Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects over half a million people in the United States. People with Crohn’s disease often have periods of remission and then relapses of symptoms, which can include:
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- diarrhea
- unwanted weight loss
- fever
- Flatulence
- anemia
In addition to traditional treatments, some people can also use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This can include the use of essential oils.
Although the scientific evidence is currently limited, some research shows that certain essential oils can help with the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Read on to learn more about these essential oils, their potential benefits, and their uses.
Essential oils are aromatic substances extracted from plants, often through a distillation process. They can come from many different parts of a plant, such as seeds, flowers or roots.
Essential oils have long been used as traditional or home remedies for various ailments. Some compounds in essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antioxidant properties, to name a few.
When essential oils are used to promote health and wellbeing, it’s called aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, essential oils are typically inhaled or applied topically through balms or massage oils.
Frankincense comes from the resin of the Boswellia trees. It has a warm and spicy or woody aroma. Several types of Boswellia tree can be used to make frankincense, including:
- Boswellia carteri
- Boswellia sacra
- Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense)
The latter, B. serrata, has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. As such, it has been studied for its potential to relieve symptoms of IBD.
What the research says
A 2015 study looked at the effects of B. serrata extract on intestinal cells cultured in a laboratory. The researchers found that B. serrata extract apparently protects these cells from damage caused by inflammation and oxygen radicals.
Human studies of the effectiveness of B. serrata in Crohn’s disease are limited – and the results have been conflicting.
For example, a 2001 study found that B. serrata extract was not inferior to mesalazine (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in the treatment of active Crohn’s disease.
However, a 2011 study found that B. serrata extract, while well tolerated, was no more effective than a placebo at maintaining remission from Crohn’s disease.
Overall, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of B. serrata in Crohn’s disease. Additionally, it is important to note that no studies have been conducted on the use of B. serrata essential oil aromatherapy for Crohn’s disease symptoms.
Wormwood comes from the Artemisia absinthium plant species. You might recognize wormwood as an ingredient in beverages like absinthe and wormwood. It has a warm herbal or wood scent.
Wormwood has been used in the past to help with digestive problems. It has also been found to inhibit some markers of inflammation in the body.
For this reason, wormwood has been studied as a potential therapy for the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. As with B. serrata, however, these studies included herbal blends and wormwood powder rather than essential oils.
What the research says
In a 2007 study, 20 people who took prednisone for Crohn’s disease every day were given a herbal blend of wormwood for 10 weeks. During this time, her steroid dose was gradually reduced.
After 8 weeks, 65 percent of participants who took wormwood had remission of their Crohn’s symptoms, compared with none in the 20-person placebo group. This continued until the end of the 20-week observation period.
A 2010 study looked at the effects of supplementing wormwood in 10 people with Crohn’s disease. These individuals were added wormwood powder to their treatment regimen for Crohn’s disease.
After 6 weeks, 80 percent of people who took the wormwood powder had a remission, compared to 20 percent of people in the 10-person placebo group. Markers of inflammation also fell in people who took the wormwood powder.
Now let’s look at other essential oils that may help relieve Crohn’s disease symptoms. Much of this research is still in the very early stages, with studies being carried out on rat models of colitis.
Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the patchouli plant. It has a strong earthy or musky scent that is slightly sweet.
Patchouli is used in traditional medicine to relieve digestive symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2017 study looked at the effects of patchouli essential oil in a rat model of IBD. Researchers found that patchouli essential oil reduced disease activity as well as damage to colon tissue.
basil
The essential oil of basil comes from the plant species Ocimum basilicum. This is the same plant that is used as a condiment in dishes around the world. It has a warm herbal scent.
Sweet basil is used in some types of traditional medicine to relieve indigestion and symptoms of IBD. It also has antioxidant properties.
A 2016 study looked at the effects of basil essential oil in a rat model of colitis. Basil essential oil has been found to reduce inflammation as well as the severity of tissue damage in the colon.
rosemary
Rosemary essential oil comes from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis. Like sweet basil, rosemary is used as a spice in many dishes. It has a fresh, woody scent.
