13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Herbal essential oils for Inflammatory bowel disease are plant-based extracts that have anti-inflammatory properties and are used to alleviate symptoms of the condition.
These oils can provide relief from inflammation, pain, and digestive issues associated with Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Examples of herbal essential oils that have shown benefits in treating Inflammatory bowel disease include peppermint oil, which helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, chamomile oil, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and ginger oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, other essential oils such as frankincense oil, calendula oil, and turmeric oil have also been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease.
According to "Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences", essential oils have shown potential in managing inflammatory bowel disease through mechanisms such as leukotriene B4 inhibition, antioxidant activity, immune system regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B, and antiplatelet activity.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for inflammatory bowel disease.
- 1. Curcuma longa essential oils
- 2. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 3. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils
- 4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 5. Ginkgo biloba essential oils
- 6. Foeniculum vulgare essential oils
- 7. Aloe barbadensis essential oils
- 8. Boswellia serrata essential oils
- 9. Silybum marianum essential oils
- 10. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 11. Cinchona officinalis essential oils
- 12. Terminalia chebula essential oils
- 13. Artemisia absinthium essential oils
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1. Curcuma longa essential oils

Curcuma longa essential oils, extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, have been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them a promising natural remedy for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The bioactive constituents of Curcuma longa, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Curcuma longa essential oils help to treat IBD by reducing gut permeability, modulating the gut microbiome, and preventing the progression of intestinal damage.
By incorporating Curcuma longa essential oils into their treatment regimen, individuals with IBD may experience significant relief from symptoms, improved quality of life, and reduced reliance on conventional medications.
Related Study
According to "Current pharmaceutical biotechnology", Curcuma longa essential oils show promising activity against inflammatory bowel disease, although further investigation is required to obtain the safety and efficacy data necessary for their commercialisation.
2. Zingiber officinale essential oils

Zingiber officinale essential oils, derived from the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation in the gut.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Zingiber officinale essential oils help to alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, by promoting the healing of the intestinal lining and reducing oxidative stress.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat IBD include reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and enhanced quality of life, making it a promising natural remedy for managing this chronic condition.
Related Study
According to "BioFactors (Oxford, England)", Zingiber officinale essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit pathways such as NF-κB, STATs, NLRPs, TLRs, MAPKs, and mTOR, and may help manage inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils

Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils, derived from the roots of the licorice plant, have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of Glycyrrhiza glabra, including glycyrrhizin, licochalcone A, and licoric acid, help to reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining from oxidative damage, thereby alleviating symptoms of IBD.
By modulating the immune response and promoting the healing of the gut epithelium, Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils help to reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort associated with IBD, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.
The benefits of using Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils to treat IBD include reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a promising natural remedy for managing this debilitating condition.
Related Study
According to "Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France)", Glycyrrhiza glabra, specifically its compound Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), has been confirmed to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD).
4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been studied for their potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, including carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and camphor, help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to IBD.
These properties aid in reducing intestinal permeability, modulating the gut microbiome, and alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with IBD.
By using Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, individuals may experience benefits including reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and enhanced overall well-being in managing IBD symptoms.
Related Study
According to "Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)", Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, which belong to the family Lamiaceae and contain rosmarinic acid (RA), have been shown to attenuate fibrosis and alleviate symptoms in various organs, including those affected by inflammatory bowel disease.
5. Ginkgo biloba essential oils

Ginkgo biloba essential oils have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
The bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in the development of IBD.
The herbal preparation works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improving gut barrier function, and modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
The benefits of using Ginkgo biloba essential oils to treat IBD include reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and a decrease in the risk of complications associated with the disease.
6. Foeniculum vulgare essential oils

Foeniculum vulgare essential oils, derived from the seeds of the common fennel plant, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to their therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The anethole and fenchone compounds in this essential oil help to reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
By inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, Foeniculum vulgare essential oils aid in reducing the severity of IBD symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
The benefits of using Foeniculum vulgare essential oils to treat IBD include reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and enhanced overall gastrointestinal health.
Related Study
According to "PloS one", Foeniculum vulgare essential oils for inflammatory bowel disease have been shown to improve the barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract by exerting a protective effect on transepithelial electrical resistance and reducing the activation of the STAT pathway.
7. Aloe barbadensis essential oils

