In France, 3 million people consult their doctor each year for an episode of gastroenteritis. Among these people, all ages are represented but children remain the most affected and the most vulnerable. From a simple abdominal cramp to vomiting, from fever to diarrhea, the symptoms of gastroenteritis are multiple. Its severity depends on the pathogenic element involved (bacteria or virus) as well as the age of the affected person. In this article, you will find the information necessary to better understand gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms, contagiousness, people at risk, etc. Our 4 express recipes based on essential oils should also allow you to get rid of it as quickly as possible. . Tips: at the end of this file you will find some health tips to improve your daily life in case of gastro!
The magic essential oil to treat or prevent gastroenteritis
If you had to treat your gastroenteritis with only one essential oil it would be withcompact oregano essential oil. It is the most antiseptic of all known essential oils, it will quickly eliminate the causes of diarrhea.
Precautions: Do not use in children under 12 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Dermocaustic: do not use undiluted through the skin. Hepatotoxic at high doses. No prolonged oral use without the advice of a healthcare professional.
How to use it ?
One drop diluted in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey, taken orally 3 times a day for a maximum of 2 days. This recipe can be used for both curative and preventive action.
Massage with essential oils to treat gastroenteritis
Mix the following ingredients in a small tinted glass dropper bottle:
Ingredients :
- 5 drops ofChinese cinnamon essential oil
- 10 drops ofnoble laurel essential oil
- 15 drops ofexotic basil essential oil
- 3 ml d'sweet almond vegetable oil
Precautions: Be careful, this synergy can be allergenic and dermocaustic. Respect the dosages indicated. Do not use internally. Do not use this recipe in people with epilepsy, children under 12 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How to use it ?
Place 8 drops of this synergy on the stomach then massage lightly. 3 times/day for 5 days maximum.
Synergy of essential oils against gastroenteritis orally
This blend of essential oils is ideal in cases of “turista” (traveler’s diarrhea).
Simply mix the following essential oils in a tinted glass dropper bottle:
- 15 drops ofclove essential oil
- 20 drops oflinalool thyme essential oil
- 30 drops oflemon essential oil
- 15 drops ofChinese cinnamon essential oil
Precautions: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 12 years old. Do not apply pure to the skin. No prolonged oral use without the advice of a healthcare professional. Please note, lemon essential oil is not recommended if you take anticoagulants concomitantly.
How to use it ?
Place 1 drop of this mixture in 1 teaspoon of honey, or on a sugar cube or a piece of bread. Take orally in the middle of a meal 3 times a day for a maximum of 5 days.
Duo of essential oils to combat nausea from gastroenteritis
This shocking duo of essential oils is very effective in combating nausea and vomiting which can appear during an episode of gastroenteritis.
Place the drops directly into an essential oil diffuser:
- 10 drops oflemon essence essential oil
- 7 drops ofginger essential oil
Precautions: Lemon essential oil is not recommended if taken concomitantly with anticoagulant treatment. Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 8 years old.
How to use it ?
To diffuse in the room for a maximum of 15 minutes per hour as desired during the day.Contraindications:
These synergies should not be used in pregnant women (during the entire pregnancy), breastfeeding women and children under 8 years of age (unless specifically indicated above).
These properties and methods of use do not constitute medical advice. For therapeutic use consult a doctor.
What is gastroenteritis: causes and symptoms?
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and the stomach due to an infection of the digestive tract caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite. The infectious agent responsible, in our regions, is very often a VIRUS called “rotavirus”, responsible for more than half of gastroenteritis in children. Turista, or traveler's diarrhea, is more frequently due to BACTERIA such as E. coli, Shigella or Campylobacter. The severity of the pathology depends on the microbe involved: gastroenteritis of viral origin will often be resolved more quickly than gastroenteritis of bacterial origin.
Symptoms related to gastroenteritis appear 1 to a few days after contact with the pathogen and often disappear fairly quickly (a few days). They manifest themselves by the sudden appearance of:
- Stools too watery and heavy
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
- Possibly weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Fatigue excessive
Here are some warning signs in infants: dehydration (dry diapers, dark circles in the eyes, absence of tears and dry mouth, etc.), fever > 38°C, regular vomiting, excessive breathing, excessive sleeping.
