19 Best Essential Oils For Nausea, Vomiting & Upset Stomach

Nausea is a common and uncomfortable complaint. It can start as slight queasiness and progress to full-on sickness or vomiting.

Stomach Virus, food poisoning, cramps, abdominal pain, stomach flu… All conditions can bring on nausea.

Nausea can show up for a variety of reasons, including Motion sickness, Viral infection, Digestive problems, Overeating, Undereating, Food poisoning, Anxiety, Tension, Putrid smells, Distressing circumstances, Drinking too much, Migraines, and Early pregnancy.

Luckily, essential oils can help your nausea – no matter the cause. I’m sure you’ve heard somessential oilne talk about peppermint oil for nausea before!

Note that frequent nausea for no apparent reason can signal a potentially risky health issue. Check with your doctor if you’re experiencing this.

The 10 Best Essential Oils for Upset Stomach, Stomach ache & Nausea

Allspice

Allspice, also known as Jamaica pepper, is a warm, spicy and invigorating oil that has a similar scent to clove.

In addition to relieving nausea and stomach complaints, it is useful for cramps, stress, Neuralgia, depression, flatulence, and indigestion.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is very versatile, but it shines particularly well for some uses – including nausea.

Peppermint is also effective for general digestive issues, menstrual issues, migraines and headaches, muscle pains, neuralgia, respiratory illnesses, vertigo, stress and so much more.

Ginger oil

Ginger has a long history and is claimed as a native plant across many continents. It was used by nearly all great civilizations as a healer and tonic.

Ginger is effective at remedying nausea, stomach bugs, sinusitis, skin sores, sore throat, digestive issues, colds and chills, and fevers.

If you apply ginger topically avoid being exposed to the sun for a while (it is photosensitive) and be cautious about potential skin irritation, which affects some pessential oilple.

Basil oil

Basil is a light, peppery oil with clear green notes. Originally from SE Asia and the Pacific islands, it’s considered sacred in Hinduism.

In addition to relieving stomach flu, stomach bug & nausea complaints it’s effective for migraines, menstrual issues, vomiting, nervous disorders, constipation, arthritis, acne, etc.

Cassia

Also known as cassia bark and Chinese cinnamon, this spice is often used in curries in India. Its essential oil is effective for Colic, Colds, Flu, Digestive Issues, Nausea, Fever, Flatulence & Arthritis. It blends very well with black pepper, caraway, and coriander.

Do not use this oil during pregnancy. It May cause skin irritation, so avoids contact with mucous membranes. Not safe for children under 6. Avoid internal use.

Lavender oil

Lavender is the most universal and versatile essential oil there is. It’s got quite a rep. It was especially prized by the Romans who placed it everywhere.

Luckily for you, it’s a powerhouse for nausea and stomach issues as well. It’s also good for related complaints like respiratory issues, anxiety, agitation, pain, stomach knots, etc.

Rose oil

Rose has been a popularly distilled oil since the 11th century in Persia. It is effective for nausea, menstrual issues, cardiac issues, coughs, asthma, high blood pressure, liver, grief, hay favor, etc.

Cardamom oil

Cardamom is super effective for nausea and indigestion. It’s also an excellent remedy for coughs, halitosis, edema, headache, nervousness, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, and more.

Coriander oil

Coriander has a sweet aroma with a slightly spicy, herbacessential oilus taste. It’s especially useful for calming nausea and the digestive system, detoxifying, providing migraine relief, and relieving stress and indigestion.

Additional Essential oils for Nausea & Stomach

There are a lot of quality oils you can use. So many I’m not going to list them all out individually.

So here’s a bullet point list of some other great options!

• German chamomile
• Roman chamomile
• Rosewood
• Spikenard
• Fennel
• Nutmeg
• Melissa
• Aniseed
• Star anise
• Bergamot
• Black pepper
• Lemon
• Spearmint
• Mandarin
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Geranium

5 Essential Oil Based Remedies for Nausea

1.) Neat Inhalation

This remedy is quick and easy for fast relief.

For this remedy just simply apply a couple of drops patchouli, lavender, or peppermint to a tissue, on your hands, or in a paper bag. Alternatively, just inhale straight from the bottle.

Simply inhale and enjoy.

Alternatively, you could use an essential oil diffuser and vaporize these oils inside the room you’re staying in.

2.) Ginger smelling salts

This is a great blend of ginger and allspice (which potentiates the ginger quite a bit). It’s still viable though if you lack the allspice. Just use ginger.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 6 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop allspice essential oil

Directions:

1. In a dark-colored glass bottle, add the sea salt along with the essential oils. Shake to blend
2. Inhale from the bottle when feeling nausessential oilus or stomach upset
3. Repeat as needed

3.) Anti-nausea Diffuser Blend

A pleasant and effective diffuser blend for a stomach ache, stomach bug or nausea.

