5 Essential Oils for Gut Health

Today, we’re going to talk about the best essential oils for gut health.

We’re seeing a rise in gut health issues, and it’s no wonder why. We’re living in an era of go-go-go, high stress, and ultra-processed “foods.” Society tells us that if we’re not productive every second of every day, we are failing. It reads us the story that exercise is more important than diet, quick fixes are better than rest and refresh, and science is smarter than nature.

But here’s the thing: a high-stress lifestyle, bad diet, overuse of antibiotics, and ignored food sensitivities can lead to bad gut health. And right now, we live in an age where antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed, a patient’s health concerns are dismissed, and food is not considered medicine. This is a dangerous belief system, and it all contributes to the rise in gut health issues we see in today’s society. When your gut health is compromised, so is the rest of your health. And that’s why today, we’re talking about natural ways you can support gut health with essential oils. 

Signs You Might Have Poor Gut Health 

• Bowel Movements are Irregular (IBS) 
• Acid Reflux After Eating
• Daily Nausea and Upset Stomach 
• Allergies 
• Moodiness 
• Skin Issues 
• Autoimmune Disorders 

If you are experiencing any of these, then there is a good chance that your gut needs some love. What it doesn’t need is more Tums, Nexium, Prilosec, and Pepto Bismol. For a more natural, first line of defense, use essential oils for gut health. These potent plant extracts will work to alleviate the symptoms associated with poor gut health. 

5 Essential Oils for Gut Health 

Peppermint 

Peppermint is the essential oil to have on hand to help keep things regular. If you poop too much, or not enough, Peppermint can help regulate your bowel movements. It’s main chemical contributor, menthol, is why Peppermint oil is praised for promoting digestive health. Menthol is known to invigorate and soothe the muscles that line the colon to ease bowel looseness and improve healthy digestion. 

How To: Mix 1 drop of Peppermint essential oils with ½ to 1 teaspoon of raw honey and add to hot water. Mix 2 drops of Peppermint with the carrier oil of your choice and gently massage onto the stomach area. 

Lemon 

Lemon is an extremely alkaline essential oil that helps neutralize the acid in your stomach. Because it is also antibacterial, it can kill harmful bacteria and give your digestive system a gentle detox cleanse. 

How to: Mix 1 drop of Lemon essential oil with ½ to 1 teaspoon of raw honey and add to hot water. Drink in the morning to prime your digestive system or sip before a big meal. 

Ginger 

Ginger is definitely making our list of the top 5 essential oils for gut health. Remember when you were little when you felt under the weather so your mom would bring you ginger ale and saltine crackers? Well, she was onto something when it came to the ginger ale. 

Ginger root has been praised for hundreds of years for its ability to ease upset stomachs and nausea, so it’s a no brainer that Ginger essential oil will have the same positive effect when experiencing gut issues! 

How to: Mix 1-2 drops of Ginger essential oil with ½ to 1 teaspoon of raw honey and add to a cup of hot water. You can also mix 1 drop of Ginger with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the stomach area to relieve nausea. 

doTERRA DigestZen 

DigestZen is a blend of supportive oils like Ginger, Coriander, and Fennel that aids in optimal digestion. Other benefits of this gut health blend include soothing stomach upset, reducing gas, and indigestion. You can also diffuse this warming blend to ease feelings of nausea. 

How to: Mix 1-2 drops with ½ to 1 teaspoon of raw honey and add to hot water. Add 1-2 drops to a veggie capsule and fill the rest of the capsule with a food-grade carrier oil like coconut oil or EVOO and consume. For topical use, mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply to the area of discomfort. Diffuse 4-5 drops to ease nausea. 

doTERRA Peppermint Capsules 

These Peppermint capsules are incredible for those who have more severe digestive issues. They have an enteric coating, which allows the essential oil to be released in the small intestine. Unfortunately, many remedies (both natural and conventional) are mostly processed in the large intestine, meaning that very little of healing properties get into the small intestine for therapeutic benefits. The enteric coating allows this capsule to impact more of the small intestine than other products out there. Another important note to touch on is that menthol, the chemical constituent in Peppermint, found in these capsules, works wonders to stimulate and soothe digestion for optimal gut health. 

How to: For adults, take up to two capsules 30-60 minutes before meals to reduce digestive discomfort. For children 8+, take one capsule before meals. 

Learn more about doTERRA and how their oils and blends can help support a healthy gut head here. 

You don’t need to struggle with daily indigestion and acid reflux, upset stomach and nausea, or irregular bowel movements. Essential oils are natural remedies that can offer support and healing for these unpleasant symptoms. Remember, good gut health means good overall health. Which oil are you looking forward to trying to support your gut health? Let me know in the comments below.