In adults we may notice: intense fever (40°C or more), blood in the stools, severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea uninterrupted by treatments. If you experience symptoms as described above, it is imperative to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The best essential oils against gastroenteritis
Here is our TOP 5 of the most effective essential oils against gastroenteritis:
L'huile essentielle d'Origan compact (Origanum compact):
Properties : It is the most antiseptic of all essential oils! It is very effective in soothing many infections affecting the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. Its main property is undoubtedly its powerful and broad-spectrum anti-infectious action. Oregano is also an excellent immunostimulant which helps strengthen weakened natural defenses. An additional interest is its action, both curative and preventive. Thus, this essential oil is quickly essential for prevention when traveling abroad in the event of gastroenteritis. This essential oil is considered a great classic and deserves its place in a natural pharmacy.
Uses: One drop diluted in a teaspoon of olive oil, in the morning with meals to prevent traveler's diarrhea when traveling to countries that require it. Maximum 5 days.
Warning: This essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 12 years old. Hepatotoxic at high doses. No prolonged oral use without the advice of a healthcare professional. Dermocaustic, it must always be diluted before application to the skin.
Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia):
Properties : It is a powerful stimulant of the immune system. It acts against viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. It is thus found at the heart of numerous anti-infectious synergies fighting, among other things, gastroenteritis but also respiratory or skin infections.
Uses: For oral use: a drop of tea tree essential oil diluted in a teaspoon of olive oil.
Warning: This oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 8 years old.
Exotic Basil essential oil (Ocinum basilicum):
Properties: Widely used for its antispasmodic properties, it is recommended in cases of intestinal spasms found in gastroenteritis. It also has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is a digestive tonic and anti-inflammatory.
Uses: Pour 2 drops of exotic basil essential oil into 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and slowly massage the stomach and lower back morning and evening.
Warning: This essential oil can be very irritating. For skin application, it must always be diluted in a vegetable oil such as olive oil or apricot kernel oil. Please note, this oil should not be used in people with epilepsy. Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 8 years old. No prolonged oral use without the advice of a healthcare professional.
Lemon essential oil (Citrus limon):
Properties: This essential oil is formidable against nausea! It is considered the default purifying oil and is used for its antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also a very good digestive, physical and psychological stimulant.
Uses: 4 drops of essential oil diluted in 2 ml of vegetable oil or neutral body milk. Then massage onto the stomach and liver area. Another possible use: 6 drops in aerial diffusion to combat nausea.
Warning: This essential oil is photosensitizing, meaning that it should not be applied before exposure to the sun, otherwise stains may appear on the body which may become indelible. Dermocaustic, it must always be diluted before application to the skin. It should not be used by people on anticoagulant treatment. Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 8 years old.
Chinese Cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia):
Properties: Very effective in killing microbes! It has very powerful antibacterial properties with a very broad spectrum of action. It also offers powerful antiviral, immunostimulating, anti-fermentative and anti-parasitic properties.
Uses: Mix a drop of Chinese cinnamon essential oil in 20 drops of virgin oil (olive for example) then place under the tongue twice a day. Use for a maximum of 3 days.
Warnings: This essential oil should never be applied pure to the skin, as it can be very irritating. No prolonged oral use without the advice of a healthcare professional. Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children under 12 years old.
Effective natural plants and active ingredients to treat gastro
Here is our TOP 3 plants and active ingredients effective against gastroenteritis:
Vegetable charcoal:
Properties: Charcoal prepared from coconut husks can be considered a universal detoxifier. It has long been recognized for its powerful detoxification capabilities in the body. It has a remarkable capacity for adsorption of molecules and toxic gases, which is why it is often found in medications against digestive disorders. In addition to detoxifying the body, charcoal regulates intestinal functions. It can therefore be used successfully in cases of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or other intestinal infections.
Uses: Charcoal can be consumed orally in powder form or in capsule form.
Powder: 1 teaspoon in a little water to drink between meals.
Vegetable charcoal capsules. Take orally 3 to 6 capsules per day away from meals, until symptoms improve.
