IBS – Boost your immune system with essential oils
IBS can weaken your immune system. And it is more important than ever to keep your immune system in good shape this time of the year. While traditional meds can be difficult to digest when you have IBS, essential oils can give you a boost. They can also support you with common winter colds and viruses.
Living with IBS and digestive issues is not easy on you – or your body.
Poor digestion is often part of the reason you may feel under the weather. Let’s face it, badly digesting trigger foods can weaken your immune system. And as the gut constitutes a major part of our immune system, any imbalance in gut bacteria can also reduce your ability to fight off colds and viruses.
So how CAN you boost your immune system?
Boost your immune system with essential oils
Back when I was battling with IBS and seemed to catch whatever was going around, I came across the power of essential oils.
Essential oils may come from plants, but they are powerful. So, please read the warning* at the end of this article. And use the links provided to specialised websites before trying them out.
The huge advantage of using essential oils when you suffer from IBS is that you don’t have to swallow and digest them for them to be effective.
Good quality oils are 100% natural and organic. You can buy them can buy at your local chemist or health shop.
If you need to buy online, stick to well known quality brand websites such as Rocky Mountain Oils (US) or Puressentiel (Europe).
Some essential oils can be inhaled or massaged into the skin. However, many can irritate the skin if used pure and should be used with a neutral carrier oil, such as coconut, vegetable or almond oil.
If you need to boost your immune system this winter but you have IBS, I particularly recommend essential oils of Ravintsara and Niaouli.
How I used essential oil of Ravintsara
Ravintsara does not tend to irritate the skin, so you can apply it to the skin neat.
If you have very sensitive skin apply a drop to a small test area first, or apply mixed with 50% carrier oil.
I find Ravintsara is a particularly good tonic for your immune system if you have physical or psychological fatigue. And let’s face it, this is often the case with IBS.
As soon as I had the slightest sign of oncoming cold or flu, or if I felt run down, I dabbed a couple of drops on the glands either side of the neck. Also, on my solar plexus (just below the ribcage, in the centre) and inside my wrists.
You can repeat this three times a day for up to 5 days, and it generally staves off common winter colds and viruses.
The essential oil of Ravintsara has a wide range of uses, including air sanitation (viral outbreaks,
mould) fatigue, recovery from illness, memory and concentration.
How I used essential oil of Niaouli: Inhalation
Niaouli has great antiviral, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. I used it as soon as I felt the first symptoms of a cold or flu.
Pour 3 to 5 drops of essential oil of niaouli into a bowl of hot water. Inhale for a few minutes.
As Niaouli is a stimulant, I used it for only 3 days.
The essential oil of Niaouli can be used for a range of different conditions, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and even ear infections.
* Warning: Use of essential oils
Essential oils are natural but contain high levels of some substances and may interfere with any medication you are taking.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to one of the components or have epilepsy.
Generally, essential oils are not for use with children under 12 years old. However, this can vary depending on the oil.
IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.