What Essential Oils are Good for Constipation
Constipation is up there among the most uncomfortable conditions that lots of people find it hard to mention, leave alone discuss openly. I mean, we all get it, it’s not exactly the most popular topic to discuss your digestive system problems that result in a hardened stool.
Medically, less than three bowel movements per week pass as constipation. Going an entire day without bowel movement also counts as constipation.
Most of us take this condition lightly but did you know that constipation can be the precursor to other complex diseases such as parasitic infections and diverticulitis?
Your body functions as a series so when a bowel movement is sabotaged the condition is likely to escalate into other medical complications.
Symptoms of Constipation
The most common and obvious symptom of constipation is increased difficulty in passing stool. This condition makes the idea of visiting the washroom a nightmare. Other signs include: 
- Stomach cramps
- Stomachaches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and bloating
What causes constipation?
Constipation is as a result of too much water absorption in the colon. This happens when food overstays in the intestines without being broken down properly.
Your colon, working as usual, extracts water from the food, and leaves extremely dry and hard fecal matter.
The source of all this can be:
Insufficient fibers
Lack of enough fibers in your diet can expose you to a more prominent risk of getting constipated. Consuming foods like whole grains, vegetables and fruits help to enhance bowel movement.
Lack of exercises 
Individuals that are physically active are less likely to become constipated compared to the inactive ones.
Medications
Taking certain medications almost always results in constipation. This is why when these medications are prescribed your doctor will recommend taking them with a full glass of water.
These medications include some antidepressants, diuretics, anticonvulsants, and narcotic pain drugs.
Some other known but rare causes of constipation include:
- consumption of dairy products such as milk
- pregnancy
- irritable bowel syndrome
- aging
- colon diseases
- misuse of laxatives
Treatment
In most cases, constipation will subside without treatment and disappear altogether. But what if you are so uncomfortable and bothered by the conditions that waiting is simply not an option?
Common remedies include drinking water, exercising, improving your diet and visiting your physician for some laxatives and other prescriptions.
A more simple option- using essential oils and their potency to tackle bowel movement problems.
Essential oils for constipation
A few of the oils used for this purpose include:
1. Ginger Oil
Ginger has been used as a digestive remedy for centuries. It is also used in treating nausea and constipation. The oil has good digestive stimulatory properties that help to promote gastric motility.
Application: Users can either dilute the ginger oil with hot water or carrier oil before using it. You are advised to use 3-5 drops of ginger oil and then massage the mixture on your abdomen gently.
This is also a top choice for constipation in babies. Just make sure to start with a diluted mixture and test to see how your child reacts.
2. Fennel Oil
Fennel oil has various therapeutic benefits including the treatment of constipation. This oil enables you to solve bowel movements by either massaging it on the stomach or inhaling it from the diffusers. Both of these techniques can be used for ultimate results.
Recipe: You will need to mix carrier oil with two drops of fennel oil and massage it on your abdomen in circular motions. Start from the navel and gradually make larger circles.
3. Peppermint Oil 
Peppermint oil traces all its magic from the menthol compound present. This gives the oil all the incredible medical benefits.
How to use: In treating constipation, you’ll only need a single drop of the oil mixed up with three drops of warm carrier oil. This mixture is then massaged on the abdomen targeting the particular area of discomfort and pain.
This will not only relieve the pain but will also leave your muscles relaxed. Do this twice a day for faster results.
Precation: Beware that this is one of the more potent oils. If you notice any irritation, redness, or burning sensations, stop using the oil.
4. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil contains potent antioxidants that can promote digestion and reduce inflammations. Using the oil assists in smoothening bowel movement.
Appllication and things to keep in mind: Lemon oil should be mixed with a carrier oil as it is massaged on the skin. It is also recommended not to expose the massaged area to direct sunlight right after use. Meaning, another oil might be a better choice if you’re headed to the beach.
5. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil can either be used independently or alongside lavender oil, our favorite is from doTerra, when treating constipation. The oil works well in relaxing muscles around the abdominal region. This enhances the gut motility getting rid of the sluggish bowel. The oil is also a great remedy for bloating.
Remember: Chamomile oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil and should be massaged on the stomach three times daily.
Finally – Relief
Your toilet visits no longer have to be dreadful. These oils are an excellent constipation treatment option not just because they’ll get the job done, but also because you’ll get to enjoy additional health benefits not offered by other constipation treatment alternatives.
