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Essential oil for colitis: Can Aromatherapy Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?| Everyday Health

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Can Aromatherapy Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?| Everyday Health

Essential oils are known to have medicinal properties — and a few may be useful to deal with symptoms of UC.

By Denise SchipaniMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD

Reviewed:

Medically Reviewed

Safe use of some essential oils may help soothe colitis symptoms.Martí Sans/Stocksy

If you have ulcerative colitis (UC), you may already be taking medication, such as an anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid, to address symptoms and to help stave off flare-ups. And while conventional medical treatment can be effective, many longtime UC sufferers are continually casting about for alternative treatments to go along with what their doctor has prescribed — from therapy to reduce the stress that can trigger symptoms, to acupuncture or herbal concoctions.

Aromatherapy, or the use of naturally derived aromatic oils from various plants as a health and wellness aid, is another option to try.

Aromatherapy May Help You Manage Ulcerative Colitis

“Studies have shown that ingredients in essential oils used in aromatherapy may have anti-inflammatory or analgesic [pain-relieving] properties, and some may help boost your mood and energy,” says Hallie Armstrong, ND, a naturopathic physician at Beaumont Health in West Bloomfield, Illinois. “It may be that these properties can help you manage symptoms, like pain and fatigue, that come with UC.”

There is research to support the effectiveness of aromatherapy in treating a range of medical conditions. A review published in August 2015 in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found that essential oils extracted from plant parts may reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms of indigestion, and treat skin infections, among other benefits.

However, it’s important to note that most studies have been done in animals, so the findings may not translate to humans. More robust studies in people are needed to determine if the health claims around essential oils hold true.

Still, if you’d like to give essential oils a try, they may enhance your overall well-being if used in a safe way. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns before, after, or while using essential oils.

How to Use Essential Oils for Ulcerative Colitis

Most essential oils should not be ingested. Instead, you can try adding a few drops of an essential oil to a neutral carrier oil, such as jojoba, and massaging that into your stomach. Or you can pour the oil into an aromatherapy diffuser to enhance well-being through inhalation of essential oils.

Which Essential Oils Might Help Soothe Colitis Symptoms?

There’s some evidence that the following oils can help alleviate UC symptoms:

Patchouli Used as a medicinal aid in Eastern cultures for centuries, patchouli oil may be helpful for ulcerative colitis sufferers. A study published in July 2017 in the journal Pharmacological Research found that in mice with induced colitis, patchouli (in the form of patchouli alcohol administered orally) suppressed inflammation and ameliorated symptoms.

Peppermint Oil This aromatic oil helps with general digestive symptoms, mostly because it has anti-spasmodic (soothing) properties. It can also ease complaints like gas and bloating, says Dr. Armstrong. In fact, a review published in 2019 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that peppermint oil is a safe and effective way to ease gastrointestinal pain. Peppermint can be sold as oil or as a supplement that you take orally. If using peppermint as a supplement, Armstrong says to be sure you choose enteric-coated capsules for best absorption.

Turmeric Oil You may know and use this spice, often enjoyed in Indian dishes, but turmeric can also be used as an essential oil. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, a key factor in ulcerative colitis. Research published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that oil of turmeric offers significant anti-inflammatory properties. Several small studies in humans, including one published May 2020 in Phytotherapy Research, have found that curcumin, taken in supplement form, may help ease symptoms of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. And a meta-analysis published in November 2019 in Annals of Gastroenterology noted that curcumin, when combined with the UC medicine mesalamine, produces a better clinical response.

Lavender Oil There’s some evidence to suggest that lavender oil may promote better sleep. Research published in July 2015 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that inhaled lavender combined with sleep hygiene — such as going to bed at a regular time and avoiding food, alcohol, and caffeine before bed — was more effective at improving sleep quality than sleep hygiene alone. As a study published in January 2020 in Scientific Reports reveals, as many as two-thirds of people with IBD experience trouble with sleep, so adding lavender oil to your routine may help you get much-needed rest.

