Tag Archives: healthy gut

Essential Oils and Digestive Health: Soothing the Gut Naturally

A Natural Way to Soothe Digestion

Essential oils like peppermint, ginger, and fennel offer a simple and effective option for those seeking natural digestive support. These plant-based solutions have stood the test of time, whether easing bloating, reducing nausea, or promoting gut comfort.

Essential Oils and Digestive Health

Peppermint Oil: Cooling Relief for Digestion

Peppermint oil is known for its refreshing scent and cooling effect. When diluted and massaged onto the abdomen, it can help relax the digestive tract muscles, making it useful for bloating and cramping. Many people also inhale peppermint oil to ease nausea, especially during travel or after eating a heavy meal. Research suggests that peppermint may support gastrointestinal comfort, with a study by McKay and Blumberg (2006) highlighting its potential benefits (1).

Ginger Oil: Warming Comfort for the Stomach

Ginger has long been used to settle the stomach, and its essential oil offers similar benefits in a concentrated form. When mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the abdomen, ginger oil provides a warming sensation that can encourage smoother digestion. Some prefer to add a small drop to warm tea or water, mimicking the traditional use of ginger root for digestive support. This oil is often chosen for its ability to ease queasiness and promote overall stomach comfort.

Fennel Oil: Supporting Gut Function

Fennel oil, with its naturally sweet and earthy scent, is often used when digestion feels sluggish. It can be diluted and rubbed onto the abdomen to encourage digestive ease. Fennel seeds have been chewed after meals for centuries, and their essential oil provides a concentrated form of the same beneficial compounds. Many find fennel oil helpful in maintaining regular digestion and soothing occasional bloating.

Using Essential Oils Safely

With essential oils, a little goes a long way. Proper dilution is key, as applying them directly to the skin without a carrier oil may cause irritation. High-quality, pure oils offer the best experience, whether applied topically, inhaled, or used in appropriate amounts in warm liquids.

  1. McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619-633.

Antibiotics and RoundupT

Your body’s digestive system works best when you have a strong, diverse gut microbiota of healthy bacteria and other beneficial microorganisms. An optimal digestive system is essential for a healthy immune system as it is crucial in helping your body absorb and use nutrients while also working to eliminate toxins. 

Two major threats to healthy gut microbiota are commonly used in this country. Both antibiotics and the product, RoundupT, the herbicide, can greatly damage the vital organisms in your gut. RoundupT, a product used throughout the US in home gardens and commercial farms, contains glyphosate, which acts like an antibiotic and damages the intestinal microbiota. 

To combat the negative effects of antibiotics and glyphosate on your gut, your body must repopulate the bacteria and other microorganisms damaged by treatment or exposure. To avoid the contamination of glyphosate from RoundupT, commit to eating organic, non-GMO foods and always thoroughly wash produce before consumption. Regularly incorporate foods high in probiotics to heal and strengthen your gut microbiota. These foods are often fermented; popular examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, miso, pickles, and kimchi (always check labels to ensure you buy probiotic-rich brands).

By removing the contamination from RoundupT and working to build and support gut microbiota, parents have reported autism, asthma, and childhood illnesses improving.