The stomach virus is indiscriminate when it strikes. Children and adults have felt its effects and once it is in getting it out is not easy because it is very contagious.
Do not mistake it for a relation of the influenza virus.
The description of the stomach flu terms it as an infection of the stomach and intestines. But let us not just look at it at face value. This article will describe what it is and how essential oils can be used to make it all better in no time.
People who have had the stomach flu will tell you to take it easy in the recovery process and do not drink too much water but do it in moderation.
The body needs to expel the toxins naturally and the process can be draining for the body. Pumping it full of fluids in a bid to rehydrate can cause additional vomiting spells.
Essential oils can help you through the process and help fight the infection faster and more effectively.
Contents
- What exactly is stomach flu?
- Can essential oils prevent stomach virus?
- How to use essential oils for stomach virus and fever?
- Which essential oils are good for stomach flu?
- Stomach flu essential oil blends
- Things you should consider when using essential oil for stomach flu
- Common questions about stomach flu
- Conclusion
What exactly is stomach flu?
The medical name for the stomach flu is gastroenteritis (or norovirus).
In fact, gastroenteritis is a general medical term for any infection or inflammation that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It describes an infection that induces diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and accompanying nausea.
The infection spreads easily through contact with an infected person and by ingesting contaminated water or food.
What to look out for?
- Excessive vomiting
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
To prevent the spread of stomach flu make sure that your hands are clean and that your food is thoroughly washed, cleaned and cooked.
Can essential oils prevent stomach virus?
One of the best remedies for the stomach bug is essential oil.
Natural methods are always safer and in most cases more effective than over the counter medicine. They are concentrated and easy to dispense and have scientific research backing the findings on their effectiveness.
Take oregano oil, for instance, it is widely considered one of the best essential oils for treating the stomach flu because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Because the stomach flu is caused by various viruses and some bacteria, essential oil that are well known for their antiviral and antibacterial strength are best.
Most essential oils naturally have these medicinal properties occurring in them making them the ideal, safe with their gentle approach to treating a stomach bug in both children and adults.
Essential oils can help with the following symptoms of the stomach flu:
Nausea
Inhaling essential oil has been proven to curb nausea by relaxing the senses. The oils work wonders on the brain and nervous system effectively deflecting the sensation of throwing up and replacing it with more soothing or mood enhancing sensations.
Diarrhea
The oils can be ingested (food grade oils) and will sooth the digestive tract and reduce loose stool. You can also massage some oils on the stomach which will help with diarrhea externally.
Cramping
The stomach flu is usually accompanied by painful cramping. Gentle massages on the belly with an essential oil will generally help alleviate the painful cramps faster.
Even in cases where a massage is uncomfortable, gently application of the oil will do.
Fever, headaches and muscle aches
For fever, it is best to make sure that you are dealing with a low-grade fever especially in children. Such a fever can easily be combated by using essential oils on the feet and palms of the hands.
Some stomach bugs come with headaches and other body aches as well. Massage the oil into the areas that are aching as well as on your temple for relief.
How to use essential oils for stomach virus and fever?
1. Inhaling from a hanky or tissue
- Mix oregano oil, lavender and sweet orange and make a blend that you should store in a brown glass container or roller bottle
- Place a few drops of the oil on your hanky or place the drops in your set of hand tissues
- Do not drench the hanky or tissues so either use a dropper or a roller bottle for appropriate amounts
- Inhale from the tissue or hanky as you need to
2. Diffusing
- Choose the essential oils that you would like to work with
- Place 2 drops of each in a diffuser with the required amount of water
- Set the diffuser to release the mist intermittently (after 30 minutes) and plug into an electrical outlet
- Switch it off after a few hours and let the body assimilate the molecules of the oil
Diffusing is a great option because the diffuser breaks down and releases the healing properties of the oil, unlike essential oil burners, which just release the fragrance.
3. Ingesting
Essential oils come in two main varieties: cosmetic and food grade oils. Before you ingest any oil it is important to ensure that it is food grade.
Cosmetic essential oils can be harmful to the body when ingested.
You can make your own capsules:
- Buy empty capsules
- Add 2 drops of the essential oil into the capsule
- Add some olive oil or vegetable oil to the remaining part of the capsule
- Alternatively, infuse the drops in your tea bags and add honey to your tea
4. Massage
- Make a blend of the essential oil or just use one preferred oil
- Gently rub the oil onto your stomach without massaging if you are experiencing too much discomfort
- Massage the blend gently on your abdomen if you are not in too much pain
- Lie down after that and let the oils take effect
5. Hot bath
- Place 5-10 drops of your preferred essential oil or blend into the hot bath water
- Immerse yourself in the bath and stay in until the water becomes tepid
- After drying yourself apply the oil all over the sore areas for continued benefits
Hot baths can be dehydrating to the skin. So using water infused with the oils ensures the skin still retains the needed moisture and oiliness.
