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.