Last updated: Jul 07, 2024
10 best herbal essential oils for nausea
Herbal essential oils for nausea are a natural remedy that has been used to alleviate symptoms of morning sickness, motion sickness, and other types of nausea.
These oils are extracted from plants and herbs known for their digestive benefits and calming properties. Examples of herbal essential oils that help with nausea include peppermint, ginger, and fennel.
When inhaled or applied topically, these oils can ease stomach discomfort and reduce feelings of queasiness, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.
The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for nausea, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
1. Zingiber officinale
Ginger essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the stomach lining and reduce digestive discomfort.
The oil's active compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to bind to receptors in the brain, suppressing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, ginger's aroma can also stimulate digestion and relieve bloating, further alleviating queasy feelings and providing fast relief from morning sickness and motion-related nausea.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory compounds: Ginger's essential oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate nausea.
- Digestive stimulants: The oil has natural digestive stimulants that can help stimulate digestion, relieve bloating, and calm the stomach muscles, reducing nausea and vomiting.
- Antiemetic properties: Herbal ginger essential oil has been shown to have antiemetic properties, which means it can help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms associated with motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots are a rich source of volatile compounds that have been shown to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzome, or underground stem, contains a high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-nausea properties.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for nausea.
- Harvest fresh ginger roots of zingiber officinale at dawn when they are most potent and store them in a cool dry place for up to two weeks.
- Wash the harvested ginger roots thoroughly under cold running water removing any dirt or debris from their surfaces.
- Dry the washed ginger roots by spreading them out on paper towels or clean cloth towels allowing excess moisture to evaporate completely.
- Steam distill the dried ginger roots using a still apparatus with 20 kilograms of roots per liter of distilled water for three hours at atmospheric pressure.
- Collect and filter the resulting essential oil using cheesecloth or a coffee filter discarding any impurities and storing the pure zingiber officinale essential oil in dark glass bottles tightly sealed at room temperature.
2. Piper methysticum
Kava essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural anxiolytic properties, which help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress that often contribute to nausea.
The oil's calming effects also aid in soothing the stomach muscles, reducing spasms and cramps that can exacerbate nausea. Additionally, kava essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract that can cause nausea and discomfort.
Overall, incorporating kava essential oils into a wellness routine can provide natural relief from nausea symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in kava essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Anxiolytic properties: Kava essential oil has anxiolytic properties, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress-related nausea by promoting relaxation and calming the mind.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory compounds in kava essential oil can help to reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, which can contribute to nausea and alleviate symptoms such as bloating and discomfort.
- Gastroprotective properties: Kava essential oil has been shown to protect the stomach from damage caused by acid reflux and other digestive issues, which can help to prevent nausea and vomiting.
The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the kava plant are rich in alkaloids that help to calm the digestive system and relieve nausea symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: Kava rhyzomes have been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including nausea, due to their ability to reduce inflammation and relax muscle contractions.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for nausea.
- Harvest fresh leaves of piper methysticum and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
- Combine 10g of dried piper methysticum leaves with 200ml of high-proof vodka in a glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 14 days at room temperature allowing it to infuse slowly.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard solids after 24 hours.
- Transfer the resulting liquid to a dark glass bottle and store it away from direct sunlight.
3. Mentha x piperita
Peppermint essential oils helps with nausea because of its calming and soothing properties.
When inhaled, it can help to slow down digestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating and discomfort. Additionally, peppermint's natural antispasmodic properties can help to relax the stomach muscles, alleviating feelings of queasiness and reducing the frequency of vomiting.
This makes herbal peppermint essential oil a popular natural remedy for nausea relief during pregnancy, motion sickness, and other situations where digestive upset is common.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly menthol and menthone, have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate nausea and vomiting by reducing stomach inflammation and discomfort.
- Volatile oils: The volatile oils in peppermint essential oil, such as limonene and beta-pinene, have been shown to stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion, including nausea, by increasing the movement of food through the digestive system.
