Essential Oil Side Effects & Warnings
Throughout history, early civilizations have used essential oils as a holistic approach to overall wellness. Even as medicine advances, we are finding out that essential oils are still some of the most effective methods for treating symptoms related to acid reflux, indigestion, GERD, and heartburn. For centuries, early cultures and societies have utilized these natural approaches in healthcare, with these essential oils being relied upon more and more for relief.
If you find yourself part of the population that suffers from acid reflux, GERD, or any accompanying symptoms, relief may be in the form of an essential liquid as opposed to the boxes of pills that crowd your pharmacies, grocery stores, and medicine cabinet. Although common practice has been to pop one or more of these pills, essential oils have been a tried and true method that has been relied upon since time immemorial. Television commercials might say different, but an all-natural approach should at least be considered.
When you are looking for relief for your heartburn and acid reflux, keep in mind that one oil is not just as good as the other. Each offers its own healing effects but, what is most important, is that the quality you choose is a therapeutic grade essential oil. Pure essential oils, versus the cheap diluted varieties, are extracted from the seeds, flowers, stems, or leaves of the plant and offer the highest chance of relief for your painful symptoms.
Most often associated with aromatherapy, essential oils provide benefits beyond their scent alone. If properly used, either through inhalation, ingestion or as a topical agent, essential oils can offer an effective relief towards treating your GERD associated symptoms. But, should you use them incorrectly or try and save a few bucks by purchasing inferior oils – or even oils that are imposters and masquerading as something they are not, you could find yourself experience ill effects or no effects at all. It is these “cheap” and “budget” brands that have attributed to essential oils not being as effective as over the counter, or even prescription, remedies. High-quality and therapeutic grade essential oils have the ability to counteract and even prevent the uneasy and painful symptoms like bloating, cramps, and heartburn.
How To Buy Essential Oils For Acid Reflux And Heartburn Relief
Although you can find a ton of information on the internet regarding the use of essential oils for treating acid reflux and heartburn, it might be quite overwhelming when it comes time to decide which essential oil to purchase. Not only is the quality influenced by several different factors, but there are also several oils that can be of use to the determent of your symptoms. After all, what works for one person may not be as effective for the other, and vice versa. Once you have determined the particular oil you’d like to try, it is important that you consider the quality of the oil and how it will affect its medicinal benefits.
100% pure and therapeutic grade essential oils are far different in their potency and effects than those you might regularly find in run-of-the-mill fragrances and perfumes. The purer the oil, the better the health benefits – especially when it comes to treating your acid reflux and heartburn related symptoms, such as excess gas, bloating, cramping, spasms, insomnia, and more. You must be vigilant in choosing the right oils. Unfortunately, some retailers will dilute less expensive oils and add synthetic ingredients in order to improve the fragrance and encourage buyers to purchase a lower quality product due to its lower price. They might even do this without disclosing the information. Always read labels, do your research, reach out to professionals, and stick with brands that have a reputation of offering high-quality and therapeutic grade essential oils.
The quality of essential oils is determined by how it is extracted from its respective plant. These extraction methods can be predisposed to several factors, including seed quality, climate, altitude, soil conditions, harvesting methods, growing conditions, distillation processes, bottling, storage, and even adequate testing. Again, use discretion and make an informed decision when approaching retailers for a specific oil – especially those geared towards alleviating bothersome afflictions.
Essential Oils For Treating Heartburn, Acid Reflux, And GERD
There are a few things to consider when trying to figure out whether or not a retailer is being truthful when labeling their essential oils as an effective treatment against heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. Is each bottle clearly labeled with their purity content, grade, and scientific name of the plant? Is the retailer providing extensive information about the oils, their origin, and their benefits and usage? Are they making themselves available for information, questions, or concerns? If the answer is no to any of these, then that is a huge red flag and warrants serious consideration to finding another vendor.
Shopping online can be the answer you are looking for when combatting the above issues, but that medium for purchasing also brings its own set of challenges. The internet allows you to research reviews on each company, each oil, and the history of both. You also have the option of exploring the website of each prospective retailer in great detail. This, in itself, is a strong indicator of whether or not you are dealing with a quality retailer. Once satisfied, it is time to take a look at the products they offer. A huge indicator of quality is how the oils are bottled and kept. High-quality essential oils meant for use against acid reflux and the like are highly concentrated and have certain storing principles that must be adhered to. If any of these oils are stored in plastic, for instance, you should be wary of the purity of the oil inside.
