Case Study: Digestive Issues

The Problem

Linda, a healthy 55-year-old high school teacher, often suffered from bloating and cramping that worsened during busy work weeks filled with grading, hurried eating, and/or skipped meals. Though her doctor found no underlying condition, Linda believed stress and poor eating habits triggered her abdominal discomfort. She wanted a gentle, natural approach to support her digestive system and help her unwind at the end of the day.

The Consultation

Over video conference, Linda and her aromatherapist discussed Linda's daily routine, noting that her stress often led to rushed meals and shallow breathing, which aggravated bloating and spasms. The two discussed how aromatherapy could help alleviate muscle spasms, promote mindful eating, and reduce tension. Together they set goals and selected tarragon and Roman chamomile for their strong antispasmodic actions, cardamom and ginger for warmth and gentle stimulation, sweet orange (a favorite of Linda's) for mood uplift, and calming oils like neroli, mandarin, and Lavender. Safety concerns were reviewed, and tarragon was determined to be a safe oil for Linda's use.

The Goals

1. Naturally relieve abdominal muscle spasms
2. Reduce stress and encourage mindful eating habits
3. Establish a comforting evening routine to aid digestion and relaxation

The Application

Abdominal Comfort Massage Oil (2% dilution)

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil
• 6 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
• 5 drops Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oil
• 1 drop Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) essential oil
• 60 ml Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) carrier oil
• 2 oz (60 ml) PET plastic with flip top or amber glass bottle

Directions:
Add Sweet Almond oil to the bottle. Add essential oils and shake to mix thoroughly. Label and date.

Use:
Gently massage 1–2 teaspoons over the abdomen to ease tension. Not for long-term use.

Calming the Tummy Inhaler

Ingredients:

• 5 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil
• 4 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) essential oil
• 3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
• 1 drop Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) essential oil
• 1 blank inhaler

Directions:
Add oils to the wick of the blank inhaler. Cap tightly, label, and date.

Use:
Place the inhaler just below one nostril. Breathe deeply three times into this nostril, then the other nostril; repeat the series three times. Use before lunch breaks or when experiencing a sense of being overwhelmed.

Relaxing Digestive Bath Soak

Ingredients:

• 3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
• 2 drops Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil
• 1 drop Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) essential oil
• 1 tablespoon unscented liquid Castile soap

Directions:
Add essential oils to the liquid soap and blend until well mixed.

Use:
Add to warm running bath water and swirl in well. Soak for 15–20 minutes in the evening to melt away tension and support calm digestion.

The Results

Within four weeks, Linda felt less bloated and experienced fewer cramps. She loved the calming massage ritual, used the inhaler at work to pause and breathe, and enjoyed her evening baths to unwind.

Thinking Like an Aromatherapist

Linda's aromatherapy support plan carefully combined safety with therapeutic synergy. Tarragon and Roman chamomile provide precise antispasmodic relief, while cardamom and ginger offer warming digestive support. Sweet orange brightens mood while mandarin, neroli, and Roman chamomile soothe tension. Lavender ties the synergy together. The three delivery methods—topical, inhalation, and bathing—address Linda's gut-mind connection from various angles and provide support just when she needs it.