Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a hollow organ located usually at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. It is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. [1, 2]
You may experience severe pain in the lower right part of your abdomen when appendicitis triggers.
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 for appendicitis to reduce the pain and inflammation.
These essential oils will not entirely treat appendicitis, but they can reduce some of the symptoms and promote quick healing after the surgery.
This article looks into some pain-relieving essential oils for appendicitis, their efficacy, and uses.
Essential Oils for Appendicitis
1. Lavender Oil
An appendectomy or appendix surgery is a traumatic physical event which takes time to heal.
Proper rest can help you to recover quickly. Lavender essential oil can help you to relax with its calming and sedative properties.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of these essential oils made it an important ingredient in folk medicine. [3]
Due to its calming properties, lavender oil can reduce 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 when it comes to 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 the recovery.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Chemical infused medication may soothe your inflammation and pain quickly, but they also come with a number of side effects.
Eucalyptus oil can be a great choice if you want 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, the immunity-boosting effects of eucalyptus oil may help you to recover quickly after the surgery. [9]
4. Valor Oil
Valor oil is a unique blend of blue tansy, frankincense, rosewood, and spruce essential oil, along with almond oil.
Essential oils used to make this oil are rich in therapeutic properties, meaning that it 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 strong defense system against the 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]
A 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, which make it an effective treatment for the chronic case of inflammation. [12]
6. Thieves Oil
This powerful blend can be a good choice if you want to improve your immune system. Also known as Robbers essential oil, thieves is a mix of clove, rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus oil.
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties of this oil 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 that 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 any essential oil to the diffuser and inhale the aroma.
- You can massage some diluted essential oil to your lower abdomen area to soothe pain and inflammation.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
- For topical application, do not apply essential oils on 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 the medication you’re having due to appendicitis. Ask your doctor if you can use them.
- None of these essential oils are meant to cure appendicitis. Use them as a complementary treatment.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Appendicitis is an emergency medical condition, meaning that you must see a doctor for proper treatment. Any negligence or delay may rupture the appendix, which will make your recovery more difficult.
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
End Note
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 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 your pain and help you recover quickly after your surgery.
Remember, appendicitis is a medical emergency and should only be treated by an experienced doctor. Do not try any home remedies without consulting with your doctor as it might worsen your condition.
