Aromatherapy Offers Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Have you considered using essential oils to treat IBD symptoms? More widely known as aromatherapy for relaxation, these treatments have been around for centuries. We’ve discovered some ways essential oils may help with irritable bowel disease.

Like herbs and minerals, the FDA does not regulate essentials oils. Most medical doctors don’t consider them a valid treatment for what ails you, but those who use them are believers. If you have allergies or anaphylaxis, you’ll probably want to avoid most essential oils, so check with your doctor first. By and large, they’re worth a try. Many essential oils offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, for MS patients: “Essential oils (aromatherapy) may give symptomatic relief with sleep, relaxation, joint mobility, and an improved sense of well-being.”

Below is a list of essential oils that might help to ease symptoms of various conditions.

Massage Today suggests these uses of essential oils:

For Pain:  Spike lavender, sweet marjoram, lavender, petitgrain, Roman and German chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, helichrysum, peppermint, ginger, black pepper.

For Stress:  Rose otto, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, sweet marjoram, petitgrain, mandarin, lavender, rose geranium, tangerine, jasmine.

For Sleep:  Lavender, neroli, jasmine, marjoram, Roman chamomile.

For Sense of Well-Being:  Frankincense, lavender, rose, mandarin, neroli, helichrysum.

For Headaches:  Lavender, peppermint, marjoram, Roman chamomile.

For Circulation:  Rosemary, ginger, black pepper, peppermint, lemongrass, rose geranium.

Early research shows more possible benefits for essential oils in these areas: 

For Antioxidant Properties:  Lavender.

For Anticancer Properties: Lemongrass, thyme.

For Anti-inflammatory Properties: Myrrh, frankincense.

For Nausea: Peppermint, spearmint.

For  Hormone Regulation: Thyme, coconut.

For Brain Function and Nerve: Coconut.

Stay up to date in our IBD Community page.