12 Best Essential Oils for Nausea [with Benefits, Side effects and Usage Instructions]

Treating nausea and vomiting can be as simple as surrounding yourself with pleasant aromas. Read on to find out more!

Have you ever felt nauseous to a point where you just can not get out of bed? If yes, you’re not alone!

Nausea is common among individuals of all ages; however, the good news is you can find relief to this icky feeling. Essential oils are one of the most common and hassle-free treatments that can give you relief!

With that said, let’s dive into this article that speaks of essential oils for nausea, and see if it actually works or is just a myth.

What is Nausea?

The textbook definition of nausea is the uneasiness of the stomach that is often accompanied by vomiting.

This uneasiness is also described as an awful, queasy feeling due to which you can’t stomach anything [1].

So what causes nausea?

Nausea is more a symptom than a condition in itself and can have various causes.

All of these causes vary in their level of severity.

Sensitivity to motion, food allergies, medication side effects, etc., are a few of the symptoms that are not so severe [1].

A few other causes are,

Brain tumor

Pregnancy
Ulcers
Some forms of cancer

The side effect of chemotherapy
Bulimia nervosa (emotional disorder wherein self-induced vomiting is involved)
Gastroparesis (a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of your stomach muscles)

Toxins in the body
Excess alcohol levels in the body
Heart attack

Concussion
Food poisoning, etc.

How to treat nausea?

Nausea often subsides by itself; however, here are some things you can do to feel better,

Consume sufficient amounts of fluids
Eat bland food
Eat smaller portions of meals

Nausea can be treated without using any medications if it isn’t severe. One of these medications is the usage of essential oils for nausea.

You can also prevent nausea triggers by avoiding certain actions or foods that might cause them, for instance, avoiding flickering lights that can induce a migraine, which can make you nauseous [1].

NOTE: If nausea persists for more than a day, or if you notice blood or “coffee ground” like substances in your throw-up, then please visit a doctor as soon as possible.

12 Best Essential Oils for Nausea

1. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is extracted from the lemon peel since it consists of oil-containing cells. Apart from being used for aromatherapy, it is also used for cooking, baking, and making drinks or spice blends.

A drop or two of lemon essential oil in your diffuser or oil burner is known to reduce your nausea symptoms. The smell of fresh lemon has also been known to relieve you of your nausea [2].

2. Ginger Oil

Ginger, a common root often used in culinary practices, is also used for its medicinal properties. Ginger essential oil is extracted from the ginger rhizome after a distillation process. This oil has a strong, distinct aroma that is often used for aromatherapy.

Inhalation of ginger essential oil can help reduce your feelings of nausea. You can also massage some of this oil into pressure points such as your forehead and wrists or directly on your stomach to reduce nausea and vomiting [3].

3. Peppermint Oil

The peppermint plant is a cross between the watermint and the spearmint plants. It is widely cultivated in many regions of the world and is used to produce peppermint essential oil. This oil can be used for aromatherapy, skin conditions and to help with nausea.

Peppermint essential oil may help relax your gastric muscles and prevent them from cramping. Using this oil for aromatherapy can also help you if you are nauseated and can improve your symptoms [4].

4. Fennel Oil

The fennel plant is a herb that is native to regions of southern Europe and Asia Minor. The crushed seeds of this plant are steam-distilled to produce fennel essential oil.

This oil can be used for your aromatherapy, culinary practices, or massages.

Certain compounds in fennel essential oil, like phytoestrogen compounds, may help reduce inflammation and ease the stomach to relieve you of bloating and nausea. Use this oil through a diffuser or add a drop or two on a ball of cotton and carry it around for instant relief from nausea.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is an essential oil that is distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia. It was used by the Egyptians and the Romans for its calming effect. It is also used as a perfume and for cooking purposes.

A lavender essential oil may help relieve your nausea due to its relaxing properties. If your nausea is triggered by anxiety, then this essential oil is just the one for you. It can help your mind relax and, in turn, help your entire body relax [5].

6. Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit, a cross between a pomelo and a sweet orange, originated in Jamaica before being introduced to the rest of the world. The peel of this fruit is used to extract grapefruit essential oil. This oil is used for its scent and healing properties.