- Methanol: Peppermint essential oil's methanol content has natural antispasmodic properties that can help relax the stomach muscles, reducing spasms and cramps that often contribute to nausea and vomiting.
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of peppermint contain menthol and other bioactive compounds that help to calm digestive issues and reduce nausea.
- Leaves: The leaves of peppermint contain a high concentration of menthone, which is responsible for its anti-nausea properties and ability to ease digestive discomfort.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for nausea.
- Harvest fresh peppermint leaves and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
- Dry the peppermint leaves using a food dehydrator on low heat for 3 hours.
- Crush the dried peppermint leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Mix one cup of the powdered peppermint with two cups of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids after 14 days.
4. Cinnamomum verum
Ceylon cinnamon essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate digestive discomfort.
The oil's warming and calming effects can also soothe an upset stomach and ease queasiness. Additionally, Ceylon cinnamon has been traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal issues, including indigestion and bloating.
By inhaling or applying topically, the essential oil can provide rapid relief from nausea symptoms, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ceylon cinnamon essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Antispasmodic property: Relaxes digestive muscles, reducing spasms and cramps that can contribute to nausea and vomiting.
- Carminative property: Helps to release trapped gas in the digestive system, alleviating discomfort and bloating associated with nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory property: Soothes inflammation in the digestive tract, which may help alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by underlying inflammatory conditions.
The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the Ceylon cinnamon plant contain compounds like cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate nausea symptoms.
- Barks: The barks of the Ceylon cinnamon plant are rich in phenolic compounds like cinnamic acid and its derivatives, which have been shown to exhibit anti-emetic properties, making them effective for treating nausea.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for nausea.
- Harvest fresh cinnamomum verum bark from mature trees in the morning after dew has dried.
- Dry the harvested bark in a warm, well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours to reduce moisture content.
- Steam distill 100 grams of dried cinnamomum verum bark with 500 milliliters of distilled water for 4 hours.
- Separate the essential oil from the distillation residues by cooling the vapor condensate to a temperature below 20°c and collecting the resulting oil.
- Filter the obtained essential oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove impurities and sediment, yielding approximately 10 milliliters of cinnamomum verum essential oil.
5. Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the digestive system and ease stomach discomfort.
The oil's anise-like scent also stimulates digestion and relieves bloating, making it a natural remedy for alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, or chemotherapy.
Additionally, fennel essential oil has been shown to stimulate gastric motility, helping food move through the digestive system more efficiently and reducing feelings of queasiness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Digestive stimulant: Fennel essential oil can stimulate digestive enzymes, reducing symptoms of nausea by promoting healthy digestion and relieving cramps.
- Antispasmodic: The oil's antispasmodic properties help to relax smooth muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines, alleviating nausea and vomiting caused by spasms or irritations.
- Anti-inflammatory: Fennel essential oil's anti-inflammatory effects can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which may contribute to nausea and other symptoms, such as bloating or cramps.
The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the fennel plant are rich in volatile oils, which help to alleviate nausea and digestive issues by soothing the stomach and intestines.
- Seeds: Fennel seeds contain a unique compound called anethole, which has been shown to have anti-nausea properties and can help to calm the stomach and reduce nausea.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for nausea.
- Harvest 20 fresh foeniculum vulgare plant leaves and flowers in the early morning to ensure peak oil content.
- Dry the harvested plant material for at least 7 days in a warm dark place to reduce moisture levels.
- Steam distill the dried plant material using a copper alembic still with 30% water and 70% plant material for 1 hour.
- Collect the essential oil that separates from the distilled steam condensate after 10 minutes of standing time.
- Filter the collected essential oil through activated charcoal to remove impurities and sediment before bottling it in dark glass containers.
6. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural calming and soothing properties.
