The use of essential oils can be seen as far back as 3000-2500 B.C. in Egypt, Greece, Rome,  India, China and Europe. Today, essential oils are becoming popular again often used for relaxation, self care and DIY beauty treatments.

What you might not know, however, is that essential oils can be used to help your digestion and nutrient absoption as well.

The main role of our small intestine is to absorb nutrients from the food we eat, into our bloodstream. This is done with the help of our intestinal flora or gut microbiome. Our microbiome helps the body digest foods and produce vitamins B and K.

At times, the small intestine struggles to absorb certain nutrients such as macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and/or micronutrients: vitamins and minerals.

The use of essential oils as part of a healthy lifestyle may help restore our microbiome, improve our digestion, and nutrient absorption. Just make sure to always choose certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils when using essential oils aromatically, topically or internally. If your body is struggling with digestive issues, these are the oils to try:

 

  • Ginger essential oil – helps maintain optimal digestive function and reflex regulation of the GI tract. Boosts nutrient absorption by stimulating serotonin receptors in the gut.
  • Tarragon essential oil – helps promote digestion and absorption of nutrients by lubricating the intestinal.
  • Oregano essential oil – helps the secretion of digestive juices and balancing out the gut microbiome.
  • Peppermint essential oil – helps relax the muscles of the intestines to assist digestion and reduce bloating and gas.
  • Thyme essential oil – promotes detoxification through urination as well as balancing out the micirobiome in the large intestine.
  • Clove – helps relieve stomach upset by relaxing muscle tissues of the digestive tract as well as reducing  inflammation within intestinal lining.