Gastroparesis affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach. This condition makes the stomach unable to empty itself of food in a typical fashion. [1]
Gastroparesis happens due to a damage to your vagus nerve. This nerve regulates the digestive system.
The damaged vagus nerve prevents the stomach muscles and intestine from functioning. It also stops food from moving through the digestive system accurately. [2]
Generally, intense muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. But in the case of gastroparesis, the stomach’s motility is slowed down or doesn’t work at all. This incident prevents the stomach from emptying properly. [3]
In the majority of the cases, the cause of gastroparesis is unknown.
Using essential oils may support digestion and eliminate inflammation in the body.
Experts claim that some herbal oils can decrease gastroparesis symptoms. [4]
This article reviews the efficacy and uses of some essential oils for gastroparesis natural cures. It’ll also cover the causes and symptoms of the digestive disorder.
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Essential Oil Remedies for Gastroparesis
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is used to treat digestion-related problems. This herbal oil reduces the pain caused by gastroparesis. [10]
Lavender essential oil comes from the evergreen plant lavender. It is a sweet-scented herbal oil.
Lavender essential oil is a source of medicinal properties. It is useful for relieving stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, fatigue, and restlessness.
This essential oil has been a remedy for various aches and pains, neurological and skin disorders for generations. [11]
Lavender essential oil is rich in antispasmodic and analgesic properties. These properties relieve the pain and discomforts gastroparesis.
How to use lavender oil for gastroparesis:
- Apply 3-4 drops of undiluted lavender oil on your stomach and massage it gently. Do this twice every day.
- This remedy has a calming and cooling effect. Lavender essential oil is safer than most essential oils when you use it directly on your skin. In case of allergic symptoms, you may dilute the oil with a carrier oil.
- Inhale it directly from the bottle or use it in a diffuser. This aromatherapy will help with the gastroparesis.
- Or, take some lavender flowers to prepare a lavender tea. Drink it daily.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil originates from the evergreen spearmint and watermint herbs. For generations, people have used crucial oil as a natural pain reliever.
Peppermint oil has varieties of use in medical industries. It has many therapeutic components. It has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, antispasmodic, vitamins, and antifungal properties. [12]
Peppermint oil is full of menthol and menthone which are vital for relaxing the stomach.
These two components also increase the production of bile juice. It helps in proper digestion.
Learn how you may use peppermint oil to treat gastroparesis:
- Add 4-5 drops of peppermint oil with any carrier oil and massage the mix on your affected area.
- You can apply peppermint oil to the stomach. It helps combat irritation, gas, and indigestion.
- You can also have peppermint tea. Brew 2 tablespoon of peppermint leaves in 1 mug of water for 5-10 minutes. Drink the tea when it is cool.
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3. Melissa Oil
Melissa essential oil has a sweet, pleasant aroma. It is a widely used oil.
Melissa essential oil comes from fresh twigs, buds, and leaves of Melissa officinalis. This oil is known as lemon balm oil because it is used in almost all sorts of balms for its soothing properties.
It is a calming herbal oil that belongs to the mint family. It helps improve the appetite and digestion. Melissa essential oil also reduces stress and discomfort due to indigestion.
Here is a simple method of using melissa tea:
- You can have Melissa tea.
- Steep ½ tablespoon of dried lemon balm into a cup of hot water.
- Drink this tea 3-4 times a day. You can use it as an aromatherapy as well.
4. Ginger Oil
Ginger is a potent spice of Asian cuisine. It is a warm and aromatic root that comes from the flowering plant Zingiberaceae. Ginger has a special place in folk medicine, Ayurveda, and Unani. [13]
Ginger essential oil is a rich source of gingerols. This substance is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps with digestion.
An easy ginger oil remedy to treat gastroparesis:
- Add 3-4 drops of ginger essential oil to one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Then rub the mixture on the stomach to clear your stomach.
- Do this twice every day for 10-15 minutes every time.
5. Cypress Oil
Cypress essential oil comes from the twigs, needles, and stem of the cypress tree. Cypress is a widely known therapeutic tree for its host of biological properties.
The herbal oil is steam distilled. It has a strong reviving aroma. Some chemical components of cypress essential oil are alpha-pinene, and limonene. [14]
The oil is rich in antirheumatic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, and mood enhancing qualities.
This herbal oil may treat gastroparesis by flushing out toxins from the body. It also improves the circulation process.
