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Ulcerative colitis essential oils: 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.

Signs that you may have ulcerative colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?
This is a type of bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation of the cells lining the rectum and colon. This can lead to ulcers that can bleed and prevent your body from digesting food properly. You can take medications to soothe the inflammation and learn how to ease the impact on your daily life.

Warning sign: Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain and diarrhea with blood or pus can be warning signs of ulcerative colitis. Some people have mild symptoms from time to time, but others get worse more often.

Warning sign: Weight loss
The long-term inflammation that accompanies UC can cause digestive problems.
This can lead to:

  • Weight loss
  • Poor appetite
  • Nausea
  • Undergrowth in children

Other warning signs
Some people with ulcerative colitis have symptoms outside the digestive system.
These may include:

  • Joint pain
  • Skin ulcers
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Frequent fevers

Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease?
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar to those of another inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn’s disease. UC only affects the large intestine. But Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in your digestive tract. This can cause symptoms from your mouth to your anus. Another condition called irritable bowel syndrome can cause long-term abdominal pain and diarrhea, but it does not lead to inflammation or ulcers in the intestines.

What causes ulcerative colitis?
The exact reason is not clear. But researchers believe it’s your immune system, which protects you from germs. When you have UC, your immune system may not respond properly to the bacteria in your digestive tract. Doctors are not sure if this disease causes or is a consequence of it. Stress and your diet may make your symptoms worse, but they do not cause ulcerative colitis.

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
To diagnose ulcerative colitis, your doctor will perform a colonoscopy. They will insert a tiny camera into your rectum to take a closer look at the inside of your colon. This helps them detect inflammation or ulcers in the area. A colonoscopy can also help your doctor rule out other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and cancer.

Do UC symptoms go away?
Your UC symptoms will come and go. The disease can go into remission, which means you may not have symptoms for a long period of time. The remission may last for months or years, but the symptoms will return.

Drugs for ulcerative colitis
Medications can calm the inflammation inside the colon. The first thing you usually try is from a group called aminosalicylates. If this does not help, your doctor may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone. The third option is an immunomodifier, which reduces inflammation by changing the activity of your immune system. It may take up to 3 months before you feel the benefits.

Ulcerative colitis surgery
Up to 45% of people with ulcerative colitis need surgery, either to repair a tear or to remove a severely damaged colon. Your UC will not come back after the surgeon removes your colon. New surgical techniques mean you may not need a colostomy bag to remove waste.

Ulcerative Colitis Emergency
Sometimes an illness can cause problems that end up in the hospital. These may include a bleeding ulcer or severe diarrhea that causes dehydration. If this happens to you, doctors will stop the loss of blood and other fluids. If there is a tear in your colon, you may need surgery to fix it.

Ulcerative colitis and colon cancer
The risk of developing colon cancer is increased if you have UC. It depends on which part of your colon is affected and how severe it is. The chances also increase after you’ve had UC for 8-10 years, and they increase over time. Treatment that puts your UC into remission can also reduce your chance of developing cancer. Colonoscopy screening helps doctors detect colon cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.

Other health problems
Some people with ulcerative colitis develop conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney stones, and vision problems such as uveitis. It is rare, but UC can also lead to liver disease. Researchers believe these problems are the result of widespread inflammation. They may improve as you treat your UC.

Living with UC: Reducing exacerbations
Triggers such as stress, smoking, missed doses of medications, and eating certain foods can make your symptoms worse. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them.

Living with UC: Changes in diet
The diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, but certain foods can make your symptoms worse. Common ones include dairy products, fatty foods, and foods with too much fiber, which can cause diarrhea. It can help to keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you have. If you have lost a lot of weight, you may need to work with a nutritionist to develop a healthy diet.

Life with YAK: Additives
Ulcerative colitis often causes bleeding in the colon, which can lead to iron deficiency in the body. Some medications you take to treat UC can affect how your body absorbs nutrients such as folic acid and calcium. Ask your doctor if you need to take supplements.

Life with UC: Probiotics
These “friendly” bacteria are similar to those that live in your gut and prevent too many bad bacteria from growing. You can find probiotics in some yogurt, milk, and soy drinks. Or you can buy them as supplements.

Living with UC: Keeping Hydrated
Long-term diarrhea puts you at risk of dehydration, which can lead to weakness and kidney problems. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Check with your doctor to find out how much liquid you need.

Life with YAK: Relationships
You shouldn’t let ulcerative colitis get in the way of intimacy. Talk to your partner about how your symptoms are affecting you and any problems you have. You may want to see a therapist who specializes in long-term illnesses. Talk to your doctor if sexual problems become an issue.

Life with YAK: Travels
With a little extra planning, most people with ulcerative colitis can travel comfortably.
Take the following action:
Use websites and mobile phone apps to find restrooms in airports, train stations or other public places ahead of time.
Bring extra underwear and wet wipes.
Take enough medication with you to last the entire trip, as well as copies of your prescriptions.
Tell your doctor about your plans to see if you need to take other precautions.

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.

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Translation notes:

Translation: Olga Golyuchenko. Editing: Kukushkin Mikhail Evgenievich.