Rosemary can affect the digestive system and has been used to relieve digestive ailments such as indigestion and constipation. Like many of the essential oils discussed above, rosemary has anti-inflammatory effects.
A 2011 study looked at the effects of different dosages of rosemary essential oil in a rat model of colitis. Rosemary essential oil was observed to reduce disease severity and tissue damage in the rats at all dosages.
peppermint
Peppermint essential oil comes from the Mentha piperita plant. Together with spearmint, it belongs to the mint family. As such, it has a strong mint scent.
Peppermint essential oil has antispasmodic properties, which means it can relieve muscle spasms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it has been researched as a therapy for the symptoms of a variety of digestive ailments, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A 2018 study looked at the effects of menthol – an active ingredient in peppermint essential oil – in a rat model of colitis. Treatment with menthol was found to improve body weight, reduce tissue damage, and lower markers of inflammation.
ginger
Ginger essential oil is obtained from the roots of the Zingiber officinale plant. The ginger root itself is often used to add flavor to many different types of dishes. It has a strong spicy or fiery scent.
Ginger is traditionally used to relieve a variety of digestive ailments. Some examples are pain, gas, and nausea.
A 2014 study looked at ginger oil in a rat model of colitis. Researchers found that higher doses of ginger oil decreased both the extent and severity of inflammation. The severity of tissue damage was also reduced.
Here are some key points about using essential oils for Crohn’s disease. We’ll first discuss some general considerations, and then we’ll cover the different types of applications.
General considerations
Always speak with a doctor before using essential oils in Crohn’s disease. They can advise you on the use of the oils, the risks involved, and possible side effects.
This is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some essential oils like wormwood can be harmful during this time.
It is important to know that the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils in the same way as drugs or medicines. Always get your essential oils from a reputable source.
Apply essential oils topically
Essential oils are very concentrated and can cause skin irritation. To prevent this from happening, you can dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them topically. Some common types of carrier oils are jojoba, avocado, and coconut.
When starting out with essential oils, it is a good idea to use a more dilute supplement. For a 2.5 percent solution, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends using 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Some people can have a skin reaction to certain essential oils, so it’s always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin first.
In order to do this:
- Put a small amount of diluted essential oil on the skin of your arm or wrist.
- Cover the area with a clean bandage for 24 hours.
- Remove the bandage and check the area. If you notice any redness or swelling, do not use the essential oil on your skin.
Inhalation of essential oils
When inhaling essential oils, always make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area. If at any time you experience respiratory irritation or a headache, leave the room and get some fresh air.
NAHA recommends that you adhere to the following guidelines for inhaling essential oils:
- Direct inhalation. Put 2 to 4 drops of an essential oil on a cotton ball and take a few deep breaths through your nose.
- Steam inhalation. Add essential oils to a bowl of boiling water at a dilution of 6 drops per ounce of water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale through your nose.
- Sprays. Put up to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Diffusers. Carefully follow the product instructions that came with your diffuser.
Internal use of essential oils
You may have seen blogs or websites that suggest adding essential oils to food and drinks. However, it is very important to avoid this unless you are acting under the guidance of a properly trained professional.
This is because some essential oils can be toxic if ingested. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate essential oils, which means that some products may contain harmful impurities or adulterants.
Crohn’s disease is a condition that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas. In addition to the standard treatments, some people may choose to use essential oils to help relieve their symptoms.
Research on the effectiveness of essential oils in Crohn’s disease is currently very limited. Some oils that have the potential to be beneficial for Crohn’s symptoms include Boswellia serrata, wormwood, patchouli, and ginger.
It is important to follow safety guidelines when inhaling essential oils or using them topically. Avoid ingesting essential oils as some can be toxic.
Talk to a doctor before adding aromatherapy to your Crohn’s disease treatment plan to make sure it’s safe for you.
