5 Best Essential Oils for Hernia and Other Home Remedies for Hernia

While most hernias aren’t life-threatening, they don’t go away on their own and can sometimes require surgery to be corrected. Hernias often come from lifting heavy objects. The good thing is that there are essential oils for a hernia that can give one relief from its symptoms.

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.

Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but they can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas.

However, they aren’t immediately life-threatening, but they don’t go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia.

The most common types of hernia are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach).

In an inguinal hernia, the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin. About 96% of all groin hernias are inguinal, and most occur in men because of a natural weakness in this area.

In an incisional hernia, the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of previous abdominal surgery. This type is most common in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after abdominal surgery.

A femoral hernia occurs when the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh. Femoral hernias are most common in women, especially those who are pregnant or obese.

In an umbilical hernia, part of the small intestine passes through the abdominal wall near the navel. Common in newborns, it also commonly afflicts obese women or those who have had many children.

A hiatal hernia happens when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes.

You Can Read: 5 Best Recommended Essential Oils for Pancreatitis

What Causes a Hernia?

The various types of hernias can have different causes. In general, a hernia starts with pressure on an organ or your intestines. A hernia forms when this pressure happens in the same area as a weakened muscle or tissue.

Some people are born with weak muscles or tissue that isn’t fully developing. However, most people get hernias as their bodies age and their muscles weaken.

You also can get a hernia, or worsen an existing one, from certain movements and habits. These include:

• Picking up heavy objects (especially lifting them in the wrong way and with weak muscles)
• Overuse of the same muscle
• Strained movement (such as ongoing coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, or constipation)
• Being overweight or having poor nutrition
• Use of tobacco
• Having part of your organ or tissue push through a cut from surgery (incisional hernia)

Best Essential Oil for Hernia

For those wishing to safely explore the use of external essential oils for hernia symptom relief, consider these best five that might be able to help reduce regular, uncomfortable sensations.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

This selection is number one because it is a bit unusual. Peppermint, as in mints like candy, is actually associate with aggravating hiatal hernia related acid indigestion symptoms.

However, when applied externally, it may have an entirely different effect on abdominal discomfort. Peppermint is also commonly combined with other essential oils for hernia symptom relief and is a popular addition to many digestive oil blends.

2. Lavender Essential Oil

This purple plant produces oil that is a mainstay in aromatherapy blends, and with good reason. It is thought to help relieve stress which can be a big trigger for digestive relate disorder symptoms.

Stress and acid reflux works hand in hand, and therefore relaxing with the soothing scent of gentle lavender might be a calming way to enjoy essential oils for hernia symptom relief.

3. Ginger Essential Oil

Few natural remedies are as intimately tied with the digestive system as ginger, which has long been hailed for its ability to reduce the sensation of nausea.

However, ginger is also important among essential oils for hernia symptom relief. Not only do its warming properties help soothe and speed digestion, but it is also considered calmative and might reduce stress too.

4. Fennel Essential Oil

Also noted as an herbal remedy, fennel’s role among essential oils for hernia symptom relief is one related to healthy digestion which might be a factor in producing uncomfortable acid-related symptoms.

The herb is also versatile in that if aromatherapy benefits from the oil prove unsuccessful, culinary and herbal applications are also options, too.

5. Chamomile Essential Oil

The stress and anxiety-reducing benefits of chamomile are perhaps what the plant is best known for. However, it is also worth considering it among the essential oils for hernia symptom relief.

In addition to helping relieve stress, there are also anti-inflammatory benefits that are thought to be achieved when using the oil for aromatherapy.

This could help soothe and comfort irritated tissues and help promote symptom relief while simultaneously reducing stress-related symptom triggers.

Other Home Remedies for Hernia

Home remedies for a hernia are as follows:

Aloe Vera Juice

As a natural anti-inflammatory compound and soothing agent, aloe vera is often recommended for people who are struggling with the pain of a hernia. Aloe vera can be consumed every morning in juice form.

For best results, it can be eaten prior to every meal, to lower the chances of developing a hernia.

Ice pack

When you suffer a hernia, there can often be inflammation, redness, and pain in the abdomen or groin. While this may not be the most comfortable remedy, applying an ice pack directly to the affected area can cause contraction and reduce inflammation in the body, often relieving the pain and bloating associated with it. 

Ginger Root

When it comes to reducing abdominal pain and soothing inflammatory conditions, few things are as effective as ginger root.

You can consume this remedy in liquid form through concentrated ginger juice, or you can eat raw ginger to give your stomach a healthy boost and reduce much of the pain.

It can protect the stomach and esophagus from the build-up of gastric juices, which can happen in the case of a hernia. You can also consume ginger root tea and relieve the pain and inflammation.

Lose Weight

Obesity is a major risk factor for hernia patients, and it can also slow down the healing process. If you lose weight, your body will be under less physical strain, your posture will improve, and the symptoms may disappear naturally.

You should also eat smaller meals, as this will put less pressure on the stomach and sphincter.

Vegetable Juice

One of the simplest and most effective remedies for a hernia is a glass of vegetable juice, particularly one made with carrots, spinach, onions, broccoli, and kale.

The dense nutrients and anti-inflammatory nature of vegetables can soothe the burning and painful symptoms of a hernia. Adding a bit of salt to the vegetable juice is a great way to improve its effects.

Final Word

The use of essential oil and home remedies should be seen as complementary treatments and recovery aids in most cases of a hernia. If you strain yourself and feel the sudden onset of hernia pain, it is advisable to see a medical professional as soon as possible.

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