Here is a simple method of using cypress oil:
- Blend a few drops of cypress oil with coconut oil. Massage your stomach area thoroughly with the solution.
- This process will give you a good result in no time.
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6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary essential oil comes from an exotic plant. It has plenty of uses to promote health and in Mediterranean cuisine.
Rosemary oil comes from the fragrant citrus leaves of rosemary plants. The etymological meaning of rosemary is ‘dew of the sea.’ This name originated from the Latin words ‘ros’ and ‘marinus.’ Rosemary means ‘Rose of Mary.’ [15]
Rosemary essential oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, sedative, and expectorant properties.
These components are high-quality therapeutic substances. The compounds can boost blood circulation and battle off lymphatic blockage. [15]
For this reason, Rosemary essential oil is an adequate remedy for gastroparesis. This refreshing herbal oil may boost your mood instantly. Because it has a mind-blowing aroma and it may relieve your stress as well. [15]
Learn how you may use rosemary oil to treat gastroparesis:
- Add 4-5 drops of rosemary oil with any carrier oil and massage the mix on your affected area.
- You can also have tea. Brew 2 tablespoon of rosemary leaves in 1 mug of water for 5-10 minutes. Allow the tea to cool before you drink it.
- You can apply rosemary oil topically or inhale it. It helps in fighting indigestion and has a relaxing effect.
Read More: 13 Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Oil (Backed by Evidence)
7. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is obtained from the tropical flowers of the chamomile plant. It is very popular as a flowering plant. Chamomile can be of two types: the Roman chamomile, and the German chamomile. [16]
Both types of chamomile oil induce profuse perspiration as a sudorific. Thus the oil helps to remove toxins and harmful agents that cause infections. This oil also simultaneously cools down the body. [16]
Chamomile oil has useful antiseptic and antibiotic properties. The substances in this oil do not let biotic infections develop that arise due to bacteria and fungi. Chamomile oil also eliminates infections that are already present in the body.
Chamomile oil has useful vermifuge agents that kill all sorts of intestinal worms. This helps you heal gastroparesis quickly. [16] The herbal oil helps soothe the lining of the stomach and is useful in treating gastroparesis.
How to use chamomile oil for gastroparesis:
- Add 3-4 drops of chamomile oil with coconut oil and massage the mix on your affected area.
- You can use also chamomile tea. Prepare chamomile tea in hot water. But don’t put it directly in boiling water, as that would evaporate the necessary ingredients of the tea. Drink it twice every day.
- You can put chamomile oil into the diffuser. It helps in fighting indigestion and has a relaxing effect.
Read More: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
Causes and Symptoms of Gastroparesis
It is crucial to know the signs of gastroparesis. Because if you leave it untreated, it can lead to serious health issues. [5]
Food trapped in the stomach can harden into a large collection for gastroparesis. This condition is often called a bezoar.
Bezoars cause obstructions in the stomach. It keeps food from passing into the small intestine. [6]
If the food stays in your gut for too long, it can ferment. Such a condition can lead to the growth of bacteria. [7]
Causes of Gastroparesis:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Gastric surgery with an injury to the vagus nerve
- Medications such as narcotics and some antidepressants [8]
- Rare conditions like amyloidosis, scleroderma (a connective tissue disorder affecting the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, and other internal organs) [9]
Common symptoms of gastroparesis:
- Vomiting undigested food
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Poor blood sugar control
- Abdominal bloating
- Heartburn or GERD
When to See a Doctor
The following signs are matter of concern and you should consult a doctor right away: [3]
- Excessive vomiting
- Low appetite and not able to eat or drink
- High and low blood sugar level in diabetic patients
- Bloating and heartburn
- The conditions don’t improve in 7-10 days
A doctor may assess these symptoms and diagnose the proper cause of the conditions. Traditionally doctors carry out endoscopy and barium X-ray or other physical tests to detect proper cause and treatment.
Conclusion
Diet and exercise play a crucial role in curing gastroparesis. It’s important to chew the food properly and drink plenty of water. Also remember to eat pureed, well-cooked and fermented food.
Smoking, drinking alcohol will hurt your gastroparesis. Avoid carbonated beverages and food that are rich in gluten. Also don’t consume hot and spicy food, dairy products and high-fat food.
The home remedies for gastroparesis discussed here may relieve the symptoms. In case the condition declines, seek medical help immediately.
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