Grapefruit essential oil may increase blood flow to your digestive system and help your nausea. It also helps reduce symptoms of inflammation and vomiting. This oil is ideally used in aromatherapy for increased efficacy.

7. Cardamom Oil

Cardamom is a spice that is a part of the ginger family and is native to India. It is used in a variety of Southeast Asian cooking.

Cardamom essential oil is made by infusing cardamom in water and then evaporating said water until only the oil remains.

Cardamom essential oil is known to help with symptoms like loss of appetite that may trigger nausea. It can also improve digestion and help block nausea receptor pathways, enabling you to avoid feeling nauseous. This essential oil can decrease your nausea and help you feel at ease [7].

8. Chamomile Oil

The chamomile plant has been used for herbal infusions and traditional medicines for ages. The chamomile essential oil is extracted from the chamomile flower. Apart from being used for its extract, this plant is also used for beverages, mouthwash, soaps, and cosmetics.

Chamomile essential oil is known to help relieve individuals of an upset stomach, digestive issues, and nausea. It might help relieve you of certain gastric conditions. You can use this oil in your aromatherapy or during your massages to soothe your nerves and prevent you from feeling nauseous.

9. Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by the steam distillation of ground nutmeg, also known as Myristica fragrans. This oil is often replaced with ground nutmeg while cooking or baking to avoid the particles that you might find if you use ground nutmeg.

Nutmeg essential oil has both healing properties as well as calming and soothing properties.

It can help manage digestive issues and your anxiety, both of which can trigger your nausea and vomiting.

10. Black Pepper Oil

Black pepper is a spice that is commonly used for various culinary practices and recipes. Although black pepper essential oil is not very well known, black peppercorns are very popular, especially in South Asian communities.

This oil is prepared through steam distillation of the plant materials.

Black pepper essential oil has a list of beneficial properties. It can help ease your anxiety and improve digestion, both of which can indirectly help relieve you of your nausea. This oil can also help stimulate your appetite.

11. Coriander Seed Oil

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a popular green that adds flavor to your dishes. The seeds of this plant are used to extract coriander seed essential oil.

This oil is known for its healing properties and ability to alleviate aches and pains.

Coriander seed essential oil may help improve your digestion. It may also improve your appetite, and in turn, help treat your nausea. You can consume this orally, on the advice of your doctor, for improved digestion.

12. Orange Oil

Oranges are one of the most common fruits consumed by the majority of the world’s population. Although it is native to Asia, this fruit is not cultivated worldwide.

Orange essential oil is extracted from the rind of this fruit.

The benefits of orange essential oil are similar to that of lemon and grapefruit. It can help aid digestion, prevent nausea, vomiting, and at times intestinal spasms [8].

How to use Essential Oils for Nausea?

Apart from following the directions mentioned on the labels of these oils, here are a few pointers to keep in mind that can help you use these oils.

Use a diffuser to spread the aroma of your essential oils for nausea throughout your room.
Add a few drops on a handkerchief or napkin to have them on you at all times.

Always dilute your essential oils for nausea with other carrier oils like coconut oil, black cumin seed oil, jojoba oil, etc., before using them for massages.
Apply these oils to the affected areas for maximum benefits.

What are the Side Effects and Risks of Using Essential Oils?

Since essential oils for nausea, and in general, are primarily plant-based, there is a limited risk of experiencing side effects.

However, looking at their chemical composition, concentration, and other components before usage is advised to prevent any allergic reaction.

Keep in mind your age, sensitivities, and medications before using essential oils.

Mentioned below are certain general precautions you might want to take,

Always dilute the oil before use unless advised not to by a professional.
Conduct a patch test before using these oils to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
Consume these oils orally only when it is prescribed by a doctor or a professional.

Apart from these general precautions, each essential oil might come with its own set of precautions; always ensure to read up on said oil before usage.

Wrapping Up

Essential oils for nausea and vomiting seem like a promising treatment. In this article, we covered around 13 effective oils that can help relieve you of your nausea.

Results might vary from person to person; this does not mean they do not have any positive effects.

Always consult a doctor before using any of these oils to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

If smelling the wonderful aromas of these oils can help relieve me of the queasiness in my stomach, then I’m all aboard the essential oil train!

So, are essential oils for nausea something you would consider?

Let me know in the comments below!