Food poisoning is one of the more common causes of stomach upset in the United States. An estimated 50 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, impacting anyone from young children to elderly adults. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If left untreated it can lead to dehydration, ulcers, and worse. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating a meal out or at home that may not have been heated long enough or has been sitting for too long in the fridge it’s important to try relieving your discomfort first with remedies that are both safe and effective.
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Essential oils are the concentrated essence of plants and can be a great ally in avoiding or treating food poisoning. Essential Oils have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. They help improve your overall wellness by supporting the immune system which means they aid in preventing illness. They also have anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve pain and irritation of the stomach lining while providing a soothing effect on the entire digestive system to help symptoms subside faster.
Best Essential Oils For Food Poisoning:
1) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is most commonly used to treat indigestion and gas. One of the main active ingredients here is menthol, which has cooling qualities for the digestive system. This essential oil also contains menthone which can help relieve nausea. It’s commonly used for intermittent fevers and sore throats due to its ability to support healthy body temperature and metabolism. Peppermint essential oil can also be combined with other oils including lavender and eucalyptus due to the antibacterial properties of peppermint that help eliminate germs.
2) Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is often used to treat nausea, fever, and infections. It’s also an antibacterial and antifungal agent that can fight germs. Tea trees can effectively help kill off germs and bacteria that cause food poisoning making them a great choice for treating diarrhoea.
3) Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is a common home remedy for colds, sore throats, and respiratory problems due to its soothing effects on the respiratory system but also helpful in easing the discomfort associated with stomach upset or diarrhea.
4) Lavender Essential Oil
Another common home remedy for digestive issues, lavender essential oil should be used to relieve nausea. It’s known for its calming effects and pain-relieving properties. Lavender is also helpful in maintaining a healthy respiratory system while also being considered an antispasmodic that helps to relax muscles.
5) Lemon Essential Oil
A citrus component known as limonene can pick up the same antibacterial activity as tea trees and eucalyptus. Lemon essential oil is commonly used to relieve upset stomachs and nausea due to its antispasmodic qualities that help reduce cramps, contractions, and spasms in the stomach helping to relieve feelings of fullness. Lemon is also considered a cleanser for the body that can help remove toxins.
6) Clove Essential Oil
Clove is commonly used topically and also ingested as a digestive aid. It contains eugenol, which has antiseptic properties and can fight germs that cause food poisoning. Eugenol is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce pain associated with food poisoning.
7) Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano has been used for years to treat indigestion, nausea, and a lack of appetite while also being an antibacterial agent to kill off germs related to foodborne illnesses such as salmonella or E coli. Oregano is also one of the most effective essential oils for clearing up skin infections such as viral sores, boils, and rashes due to its antibacterial properties. Oregano oil should be used in dilution with a carrier oil to take advantage of its antiseptic effects on the digestive system.
8) Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil has been used extensively for centuries as a natural remedy for indigestion. It also helps promote healthy liver function and can help improve digestion. It’s also an anti-inflammatory essential oil that helps relieve muscle aches and pains associated with diarrhea, cramping, or headaches from food poisoning.
How To Use Essential Oils For Food Poisoning?
Step 1: Dilute an essential oil between 2/3 and 1/2 glass of carrier oil (example: olive oil, coconut oil).
Step 2: Pour over the top of your mouth several times a day.
Step 3: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Always make sure to use essential oils in dilution with a carrier oil or pure essential oils on the top of the mouth to ensure safety. You can also bathe your child in an unscented carrier oil such as coconut or almond to reduce germs from spreading around the home too.
DIY Recipes Of Essential Oils For Food Poisoning:
Recipe 1: Food Poisoning From Uncooked Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of tea tree essential oil,
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil, and
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil.
Method:
- Mix in a small glass bottle.
- Take 3-4 drops and gently rub on the abdomen or add to carrier oil.
Recipe 2: Food Poisoning From Uncooked Eggs
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil,
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil, and
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil.
Method:
- Mix in a small glass bottle.
- Take 3-4 drops and gently rub on the abdomen or add to carrier oil.
Recipe 3: Food Poisoning From Uncooked Meat
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of peppermint essential oil,
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil, and
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil.
Method:
- Mix in a small glass bottle.
- Take 3-4 drops and gently rub on the abdomen or add to carrier oil.
Recipe 4: Food Poisoning From Uncooked Fruits And Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil,
- 1 drop of tea tree essential oil, and
- 10 drops of clove essential oil.
Method:
- Mix in a small glass bottle.
- Take 3-4 drops and gently rub on the abdomen or add to carrier oil.
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FAQs:
1) How much should I dilute my essential oils?
When applying essential oils to the body or using them via diffuser it’s important to know how to dilute them properly. If you are using a new oil and applying it directly to your skin please test a small patch of skin first for any kind of irritation. You can apply the essential oil neat (undiluted) on your skin but it needs to be 100% pure and therapeutic grade or else you risk irritation and even burning of the skin. It’s best to dilute these oils with a carrier oil such as almond, olive or jojoba oil then apply several times a day or as needed.
2) What should I mix with essential oils?
In diluting essential oils use a vegetable oil like olive or coconut oil as your base. Add 4 drops of essential oil to 1/3rd to 1/2 cup of carrier oil then gently massage into the abdomen. You can also take a bath using an unscented carrier oil such as almond, olive or coconut to help remove toxins from the body.