What to Know Before You Try Essential Oils for Colitis

Finally, notes Armstrong, be sure the oil you buy is pure. To find out, “release a drop on a white piece of paper. After it evaporates, a pure oil won’t leave a stain.” Also, she adds, don’t stop taking medication, and tell your doctor about any essential oils or supplements you may try.

Any alternative therapy is a complementary therapy, which means that it should work alongside your conventional treatment. Check with your doctor before trying any alternative therapy, including aromatherapy, says Armstrong.

Additional reporting by Ashley Welch.

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Using Essential Oils to support Colitis

If you have ulcerative colitis (UC), you may already be taking medication, such as an anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid, to address symptoms and to help stave off flare-ups. And while conventional medical treatment can be effective, many long time UC sufferers are continually looking for alternative treatments to go along with what their doctor has prescribed — from therapy to reduce the stress that can trigger symptoms, to acupuncture or herbal remedies.

Aromatherapy, or the use of naturally derived aromatic oils from various plants as a health and wellness aid, is another tack to try.

“Studies have shown that ingredients in essential oils used in aromatherapy may have anti-inflammatory or analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, and some may help boost your mood and energy,” says Hallie Armstrong, ND, a naturopathic physician at Beaumont Health in West Bloomfield, Illinois. “It may be that these properties can help you manage symptoms, like pain and fatigue, that come with UC.”

There is research to support the effectiveness of aromatherapy in treating a range of medical conditions. A review published in August 2015 in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found that essential oils extracted from plant parts can effectively reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms of indigestion, and treat skin infections, among other benefits.

Some essential oils can be ingested. You can try adding a few drops of an essential oil to a neutral carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, and massaging that into your stomach. Or you can add a drop of the oil into an aromatherapy diffuser to enhance well-being through inhalation of essential oils.

Here are some essential oils you can try using to relieve symptoms of UC:

Peppermint Oil This aromatic oil helps with general digestive symptoms, mostly because it has anti-spasmodic (soothing) properties. It can also ease complaints like gas and bloating, says Dr. Armstrong. Peppermint can be sold as oil or as a supplement that you take orally.

Basil Oil The essential oil derived from this delicious herb acts as a carminative, which means it can help ease gastric upset, potentially by calming intestinal spasms. Eating basil leaves or making basil tea may also have stomach-soothing benefits.

Turmeric Oil You may know and use this spice, often enjoyed in Indian dishes, but turmeric can also be used as an essential oil. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, a key factor in ulcerative colitis. I have found that oil of turmeric offers significant anti-inflammatory properties.

There is also a blend that can also support you called ZenGest here is some further information:

  • Ginger Rhizome/Root oil
  • Peppermint Plant oil
  • Caraway Seed oil
  • Coriander Seed oil
  • Anise Seed oil
  • Tarragon Plant oil
  • Fennel Seed oil

ZenGest can support the following:

  • Before a road trip, apply one to two drops for a calming aroma.
  • Have ZenGest on hand when enjoying heavy holiday meals to promote digestion.
  • When traveling or trying new foods take ZenGest to soothe occasional stomach discomfort.
  • Add to water or tea to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
  • Eases feelings of queasiness.
  • Use with fractionated coconut oil for a soothing abdominal massage.
  • Helps reduce bloating, gas, and occasional indigestion.

Why this combination of oil?

Ginger, Fennel and Coriander are in the mix to help with occasional stomach discomfort like indigestion and motion sickness.

Peppermint, Tarragon, Anise and Caraway help to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract; they help with digestion.

The combination of these oils are ideal to help with any stomach discomfort! My favourite part about using ZenGest is that I don’t have to worry about any “side effects” that I have had previously from the many prescribed digestive medications I have taken. Knowing that it is 100% pure and all natural, gathered from the plants in their natural habitat puts my mind, and gut, at ease.

Why the oil blend when there are supplements I can take?

I love the oils for “on the go” situations, and immediate relief! The best part about having ZenGest oil on hand is that within seconds of rubbing it on my belly I feel relief!

You know those days when you feel nauseous and it just won’t go away? Or when you are so bloated that you feel miserable? A drop of ZenGest rubbed directly onto your gut and you will feel instant relief! I have literally watched my clients bloat go down within minutes after rubbing ZenGest oil on their tummy!