Precautions: Charcoal should be taken 2 to 3 hours before or after taking medication. It is recommended not to take charcoal if taking hormonal contraceptives.
Thym (Thymus vulgaris)
Properties: Thyme is a perfect antiseptic and anti-infectious. In addition to its pulmonary activity, thyme is also effective in relieving intestinal problems: such as bloating, slow digestion and aerophagia, in association with vegetable charcoal. Its antiseptic action is also exerted on the digestive system and particularly in cases of infectious diarrhea.
Uses: Thyme is excellent as an infusion. Place 1 teaspoon of leaf for 250 ml cup of boiling water. Drink 3 cups per day between meals.
Precautions: For information: thyme essential oil should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children under 8 years old.
Green clay
Properties: Green clays are natural clays, very effective in therapeutic areas to treat, among other things, certain digestive disorders. When used internally, clay water cleanses the body, detoxifies, normalizes the acid-base balance and helps digestion.
Uses: In case of diarrhea, put 1 teaspoon (plastic or wooden, never metal because clay corrodes metal) of green clay in a glass of water. Mix, then let sit for a few hours. When the clay has settled at the bottom of the glass, drink the clay water and leave the wet clay powder in the bottom of the glass. Repeat after each loose or liquid stool.
Precautions: Avoid taking clay close to medications because it partially prevents their actions. Ideally, medication and clay should be taken 2 hours apart.
WARNING: gastroenteritis is contagious
Outbreaks of gastroenteritis occur mainly in autumn and winter and are extremely contagious. The disease is transmitted either through direct contact with a sick person or through contact with contaminated food (direct food poisoning).
Possible modes of contamination:
- Contact with the hands of a sick person
- Contact with a contaminated object (door handles, telephones, etc.)
- Contact with droplets of saliva expelled when a sick person coughs and sneezes
- Contamination by lack of hygiene
- Food contamination (undercooked meats, eggs, shellfish, poorly washed fruits and vegetables.)
People at risk and main danger of gastroenteritis
About 80% of patients recover in less than 3 days. There are people at greater risk, mainly:
- Children under 5 years old
- Seniors
- Kidney failure and transplant recipients
- Patients treated with immunosuppressants
- Patients treated with corticosteroids
Vomiting and diarrhea sometimes cause significant fluid loss which can cause dehydration. Infants and the elderly are particularly exposed to this complication.
One of the simplest ways to assess if your baby is dehydrated: disinfect your finger and place it in baby's mouth. If his tongue and the inner walls of his cheeks are dry or just damp, be careful, treatment is necessary!
The management of diarrhea is therefore based on one main objective: maintaining an optimal state of hydration! For prevention, you should regularly drink small sips of water, herbal tea or broth. But for infants and young children, oral rehydration solutions sold in pharmacies must be used to best compensate for mineral losses.
Tips and tricks to avoid gastroenteritis during an epidemic
- Systematically wash your hands with soapy water or a hydroalcoholic solution before meals, after using the toilet, etc.
- Cook meats sufficiently
- Wash fruits and vegetables carefully
- Avoid breaking the cold chain
- Do not eat foods exposed to the sun for too long
- Clean your refrigerator regularly
- Avoid direct contact as much as possible with people who are already sick
- When traveling, avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes
Bibliography for motion sickness
- Pierre M, Gayet C My bible of herbalist secrets. Ed. Leduc. S 2016
- Baudoux D and Breda ML Chemotyped essential oils. Scientific aromatherapy. Ed. JOM 2015
- Baudoux D Practical guide to family and scientific aromatherapy. My 12 favorite essential oils in 100 very effective formulas for 300 diseases. Ed JOM 2014
- Baudoux D, J. Kaibeck and AF. Malotaux. Vegetal oils. Source of health beauty pearls. More than 50 practical recipes. Ed JOM 2015
- Festy D My illustrated primer on essential oils. Ed. Leduc.s 2015
- Lefief A The complete guide to essential oils. Ed. ESI 2017
NOTE: This article was written by a pharmacist. The data summarized there come from the scientific literature and the references cited above. For medical advice, in the event of specific or prolonged symptoms, please consult your doctor. Only he will be able to make a precise diagnosis and, if necessary, provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
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