Using Young Living Oils to Find Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Relief
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ongoing inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and other disruptive symptoms.
While there is no known cure for UC, various treatment options aim to induce and maintain remission. More people with UC are turning to complementary approaches like aromatherapy and essential oils as additional ways to manage their condition.
What the Research Says About Aromatherapy and UC
Early research suggests that aromatherapy using certain essential oils may help provide symptom relief for some people with UC. Heres a look at what some of the studies have found so far:
- A pilot study in 2012 found that inhaling a blend of orange and peppermint oils for 10 minutes twice a day significantly improved symptoms like abdominal pain and bowel motility in people with mild to moderate UC flare-ups.
- Another small study in 2015 observed that massaging a 1:1 blend of coconut and sesame oils on the abdomen twice a day helped reduce the number of bowel movements in UC patients experiencing a flare-up.
- One paper reviewed multiple studies showing compounds in certain essential oils have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and gut-regulating effects that could benefit people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
So while more research is still needed, there is early evidence that using strategically chosen essential oil blends may aid in controlling UC symptoms.
How Young Living Oils May Help
Young Living offers a variety of high-quality essential oils that may be beneficial for reducing inflammation, easing GI discomfort, boosting immunity, and finding relief from other UC issues based on their unique therapeutic constituents.
Here are some of the top Young Living essential oils to consider using to complement UC treatment:
Oils With Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
- Peppermint Oil Contains menthol and methyl salicylate compounds known for their cooling, calming properties that can help reduce inflammation.
- Lavender Oil Rich in anti-inflammatory esters like linalyl acetate that can help calm GI inflammation.
- Frankincense Oil Boswellic acids offer potent anti-inflammatory benefits that may calm UC flare-ups.
- Copaiba Oil Naturally occurring beta-caryophyllene may curb inflammation and strengthen the gut lining.
Oils to Soothe GI Discomfort
- Peppermint Oil Can relax intestinal muscles, combat nausea/vomiting, and reduce cramping.
- Ginger Oil Gingerol compounds help settle the stomach and support healthy digestion.
- Lemongrass Oil Has antispasmodic properties that relieve stomach pains and bloating during a flare.
Oils to Boost Immune Function
- Oregano Oil With thymol and carvacrol to help fight harmful gut bacteria and infections.
- Thyme Oil Thymol helps protect gut health by killing off bad bacteria and viruses.
- Clove Bud Oil High in eugenol with immune-enhancing and pathogen-fighting activities.
Work with your doctor to determine how these or other Young Living essential oils may be safely incorporated into a complementary UC treatment plan personalized for your situation.
Using Young Living's Relieve It for UC Symptom Aid
One of the easiest ways to leverage the benefits of Young Living essential oils for UC is by using their proprietary Relieve It essential oil blend.
This premixed blend combines the following gut-supportive essential oils:
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Cilantro
- Marjoram
- Roman Chamomile
- Basil
Designed to support the digestive system, Relieve It can be applied topically to the abdomen or diffused/inhaled for aromatherapy benefits.
Potential Benefits of Relieve It for UC
The specially formulated combination of essential oils contained in Relieve It offer an array of therapeutic properties ideal for relieving common UC issues, including:
- Peppermint Soothes GI discomfort/pain
- Lavender Reduces inflammation and supports wound healing
- Frankincense Suppresses inflammation and infection risk
- Cilantro Helps with digestion and gut inflammation
- Marjoram Calms the digestive tract and GI muscles
- Roman Chamomile Relieves inflammation, cramps, and diarrhea
- Basil Has antibacterial and spasm-relieving effects to soothe the gut
Used together in synergy, these ingredients make Relieve It an excellent option for assisting in managing UC flare-ups and various related symptoms.
How to Use Relieve It for UC Relief
Relieve It can be utilized in a few different ways to ease UC discomforts:
Topical Application
Try massaging 3-5 drops of Relieve It over your abdomen 2-3 times per day when experiencing UC symptoms like gut pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, etc. The oils will absorb into the skin to reduce inflammation and soothe GI issues.
Aromatherapy Use
Diffusing Relieve It helps you inhale its healing volatile compounds to calm the body and gut. Try diffusing 5 drops for 30-60 minutes once or twice daily or inhale from palms after applying 1 drop of Relieve It.
Dietary Incorporation
Consider adding 1 drop of Relieve It to plain yogurt or a small glass of plant milk once a day to benefit digestion and help stabilize gut function over time.
Use Relieve It as part of a comprehensive UC management plan under your doctors guidance. Keep your doctor informed about the oils youre using and notify them about any changes in your symptoms.
Lifestyle Tips to Further Relieve UC Symptoms
While using Relieve It essential oil blend can help alleviate inflammatory bowel disease problems, also be sure to focus on the below healthy lifestyle strategies to better control UC:
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet and limit trigger foods to reduce flare-ups.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake for gut and immune health.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques to calm whole-body inflammation.
- Supplement with probiotics and gut-supportive nutrients.
- Get enough sleep and daily gentle exercise when possible.
Work closely with your healthcare providers to find an individualized plan combining both traditional UC treatments and complementary options like essential oils and gut-soothing lifestyle adjustments tailored for you.
FAQs
Are essential oils safe to use for ulcerative colitis?
Essential oils are generally very safe when used appropriately under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Certain oils like peppermint and lavender have research supporting their use for aiding UC symptoms. But be sure to dilute oils properly and test skin sensitivity before wider use.
What’s the best way to use Young Living’s Relieve It blend for UC?
Topically massaging Relieve It onto your abdomen and lower back area can help the oils absorb to provide relief from gut inflammation and pain. You can also diffuse the oil to inhale its gut-soothing compounds for whole-body effects against UC issues.
Can I take essential oils internally for ulcerative colitis?
While some low-risk oils can be taken by mouth when properly diluted, it’s best to check with your doctor before ingesting oils. Oils like Relieve It are safest and most effective when applied topically or diffused/inhaled under guidance from your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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