The oil contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety-related nausea. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory compounds help to ease digestive discomfort and calm stomach cramps, alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
When inhaled or applied topically, chamomile essential oil can quickly reduce nausea and promote feelings of calmness and serenity.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm digestive tract inflammation, which can contribute to nausea and stomach upset.
- Anxiolytic: The anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties of chamomile essential oil help to calm the mind and body, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety that can exacerbate nausea.
- Digestive soothing: Chamomile's digestive-soothing properties have a gentle calming effect on the stomach, which can help to reduce nausea and alleviate symptoms such as bloating and discomfort.
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of chamomile contain apigenin, a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing digestive issues and relieving nausea.
- Flowers: Chamomile flowers have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to calm the stomach and alleviate symptoms of nausea due to their gentle sedative effects.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for nausea.
- Harvest high-quality matricaria chamomilla flowers at full bloom in the morning ensuring maximum potency.
- Dry the flowers using a warm air circulation method or shade drying for 24 to 48 hours.
- Steam distill the dried flowers using a steam distillation apparatus and collect the essential oil within 4 hours of distillation.
- Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil at a ratio of 10 drops per milliliter.
- Store the finished essential oil in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat for up to 6 months.
7. Coriandrum sativum
Coriander essential oils helps with nausea because of its natural ability to calm the digestive system.
The oil's active compounds, such as linalool and geranyl acetate, have a soothing effect on the stomach muscles, reducing spasms and inflammation that can contribute to nausea. Additionally, coriander essential oils have a calming aroma that can help reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers of nausea.
By promoting relaxation and easing digestive discomfort, coriander essential oils provide natural relief from nausea, making it an effective remedy for individuals experiencing morning sickness or motion sickness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in coriander essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Carminative property: Coriander oil helps to expel gas from the digestive tract, reducing nausea and discomfort associated with indigestion and bloating.
- Antispasmodic property: Coriander oil's ability to relax smooth muscle tissue in the stomach and intestines can help alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by spasms or inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory property: Coriander oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can contribute to nausea and discomfort, particularly during menstrual periods or with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The list below shows the primary parts of coriander used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the coriander plant are used to create essential oils that have been shown to help alleviate nausea and vomiting due to their high concentration of sesquiterpenes.
- Seeds: Coriander seeds contain a compound called citronellal, which has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe stomach upset and alleviate nausea.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic coriander for nausea.
- Harvest fresh coriander leaves at dawn when their oil content is highest.
- Dry the harvested leaves in a single layer on paper towels for 7 days.
- Use a coffee grinder or spice grinder to grind 20g of dried coriander into fine powder.
- Steam distill the ground coriander in a double boiler setup with 100ml water at 60°c for 2 hours.
- Filter the resulting essential oil through cheesecloth and store it in dark glass bottles for future use.
8. Cuminum cyminum
Cumin essential oils helps with nausea because of its unique properties that stimulate digestion and alleviate stomach discomfort.
The oil's active compounds, such as cuminaldehyde and linoleic acid, have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help to soothe the digestive tract, reducing nausea and vomiting symptoms.
Additionally, cumin essential oil's warm and spicy aroma can also help to calm the mind and body, further alleviating feelings of queasiness and discomfort.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in cumin essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Antioxidant properties: Cumin essential oil's antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting caused by digestive issues.
- Carminative properties: The carminative compounds in cumin essential oil help expel gas and relieve bloating and cramping in the stomach, which can alleviate nausea and discomfort associated with indigestion.
- Digestive stimulant properties: Cumin essential oil's digestive stimulants increase gut motility and improve digestion, reducing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain caused by slow digestion or food intolerance.
The list below shows the primary parts of cumin used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the cumin plant are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them effective in reducing nausea and vomiting symptoms.
- Seeds: Cumin seeds contain a high concentration of volatile oils that have been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including nausea and stomach discomfort.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cumin for nausea.
- Harvest high-quality cuminum cyminum seeds, ensuring they are free of impurities and pests.
- Dry the seeds in a well-ventilated area for at least two weeks, stirring occasionally, to reduce moisture levels.
