It’s not always easy to feel fresh and light after a meal. Especially for us wine and cheese lovers! Fortunately, essential oils can help us digest our food and drinks in a comfortable way.
What happens to our bodies during digestion
Although we may not see it in action, digestion is a process that places so many demands on our body. Many organs act in synchronization to transform the food we eat into nutrients for our body.
Sometimes, during this process, we can feel heavy, bloated, or even tired after eating. We can even feel cold because our body prioritizes digestion over keeping us warm.
On the other hand, we can feel a burning sensation after a meal. During digestion, stomach acid breaks down food and extracts nutrients. In some cases, this stomach acid can cause irritation.
In either case, eating too much is often the problem. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends eating only until you’re 70% full for good health. And surprisingly, it seems like hunger can stimulate our immune defenses! A study from Yale University in 2016 (1) highlighted that the immune system fights bacteria more effectively during a fast.
Which essential oils help with difficult digestion issues?
In addition to moderation, essential oils can help with digestion so we can feel comfortable during and after meals. Thanks to their multiple properties, they can help our bodies by aiding the digestive process in a couple ways. First, they act as a digestive tonic so our bodies manage the digestion process seamlessly. Second, we can benefit from their antispasmodic properties that reduce stomach spasms, their ability to get rid of nausea, and their potential to purify our digestive tract due to their anti-infectious property.
All of these properties essential oils offer can be combined to improve your well-being during meals. But you shouldn’t have to create complex blends with dozens of essential oils. Luckily, we can help. Our app gives you simple recipes with less than eight oils that take into account both the properties of the oils and your preferences.
Take the example of peppermint essential oil which is digestive, spasmolytic, anti-bacterial and anti-nauseous. It promotes healthy digestion and can treat gas and intestinal spasms. You will often find it in our digestive recipes!
However, this oil should be used with caution. We do not recommend taking it orally without medical or pharmaceutical advice. In our ingestion recipes, you will find the Petitgrain Bigarade essential oil, which supports metabolism and promotes the breakdown of lipids.
How to use essential oils for good digestion
Essential oils can be used orally (swallowed), as long as it remains occasional and in very small quantities and with the support of an expert.This is the most direct way to act on the digestive tract. If you feel heavy after a meal, you can take one of our essential oil recipes on a neutral carrier, such as a piece of bread, sugar, or honey, so that it can melt on the tongue. It is also possible to use this method before a meal, to prevent a very filling dish.
You can also use your essential oils on your skin. The effect will be less direct, but you will still get a pleasant feeling of comfort. To do this, massage your personalized blend of oils gently on the stomach. You might want to do this if you are new to aromatherapy!
How to use your SelfCare1® application for digestion
Our SelfCare1® app automatically calculates hundreds of recipes with just eight essential oils. Indicate your need (for example: Light digestion) and the application will suggest a mixture of essential oils for you to use.
On the recipe page, you will find all our recommendations and warnings for usage so you can feel safe. The application takes your profile into account in order to offer you a personalized selection of oils based on your preferences needs.
Our natural well-being tips for a peaceful digestion
Want to go further? There are other natural products and general tips that can help with healthy digestion. Here’s a small selection of our favorite wellness tips: Meals:
- Eat each meal slowly and calmly since stress tends to increase digestive discomfort. Plus, by taking your time, it can make it easier for your stomach to break the food down since there won’t be a lot of strain.
- Herbal infusions: A mint, lemon balm, or sage herbal tea will do some good for you after a meal.
- White clay: White clay is used to make a gastric bandage that can heal gastrointestinal mucosa. Choose a clay suitable for oral use, like a capsule.
- Moderation: Alcohol, spices, fatty foods, and coffee should be consumed in moderation in case it causes digestive issues. It’s not about depriving yourself, it’s just about listening to your body!
Remember, this article, like wellness, is worth sharing with your friends & loved ones.
References Scientific publications:
(1) Wang A. et al, “Opposing Effects of Fasting Metabolism on Tissue Tolerance in Bacterial and Viral Inflammation”, Cell, vol. 166, 2016, p.1512-1525
Other sources:
Le dictionnaire des plantes médicinales, Dr Daniel Scimeca, Alpen Editions, 2018
Aromathérapie, Dominique Baudoux, Dunod, 2017
Guérir avec les forces de la nature, Pr Andreas Michalsen, Editions Albin Michel, 2019
