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While on the GAPS protocol, especially GAPS Intro, you need to be careful about which natural remedies you use and how you use them to fight off symptoms and die off. It is hard to know which of your favorite, tried and true options are still available and will not damage your gut.

Thankfully, I did not have to worry about this thanks to my friends, essential oils!

Why Use Essential Oils for GAPS

Essential oils are a great option for GAPS because as long as they are only used aromatically or topically, you do not have to worry about them damaging the gut the way you do with most supplements. With high quality, pure essential oils, there is no concern about them containing fillers that are not safe for GAPS, or whatever healing diet that you are on. And yet they are incredibly effective for a variety of ailments! With a well-stock essential oil box, I know exactly where to find safe, natural solutions.

For all of the essential oils I list below, apply 2-3 drops to the affected area or to the bottoms of the feet. Dilute in a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil. For mood support, diffuse the oil with a diffuser, apply to the bottoms of the feet, or apply to the wrists and neck like perfume.

So which essential oils should you keep on hand? Here have been some of my favorites:

Essential Oils for GAPS

Digestive Blend – This has been the biggest one for me! GAPS heals the gut, so many people on it are struggling with digestive distress in some form. My digestive blend is always my answer! I find it to be incredibly helpful for calming my stomach if I have eaten too much, if I have gas or bloating, or if I have any other sort of digestive upset. While it doesn’t necessarily resolve the problem immediately, it definitely helps simply by applying the blend to my abdomen as needed. I rub it in in a clockwise direction to support intestinal movement.

Detoxification Blend – Another large part of healing is helping the body detoxify from all of the toxins that have built up over the years. The detoxification blend supports the liver and other detox pathways. I find that it can not only support the body during detox, but it can also help the body process die-off reactions.

I blend equal parts Digestive Blend, Detoxification Blend, and a carrier oil and apply a few drops to my abdomen every morning and night to support my systems as I move through GAPS.

Mood Oils, especially Grounding and Calming Blends – Healing protocols are hard. That’s no secret. That’s why I wrote Healing Patiently! Finding the essential oils or blends that help you emotionally cope will go a long way. I love the Calming Blend, which helps me sleep peacefully and handle the stress and anxiousness I am so prone to. The Grounding Blend does just that – it grounds me for my day and supports me as I work on healing the psychology part of Gut and Psychology Syndrome.

Lavender – Lavender has a wide variety of uses in every day life, and with a healing protocol this is no different. Use it to soothe irritated skin. Add 5-10 drops to a detox bath to help with relaxation and sleep. Use aromatically or on the feet to help calm moods and support sleep.

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is great for helping open airways. But I also love putting a few drops in a detox bath that I have earlier in the day. It supports detox and refreshes me so that I don’t just pass out after the bath!

Frankincense – I have written about how much I love frankincense in the past, so you know that it must have a place as I heal my body. I use it to on my skin as I heal my acne through GAPS, as well as to help help relieve minor headaches that I might get. It is useful for so many things; I recommend checking out my post to see if it will help you.

Soothing Blend – Whether they existed before, or show up during healing and die-off, or occur in the wake of a hard day (of activity or stress), a soothing blend of essential oils will help soothe aching muscles and joints. This blend can be mixed into a lotion and massaged into sore muscles or joints. It will help support circulation and provide comfort.

Peppermint and/or Citrus Oils – While I like the soothing oils for mood, peppermint and citrus essential oils are a must have! These uplifting oils can support both body and mind. While your body slowly clears brain fog and fatigue through GAPS, these oils (use whichever smells best and works well for you) will give a bit of a boost! Wild orange, grapefruit, and bergamot are some of my favorites.

Do you use essential oils for GAPS or any other healing protocol? Which are your favorite?

Get more information about essential oils here, and learn more about healing with GAPS here.

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