There’s some evidence that the following oils can help alleviate UC symptoms.
Peppermint Oil Peppermint helps with general digestive symptoms when ingested, mostly because it has soothing antispasmodic properties. It can also ease gas and bloating, says Dr. Armstrong. In fact, a review found that peppermint oil was superior to a placebo for irritable bowel syndrome treatment. When looking for a peppermint oil supplement, Armstrong says to be sure you choose enteric-coated capsules for the best absorption.
Turmeric Oil You may use turmeric when cooking — it is often found in Indian dishes — but it 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, when ingested. Research has also found that turmeric oil offers significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Aromatic-turmerone, the main ingredient in turmeric oil, prevented colon shortening, improved colonic tissue damage, and reduced colonic inflammatory cytokines, according to a study.
In another study, the combination of curcumin and qing dai, an herbal extract, lead to remission in patients with active UC.
And a meta-analysis published in the Annals of Gastroenterology notes that curcumin, when combined with the UC medicine mesalamine, produced a better clinical response.
Lavender Oil Research has shown that sleep problems, which can significantly impact quality of life, are common in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Some evidence suggests that lavender oil may promote better sleep. A review found that lavender essential oil was associated with improved sleep quality in people who didn’t have insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Another review examined research on the use of lavender for sleep disorders in patients with diseases ranging from cancer to neurological or psychiatric diseases such as dementia or depression. It found that lavender oil used through inhalation alone or in combination with massage may help improve sleep.
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