Which essential oils are good for stomach flu?
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is such a soothing oil that its no wonder it makes the top of our list.
It quickly alleviates the feeling of nausea and helps you relax (much needed when fighting the stomach bug).
You can rub it on your stomach and it will quickly relieve any discomfort and pain. This is because peppermint has analgesic and antispasmodic properties which enable it to reduce painful stomach cramps and spasms.
Pros
- It is gentle on the stomach
- Calms cramping muscles and alleviates headaches and nausea
- It can be found as a cosmetic option and as a food grade option
- Soothes the senses eve as it acts on your stomach
Cons
- It must not be used without dilution
Why we like it?
This is a soothing gentle oil that almost understands the pain and discomfort of the stomach bug. It is go to oil when you are just beginning to feel the discomfort of the bug before using a more powerful oil like oregano oil.
Oregano oil
There is no arguing about the effectiveness of oregano oil in combating the stomach flu.
Oregano oil contains carvacrol a powerful ingredient in fighting stomach flu. Norovirus, which is the main culprit when it comes to adult gastroenteritis has been seen to be destroyed by carvacrol in various studies of the virus in mice.
Pros
- Oregano oil begins to act on the stomach flu causing virus within an hour of use
- It is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial agent which makes it effective in killing the harmful bacteria and virus
- It can be used as a disinfectant when you are around someone with the stomach flu
- Effective in alleviating the sore muscles, headaches and fevers caused by the stomach bug
Cons
- Being an antibiotic extended use oregano oil will change the balance of the intestines and stomach leaving you susceptible to overgrowth of fungi like candida
- It is a powerful oil, so before use you must seek medical advice
Why we like it?
This is a powerful oil that works fast and effectively. Considering the discomfort of a stomach bug you need something that works quickly.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is very effective in curbing digestive tract issues.
The oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree which have been crushed. The oil can be applied directly to the abdomen to alleviate cramping and loose stool and inhaled to curb nausea and vomiting.
Tea tree contains terpinen-4-ol which has been proven to kill bacteria and fungi. The same compound boosts your white cell activities enabling your body to fight the stomach infection.
Pros
- Powerful antiviral and antibacterial agent
- It has incredible antiseptic properties
- Soothes inflammation in the digestive tract
- It can be used to disinfect contaminated surfaces and clean vegetables and fruits
Cons
- It is a hot oil so you must not use it neat
- Has a strong medicinal scent
- Can cause adverse reactions in some people
Why we like it?
This oil packs a wallop when attacking the stomach flu. It is effective and gives you instant relief in some of the worst discomforts of the bug.
Ginger oil
This is a friendly oil to your digestive tract and because it is used as a spice in most cases and it works fast and effectively from within.
Ginger oil and fresh ginger have the same medicinal health benefits because each contains a high level of gingerol. Gingerol works fast to treat nausea, vomiting whether you are using the food grade oil or topically applying the cosmetic version.
It also calms an inflamed stomach and alleviates the cramping, headaches and sore muscles that come with the stomach bug because of another powerful component in the oil called zingibain.
Pros
- Both ingestible and therapeutic grade
- It is easy to enjoy because the oil is familiar
- Works fast and effectively
- Curbs nausea
- Has healing properties
Cons
- It is a hot oil that cannot be used without dilution
Why we like it?
Ginger oil is gentle and has been used for the stomach flu by both natural medicine enthusiasts and medical experts. It has earned its stripes in the medicine world and it remains a favorite essential oil in combating the stomach bug.
Fennel oil
Fennel oil has a distinct licorice flavor that makes it easy to ingest. It is a great oil that has antiseptic properties as well as antispasmodic qualities that calm the spasms that come with the stomach bug.
Furthermore, it has a relaxing effect on the body which really helps with the cramping of the stomach. It also has antimicrobial properties which allow it to fight bacteria.
Pros
- Strong antimicrobial agent
- Has antispasmodic properties
- It is gentle on the stomach
- Works fast and effectively
Cons
- It should not be used neat
- It has a laxative effect so do not use too much of it
- Very bitter
Why we like it?
If you can stand the licorice flavor you know that it will work wonders on your stomach. It works well with more mild oils like chamomile, and peppermint which mask its aroma.
Roman chamomile oil
Roman chamomile oil is sweet and herbal. It has a calming effect on the digestive tract and other parts of the body.
This oil works really fast when applied and alleviates sore muscles, headaches and abdominal cramps that come with the stomach flu.