Aloe barbadensis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains bioactive constituents such as aloin, aloe-emodin, and acemannan, which help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
These constituents work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut.
The benefits of using Aloe barbadensis essential oils to treat inflammatory bowel disease include reduced symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools, as well as improved gut barrier function and overall quality of life.
Related Study
According to "Current pharmaceutical biotechnology", Aloe barbadensis is included in a list of plants showing promising activity against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and further investigation is required to obtain safety and efficacy data for its potential use in treating IBD.
8. Boswellia serrata essential oils

Boswellia serrata essential oils have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties.
The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as boswellic acids, specifically acetyl-11-keto-boswellic acid (AKBA), which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation in the gut.
By modulating the immune response and reducing oxidative stress, Boswellia serrata essential oils help alleviate symptoms of IBD, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
The benefits of using this herbal preparation to treat IBD include reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and a decrease in the need for conventional medications, making it a promising natural remedy for this chronic condition.
Related Study
According to "International journal of colorectal disease", Boswellia serrata essential oils, specifically its constituent acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions and tissue injury scores in an experimental model.
9. Silybum marianum essential oils

Silybum marianum essential oils have been studied for their potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids present in this herbal preparation help to reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and protect the gut from oxidative stress, thereby alleviating IBD symptoms.
The bioactive constituents, including silymarin and isomers of taxifolin, have been shown to scavenge free radicals, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhance the integrity of the intestinal mucosa.
By utilizing Silybum marianum essential oils, individuals with IBD may experience reduced symptoms, improved gut health, and enhanced overall well-being.
10. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils

Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herbal preparation help to soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
The bioactive constituents, including linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor, have been identified as key players in modulating the immune response and reducing oxidative stress, thereby alleviating IBD symptoms.
By incorporating Lavandula angustifolia essential oils into a treatment plan, individuals with IBD may experience improved symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and a reduction in the need for conventional medications.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, although not specifically tested in this study, are part of the genus Lavandula, which has been used as anti-inflammatory drugs in traditional medicine, with Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas extracts displaying immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
11. Cinchona officinalis essential oils

Cinchona officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The quinoline alkaloids present in this herbal preparation, such as quinine and quinidine, help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of the disease.
Cinchona officinalis essential oils also contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, thereby helping to soothe and protect the gastrointestinal tract.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Cinchona officinalis essential oils can provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
12. Terminalia chebula essential oils

Terminalia chebula essential oils, also known as Haritaki oil, have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of Haritaki oil, including chebulic acid and punicalagins, help to reduce inflammation in the gut, modulate the immune system, and protect against oxidative stress, thereby alleviating the symptoms of IBD.
The oil's gastroprotective and anti-ulcer properties also help to heal and soothe the mucous membranes in the gut, promoting a balanced gut microbiome and reducing inflammation and pain associated with IBD.
Regular use of Haritaki oil may provide relief from IBD symptoms, improve gut health, and enhance overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Plants (Basel, Switzerland)", Terminalia chebula essential oils, as part of the mixture KM1608, significantly attenuated the disease activity of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by suppressing inflammatory mediators such as myeloperoxidase, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and the Th2-type cytokine IL-4 in the colon.
13. Artemisia absinthium essential oils

Artemisia absinthium essential oils have been traditionally used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
The sesquiterpenes and flavonoids present in this herbal preparation, such as absinthin and thujone, exhibit gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD.
The bioactive constituents of Artemisia absinthium essential oils, including absinthol and bornyl acetate, have been found to modulate the immune response and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, thereby reducing the severity of IBD.
Overall, Artemisia absinthium essential oils may offer benefits in managing IBD symptoms, including reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and enhanced quality of life.
Related Study
According to "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Artemisia absinthium essential oils have shown evidence of efficacy in patients with Crohn's disease in a single small randomised controlled trial, but further research is necessary to establish their long-term effects and safety.