Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a hollow organ located usually at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Using only essential oils for appendicitis is not going to cure the condition. It is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. [1, 2]
When appendicitis triggers, you may experience severe pain in the lower right of your abdomen.
Any obstruction or trauma can cause your appendix to rupture, making the bacteria multiply and spread through the abdomen. Emergency surgery is a must if that happens.
While on treatment, you can try some essential oils to reduce the pain and inflammation.
These essential oils will not entirely treat appendicitis, but they can reduce some symptoms and promote quick healing after the surgery.
This article looks into pain-relieving essential oils, their efficacy, and their uses.
6 Best Helpful Essential Oils for Appendicitis
1. Lavender Oil
An appendectomy or appendix surgery is a traumatic physical event that takes time to heal.
Proper rest can help you to recover quickly. In addition, the lavender essential oil can help you to relax with its calming and soothing properties.
These essential oils’ anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties made them an important ingredient in folk medicine. [3]
Due to its calming properties, lavender oil can reduce the anxiety and stress that you may experience due to appendicitis. [4]
In fact, a 2005 research shows that the efficacy of lavender oil was the same as indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug. [5]
2. Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is an effective natural solution for reducing pain and inflammation.
Ginger and its essential oil have been traditionally used to tone down diseases that bring pain and inflammation.
Its ability to reduce inflammation has been proved in a study. [6]
Besides, ginger essential oil is rich in antioxidants and antinociceptive properties. [7]
Appendicitis pain often causes nausea and vomiting that you can soothe with the help of this essential oil. The numerous therapeutic properties help ginger oil to boost your immunity and speed up your recovery.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Chemical-infused medication may soothe inflammation and pain quickly, but it also has several side effects.
Eucalyptus oil can be a great choice to tone down the inflammation naturally.
A study shows how eucalyptus oil could reduce inflammation by preventing the formation of nitric acid. [8]
When applied topically, it can give a cooling sensation that can numb the pain.
Besides, eucalyptus oil’s immunity-boosting effects may help you recover quickly after the surgery. [9]
4. Valor Oil
Valor oil is a unique blend of blue tansy, frankincense, rosewood, spruce essential oil, and almond oil.
Essential oils used to make this oil are rich in therapeutic properties, meaning that they can help you with numerous health benefits after removing your appendix.
Valor essential oil can effectively boost your immunity and fight against any airborne pathogens due to the presence of frankincense oil. [10]
Essential oils used here are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, making this blend a perfect choice for reducing pain and inflammation. [11]
Moreover, valor oil is known to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep, which is essential for a faster recovery.
5. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is one of the most famous essential oils due to its numerous therapeutic properties.
After any surgery, your body requires a robust defense system against infections. Boswellic acid in frankincense oil can protect your body from infections by improving your immune system.
The immunomodulatory effects of boswellic acid have already been proven in some studies. [10]
Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology proves the efficacy of frankincense oil in treating inflammatory diseases. [11]
Besides, this therapeutic oil can prevent the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mediators that trigger the inflammation, making it an effective treatment for chronic inflammation. [12]
6. Thieves Oil
This powerful blend can be an excellent choice to improve your immune system. Also known as Robbers essential oil, thieves are a mix of clove, rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus oil.
This oil’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties can boost your immunity and promote faster healing. This blend has been proved to be 99% effective against airborne pathogens. [13]
Thieves essential oil is an effective pain reliever, meaning it may soothe the severe pain and inflammation you go through after the surgery.
How to Use Essential Oils for Appendicitis
- Aromatherapy could be the best choice of using these essential oils if you want to get relieved from the traumatic experience due to the surgery. Pour a few drops of essential oil into the diffuser and inhale the aroma.
- You can massage some diluted essential oil to your lower abdomen to soothe pain and inflammation.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
- For topical application, do not apply essential oils to the area of your surgery without consulting with your doctor first. Although some essential oils have wound healing properties, they might irritate your skin.
- Some essential oils may interact with your medication due to appendicitis. Ask your doctor if you can use them.
- None of these essential oils is meant to cure appendicitis. Instead, use them as a complementary treatment.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Appendicitis is an emergency medical condition, meaning you must see a doctor for proper treatment. Any negligence or delay may rupture the appendix, which will make your recovery more complex.
Ask for medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- Sudden pain in the right side of your lower abdomen.
- Pain becomes worse if you cough, walk, or make any other movement.
- Pain with nausea and vomiting.
- Fever
- Flatulence
- Abdominal bloating
Endnote
Appendicitis is a severe condition that needs to be treated promptly and appropriately. The condition could be life-threatening if you don’t get proper treatment.
Removing the appendix is the most common emergency surgery in the United States, which can explain the severity of this condition.
Some natural ingredients, such as essential oils, may relieve pain and help you recover quickly after surgery.
Remember, appendicitis is a medical emergency and should only be treated by an experienced doctor. Do not try home remedies without consulting your doctor, as it might worsen your condition