Bloating is usually more of a nuisance than a symptom of something serious. It’s often caused by gulping food, indulging in excessively rich meals and eating too much at one sitting.
Other reasons for a ballooning belly include drinking carbonated beverages, as the swallowed air is temporarily trapped in your abdomen. Chewing gum can do the same thing.
Eating too many processed foods can also cause your stomach to swell. That’s because they typically contain a lot of sodium chloride, or table salt. This chemically processed ingredient is made in a laboratory, and it’s stripped of all the beneficial minerals found in natural salt.
Carrying too much weight around the middle can contribute to that Buddha belly look, especially combined with any of the above factors.
Bloating and Essential Oils
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So, most of the time, you can either wait for the bloat to pass, or help it along with natural remedies. However, persistent bloating or severe distension is something to immediately bring to your doctor’s attention.
Please understand this article is based upon my personal experience only. It’s not intended as medical advice, I’m not suggesting any of these oils have been scientifically proven to reduce bloating and I’m not claiming that anyone else will see the same benefits with any certain essential oil.
Essential Oils and Bloating
Certain essential oils have a reputation for being able to reduce bloating. Geranium essential oil, in particular, is considered one of the best. I can see why.
I once used geranium essential oil in the evening for a totally unrelated condition. I applied it to my forehead and wrists. The next morning, I was surprised to see how flat my stomach looked, despite the fact I hadn’t done anything special to lose weight.
Geranium Oil For Bloating
If I had been trying to use geranium essential oil for this purpose, I could have put it directly on my abdomen. However, this is an oil that definitely needs to be diluted first. Essential oils are so highly concentrated that just one drop contains medicinal compounds many times more potent than the actual herb. I always put my geranium oil in a neutral carrier oil, such as avocado oil. You just add drop of geranium to each teaspoon of carrier.
My first bottle of geranium oil was sold by Now Foods. For me, Now geranium oil seemed very potent and effective. I’ve since used other brands of geranium, including Aura Cacia geranium essential oil. You can see this below.
Geranium oil is very versatile. It’s often recommended for a number of other conditions, besides potentially being helpful for bloating.
For instance, several years ago, I purchased geranium essential oil for my daughter’s menstrual cramps. Because it contains infection-fighting compounds, this oil can also be applied to closed wounds to prevent infection.
Geranium oil also makes a good insect repellent. To do this, you’d mix it with water and spray it on your plants or kitchen counters. In the summer, we often put a drop on our dog’s collar (not his fur) to keep fleas and ticks away. (However, if you have a dog and you’re thinking of natural flea control, check with your vet before using essential oils. They may not be appropriate. Don’t use them if your dog is pregnant or very young.)
Peppermint Oil for Bloating
Peppermint oil is considered one of the most useful aromatics for stomach complaints. It’s been used as a digestive aid for centuries. This is the reason peppermint-flavored dinner mints are often served in restaurants after a hearty meal.
To use this oil to ease stomach bloat, add a drop or two to a teaspoon of a carrier. You can massage this directly over your bloated belly. Similar to geranium oil, this one has a myriad of household and personal care uses, above and beyond bloating.
Peppermint oil is always something I have on hand in case a headache strikes. Mixed with a carrier oil, I rub it directly on my aching head for fast relief.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
