich in biochemical compounds, such as zingiberene, known for its anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties. These components help improve intestinal motility and soothe digestive discomfort, making ginger essential oil a valuable ally for harmonious digestion.
Ginger essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Its toning action stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and gastric juices, making it easier to digest food. Used after a barbecue or picnic, it can prevent nausea and bloating, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor dining.
- Helpful Hints: Add one to two drops to a carrier oil and massage the abdomen in circular motions to stimulate digestion. You can also inhale its aroma directly from the bottle to soothe nausea.
- Precautions: Prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women - Prohibited for children under 6 months - Dilute before applying to the skin - Not recommended for people with kidney failure or taking cortisone.
Synergy of essential oils “Top digestion”
Ingredients
- Lemon essential oil: 4 ml (or 120 drops)
- Peppermint essential oil: 3 ml or (90 drops)
- Ginger essential oil: 3 ml (or 90 drops)
Preparation
- In a 15 ml amber glass dropper bottle, add the essential oils in the proportions indicated.
- Mix gently by rolling the bottle between your hands to homogenize the synergy.
From this synergy bottle, 2 possible uses:
Use for cutaneous application
Additional ingredients
- 15 ml of Jojoba vegetable oil
Preparation
- In a 15 ml glass bottle, add 30 drops of the essential oil synergy. Top up with jojoba vegetable oil. Close the bottle and shake gently to mix the oils well.
Use
- To improve digestion, apply a few drops of this synergy to your abdomen and massage in circular motions after meals. This application helps stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe digestive discomfort.
General precautions
- Always dilute the synergy with a vegetable oil before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.
- Avoid sun exposure after application to the skin due to photosensitivity to Lemon essential oil.
- Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children.
- Consult a health professional for specific medical conditions and before prolonged use.
For oral intake
Additional ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of honey or vegetable oil
Preparation
- Add 2 drops of the synergy to a teaspoon of honey or vegetable oil.
Use
- Take this blend after meals to help stimulate digestion and reduce digestive discomfort. Taking this mixture orally can help soothe nausea and promote harmonious digestion.
General precautions
- Do not exceed the recommended dose and always dilute the synergy in a carrier.
- Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children.
- Consult a healthcare professional before internal use.
By incorporating these essential oils into your wellness routine, you can not only improve your digestion, but also enhance your outdoor socializing. For smooth digestion and successful barbecues, trust the natural benefits of essential oils.
For more tips on using essential oils for health and wellness, feel free to explore my other articles. Enjoy every indulgent moment with the natural solutions offered by aromatherapy.
Sources of information (bibliography):
Françoise Couic-Marinier, Dr Anthony Toubol, The Living Earth Guide to Essential Oils, Living Earth Edition, November 17, 2017, 477 p. ISBN: 9782360982752
Michel Faucon, Treatise on Scientific Medical Aromatherapy, Sang Terre Edition, June 12, 2017, 988 p. ISBN: 9782869853447
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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