- Crush the dried seeds into smaller pieces using a mortar and pestle, taking about 30 minutes to complete.
- Steam distill the crushed seeds in a glass still with water for approximately four hours, collecting the resulting essential oil.
- Filter the collected essential oil through a coffee filter or paper towel to remove any impurities, then store it in a dark glass bottle.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender essential oils helps with nausea because of its calming and soothing properties.
The oil's fragrance has been shown to ease digestive discomfort, reducing symptoms of motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. When inhaled, lavender oil can help regulate the body's natural balance, alleviating feelings of queasiness and promoting relaxation.
Additionally, the oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the stomach lining, further reducing nausea and discomfort.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory property: Lavender oil's anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which may contribute to nausea and alleviate symptoms.
- Anxiolytic property: The calming and relaxing effects of lavender oil can help reduce anxiety, a common trigger for nausea, by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
- Antiemetic property: Lavender oil's natural ability to soothe the stomach and digestive system may help alleviate nausea and vomiting by regulating gut motility and reducing spasms.
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: The roots of the English lavender plant are valued for their calming properties, which can help alleviate nausea and promote relaxation.
- Flowers: Lavender flowers contain fragrant oil with a soothing effect on the digestive system, making them effective in treating nausea and promoting a sense of calm.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for nausea.
- Harvest fresh lavender flowers at dawn when they are fully opened for maximum oil content.
- Dry the harvested lavender flowers in small batches for 24-48 hours using low-temperature oven.
- Combine 100g of dried lavender flowers with 400ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
- Steep the mixture for 6-8 weeks, shaking the container daily to ensure even extraction.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and discard solids, then store the resulting essential oil in dark glass bottles.
10. Syzygium aromaticum
Cloves essential oils helps with nausea because of its unique properties that can calm the stomach and alleviate discomfort.
The oil contains a compound called eugenol, which has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to ease digestive issues. When inhaled or applied topically, clove oil can help to reduce nausea and vomiting by soothing the stomach muscles and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, its calming aroma can also help to relax the mind and body, further alleviating symptoms of nausea.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in cloves essential oils that aid with nausea.
- Antiemetic property: Clove essential oil has been shown to have anti-nausea effects, helping to reduce vomiting and nausea by acting on the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone.
- Digestive stimulant property: The essential oil stimulates digestion and relieves symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia, which can contribute to feelings of nausea and discomfort.
- Carminative property: Clove essential oil has a carminative effect, helping to release trapped gas in the digestive system and relieve bloating and discomfort that can exacerbate nausea.
The list below shows the primary parts of cloves used to make essential oils for nausea.
- Roots: Rich in eugenol, a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate nausea and vomiting.
- Rhyzomes: Contain sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to exhibit anti-nausea properties by reducing gastric contractions.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cloves for nausea.
- Harvest fresh leaves of syzygium aromaticum in the early morning for maximum oil content.
- Dry the harvested leaves in a shaded area for 3-5 days or until they reach 10% moisture level.
- Steam distill the dried leaves using a glass still and 20 grams of leaves per liter of water.
- Collect the essential oil from the condenser coil after 4 hours of distillation, resulting in approximately 2% yield.
- Filter the essential oil through a coffee filter or cotton cloth to remove any impurities before bottling.
How to best treat nausea with herbal essential oils?
The best way to treat nausea with herbal essential oils is by inhaling peppermint oil, which helps to calm the stomach and reduce discomfort.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser or mix with water and inhale the vapors. Ginger essential oil also works well, as it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate nausea.
Use these oils in moderation and always dilute with a carrier oil before applying topically.
What ailments similar to nausea are treated with herbal essential oils?
Ailments similar to nausea that are treated with herbal essential oils are digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort.
Peppermint, ginger, and fennel essential oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the stomach and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Additionally, these oils can also help to calm stress-related symptoms like anxiety and insomnia, which often manifest as nausea in some individuals.