What is typically called “stomach flu” is actually gastroenteritis, an infection of the intestines and stomach.
Gastroenteritis is caused by many types of viruses and usually develops after consuming contaminated water or food or in contact with an infected person. Norovirus is the most frequent cause of gastroenteritis as well as foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States.
Here is a list of the top 10 essential oils for stomach flu:
#1 Ginger
It is made from the root of the herb Zingiber Officinale and contains up to about 90% sesquiterpenes, which are natural defensive agents which have potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Also, the ginger essential oil can increase appetite, which is great for people who are trying to gain weight. It also can be an excellent remedy for dyspepsia, spasms, flatulence, indigestion, and helps promote proper digestion. Moreover, this oil is high in gingerols, which are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant, tonic, expectorant, laxative, and warming to the entire human body.
#2 Peppermint
The herb’s 1st recorded appearance dates back to 1000 BC and is actually a natural hybrid of water mint. This essential oil is a natural antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic (pain reliever), anti-fungal, and is a remarkable anti-parasitic.
The plant compounds of this oil reduce spasms of the large intestine and intestinal tract, and, due to the presence of eugenol and thymol, it stabilizes intestinal and oral flora, hence, reducing fermentation of undigested food.
#3 Chamomile
This essential oil is well known for its capacity to relieve many digestion woes, including indigestion, flatulence, colic, nausea, stomach flu, and diarrhea. When diluted, chamomile essential oil can be used as a natural mouthwash, preventing against tooth decay thanks to its potent natural antibacterial properties.
Moreover, its pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties make it fantastic in helping to relieve migraine headaches.
#4 Sandalwood
Sandalwood essential oil is high in phytonutrients called sesquiterpenes, which basically delete outdated or bad information from the cells. Also, it is very effective at balancing out testosterone levels in both women and men. In addition, because it is a great fighter against bacteria and viruses infections, this oil is frequently used to treat bronchitis, sore throats, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, and chest infections.
#5 Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant with the scientific name of Origanum majorana. The principal chemical constituents of marjoram essential oil include – a-terpinene, sabinene, p-cymene, y-terpinene, linalool, terpinolene, linalyl acetate, cis-sabinene hydrate, y-terpineol, and terpinen-4-ol.
It has carminative properties, plus, it is effective at solving gas problems, such as – flatulence, colic, and stomachache by preventing the formation of excessive gas and relaxing muscles in the abdominal region.
Marjoram essential oil can help you digest your meals by stimulating the peristaltic movement of the intestines and encouraging elimination.
#6 Fennel
It is obtained through the steam distillation of crushed fennel seeds. Among its leading chemical constituents, it contains a very high percentage of Estragole or Methyl Chavicol.
As an effective antispasmodic, fennel essential oil acts upon the smooth muscles of the intestines and stomach, hence, alleviating gastric discomfort and pain linked with abdominal bloating, indigestion, belching, nausea, and flatulence.
#7 Cardamon
It is produced from the seeds of Cardamom, a spice whose botanical name is Elettaria Cardamomum. The antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of the cardamon essential oil can regulate intestinal flora.
Furthermore, it has beneficial effects on the respiratory system due to its high cineole content, which actually promotes clear breathing and airways. Similar to ginger essential oil, cardamon oil is a very powerful natural remedy when it comes to its quality to soothe the stomach, making it useful for morning and motion sickness as well as gastroenteritis.
#8 Thyme
It cures infections in the throat and chest which cause the flu or the common cold. Also, this oil is used to help treat and relieve problems, such as – arthritis, gout, wounds, menopausal and menstrual problems, water retention, fatigue and nausea, skin conditions, respiratory problems, and even depression.
More importantly, thyme essential oil may be an efficient and affordable alternative to antibiotics in the battle against resistant pathogenic bacteria, according to a study presented by the Society for General Microbiology.
#9 Nutmeg
It is obtained by steam distilling the dried kernels of the ripe seeds of the nutmeg. This oil helps in removing gas from the intestines and stomach and relieving stomach aches, thus regulating digestion flows.
#10 Geranium
The main active components of the geranium essential oil include – myrcene, alpha-pinene, menthone, limonene, geranyl acetate, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, and geranyl butyrate.
Additionally, it contains an abundance of flavonoids with quercetin being one of the most beneficial compounds for human health. This oil was used by the ancient Egyptians for promoting radiant and beautiful skin, but, in the present day, it is used to reduce chronic inflammation, treat acne, balance hormones, and alleviate anxiety.
Also, geranium oil can help in inhibiting the fungal species Aspergillus niger as well as the bacterial strains Yersinia enterolitica and Brevibacterium linens.
Images credit – Shutterstock
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