Over time, pure oil can deteriorate plastic and toxic chemicals can leach into the oil. Although a plastic container does not necessarily signify an inferior product, it certainly can affect the quality and safety of the oil you are choosing to help you. Additionally, because pure oils are prone to oxidation, they should be stored in dark glass bottles in a cool and dry location. Clear glass bottles could mean that the oils have been exposed to light and the oxidation process has been enhanced.
Essential Oil Side Effects And Warnings For Heartburn, Acid Reflux, And GERD
For those of us who suffer from symptoms related to heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD, essential oils can provide much need relief compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts. Without the need for a prescription, these affordable and all-natural remedies provide a wide variety of ways to alleviate pain while preventing the common essential oil side effects that come with man-made treatments.
Although terms like “all-natural” and therapeutic grade” can offer a well-deserved sense of ease, concentrated and pure essential oils are powerful substances that must be administered correctly to ensure safety and efficacy. As with any treatment, natural or otherwise, it is important that you check with a healthcare professional before starting a treatment plan. Just like pharmaceuticals, essential oils have the ability of interfering with any drug or supplement regimen you might be on.
It is important that you are well versed on these possible interactions and perform the necessary research needed to inform yourself. If your heartburn, cramps, chest pain, or insomnia become more persistent in nature, it is advised that you reach out to your healthcare professional. In order to help combat these possibilities, always be on the lookout for pure, therapeutic quality options to achieve the necessary goal of feeling better. Additionally, be aware that you are taking the necessary precautions of learning the recommended usage and quantities for each essential oil.
Because of their potency, particular oils can pose a risk to small children, infants, and even pets. Also, nursing or pregnant women should seek medical clearance before using essential oils. Because of this potency, essential oils should be administered in very small amounts. Additionally, many essential oils, because of this concentration, are actually flammable and should not be used or stored near any open flames.
Studies suggest inhalation is the safest method when using these natural oils to relieve symptoms related to heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. Essential oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or from a cloth, as they can also be added to a diffuser – which is the most common method. If you have a diffuser, be sure you clean it often as the steam encourages mildew growth and can expose you to a host of problems unrelated to your acid reflux symptoms. Also, extremely fragrant oils can be a cumbersome bother to those that suffer from breathing problems such as asthma. If this is you, be sure you provide some distance, so you only get positive effects from the essential oils.
Topical treatment is a very popular method to enjoy the benefits of essential oils – especially those of us that suffer from cramps and bloating attributed to acid reflux and GERD. This method is also particularly helpful for those that suffer from insomnia due to their symptoms. Massage, along with the strength of the oils, helps to encourage a restful night of sleep. Be advised if you are applying the oils directly to your skin, be sure you are diluting it with a carrier oil. It is helpful to do a patch test on a small area of skin, such as your forearm, to ensure you will suffer no irritations.
It must be understood to never use essential oils on open wounds, rashes, or burns unless it is clearly labeled that such oil is meant for that purpose. If any skin irritation occurs, cease and desist use immediately. One should never allow essential oils meant for heartburn and acid reflux relief to come in contact with your eyes, either. One of the most effective ways to experience physical relief from cramps and bloating is to add a few drops of essential oil to a hot bath. This is an effective and safe method of external use and should become a part of your regular routine.
Keep in mind that only certain essential oils should be ingested by adding them to herbal teas, hot or cold water, or by placing them directly on the tongue. There are quite a few that should NOT be ingested at all. However, by adding a drop or two of lavender, lemon, peppermint, wild orange, and even ginger to a steaming mug of herbal tea can be a safe and effective way of relieving symptoms related to heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.
Before ingesting any essential oil, be sure that contains the GRAS classification. GRAS simple means: Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA. Also, take the time to learn about recommended use and dosage.
Our Essential Oils For Heartburn, Acid Reflux, And GERD Can Help
At Aroma Therapy Sciences, we believe in the natural power and potency of essential oils and only offer oils that meet our high standards. This means that you will receive high-quality oils free of pesticides, herbicides, and bottled and stored correctly. All of our oils provide therapeutic benefits like providing relief for symptoms associated with Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD, without the potentially harmful side effects of pharmaceutical remedies.
All of our essential oils are hand-picked by a trained member of our staff to ensure purity, quality, potency, and effectiveness. Should you have any questions, concerns, or need a point in the right direction, we pride ourselves on being available for all of our customers. We recognize the wealth of information out there – right and wrong – and welcome the opportunity to be a trusted resource for you.
It is a shame that you are suffering from Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and/or GERD and we want to help you. Our goal is to make your healthcare affordable, accessible, and all-natural. We have the expertise, knowledge, and most importantly, the proper products. Reach out today for more information. We’ll be here for you!