Ingredients:

• 2 drops basil essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops chamomile essential oil

Directions:

1. Add your basil, bergamot, and chamomile to your diffuser water. Note you can apply more oils if you have a large capacity essential oil diffuser.
2. Turn the diffuser on, and let it run for 15 min of every hour.
3. Repeat as necessary

4.) Anti-nausea Bath Blend

Ingredients:

• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 3 drops chamomile essential oil

Directions:

1. Run a warm bath
2. Add the bergamot and chamomile oil to the bathwater
3. Inhale deeply, and soak until the water cools to body temp (or your own preference)
4. Repeat as necessary until your nausea has subsided

5.) Fennel Compress

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp carrier oil
• 4 drops fennel essential oil
• 1-pint hot water

Directions:

1. In a small glass bowl add carrier oil and fennel oil. Stir to combine
2. Using your fingertips, apply the mixture to your upper abdomen
3. In a medium bowl, add 1-pint hot water
4. Submerge a towel in the water, wring it out, and apply to the upper abdomen over the oil mixture.
5. Leave the compress in place until it cools back down to body temp.
6. Repeat treatment every 2-3 hours as needed

6.) Gentle Solar Plexus / Abdomen Massage Blend

This nausea massage blend is especially suited for nausea that’s accompanied by indigestion.

Ingredients:

• 4 drops ginger
• 4 drops lavender
• 3 drops peppermint
• 5 tsp carrier oil (argan, coconut, sesame, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed, macadamia)

Directions:

• Combine carrier oil with essential oils in a small non-reactive bowl
• Using the mixture gently massage the solar plexus and/or the abdomen in a clockwise direction

7.) Simple Inhaler Blend

Ingredients:

• 5 drops bergamot
• 5 drops cardamom
• 5 drops grapefruit
• 5 drops spearmint
• 3 drops geranium
• A pocket-sized inhaler for essential oils

Directions:

• Combine essential oils in a non-reactive bowl
• Place the wick of your inhaler into the bowl and allow it to absorb the entire amount
• Place the wick back in your inhaler and screw the cap back on tightly
• Inhale when necessary

8.) Simple Soothing Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 drop peppermint
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 1 cup warm water

Directions:

• Combine ingredients
• Sup slowly
• Repeat as needed

9.) Soothing Ginger Steam-Inhalation

Ingredients:

• 1-2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 medium-large sized bowl of hot, steaming water
• 1 full sized towel

Directions:

• Fill your bowl with hot, boiling water
• Add your ginger essential oil to the water
• Cover your head with a towel and place your head over the steaming bowl of water. Be sure to keep your eyes closed and that the towel covers both you and the bowl completely
• Inhale for 5 minutes or so, repeat if desired

10.) Antiemetic Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp jojoba oil
• 4 drops patchouli EI

Directions:

1. Pour your jojoba oil into a small glass or ceramic bowl
2. Add the patchouli essential oil and stir to combine
3. Use your fingertips and dab 3 drops of the blend behind your ears and on the skin around your navel
4. Bonus: add a warm compress on your stomach to potentiate the treatment

Other (non-essential oil) Tips & Remedies for Nausea & Upset Stomach

Essential oils provide an effective treatment for nausea, but there are some other great natural remedies that you could use as well.

Sip some Ginger Tea

Ginger is great at stopping nausea. It promotes neutralizing stomach acid by increasing digestive secretions. It relaxes the stomach muscles and sedates an overactive stomach. It also helps move foods and toxins through your system faster.

You can buy ginger tea bags, or steep your own fresh ginger.

Simple directions for fresh ginger root tea:

• Wash your ginger root
• Slice it into pieces
• Add to your empty tea mug
• Boil water, pour over fresh-cut ginger
• Let steep for 5+ minutes
• Either strain or just drink with ginger chunks
• Oh, and add some honey if you’d like.

Additional Teas for nausea:

Use fresh if you have any of these growing in your garden!

• Chamomile tea
• Peppermint tea
• Spearmint tea
• Lemon Balm Tea
• Turmeric Tea

Aloe Vera Liquid

Some of my readers have suggested drinking aloe vera juice for nausea and upset stomach for its soothing capabilities.

Coconut Oil

Taking a spoonful of coconut oil can be very soothing to the stomach. It’s also great to add to your tea. Coconut water can be beneficial as well.

A Warm Epsom Salt Bath

A warm bath with Epsom salts can relax and soothe your nerves while calming nausea symptoms. You’ll also be close to the toilet just in case!

I prefer lavender Epsom salts. You can also add a drop or two of the recommended essential oils from above.

Oh and make sure the bathwater isn’t too hot! That could make your nausea even worse.

Purge if you need to

If you can’t shake your nausessential oilusness and you really feel like you need to vomit, just allow your body to purge.

Fighting it can be detrimental. Your body believes that it needs to get something out of it that’s causing harm to your stomach or nervous system. Sometimes it’s best to just go with your body’s perceived needs. You will likely feel better afterward if you do. Holding it in when you have stomach acid coming up your esophagus is a no-no.

Stretch your body Out

Try doing some simple neck and back stretches to release tension. This can help ease your queasiness. In fact, upper back and neck pains can create bouts of nausea.

Apply a Cold Compress

Another method to help kick your desire to puke is to apply a cold compress. Just don’t make it too cold.

You can use an ice pack, a washcloth that’s been dunked in cold water or a store-bought cold compress. Whatever you use just drape it around your neck until you feel better.

Get some airflow

If you’re in a stuffy house it’s sometimes best to move outside.

Fresh air really does help the body calm down. Especially if it’s blowing. If it’s windy, great, head outside. If it’s not you can use a fan and aim it to blow gently across your face. Have it oscillating if possible.

Stepping outside into fresh air is sometimes all the remedy you need for nausea. Another way to help calm your body down is to get air flowing over you.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post has been helpful for you. If you have any questions, comments, or recommendations of your own please let us know in the comments section below!