Is there anything worse than the feeling of nausea? That uncomfortable feeling in your stomach as if you are going to vomit at any time? Nausea can be caused by many things; a stomach virus, morning sickness, a hangover, chemotherapy, traveling, and many others. The feeling of nausea is caused when the flow of gastric juices is restricted which causes the muscles in the digestive tract to constrict.
Aromatherapy can help the user find relief from nausea. It must be remembered that aroma helps stimulate the first step in the digestion process. The aroma of food causes the brain to realize that food is on its way. The brain then sends signals to the stomach which releases gastric juices into the mouth and stomach. It stands to reason that because aroma helps in the digestion process, then aroma would also aid in combating nausea.
Because a person who is battling nausea often cannot take a strong scent, aromatherapy as a massage of the abdomen is often used. Aromatherapy treatment in this manner consists of the mixing of essential oils with an unscented massage oil or vegetable oil. The mixture is then gently massaged into the abdomen of the person suffering from nausea.
Different essential oils from different plants are used to not only treat the nausea, but to treat the reason behind the nausea. Some oils used include:
-Peppermint Oil- The oil of peppermint cannot only be massaged into the abdomen to ease stomach cramps; peppermint oil can also be massaged into the temples to ease the temples to ease the headache that often accompanies nausea. Peppermint oil quells the nausea that is brought about by hangovers or traveling.
-Ginger Oil- Ginger oil relaxes the stomach when it is massaged into the abdomen. The benefits of ginger for upset stomachs has been known for years. Ginger-ale is often prescribed to an upset tummy. The ginger oil massage can work more quickly without the necessity of putting a liquid on a nauseated stomach. Ginger oil is safe to use and is a wonderful way to combat the nausea brought about by morning sickness.
-Lavender Oil and Orange Oil- Lavender oil’s calming effect, when coupled with the fresh, citrus scent of orange oil can ease the nausea that is brought on by stress or tension.
-Basil- The essential oil of basil has been proven to help the nausea that can effect patients suffering from nausea brought about by chemotherapy. Note: As with any type of remedy, patients who are undergoing chemotherapy should check with their doctors before self treating.
-Lemongrass Oil- Lemongrass oil is often used in the southern areas of Asia to quell the nausea that is accompanied by gas or bloating.
In addition to aromatherapy massage treatment, these essential oils can also be taken orally. Chamomile, peppermint, lavender and orange, and basil can be found in a tea form. The heat and aroma of the hot tea can also ease nausea. For persons who don’t think they can take a massage or tea due to extreme nausea, placing a few drops of essential oil in bathwater can ease the body. The water should be tested prior to use however, as hot oils such as peppermint can actually burn the skin. A ratio of three to four drops per full tub of water is generally safe.
Blending essential oils together can also aid in relief of nausea and other stomach troubles.
For those who suffer from motion sickness, a blend of equal drops chamomile, peppermint, and ginger can help. The drops should be blended together in a bottle. The essential oil blend can then be taken on the journey. The blend can be utilized by placing a few drops on a handkerchief and inhaling. This should be done 30 minutes prior to travel and then about every 20 minutes during travel. Aromatherapy is a safe and natural alternative for relieving nausea.