Can I use ZenGest oil other ways besides just rubbing it on my tummy?

There are lots of ways to use ZenGest. Many new mothers, unfortunately, have to deal with a restless baby at night, often caused by stomach discomfort. ZenGest, diluted with fractionated coconut oil, on the bottom of the feet of those sweet babies, is a great way to use ZenGest. I have had multiple new mothers tell me how thankful they are for this oil because they are now able to get a good night’s sleep, along with their baby!

You can also take the pure ZenGest oil internally, in a capsule is perfect. I can also recommend the softgels they are a great way to use them too.

You can also use ZenGest oil for a stomach soothing tea! Just add 1 drop to a cup of warm water. I personally am a bigger fan of Peppermint oil tea to help soothe an upset stomach! I think personal preference is what it comes down to.

Any alternative therapy is a complementary therapy, which means that it should work alongside your conventional treatment.

Cannabis and cannabis oil for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, long-term disease that causes inflammation of the colon and rectum. Symptoms may include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, mucus passage, and abdominal pain. The disease is characterized by alternating periods of acute relapses, when patients experience symptoms, with periods of remission, when symptoms stop.

What are cannabis and cannabinoids?

Cannabis is a widely used recreational drug that has many effects on the body through the endocannabinoid system. Cannabis contains many subcomponents called cannabinoids. Cannabis and cannabis oil containing specific cannabinoids can cause cognitive changes such as feelings of euphoria and altered sensory perception. However, some cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, do not have a psychoactive effect. Cannabis and some cannabinoids have been shown to reduce inflammation in animals and in laboratory models, suggesting benefits for people with ulcerative colitis. Cannabidiol is one such cannabinoid that has shown anti-inflammatory activity in mice.

What did the researchers study?

Researchers assessed whether cannabis or cannabis oil (cannabidiol) was superior to placebo (ie, a mock drug) in treating adults with active ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis in remission. The researchers conducted an extensive medical literature search up to January 2, 2018.

What did the researchers find?

Two studies with 92 adult participants with ulcerative colitis were included. Both studies evaluated cannabis therapy in participants with active ulcerative colitis. No studies were found evaluating cannabis therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. In one study (60 participants), 10 weeks of treatment with cannabis oil D9 capsules-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) up to 4.7% compared with placebo in participants with low to moderate activity ulcerative colitis. The initial dose of cannabidiol was 50 mg twice a day, and if well tolerated, it was increased to the target dose of 250 mg twice a day. Another study (32 participants) compared 8 weeks of treatment with 2 cigarettes containing 0.5 g of cannabis per day (corresponding to 11.5 mg of THC) with placebo cigarettes in participants with ulcerative colitis who did not respond to standard medical therapy.

A study comparing cannabis oil capsules with placebo found no difference in remission rates after 10 weeks. 24% (7 of 29) of participants treated with cannabidiol achieved clinical remission, compared to 26% (8 of 31) of those treated with placebo. The study also showed a higher self-reported quality of life for participants who received cannabis oil compared to those who received placebo. Participants who received cannabis oil experienced more side effects compared to those who received placebo. These side effects were mild or moderate in severity. Common side effects reported were dizziness, attention disturbance, headache, nausea, and fatigue. None of the patients in the cannabis oil group experienced serious side effects. 10% (3/31) of patients in the placebo group had a serious side effect. Serious side effects in the placebo group included worsening symptoms of ulcerative colitis and one pregnancy complication.

A second study comparing 2 cannabis cigarettes (23 mg THC/day) with placebo cigarettes showed lower rates of disease activity in the cannabis group compared to the placebo group. Levels of C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin (both indicators of inflammation in the body) were similar in both groups. No serious side effects were reported. The remission rate was not reported in this study.

Terminals

The effect of cannabis and cannabis oil on ulcerative colitis remains unclear and firm conclusions cannot be drawn about their efficacy and safety in adults with active ulcerative colitis. There is no evidence to support the use of cannabis or cannabis oil to maintain remission in ulcerative colitis. Further studies with a larger number of participants are needed to evaluate the effects of cannabis in people with active and inactive ulcerative colitis. Different doses and routes of administration of cannabis should be considered. Finally, follow-up is needed to evaluate the long-term safety of frequent cannabis use.

