Essential oils for constipation

The human body is a complex entity that goes through a series of processes for it to continue its growth and carry out the life processes. Digestion is one of the most significant processes occurring in the human body that ensures the well-being, the growth and basically the survival of an individual. But the digestion may become improper due to many reasons. The improper digestion will not only have adverse effects on the individual’s health but will also hinder their proper growth and well-being. One of the outcomes of improper digestion is constipation. Constipation may also be caused by other factors such as less intake of water. Whatever the case may be, constipation is very disturbing which will cause physical pain and the deterioration of health simultaneously.

The acute (short-lived constipation) is not very alarming as it may have occurred due to some improper eating habits etc. But if constipation becomes chronic (long-lived constipation), the situation may get out of hand. Hence, it should be taken care of as soon as possible. The medications should always be avoided when there is the slightest chance that the issue could be resolved without them. The essential oils are a natural and beneficial way of curing constipation in adults. The best thing about these oils is that they don’t have any prominent side effects and can be taken without the fear of any adverse effects.

Essential oils

Essential oils can be regarded as the highly concentrated extracts that are derived from the plants. Essential oil is a hydrophobic liquid having volatile aroma compounds from the plants. The essential oils can be highly beneficial for curing constipation as they boost the digestive efficiency and improve the overall health of the gut, (the gut plays a very important role in the digestion as it provides the necessary means for the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients). The essential oils are not just for the aromatherapy but in addition to this, benefits the human body in both ways, externally and internally. Some of the properties of essential oils are:

• Anti-inflammatory property: meaning that their action will reduce the inflammation caused by constipation and it will relieve the individual of the stress and pain.
• Anti-spasmodic property: the spasms are prevented, and the muscle becomes relaxed due to this anti-spasmodic action of the essential oils.
• Carminative property: this suggests that the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract will be prevented, or it will not be formed because of this property of the essential oils. Flatulence will be prevented.
• Anti-bacterial property: harmful bacteria not aiding the digestion but causing constipation and harmful effects will be dealt with by the aid of essential oils.
• Sedative property: constipation can also be the result of stress or lack of sleep, the disturbed sleep pattern. Hence, the sedative property of the essential oils will induce calmness in the individual that will eventually help them to acquire some peaceful sleep and their constipation will be cured.
• Relaxant: like the sedative property, relaxation helps cure constipation and is a very beneficial effect of essential oils.

Point to ponder: the essential oils are highly concentrated hence taking them as it is will not be safe. It might lead to some hazards and cause some damages to the health due to their concentrated nature. Hence, it will be suggested to take them along with some other oils as a means of dilution. It will be better for the body and will provide its nutrients. While mixed with some carrier oils, the essential oils are safe to be ingested.

Constipation

A proper defining sentence for the constipation is not there. Although, it is said that less than three bowel movements in a week are signs of a supposedly constipated individual. In this abnormality of the digestive system, the proper digestion is not carried out due to many reasons which lead to the difficult, painful, strenuous and partial expulsion of waste materials from the body. The waste is not completely expelled or not expelled at all which may cause alarming hazards.

Causes of constipation

Less consumption of water: the lesser consumption of water may be one of the causes of constipation as water is the basic medium in which all reactions of the body occur. It is vital for the proper digestion and carrying out of functions.

Stress: it may lead to improper digestion eventually leading to constipation.

Resisting the urge to poop: the body has an inbuilt homeostatic function and it stabilizes everything within. If the waste is not eliminated when the body urges, it may lead to constipation.

Not eating enough fibers: fibers are very important to keep the things moving in the intestines because it is the part of food that is not digested and is merely there to keep the stool moving. If these are not consumed by a significant amount, it might lead to constipation.

Some medications like the antibiotics, eating junk food, not exercising and being lethargic, use of too many dairy products etc. can lead to constipation.

Symptoms of constipation

• Strenuous and painful bowel movement: a sign showing that you are constipated is that your bowel movements are painful and cause you a lot of effort. You must spend a lot of time and struggle to expel the waste.
• Pain in the abdominal area: this is also a characteristic of constipation. There are usual spasms and constrictions in this region causing a very uncomfortable feeling.
• Fewer than three stools a week: stools or bowel movements fewer than three are characterized as constipation.
• Feeling that the rectum is not empty: this uncomfortable feeling is also a sign that you are constipated.
• A headache: a symptom of constipation may include headaches.

Essential oils for constipation

• Castor oil: it is a very effective lubricating agent that will cause a laxative effect in the intestines and will cause the immediate movement of the stool, relieving the individual from their constipation. The results are so rapid that it might show results in one or two hours after the intake.
  Usage: because of its concentrated nature, we cannot use it as such so it needs to be diluted. The best way is to use two or three tablespoons in warm milk. It needs to be ingested two or three times every eight hours. The taste is not desirable, but the results are worth it.
• Olive oil: the olive oil acts as a lubricating agent, which lubricates the intestines and help cure constipation. It is a significant source of vitamin E, which has an affinity for constipation.
  Usage: two tablespoons can be added into the warm milk along with the sweet honey and ingested daily before going to sleep. It will surely cure constipation.
• Fennel oil: it is very useful in removing the blockage in the abdominal region.
  Usage: the fennel oil can be ingested without its dilution or without it being added in some other oil. Taking two to three tablespoons every eight hours will cure constipation.
• Almond oil: it cures the blockage in the abdominal area, also helps in releasing the air. The almond oil performs its functions by soothing the intestinal muscles for the lubricating action that will aid movement of stool.
  Usage: it can be added in yogurt as well as in milk. Two to three tablespoons would suffice and cure constipation. It has a sweet taste, unlike castor oil.
• Coconut oil: increasing the metabolism along with laxative properties, this oil aids the digestion and provide the cure for constipation.
  Usage: it can be used with yogurt or with milk, but it must be hundred percent pure.
• Ginger oil: the ginger can be squeezed, and pure ginger juice can be extracted. It can be ingested with some other oils as it provides relief from constipation.
  Usage: two or three times this essential oil can be taken while mixing it with some other oil.
• Lemon oil: the lemon oil is highly concentrated and helps the metabolism to be accelerated. Hence, it also aids the expulsion of feces.
  Usage: it can be taken in with coconut oil or some other essential oil and used two or three times in a day curing constipation.
• Peppermint oil: it is a massaging oil. Applying it to the abdominal region will relieve constipation. This essential oil has the anti-spasmodic action that will soothe the intestinal muscles and act as laxative oil.
  Usage: massaging it onto the abdominal area two to three times a day will cure constipation.
• Rosemary oil: it is also a massaging essential oil. It must be applied after warming it a little bit for best results. The duration for its applying should be until you get the desired effect.
• Black pepper oil: it cures constipation as well. It may be ingested two to three tablespoons along with some other essential oils.
• Marjoram oil: this oil has a laxative effect and it soothes the intestinal muscles. It can effectively cure constipation at alleviated levels.
• Sweet basil oil: it is an herb that cures constipation as well as the blockage of gases and feces. It can be used in both the ways, either by massaging it or by ingesting it with some other oils. It reduces the pain one feels while expelling out the stool in the state of constipation.

Conclusion

The essential oils are a better means to cure constipation than some agents you might buy at the drug store. They offer a natural way to ease painful constipation and provide many other benefits as well. Furthermore, all oils must not be used at once. The results of the effects of one oil should be examined first and then other oils be taken into consideration.