Some evidence suggests that certain essential oils may be able to relieve heartburn, which can be a symptom of stomach conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, research is limited.

Essential oils are experiencing a surge in popularity. Friends are touting the benefits on social media, coworkers are selling essential oils at the office, and neighbors have fragrant diffusers spilling warm scents of ginger or lavender into their homes.

Although many people see essential oils as a simple and easy-to-use form of aromatherapy, they have been used throughout the centuries as an alternative treatment option, including for conditions such as GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or indigestion (dyspepsia). Any of these conditions can cause symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn.

Here’s what you need to know about using essential oils for heartburn relief.

Essential oils often have alluring scents. Essential oils are made from plants:

  • roots
  • bark
  • flowers
  • seeds

There’s limited research on the effectiveness of herbs on gastrointestinal symptoms. Most of the research is focused on traditional herbal remedies, such as Persian or Chinese, that may not be as common or easily accessible in the United States.

In addition, most research doesn’t differentiate between using these natural remedies as herbs or using them after they’ve been naturally pressed to release their essence or essential oils.

That said, research suggests that essential oils, in general, can be therapeutic for your health. The caveat to consider is that it isn’t safe to ingest essential oils, unlike other types of herbal remedies such as teas, so what benefit these oils might offer for gastrointestinal problems must be effective externally.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

The following are examples of oils that may help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and symptoms such as heartburn.

One scientific name for the rose plant is Rosa rubiginosa, but there are different types, such as Rosa damascene (damask rose), and rose oil can be distilled from any of them.

A 2021 study compared damask rose oil to the proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) drug omeprazole (Prilosec), which is used to treat GERD.

The study looked at 70 people divided into a group that used rose oil and a group that took omeprazole. Both symptoms equally decreased acid reflux after three treatment sessions.

The researchers weren’t sure if the beneficial effect of the oil was due to the oil itself or to ingredients in its preparation method. More study is needed to understand whether rose oil by itself can be effective for this purpose.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) can also be distilled into an essential oil. Like rose, there are different types, including Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

A 2021 study looked at capsules of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in people living with indigestion. Sixty-four people were divided into a group that took the cinnamon oil capsules for 6 weeks and another group that took sesame oil as a placebo.

While there was no significant difference in the results between the two groups, both groups were shown to reduce symptoms such as stomach pain and heartburn.

The effect of cinnamon oil in this area may be down to cinnamaldehyde, which is an isolated substance of the oil shown to have a calming effect on the intestinal environment.

The seeds of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) have been used traditionally as various health remedies, including for abdominal pain. It’s actually a carrier oil rather than an essential oil, which means that you don’t need to dilute it before use.

While there’s no direct research on the use of sesame oil specifically to treat stomach problems, the 2021 rose oil study noted that the rose oil used had been preserved in sesame oil, and they could not be sure whether the beneficial effects came from the rose or the sesame.

In addition, the 2021 cinnamon oil study compared its effect to sesame oil, and both oils were found to help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.

A 2023 study found that ginger helped alleviate the symptoms of indigestion, including heartburn. That said, this study was small, and it examined the use of ginger supplements rather than ginger oil.

Additional research on ginger oil, specifically, is old and is focused on the reduction of nausea. More study is needed to understand whether ginger oil can help reduce heartburn.

Essential oils are potent. A drop or two is enough to diffuse scents throughout a room. A drop or two in carrier oil is all that’s usually recommended when applying essential oils topically. Only a few drops are recommended if you inhale the oils from the bottle or a cloth.

The best way to treat heartburn with essential oils is by inhaling the scent directly from the bottle or a diffuser. If you’re using a diffuser, place two or three drops in the machine’s steam pocket.

Turn the machine on, and the warm water will diffuse the concentrated oils. If you don’t have time to set up a diffuser, you can breathe deeply while hovering over a few drops of essential oil on a cloth napkin or towel.

Another way to reap the benefits of essential oils is to mix them with a carrier oil and massage them into the skin. Essential oils should not be swallowed.

Although heartburn can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you may find that a prescription-strength medication is the best option for you.

If you experience frequent heartburn, speak with your doctor about your treatment options. They may be able to recommend a medication that can reduce or alleviate your symptoms. These include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies essential oils as “generally recognized as safe.” This means the FDA doesn’t inspect or oversee the production and sale of these products, and the quality of these products is entirely up to the producers.

For this reason, it’s important you seek out a brand you trust and feel confident using. Essential oils are sold at many natural food stores and through online retailers. But before you purchase essential oils, do your research. You can also consult with a certified aromatherapist, which you can find via the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

Understand which oils may be right for your condition and which aren’t. Consider the possible side effects and how those might interfere with your daily activity.

In addition, your doctor may not know a lot about essential oils, but they have resources you can use to help you hunt for heartburn treatments. Though they may not prescribe essential oils, it’s important they know you’re using the oils and any alternative treatments. They can help you do so safely by ensuring that the oils you choose won’t affect any medications you’re currently taking.

If the use of essential oils or OTC treatments doesn’t ease the signs and symptoms of GERD or other related conditions, talk with your doctor about a treatment that might be strong enough to ease the discomfort.