Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also referred to as spastic colon, is a functional disorder of the bowel. Further, it is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort, and constipation. Sometimes, irritable bowel syndrome may also cause diarrhea. The major causes of irritable bowel syndrome are microbial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and stress.
You can employ aromatherapy to relieve irritable bowel syndrome. Aromatherapy involves the use of concentrated plant extracts like essential oils to relieve ailments.
There are various methods and modes of application of essential oils to cure irritable bowel syndrome. Some of these are as follows:
- Topical application: You can apply the essential oil directly on the belly, particularly around the navel to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Internal consumption: You can consume a drop or two of palatable essential oils like peppermint essential oil to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
However, you must be highly cautious about this mode of usage of essential oils. These oils can also be consumed as capsules.
Some of the essential oils that can be used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome are as follows:
- You can use clary sage essential oil to regulate bowel movements and relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Anise essential oil is antispasmodic and antiseptic in action. It helps relieve the digestive tract of harmful micro-organisms responsible for irritable bowel syndrome.
- Cinnamon essential oil is also known for its anti-septic properties. It also helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome if the cause of the affliction is a microbial infection.
- Other essential oils that can be used are ginger and fennel essential oils.
- As irritable bowel syndrome is also caused by stress, you can use lavender essential oil to relieve mental depression and tensions. It helps ameliorate your mood and makes you feel elated.
- Other essential oils that can be used to relieve stress and thereby, irritable bowel syndrome, are neroli, rose, sandalwood, and frankincense essential oils.
- You must always dilute these essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oils Essential oils are highly concentrated oils and their usage without dilution can cause adverse effects like skin irritation and rashes.
Do consult an aromatherapy specialist for expert guidance on the usage of essential oils to treat irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to first detect the cause of the affliction, which can be either microbial infection or stress, before proceeding with aromatherapy treatment.
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