It is a popular option for combating the stomach flu because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Pros
- Has a mild and sweet scent
- Curbs nausea
- Works fast and effectively
- Has soothing qualities
- Has effective antiviral and antibacterial qualities
Cons
- It is mild and needs a more powerful oil to work with
- Must be diluted before use
Why we like it?
The mildness of this oil allows it to slowly help in the healing process. Knowing the sensitivity of the stomach flu, sometimes rapid results are not best. This oil naturally induces healing without rushing the process.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is strongly medicinal and a strong antiviral and antibacterial agent.
It is also an analgetic agent so your cramps and spasm will be alleviated as will other aches and pains.
Pros
- It is antispasmodic
- Works fast and effectively
- You need just a little bit for the healing process to begin
- Works well with other oils
- It can be used to disinfect contaminated surfaces
Cons
- It has a strong overpowering scent
- Must be diluted before use
Why we like it?
This oil is a fast worker and is effective in getting the stomach bug out. It cleans the body thoroughly even when it is just applied topically.
Coriander oil
Also known as cilantro, coriander oil is perfect for clearing the stomach bug.
Not only does it clear out any cramping and muscle spasms, it leaves your body detoxified.
Pros
- Powerful analgesic
- Has antispasmodic properties
- Has relaxing qualities
- Works fast and effectively
- It can be ingested and applied topically
Cons
- It can cause incoherence if taken in large quantities
Why we like it?
I must say it is all in the herbal scent that is rich. Whether you are ingesting it or applying it coriander oil has a distinct flavor and scent that makes it easy to assimilate.
Cinnamon oil
The scent of cinnamon has made it a favorite for culinary purposes and its aroma is just as inviting when you are using it to combat the stomach flu.
Since norovirus comes with bouts of nausea and vomiting, cinnamon oil can be used in a blend to combat the sensations and keep them at bay.
Pros
- It is ingestible so it can work from within
- Has impeccable antiseptic qualities
- Soothes the cramping and spasms that accompany the stomach bug
- Increases the immunity of the body preventing subsequent infections of the stomach flu
Cons
- It is a hot oil so be careful when dispensing it so do not inhale it without dilution
- It cannot be diluted using water only
Why we like it?
Not only is it aromatic, it does a thorough job of treating the stomach bug. It will get rid of both bacteria and viruses but will still leave your intestines with a healthy PH balance.
Stomach flu essential oil blends
Blend 1
Ingredients
Preparation
Mix the oils together and place a few drops of the blend into a bowl of warm water. Soak a small washcloth into the water and remove the excess water. Place the warm compress on your abdomen and lie back and let the oils seep in.
This is a great recipe for headaches, sore muscles and abdominal cramps caused by the stomach flu.
Blend 2
Ingredients
Preparation
Mix the oils together and place a few drops in your batch of tissue wipes or your hanky. Inhale the blend to counter nausea and vomiting or massage some of the blend into any sore muscles you may have as a result of the stomach flu.
Blend 3
Ingredients
Preparation
Mix the oil and ingest a small amount after every six hours to counter loose stool. With less diarrhea you will begin to regain your strength as you are not losing too much water and becoming dehydrated.
Things you should consider when using essential oil for stomach flu
- Never use the oils neat
- Do not ingest cosmetic or therapeutic grade oils
- Use oil only after consulting a physician
- Never use the oil on children without medical advice
Common questions about stomach flu
How to recognize the stomach flu?
The following symptoms characterize the stomach flu:
- A headache
- Fever/chills
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting nausea
- Muscle soreness
Can you catch the stomach flu from the air?
No. It is very contagious but is spread through sharing contaminated items or spaces.
How long does it take to get the virus?
Infection is immediate upon touching contaminated surfaces or ingesting contaminated food.
How long does it take after being exposed to the stomach flu do symptoms appear?
It takes 2-3 days after exposure to manifest.
How to avoid getting the stomach flu if your family has it?
Disinfect all the surfaces, do not share food or self-care items, avoid using the same towels or washcloths, wash your hands and use gloves around the infected person’s items.
How to prevent stomach flu after exposure?
Start by disinfecting the surfaces around you and your personal items to kill any lurking bacteria. Do not share your food, or personal items while infected because the virus will get transmitted and re-infection becomes easy.
In fact, quarantine does not seem like a bad idea during this time.
Lastly, eat foods that are alkaline in nature to help combat the infection. Alkaline foods tend to boost immunity and help you detox and heal faster.
Conclusion
Needless to say, the stomach flu is bad news for adults and children alike. A relationship with essential oil may just make the disease slightly bearable but before use always research and never use the oils neat for the best results.
Also, ensure your physician knows that you are using essential oil in tandem with over the counter medicine.
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