The use of essential oils for constipation is one of the best remedies to treat constipation naturally at home.
Here, I will share with you a massive list of some of the best essential oils for constipation and how you can use them in order to get rid of constipation almost instantly (within a few hours).
All the essential oils for constipation that are mentioned here are backed with studies and considered safe to use.
Table of Contents
What is Constipation?
Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea. In this condition, one face problem in passing the stool easily due to the lack of water (mostly). The stool is often hard and dry.
Note!
Do not let constipation go chronic otherwise, it can cause some serious health problems. (1)
Symptoms
Many people ask, how do we know if we are constipated? To those, my answer is, if you notice any of the below symptoms then you are probably constipated:
- Difficulty in passing the stools
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Fewer than 3 stools a week
- Feeling that your rectum is not empty
- Headache
Causes
There could be many causes of constipation but listed below are some of the common one:
- Less consumption of water
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to poop
- Some medications (like antibiotics)
- Eating junk food (less in fiber)
- Not being active
- Use of too many dairy products
The Best Essential Oils For Constipation Relief
Before using the below-mentioned oils, keep in mind that regardless of the oil which you are using, it has to be 100% pure. Otherwise, you may not see the desired results.
1. Castor Oil (#1 Essential Oil)
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
If you want to treat constipation using essential oil, then castor oil is my #1 choice.
This is a stimulant laxative agent and according to the American Academy of family physicians, stimulant laxatives cause stool (bowel) to move more easily. (2)
How to Use?
- Add 1-2 Tbs of castor oil in a cup of warm milk
- Mix it well and drink it 2 to 3 times every 8 hours
It is very difficult to drink it due to the bad taste but you will start seeing the results within a few hours of using it.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
2. Olive Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and it is also a very effective laxative agent which will help you in getting relief from constipation quickly.
How to Use?
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm milk
- Mix it thoroughly and use it before going to sleep (for 2-3 days)
This is a very quick effecting remedy and you will see the results very quickly. Olive oil acts as a lubricating agent and lubricates the intestines which ultimately helps in passing the stool easily.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
3. Almond Oil
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes
This is another very effective oil to treat constipation. Almond Oil soothes your intestinal muscles and releases the blockage in the abdominal area. It also helps in releasing the air.
How to Use?
- Take some yogurt or milk according to your taste
- Add 2-3 tablespoons in any of the mentioned things and use it
- Eat/drink it 1-2 times a day for a couple of days and get relief from constipation
Due to the sweet taste, it is convenient to use than castor oil and it is also very effective when it comes to treating constipation.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
4. Coconut Oil
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Many experts say that this oil also has laxative properties. It helps in the metabolism and in passing the food quickly and easily. This also helps in bowel movements by relaxing the muscles.
How to Use?
- Take 2-3 Tbs of coconut oil and 1 cup of warm milk
- Mix it properly and drink it
- Use it after every 12 hours for 2-3 days
- You can also use it with yogurt if you don’t like milk
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
5. Ginger Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 3-5 Minutes
The ginger essential oil has digestive stimulatory effects that help in treating constipation and increase gastric motility and you can definitely use this to get relief from constipation.
How to Use?
- Take 2 Tbs of ginger oil and mix it with 1 Tbs of any carrier oil like coconut, olive, etc.
- Make sure you warm them a bit before applying
- Massage it properly on your abdomen for about 5 minutes
- Do this 2-3 times a day to get relief
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
6. Lemon Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 4-5 Minutes
We all know lemon oil is highly concentrated and contains such agents that improve digestion and as it helps in digestion, so it also helps in eliminating the feces easily.
How to Use?
- Mix lemon oil with any carrier oil in a 1:1 and warm it
- Apply it on your abdomen region and massage it properly
- Do it 1-2 times a day every 12 hours for best results
A study conducted found that using lemon oil in aromatherapy massages also help in improving the digestion. (3)
Precaution: Avoid exposure to sunlight when applying it.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
7. Fennel Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 2-3 Minutes
This oil is a powerful laxative agent and it will definitely help with your constipation when ingested.
How to Use?
- Mix 1-2 Tbs of fennel oil with any carrier oil and use it only once a day
- Use it for about 2-3 days to get desired results
- Along with ingestion, you can also massage with it
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
8. Black Pepper Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 4-5 Minutes
Black Pepper Oil also helps in curing constipation in a very effective way. If used properly, it shows the results within 2 to 3 days.
How to Use?
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of the oil together with any carrier oil
- Use it in a 2:1 and warm it a bit before drinking
- Use it only once a day for a few days
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
9. Marjoram Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 4-5 Minutes
Like all other oils, it also helps in the bowel movement by soothing the intestinal muscles. You will get the desired results within a few hours of using this oil.
Marjoram is also one of the best essential oils for constipation which can be used alone or with any carrier oil.
How to Use?
- Take 2 Tbs of Marjoram oil and 1 Tbs of carrier oil
- Mix well and warm a bit before drinking
- Use it daily 1-2 times for a couple of days
It will help you in getting rid of constipation and the pain associated with it quickly.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
10. Peppermint Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 3-5 Minutes
This oil has antispasmodic properties that can soothe and relax your intestinal muscles and release the blockage of both the air and feces.
A study conducted in 2008 has proven that this oil has successfully treated patients with irritable bowel syndrome. (4)
How to Use?
- You have to massage this oil on your abdomen area
- Do it 2-3 times a day in order to relieve constipation
- Make sure that you warm the oil before massaging to get a soothing effect
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
11. Sweet Basil Essential Oil
Preparation Time: 2-3 Minutes
This herb is being used for a long time to release both gas and feces. It also helps in reducing the pain associated with constipation. You can definitely use sweet basil oil if it is available in your country.
How to Use?
- Take this oil in a 1:1 with any carrier oil and massage with it
- Do this daily 1-2 times for a few days to get relief
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Constipation
Well, there are countless benefits but some of the most common ones are:
- Cheap
- Safe to use
- Painless treatment option
- Almost no side effects
The Bottom Line!
Wondering which essential oil to pick?
Let me help you out! Even though all the essential oils are very effective in treating constipation but my personal choice would be castor oil.
Finally, I would like to tell you that there are also some precautions that are associated with these essential oils for constipation and you must keep them in mind.
- In rare cases, ingesting some of the essential oils is not safe and they could cause some reactions.
- Children and pregnant women must not ingest them.
However, if applied externally they are generally considered safe to use for most people and can be used without any risk.
Please Note: If you are having severe pain and discomfort and these essential oils aren’t helping you (which happens very rarely) then it is highly recommended that you visit the doctor.
The information present on this webpage has not been evaluated by any medical authority such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All information is for educational purposes only. Strictly saying, we do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The article contains affiliate links, see full disclaimer.
Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.