10 Effective Essential Oils for Nausea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The use of essential oils for nausea is an effective and simple remedy that can be used quickly when feelings of nausea strike. By definition, nausea is an uncomfortable condition in the upper stomach characterized by the urge to vomit. Aside from the overwhelming urge to vomit, nausea is often accompanied by chest pain, sweating, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, fainting, and fatigue. Rapid movements can also make the symptoms worse, which is what can make this condition debilitating if it goes on for an extended period. The sensation of nausea can often be eliminated by vomiting, but that is a harsh and unpleasant experience for the body and does not always solve the problem.

Nausea is a secondary symptom, rather than a condition in itself, meaning that it can be caused by many different things. Some of the most common causes of nausea include motion sickness or seasickness, gastrointestinal infection, food poisoning, dizziness, hypoglycemia, light headed-ness, pregnancy, severe pain, anxiety, depression, excessive alcohol consumption, and specific medications. While food poisoning and infections in the stomach are the most frequent causes of nausea, some people experience this unpleasant sensation much more often. Both acute and chronic cases can be remedied by essential oils for nausea, as explained in greater detail below! [1]

10 Effective Essential Oils for Nausea

The most effective essential oils for nausea are anise, fennel, ginger, lemon, chamomile, peppermint, orange, bergamot, cannabis, and lavender oils.

A young woman trying to vomit in a commode

Essential oils can help in dealing with nausea. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fennel Oil

This oil is known to soothe the digestive tracts, while also helping to relieve bloating and excess flatulence, which can lead to symptoms of nausea. Fennel oil is also able to aid digestion and improve the immune system balance in the gut. [2]

How to Use – You can add a few drops of fennel oil to a glass of warm water or tea to quickly relieve the symptoms of nausea. This oil should not be consumed in an undiluted form.

Bergamot Oil

If your nausea is stemming from dizziness or lightheadedness, bergamot oil can clear the head and give you an energetic boost that will quickly eliminate the urge to vomit. [3]

How to Use – Adding a few drops of bergamot oil to peppermint or lemon balm tea is a quick and proven method to soothe your stomach and relieve the symptoms of nausea.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is one of the most effective antiemetic substance that is available for people suffering from nausea. It can induce feelings of calm in the body, soothe spasms, and reduce stomach upset, which can often lead to vomiting and nausea. The cannabinoids present in cannabis oil can even help prevent nausea associated with chemotherapy. [4]

How to Use – Cannabis oil is often considered a cooking oil, so you can add a few drops to your meals, or a cup of herbal tea, in order to quickly relieve stomach upset.

Anise Oil

This essential oil can fight feelings of gastrointestinal upset and is known as a digestive aid. It can reduce spasms in the gut, release excess flatulence, and relieve bloating and cramping, leaving you free from your nauseating symptoms. [5]

How to Use – Very small amounts of anise oil should be used – only a few drops – to relieve symptoms of nausea. It can be mixed with warm water, sprinkled on savory dishes, or added to a cup of tea for rapid relief.

Ginger Oil

Ginger is known to soothe the stomach, improve digestion, fight gastrointestinal infections, and prevent vomiting. As an antiemetic substance, ginger oil is a highly concentrated anti-spasmodic that is widely available around the world. [6]

How to Use – You should add a few drops of ginger oil to a cup of ginger tea, or simply add it to a glass of warm water and quickly drink it down. You can do this 1-2 times per day if you are experiencing chronic nausea symptoms.

Lemon Oil

For pregnant women experiencing nausea and morning sickness, the soothing properties of lemon oil not only settle the stomach but also fight against any infections in the gut that may be causing your symptoms of nausea. [7]

How to Use – Mixing a few drops of lemon oil into a glass of water can be a simple and effective way to eliminate nausea, although the aromatic compounds alone are often enough to settle the stomach. Simply inhale the oil from the bottle or in a steam inhalation treatment.

Chamomile Oil

This oil can soothe the stomach muscles that quickly contract before vomiting, while also eliminating excess gas and bloating, which can put pressure on the upper stomach, creating feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit. [8]

How to Use – This oil can be put into a room diffuser, often combined with lavender oil, to soothe nausea and promote positive, uplifted feelings. You can also simply inhale chamomile oil from the bottle to benefit from its effects.

Lavender Oil

The natural sedative and soothing qualities of this oil can help to relieve the spasms and discomfort associated with nausea. It can also aid with dizziness or lightheadedness if that is the source of your nausea.

How to Use – Add a few drops of lavender oil to a room diffuser or add the oil to a pot of steaming water. Place your head beneath a towel and inhale the aromatic compounds deeply to settle an upset stomach.

Orange Oil

The invigorating qualities of orange oil can eliminate dizziness and lightheadedness, while also stimulating the digestive system and relieving bloating in the gut, all of which can prevent the sensation of nausea. [9]

How to Use – Only very small amounts of this oil should be consumed, or it can cause additional symptoms of nausea and vomiting. However, adding a few drops of orange oil to bergamot or lemon balm tea is an excellent remedy.

Peppermint Oil

Perhaps one of the most versatile essential oils for nausea, peppermint oil has been linked to decreasing nausea associated with chemotherapy, while also helping to soothe motion sickness and travel-related nausea. Furthermore, this powerful essential oil can relax stomach muscles and prevent spasms, which will reduce the urge to vomit. [10]

How to Use – You can massage a few drops of peppermint oil onto your stomach or abdomen, just below the sternum, as the oil will absorb directly into the area of discomfort. Beyond that, you can also add a few drops of this oil to a steam inhalation treatment or simply inhale deeply from a bottle of this concentrated oil.

A Word of Warning

Turning to essential oils for nausea makes perfect sense, given the powerful effects of these oils on the stomach, but there is always the danger of side effects. When consuming any essential oil, only small amounts should be used, and only under the specific approval of a doctor. The powerful components of essential oils can cause skin inflammation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal distress, low blood pressure, fatigue, and a variety of other side effects. Depending on your method of using these oils, certain side effects are less likely. Pay careful attention to the reactions of your body when using essential oils for nausea, and discontinue use if your nausea becomes worse. Severe stomach infections causing nausea may require formal medical attention or antibiotics.

DMCA.com Protection Status
About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

Rate this article
Average rating 3.3 out of 5.0 based on 3 user(s).