Translation notes:

Translation: Golyuchenko Olga Anatolyevna. Editing: Kukushkin Mikhail Evgenievich. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia (branch of the Northern Cochrane Center based at Kazan Federal University). For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]; [email protected]

Peppermint essential oil – 20 uses / Blog / JUST Ukraine

Peppermint oil is very popular in aromatherapy, cosmetology, medicine and even cooking. Its properties are so well studied that one bottle of peppermint essential oil at home (and not only) can protect us from many problems. We offer a checklist of 20 questions that can be solved with peppermint oil.

Prevention

1. Headache . Mint helps to get rid of headaches, including migraines. Mixed with base oil Rub into whiskey. You can also use it in an aroma lamp. It is important to remember that mint helps in the initial stages. If the head hurts for a long time – mint is no longer worth using.

2. Prevention of SARS and other colds. Oils of different types of mint have antiviral and antibacterial effects. Can be sprayed indoors or dripped onto the lapel of a coat, jacket or scarf before visiting crowded places.

3. Snoring . This oil helps with snoring. In foreign blogs, it is often mentioned that it helps when taking a small amount inside (1 drop per 1 teaspoon of honey, diluted in a glass of water). Drink a few sips before bed. And snoring is greatly reduced. An aroma lamp with this oil or a drop in a face cream or base oil applied to the face will also be effective.

4. High blood pressure . Regular inhalation of peppermint oil helps reduce pressure figures and avoid crises.

See also: How to soothe a headache Nausea . Inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil , you will quickly get rid of nausea.

6. Seasickness . If you get motion sickness, inhale this oil to reduce motion sickness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. For this purpose, you can apply mint on a napkin or handkerchief, or on your wrists (pre-diluted in base ).

7. Mental work . If you need to concentrate, for example, before an exam or a test, or if you are doing some kind of complex mental work, the aroma of mint will help you cheer up and also improve your ability to learn. Peppermint has a refreshing effect on our mind during prolonged exertion.

8. Driving a car . You can also use this oil while driving a car to keep your focus, especially when you have not had enough sleep or are very tired.

9. Antidepressant . The aroma of peppermint oils relieves pessimistic moods and helps to perceive difficult situations more adequately. Peppermint essential oil is one of the mild natural antidepressants.

See also: Base oils. What is it and how to use them in aroma massage?

Skin Care

10. Rashes . Menthol, which is part of mint, has a pronounced antiviral effect. Apply pure oil to herpetic vesicles several times a day.

11. Shave . Try using this oil as an aftershave for a nice cooling effect and soothes irritation. Remember to premix with base . Or make a homemade cream two in one – for and after shaving.

12. Deodorant . Peppermint is a great natural deodorant. Just apply a couple of drops under the armpit.

13. Edema . Help tired and buzzing feet massage with mint oil . It activates blood circulation, removes swelling and changes heaviness to a pleasant lightness.

14. Physical activity . Improves endurance. You can use it before going to the gym to increase the intensity and effectiveness of your workouts.

See also: Deodorant – good or bad?

Antifungal agent

15. Dandruff . A few drops of Peppermint Oil added to your favorite shampoo will help get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.

16. Fungus . Mint prevents the appearance of fungal infections.

Oral Care

17. Breathing . Peppermint essential oil is great for freshening breath and helping with bad breath. For this purpose, you can add 1 cap. oil to toothpaste, directly on a toothbrush, or in a regular face cream – thanks to its high bioavailability, it will get to the address pretty quickly. But please note that use as an additive to toothpaste is possible only for very high quality oil. And the cream as a carrier should be completely from natural ingredients.

18. Teeth . After tooth extraction, peppermint oil helps relieve pain and removes swelling. Do a rinse.

See also: 11 reasons to use mouthwash 4 19. Insects . By mixing peppermint essential oil with water, you get an effective repellant that repels mosquitoes, ants and flies.