Tag: Neuropathways

Essential Oils and Gut Health

You know the expression “the gut feeling” one? Did you know that we have three brains that enable us to make decisions? But do we know how take care of them? Which one is more important? Why? Are they connected? How? It turns out that Science has made the connection between digestive-system activity and cognition (thinking skills and memory), in other words there is clear link between The Mind and The Gut (Soosalu and Oka, 2012).

Let’s have a look how can one take care of one of the brains residing in the Gut. Yes, it’s scientifically demonstrated that our second brain is in the gut. Gut microbiota contains more than three million microbial genes, which is 150 times more than the human genome itself. In other words the 100 + trillion odd cells residing in the gut, forming the gut microbiota communicate in an extraordinary way with the Brain Central Nervous System

Heading on to the Holiday Season, we surely experience a great deal of feelings, be it because we enjoy some extra delicious foods or simply because we feel guilty/or not for doing so. The plethora of feelings varies from person to person. They may start in waves of anticipation and excitement for the season. Then just when you want to savor the moments they’re gone on the Ether. Feelings of weakness, stress, anxiety even depression knock on the Brain’s door. So what can you do? Well you can always resort to Aromatherapy as a sure way to lift up the spirits a bit.

That is to say we can use some essential oils to calm symptoms relating to the functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain, stomach upset. So fixing problems in the gut affects what’s happening in the brain. There is a growing body of research based evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system sends signals to the Central nervous system that ultimately affect the mood changes, demonstrating the relationship between gut microbiota, stress and anxiety.

So let’s see how can we keep the digestive system in top condition, while keeping the immune system alert and functioning using ancient Aromatherapy way. The table below outlines some of the essential oils than can be effective in facilitating the digestion of food. Using the oils for a massage or adding drops to skin and hair care products can be equally beneficial.

Table 1. Fragrant solutions to help keep digestion and the gut working in top condition. Not surprisingly, some oils are also very effective in emotional problems.

* — Caution: Avoid using this oil if pregnant. Do no use this oil if you undergo chemotherapy, components of this oil interact with the treatment; consult your doctor before using it.

Oil	Botanical Name	Effect on the gut and how to useSource
Peppermint*	Mentha x piperita	Relieves bloating, nausea and reliving symptoms in IBS (McKay et al, 2006); Refreshing, stimulating and settling of digestive system Inhalation or topical application of one drop on the stomach (wash hands well after use) For safety use read more
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia	Anti-inflammatory when it comes to your digestive system, lavender protects against dysbiosis, the technical term for impaired microbiota. It has healing properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature Inhalation and topical application Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure.
Cumin	Cuminum cyminum	extremely effective in treating IBS: reduced bloating and pain (Agah, 2013); can be used in favouring foods or topical application on the belly diluted 3%.
Thyme	Thymus vulgaris	Thyme suppresses pathogens in the small intestine; Topical application of diluted oil only; use a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, almond or jojoba. Thyme is my absolute favourite oil and herb; its uses exceed the digestion benefits.

So, are essential oils more than just a lovely scent? Absolutely! But while their benefits can be amazing, so can their side effects if they’re used incorrectly – just be sure to do your research first.

So this Christmas, keep the gut happy and you will be happy too.

Wishing you a great time of Peace and Light, Joy and Calm.

Precautions

If you choose to put on the oils mentioned above, please consider the following:

• The use of any oil should not replace any prescribed course of treatment. If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin;
• Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure;
• Always dilute the essential oils, ratio of 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and
• remember to check with a medical practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Sources

Agah et al, 2013, Cumin extract for symptoms control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series, Middle East J Dig Dis.2013, 5(4):217-22.

McKay DL, Blumberg JB. 2006, A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research. 2006,20(8):619-633.

Soosalu, G and Oka M, mBraining: Using your multiple brains to do cool stuff, mBIT International, PTthy, Ptd, 2012.