Some effective essential oils for ulcerative colitis include peppermint oil, basil oil, patchouli oil, and turmeric oil, among others.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition that affects your colon.
It causes inflammation and ulcer symptoms in your digestive tract. [1]
It’s a severe bowel disease. But it’s different from Crohn’s Disease or Irritable Bowel Disease. This inflammatory disease will make you weak and may create life-threatening conditions.
You may find it hard to pass stool as this disease may narrow the area of your intestine.
You may also have diarrhea, joint pain, swelling in the colon, and scarring of the bile ducts and pancreas. [2]
There’s no cure for this disease. Doctors may prescribe medications to handle the symptoms.
Besides, some essential oils for ulcerative colitis may help you manage the symptoms naturally.
Potential Essential Oils for Treating Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
As there’s no cure for ulcerative colitis, some longtime sufferers rely on alternative natural remedies. Using essential oils is one of them.
It’s because some of the essential oils have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These components may help reduce pain and inflammation due to UC. [4]
Note that, there’s no such guarantee that these essential oils will be effective on you. We will still recommend you consult with a doctor before you use any of these oils.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is more than a flavoring in your foods and beverages. It can also treat some health conditions, thanks to its medicinal values. [5]
This aromatic oil contains antispasmodic properties. Thus, it can deal with general digestive symptoms.
Peppermint oil can help with indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, and gas. [6]
You can also try this oil to soothe ulcerative colitis cramps and other symptoms.
Read More: Peppermint Oil for Hair: 8 Reasons to Use
2. Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil has been a popular medicinal aid in Eastern culture for centuries. People take it to treat colds, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. [7]
Patchouli oil is also famous for managing bad breath due to alcohol consumption.
There was a clinical trial conducted on mice induced with colitis. Those who received patchouli had a better repair of their intestines than the others. [8]
3. Basil Oil
This essential oil originates from the delicious basil herb.
The herb is popular for treating stomach problems such as spasms, intestinal gas, appetite loss, and diarrhea. [9]
Like the herb, basil oil can also ease gastric, and intestinal spasms. You may use this oil to treat colitis.
4. Turmeric Oil
Turmeric oil is another essential oil with potent medicinal properties. It’s a vital ingredient; curcumin can reduce inflammation. [10]
Inflammation is a significant factor in ulcerative colitis. As turmeric oil can reduce inflammation, you can use this oil to ease the symptoms of UC.
5. Ginger Oil
Ginger essential oil is effective in treating indigestion, spasms, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A study shows the oil successfully inhibited gastric ulcers in rats by 85%. [11]
Ginger oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. It means you can use it to ease colitis symptoms.
Read More: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger Oil That You Should Know About
6. Fennel Oil
Fennel oil originates from the pleasant-smelling fennel herb.
The oil is a great flavoring agent in foods and beverages. It may treat different digestive problems such as bloating, heartburn, intestinal gas, and colic. [12]
Because of its medicinal values, you may also use it to relieve your UC symptoms.
Read More: 14 Benefits of Fennel Tea You Don’t Want to Miss Out on
How to Use Essential Oils for Ulcerative Colitis
- If you want to consume the essential oil, it’s best to use enteric-coated capsules.
- Take two to three drops of any essential oil and rub it over the abdomen two times daily.
Precautions
Using these essential oils may give you some comfort. But you must not stop taking medications. Remember, these essential oils are your alternative remedies.
Let your doctor know about these essential oils. He/she can confirm if these essential oils are safe to use.
Causes and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis happens due to a mistake your immune system makes.
The task of the immune system is to attack the intruders in your body. But in the case of UC, it considers food, your good gut bacteria, and the cells that line your colon as invaders. [3]
The white blood cells cause inflammation and ulcer as they work against the lining of your colon.
A primary symptom of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea with pus in your stool.
Other symptoms include:
- Rectal pain
- Sudden urgency to discharge stool
- Fewer red blood cells or anemia
- Eye pain when looking at the bright light
- Unable to hold stools in
When to See a Doctor
You may reduce some of the symptoms of colitis using these essential oils. But, there could still be further complications, and you may need medical attention. [13]
Consult with your doctor if you find the following symptoms:
- You develop the symptoms of UC when you’re pregnant, or you’re planning to get pregnant.
- You’re having severe diarrhea.
- There are blood clots, blood, or mucus in your stool.
- You have joint pains.
- You have skin sores, and it’s not healing.
- You have a sudden urgency for a bowel movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ulcerative colitis be cured naturally?
No natural remedies can cure ulcerative colitis or inflammation of the bowels completely. The natural ingredients, herbs, and essential oils may only reduce the symptoms.
Some of the potent anti-inflammatory herbs are turmeric, Boswellia Serrata, basil, licorice, ginger, sage, etc.
Even the essential oils mentioned above are natural anti-inflammatory sources. These ingredients may reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
What is the life expectancy of someone with ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is not a fatal disease. Most UC patients live normal life. They have the same life expectancy as that of the general population. But, the severity of colitis flare-ups may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
What is the best treatment for ulcerative colitis?
You need to consult a doctor and diagnose the condition of your ulcerative colitis. Your doctor may suggest the best treatment for relieving the inflammation. Most doctors prescribe some form of anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is the best diet for ulcerative colitis?
The best diet for ulcerative colitis will include:
Salmon, eggs, yogurt, avocado, applesauce, nuts, etc.
Avoid these foods to prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups:
Dried fruits, peas, beans, and legumes; foods with high sulfur and fiber, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, etc.
Bottom Line
Ulcerative colitis isn’t something that you should take lightly. It’s an inflammatory condition. Thus, you must take proper measures to reduce its symptoms.
Essential oils may soothe some of the symptoms. But you still have to continue medications prescribed by your doctor.
If you think these essential oils are not working well for you, stop using them.
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