10 best herbal essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome

Herbal essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome are natural extracts obtained from plants, used to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.

These oils work by soothing the digestive tract, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health. For example, peppermint oil can help ease cramps and spasms, while fennel oil can calm digestive issues and reduce gas.

By using these herbal essential oils topically or through aromatherapy, individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can experience relief from symptoms, leading to improved quality of life, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence in managing their condition.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because its active compound, menthol, relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps.

This relief from muscle contractions allows for smoother digestion and alleviates symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory properties soothe the gut lining, reducing inflammation that can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

As a result, peppermint essential oils have been shown to provide effective natural relief for individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Antispasmodic property: Peppermint essential oil helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps associated with IBS symptoms like abdominal pain.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to IBS symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
• Digestive stimulant property: Peppermint essential oil helps stimulate digestive enzymes and improve digestion, reducing symptoms like constipation and diarrhea commonly associated with IBS.

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: Rich in menthol and other volatile compounds that help soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation associated with IBS.
• Rhyzomes: Contain a unique combination of compounds that ease symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh peppermint leaves in large quantities from mature plants.
2. Steam distill the harvested leaves using a still and boiling water at 100°c.
3. Collect the extracted essential oil after 30 minutes of distillation, filtering out impurities.
4. Mix the collected oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil in a ratio of 10:1.
5. Store the blended oil in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight, for up to six months.

2. Zingiber officinale

Ginger essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil has been shown to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramping that often accompany IBS symptoms. Additionally, ginger's carminative properties help to reduce gas and bloating, making it a natural remedy for alleviating symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

By incorporating ginger essential oils into one's daily routine, individuals with IBS can experience relief from uncomfortable digestive issues.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Antioxidant properties: Ginger oil's antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the digestive tract, which can contribute to IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger oil's anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals that can exacerbate IBS symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and cramping.
• Digestive stimulant properties: Ginger oil has been shown to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut motility, which can help alleviate IBS symptoms like constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots of the ginger plant have been traditionally used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, making them an effective component in essential oil blends for irritable bowel syndrome.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzome, also known as the underground stem, contains a high concentration of bioactive compounds that help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating and abdominal pain.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh ginger rhizomes early in the morning.
2. Dry the ginger slices thinly within 24 hours.
3. Steam distill dried ginger using a still apparatus.
4. Collect and filter the essential oil within 30 minutes.
5. Store the ginger essential oil at room temperature.

3. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its natural anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.

The oil's volatile compounds, such as anethole and fenchol, have been shown to soothe digestive tract muscles, reducing spasms and cramping associated with IBS symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. Additionally, fennel essential oils' ability to increase gut motility helps regulate bowel movements, alleviating diarrhea or constipation episodes common in IBS sufferers.

This natural remedy provides relief from the uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Antispasmodic property: Herbal fennel essential oil helps relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps associated with IBS, thereby alleviating abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Fennel essential oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is often a contributing factor to IBS symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Carminative property: Herbal fennel essential oil has natural carminative properties, which help expel gas from the digestive system, relieving symptoms of bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension commonly experienced in IBS.

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots of the fennel plant are valued for their ability to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation, making them an ideal choice for creating essential oils that alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Seeds: Fennel seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and have been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, making them a popular choice for medicinal essential oil production.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated to ensure maximum potency.
2. Wash the harvested leaves gently with distilled water and pat dry with paper towels to remove dirt and impurities.
3. Steam distill the fresh leaves using a commercial steam distillation apparatus at 100°c for 2-3 hours to extract essential oil.
4. Collect and filter the extracted essential oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to separate from water and impurities.
5. Store the foeniculum vulgare essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and keep at room temperature for up to 6 months.

4. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its soothing properties, which can help calm digestive issues.

The oil's anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Additionally, lavender's anxiolytic effects can help mitigate stress-related digestive problems, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.

By incorporating lavender essential oils into one's routine, individuals with IBS may experience improved digestive health and overall well-being.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Lavender oil helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping associated with IBS.
• Antispasmodic properties: The oil's ability to relax muscles and reduce spasms can help ease bowel movements, reduce constipation, and alleviate bloating and gas associated with IBS.
• Anxiolytic properties: Lavender oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that often exacerbate IBS symptoms.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots of the English lavender plant have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with IBS.
• Flowers: Lavender flowers contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their calming effects on the digestive system, helping to soothe symptoms of IBS.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest 10 grams of fresh lavandula angustifolia leaves and flowers at dawn to maximize oil yield.
2. Dry the plant material in a warm, well-ventilated area for 7 days to reduce moisture content.
3. Steam distill the dried plant material using 200 ml of water at 100°c for 1 hour to extract essential oils.
4. Collect the distillate and separate the essential oil from the hydrosol using a separating funnel within 30 minutes.
5. Store the extracted lavandula angustifolia essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids at room temperature for up to 12 months.

5. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because it has a natural anti-inflammatory property that soothes and calms the digestive system.

The oil's antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles in the gut, reducing cramping and spasms that often accompany IBS symptoms. Additionally, chamomile's calming effects on the nervous system can help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for IBS flare-ups.

By promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing inflammation, chamomile essential oil can provide relief from IBS symptoms and improve overall digestive health.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile essential oil's anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can alleviate symptoms of IBS such as bloating, cramps, and abdominal pain.
• Antispasmodic: The antispasmodic property of chamomile essential oil helps relax smooth muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps that often occur in individuals with IBS.
• Anxiolytic: Chamomile essential oil's anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) property helps calm the mind and body, which can help manage stress-related symptoms of IBS, such as anxiety, diarrhea, or constipation.

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots of the chamomile plant are rich in apigenin, an antioxidant that helps soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Flowers: Chamomile flowers contain a high concentration of azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers and rinse them gently with distilled water.
2. Combine 200g of dried chamomile flowers with 400ml of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil in a glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days to allow for gentle infusion and maceration.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container discarding the solids after 2 hours.
5. Transfer the infused oil to dark glass bottles and store it in the refrigerator at 40°f within 24 hours.

6. Anethum graveolens

Dill essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its natural anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.

The oil's active compounds, such as dillapiole and dillenol, have been shown to soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and spasms that can exacerbate IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.

Additionally, dill essential oils' ability to relax the gut muscles and improve digestion can help regulate bowel movements, promoting a healthier gut microbiome and alleviating IBS discomfort.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in dill essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Carminative property: Dill oil helps to relieve flatulence, bloating, and discomfort associated with IBS by reducing gas buildup in the digestive tract.
• Digestive stimulant property: Dill oil stimulates digestion, improving gut motility, which can help alleviate symptoms of constipation or diarrhea commonly experienced in IBS sufferers.
• Anti-inflammatory property: Dill oil's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which is thought to contribute to IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort.

The list below shows the primary parts of dill used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots of the dill plant contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, making them effective in soothing digestive issues associated with IBS.
• Seeds: Dill seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of IBS such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dill for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh dill weed leaves in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal oil quality.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using a food dehydrator at 55°c for 24 hours to preserve potency.
3. Steam distil the dried leaves with water in a copper still at 100°c for 2-3 hours to extract essential oils.
4. Separate the extracted essential oils from the distilled water using a decantation process and store them in dark glass bottles.
5. Age the anethum graveolens essential oil for 7-10 days before use, allowing the constituents to mature and blend harmoniously.

7. Carum carvi

Caraway essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because its carvone content has a natural anti-inflammatory property that soothes the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

Additionally, caraway oil's antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles in the intestine, alleviating cramps and spasms often associated with IBS.

Its calming effects also help regulate bowel movements, promoting regularity and reducing symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, making it a natural and effective remedy for managing IBS symptoms.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in caraway essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Carvon content: Caraway essential oil contains a significant amount of carvon, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, alleviating IBS-related abdominal pain and cramping.
• Digestive stimulant effects: Caraway essential oil has been shown to stimulate digestion and improve gut motility, helping to alleviate constipation, bloating, and other symptoms associated with IBS.
• Antioxidant properties: The antioxidant compounds present in caraway essential oil can help protect the digestive tract from oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to the development of IBS.

The list below shows the primary parts of caraway used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: Caraway roots have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation associated with IBS.
• Seeds: Caraway seeds contain compounds that have natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them effective in treating digestive system infections and reducing oxidative stress in IBS sufferers.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic caraway for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest high-quality carum carvi seeds and clean them thoroughly by rinsing in cold water.
2. Dry the cleaned seeds in a warm, dark place for 7-10 days or until crispy.
3. Distill the dried carum carvi seeds using a steam distillation process at 100°c for 2 hours.
4. Combine the extracted essential oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a ratio of 1:5 and store it in dark glass bottles.
5. Allow the blended oil to mature for 7-14 days before use to enhance its therapeutic properties.

8. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues such as cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

The oil's antimicrobial properties also help to reduce the growth of bad bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy balance of gut flora. Additionally, thyme essential oil has been shown to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and discomfort associated with IBS.

This natural remedy can provide relief from symptoms and improve overall digestive health.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Antispasmodic properties: Herbal thyme essential oil helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing cramps and spasms associated with IBS.
• Antioxidant properties: Thyme's antioxidant properties help protect the gut lining from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to IBS symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Thyme's anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can alleviate symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: Thyme roots are used to make essential oils that calm digestive issues and reduce inflammation in the gut.
• Leaves: Thyme leaves are rich in antioxidants and volatile compounds that help soothe stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea associated with IBS.
• Seeds: Thyme seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as abdominal pain and discomfort.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest thymus vulgaris leaves at dawn in a dry climate to ensure maximum potency.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using shade or machine drying methods within 24 hours.
3. Steam distill 100g of dried thymus vulgaris leaves in a 1:4 ratio with distilled water for 4 hours.
4. Filter and separate the essential oil from the distillation residue after a 30-minute settling time.
5. Store the resulting thymus vulgaris essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids at room temperature.

9. Citrus x aurantium

Bitter orange essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its unique ability to soothe the digestive system.

The oil's natural antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing cramps and spasms that can cause IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort. Additionally, bitter orange essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which is often a contributing factor to IBS.

By using this oil in aromatherapy or incorporating it into skincare products, individuals with IBS may experience relief from their symptoms and improved overall digestive health.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in bitter orange essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Anti-inflammatory property: Herbal bitter orange essential oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can alleviate symptoms of IBS such as abdominal pain and cramping.
• Antispasmodic property: This property helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps that are common in IBS sufferers.
• Digestive stimulant property: Herbal bitter orange essential oil has been found to stimulate digestion and improve gut motility, which can help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

The list below shows the primary parts of bitter orange used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: The roots are used due to their ability to soothe and calm digestive issues, making them effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Seeds: The seeds contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds that can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health, leading to relief from IBS symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic bitter orange for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest fresh bitter orange peel from mature trees in the early morning hours.
2. Dry the harvested peel using a food dehydrator on low heat for 12 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried bitter orange peel using a small-scale steam distillation apparatus for 2 hours.
4. Filter and separate the essential oil from the water using a separating funnel and filter paper.
5. Bottle the extracted citrus x aurantium essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and store at room temperature.

10. Salvia sclarea

Sage essential oils helps with irritable bowel syndrome because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the digestive system.

The oil's antibacterial and antiviral compounds also work to reduce inflammation and infection in the gut, which can contribute to IBS symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Additionally, sage essential oils have been shown to increase digestion and absorption of nutrients, reducing the discomfort and irregularity associated with IBS.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage essential oils that aid with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Antispasmodic properties: Herbal sage essential oil can relax smooth muscle contractions in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramping associated with IBS.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The essential oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and irritation in the gut lining, which is common in IBS patients.
• Carminative properties: Sage essential oil can help expel gas from the digestive tract, reducing bloating and discomfort often experienced by individuals with IBS.

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make essential oils for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, sage roots help soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation associated with IBS.
• Rhyzomes: With their high content of sesquiterpenes and other bioactive compounds, sage rhyzomes possess antispasmodic properties that can help alleviate abdominal cramps and spasms in IBS patients.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Harvest salvia sclarea leaves at dawn when dew is still present on the plant.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in shade for 7 days or until they reach a moisture level of 10%.
3. Chop the dried leaves into small pieces and steam-distill them using a copper still and 5 cups of water.
4. Collect the resulting essential oil after distillation and transfer it to dark glass bottles at room temperature.
5. Store the essential oil in a cool place for 2 weeks before use or mix with carrier oils for immediate application.

How to best treat irritable bowel syndrome with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat irritable bowel syndrome with herbal essential oils is to combine peppermint, ginger, and fennel oils in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.

Apply the blend topically to the abdominal area 2-3 times a day to soothe digestive issues and reduce symptoms such as bloating and cramps.

Additionally, inhaling the blend can help alleviate stress and anxiety, common triggers of IBS symptoms.

What ailments similar to irritable bowel syndrome are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to irritable bowel syndrome that are treated with herbal essential oils are constipation, bloating, and cramping.

Ginger oil, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of IBS, while peppermint oil's calming effects can ease cramps and spasms.

Additionally, chamomile oil's soothing properties can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation in the digestive system, providing relief from discomfort.