In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications for constipation, there are also many home remedies available. Unfortunately, side-effects such as stomach upsets and cramps are common. Luckily, there is a solution: externally applying essential oils for constipation avoids these unpleasant adverse effects. This is because the oils relax the digestive tract muscles, facilitating bowel movements, whilst simultaneously tackling constipation symptoms by letting built-up gasses pass out of the body, alleviating pain. However, essential oils should only be used occasionally to treat constipation. If you have long-term problems, you should speak to your doctor about combatting the underlying causes.

6 Most Popular Essential Oils for Constipation

Peppermint

Peppermint, either the oil, flowering tops, or leaves, is used in several different types of herbal remedy. Peppermint essential oil can relax and smooth muscle in the stomach and intestines due to its anti-spasmodic effects. It also acts as an analgesic to reduce the pain associated with constipation.

How to use: To create your own peppermint oil, steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of water for around 10 minutes. Next, strain the liquid so it’s ready to drink. This can be taken between meals up to 5 times a day. Ready-made capsules are also available. Take 1-2 capsules up to 3 times daily.

Black Pepper

Many people use black pepper in their cooking, but did you know that you can also get black pepper essential oil? Peppercorns are steam-distilled to obtain a warm, spicy, musky, peppery oil. The oil is rich in monoterpenes, chemical components that have many strong effects on the human body, such as supporting the digestive and nervous systems.

How to use: Black pepper oil can be incorporated into meals, just like the ground powder, but you should use it sparingly, one drop at a time, to avoid overpowering your food.

Rosemary

You can also try rosemary essential oil for constipation alleviation. This one of the essential oils for constipation is believed to enhance digestive system circulation to boost the elimination of waste products. Moreover, the improvement in circulation aids in the regulation of muscle contractions in the small and large intestines.

How to use: To gain the beneficial effects, mix 2-3 drops of rosemary oil into warm water. Drink this in the morning. Take slow sips to let the oil absorb into the digestive tract. This is a great way to treat acute constipation and get your gut moving efficiently. Alternatively, try mixing 3-5 drops rosemary oil into 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g. coconut, jojoba, or olive oil) and rubbing this into your lower abdomen.

Fennel

Fennel essential oil is produced by steam-distilled crushed fennel seeds. These seeds have been used for cooking, freshening the mouth, and medicine for centuries. Fennel oil can be used for both acute and chronic constipation, and unlike synthetic laxatives it has no adverse effect.

How to use: To use this essential oil for constipation, dilute by mixing 1-2 drops with fractionated coconut oil, then rub it into your abdomen. This can be used regularly.

Ginger

Ginger essential oil is a fantastic way to aid digestion, and tackle stomach upsets, bloating, and nausea. For over 2,000 years, ginger has been used to ease inflammation, motion sickness, and digestive problems. The herb contains serotonin antagonists that have an anti-spasmodic effect, it helps relax the intestines and improve gastric motility.

How to use: To use ginger oil, try directly inhaling the vapors. Alternatively, you can make your own massage oil, diluting ginger oil in a carrier oil, and rubbing this into your stomach area for relief. For more direct effects, place a couple of drops under your tongue, or mix it into a glass of water and drink.

Lemon

Many people use lemon essential oil for its potent aroma, but it’s also believed to be one of the best essential oils for constipation and boosting the health of nervous system.

How to use: Add 4-10 drops of lemon oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil. You can mix in some lavender or rosemary oil if you like, then rub the mixture into your abdomen. Move in slow circles using your fingertips and applying gentle pressure. Next, massage downwards from the breast, using both hands and applying pressure. This promotes waste elimination from the body, and can also be used to prevent constipation.

In addition to the above-mentioned methods of using essential oils for constipation, you can also:

• Take a bath. Run a warm bath with up to 10 drops of rosemary oil mixed into the water. Relax in this bath for 15-30 minutes and let the oil absorb into your skin. You’ll also be able to inhale the oil’s vapors.
• Enjoy a foot message. Mixing peppermint or rosemary oil with a carrier oil to create a foot rub and massage this into your feet, paying special attention to your heels and ankles.
• Drink herbal tea. Create your own herbal tea by infusing ginger root or lemongrass in boiling water. Strain, and then sip the tea. Make sure you breathe in the aromas as you bring the mug to your mouth.