Nausea is a feeling we all absolutely dread. You might have felt nauseous when experiencing motion sickness, when you've eaten something that your stomach does not agree with or even when feeling anxious.
Whatever the cause may be, nausea is defined as a sensation that makes a person feel they need to vomit.
The reassuring news is that some studies have shown that certain essential oils show promising results to calm an upset, queasy tummy.
Read further to learn more about this natural alternative and what are the seven best essential oils to help with nausea.
7 Best Essential Oils to Help With Nausea
The next time your nausea is triggered, give one of these seven essential oils a try!
1. Peppermint
I remember as a child my mother would always make me a hot cup of tea with peppermint to soothe my stomach. Did you know that peppermint essential oil can have the same effect? Sniffing the refreshing, cooling aroma of peppermint essential oil has the ability to stop nausea in its tracks.
A scientific study determined that inhaling peppermint essential oil when feeling nauseous showed improved symptoms and a majority of the participants felt better overall.
To use peppermint essential oil for nausea:
- Keeping an aromatherapy inhaler containing peppermint essential oil handy at all times.
- Add one or two drops to a compress and place over your head.
2. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used since ancient times as a cure-all for everything from pain management to tackling nausea symptoms.
Ginger essential oil is such a fantastic natural remedy for an upset stomach. It's been studied as a successful remedy for nausea and motion sickness and recognized as safe (even for pregnant women).
To use ginger essential oil for nausea:
- Add 3-4 drops in your aromatherapy diffuser and inhale.
- Add 2-3 drops combined with a carrier oil and rub on stomach.
3. Lavender
If your nausea is derived from anxiety or physical pain, lavender's delicate, sweet and floral smell might be the best option for you. Sometimes nausea can be a result brought on by stress and anxiety and lavender essential oil, known for its calming properties, can really help improve both anxiety and nausea.
In a randomized study that tested the essential oils lavender, ginger and rose as a treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting, 82% of subjects in the lavender group showed improvement with their nausea symptoms. This is compared to 65% in the ginger category and 48% in the rose group.
- Add a few drops on a tissue and slowly inhale five times.
- Spray an aromatherapy shower mist in a warm shower.
4. Lemon
Lemon essential oil is one of the most recommended oils for pregnant women experiencing nauseousness from morning sickness.
A study tested lemon inhalation aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, this was studied on over 100 women over a course of four days. The results showed a significant reduction in these symptoms from a large portion of the participants, confirming that lemon's scent can be effective for those suffering with pregnancy nausea.
To use lemon essential oil for nausea:
- Add 3-4 drops in your aromatherapy diffuser and inhale.
- You can also directly inhale the oil from the bottle.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is a star essential oil for an upset stomach. Chamomile is especially helpful in dispelling gas, soothing the stomach, and relaxing the muscles that move food through the intestines.
Just like lavender, chamomile oil also has soothing and calming properties that are helpful in reducing nausea caused by anxiety.
To use chamomile essential oil for nausea:
- Add 1-2 drops with a carrier oil, gently massage on to stomach.
- Spray an aromatherapy shower mist in a warm shower.
6. Fennel
Fennel plants contain phytoestrogens, compounds that are known digestive aids. The seeds of fennel are also used to treat an upset stomach and they are highly known for their ability to treat constipation and bloating - making this one of the best essential oils for nausea.
Fennel also has antispasmodic properties which help to relax stomach muscles that can cause the urge to vomit when they contract.
- Add one to two drops to a personal aromatherapy inhaler for on-the-go nausea prevention.
- Add one to two drops mixed in a carrier oil and rub into the bottoms of your feet.
7. Cardamom
Cardamom is in the same family as ginger and is also renowned for its digestive benefits. Just like ginger, it is a great option for nausea relief, having been evaluated and tested in patients with post-operative nausea. These post-op patients were given a blend containing cardamom, ginger, spearmint, and peppermint, and were also given ginger essential oil by itself. Patients experienced the most improvement in their nausea symptoms when given the blend containing cardamom compared to those who received just the ginger.
The results of the study found that cardamom showed to be a promising anti-nausea agent.
To use cardamom essential oil for nausea:
- Add 3-4 drops of cardamom, by itself or in a blend, in your aromatherapy diffuser and inhale.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Some recommended methods to treat nausea is through:
- inhalation
- diffusion
- aromatherapy massage
- aromatherapy bath
Inhalation & Diffusion
- Slowly inhale directly from the bottle five times.
- Place 2-3 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue and slowly inhale.
- To diffuse, add 3 or more drops of oil into a diffuser and slowly inhale.
Aromatherapy Massage
When applying essential oils topically for nausea, you should never apply essential oils directly to the skin, as they can cause irritation.
Simply add a few drops of essential oils to your favorite carrier oil and gently massage the shoulders, back of the neck, or any pulse points.
Aromatherapy Bath
Do not add undiluted oils into your bath water as you run the risk of skin irritation or burning. Mix 5-20 drops of essential oils in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Add this to your bath water.
Friendly reminder: essential oil use should be limited to topical and aromatherapy use only. Although there are food-grade oils, you should always check with your physician before ingesting any essential oils.
Takeaway
Nausea can strike fast with an onset of unpleasant symptoms. Having a natural alternative on hand like essential oils can provide relief without the use of meds. Next time queasiness strikes, give one of these seven essential oils a try!