Can Essential Oils Relieve Symptoms of Heartburn?

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Heartburn affects more than 60 million Americans each month. It is most fully described as a painful, burning sensation that occurs in the area under the chest. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid escapes into your esophagus, the tube that carries food and drink to your stomach.

Normally, acid in the stomach cannot escape into the esophagus due to a barrier called the lower esophageal sphincter. This is a ring-like muscle that closes naturally and usually opens only when you swallow or burp.
However, in people with acid reflux, this muscle is often weakened. This is one of the reasons why people with acid reflux experience heartburn. Diet plays an important role in heartburn. Many foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing food to escape into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

1. Are essential oils effective?

Essential oils are having a dizzying popularity. Friends are promoting the benefits on social media, colleagues are selling essential oils at the office, and neighbors have aroma diffusers that radiate the warm scent of ginger or lavender into their homes.
Although many people view essential oils as a simple and easy to use form of aromatherapy, they have been used throughout the centuries as an alternative treatment option.
Research is often limited, but evidence suggests that certain oils can reduce symptoms, such as indigestion and nausea. Here's what you need to know about using essential oils for heartburn relief.

2. What do the studies say?

Essential oils often have a seductive scent. Essential oils are made from plants: Roots, flowers, seeds,...
These plants are naturally pressed until they release their essence, or essential oil.
Despite their rapidly growing fanbase, essential oils have little support from the mainstream medical community. Studies that have examined these oils have mostly evaluated these oils for their aromatherapeutic and stress-reducing qualities. Very few medical studies have examined their ability to treat or relieve the signs and symptoms of these conditions or diseases.
Although more research is needed, some evidence suggests that using certain oils can relieve heartburn.
Ginger oil
Ginger has been used to treat stomach ailments. Ginger essential oil may also be beneficial for people who are experiencing symptoms of heartburn.
Lavender Oil
Many people find the scent of lavender relaxing and calming, making it a staple in aromatherapy. In addition to its sedative properties, lavender can also help relieve symptoms of colic. Many symptoms of stomach upset and heartburn are similar, so trying lavender oil may be beneficial for those who are dealing with stomach acid.
Menthol
Inhaling menthol can help soothe heartburn, upset stomach and nausea. Massaging the diluted oil onto the chest, abdomen, and back can help relax an overactive digestive system.

3. How to use essential oils to treat heartburn

Essential oils have a strong effect. A drop or two is enough to diffuse the scent throughout the room. A drop or two of a carrier oil is all that is generally recommended when applying essential oils topically. Only a few drops should be used if you inhale the oil from a bottle or cloth.
The best way to treat heartburn with essential oils is to inhale the scent directly from the bottle or diffuser. If you are using a diffuser, place two or three drops into the machine's steam bag. Turn the unit on and the warm water will diffuse the concentrated essential oils. If you don't have time to install a diffuser, you can take a deep breath by hovering over a few drops of essential oil on a napkin or cloth towel.
Another way to reap the benefits of essential oils is to mix with a carrier oil and massage into the skin. Essential oils must not be swallowed.

4. Risks and warnings

There are no scientific studies to support the use of essential oils to treat heartburn. Instead, all the studies that examined the link showed a reduction in the same symptoms that occur with heartburn.
Do not take essential oils orally.
Using a quality oil is important to make sure you don't get sick after using the oil. You should do your research and look for a brand you can trust.

5. Other Treatments for Heartburn

Although heartburn can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you may find that prescription medication is the best option for you.
If you have frequent heartburn, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. They may be able to recommend a medication that may relieve or alleviate your symptoms.
Antacids
Over-the-counter antacids are the first line of treatment for heartburn. They help neutralize the stomach acid that causes symptoms. Antacids are usually quick-acting. If over-the-counter medications don't work, your doctor can prescribe medication that matches your prescription.
H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA)
H2RAs are a good way to prevent symptoms before they happen. These medications, available by prescription and over-the-counter, reduce the amount of stomach acid you have. These are not quick-acting medications, but they can provide longer-lasting pain relief than antacids.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs work to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced by glands in the stomach. OTC and prescription PPIs are available.

6. What can you do now?

Before you try essential oils for heartburn or any other condition, be sure to research the oils, their side effects, and risks. These tips can help guide you in your decisions:
Safe sources of oils
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies essential oils as “generally recognized as safe” . The FDA does not inspect or supervise the manufacture and sale of these products. This means that the quality of these products is entirely up to the manufacturer. For this reason, it is important that you look for a brand that you trust and are comfortable using. Essential oils are sold at many natural foods stores and through online retailers.
Do your research
Before you use essential oils, do your research. Understand which oils may be right for your condition and which may not. Review of known possible side effects and how they might affect your daily functioning.
Ask for help from your doctor
Your doctor may not know much about essential oils, but they have resources you can use to help you find heartburn treatments. While your doctor may not prescribe essential oils, it's important that they know you're using this oil and any alternative treatments. They can help you do that safely by making sure the oils you choose won't interfere with any medications you're currently taking.
Consult your doctor
If using essential oils or OTC treatments does not relieve the signs and symptoms of heartburn, talk to your doctor about a remedy. Treatment may be strong enough to relieve discomfort.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References
Aromatherapy and essential oils. (2014, December 17) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032518/ Mayo Clinic Staff. Heartburn: Treatments and drugs. (2014, August 7) ​​mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/basics/treatment/con-20019545 Lavender. (2016, June 21) nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm Nanjundaiah, S. M., Annaiah, H. N. M., & Dharmesh, S. M. Gastroprotective effect of ginger rhizome ( Zingiber officinale ) extract: Role of gallic acid and cinnamic acid in H+, K+-ATPase/H. pylori inhibition and anti-oxidative mechanism. (2011, June 23). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136331/ Thosar, N., Silpi Basak, S. Bahadure, R.N., & Rajurkar, M. (2013, September). Antimicrobial efficacy of five essential oils against oral pathogens: An in vitro study. European Journal of Dentistry, 7 (Suppl 1), S71–S77 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054083/