Aromatherapy's Role In Reducing Utis: A Natural Remedy?

Aromatherapy is a popular complementary treatment for a range of ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are bacterial infections that occur in the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys, and they can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. While antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, they can have unpleasant side effects, such as yeast infections, and may not always be effective, especially against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As a result, some people have turned to essential oils as a possible alternative or adjunct treatment for UTIs. Essential oils are aromatic liquids derived from plants, and certain oils are believed to possess antibacterial properties that could help fight UTIs. However, it is important to note that essential oils have not been extensively studied for UTIs, and most doctors do not recommend them as a primary treatment. Nevertheless, some preliminary studies suggest that specific essential oils, such as lemongrass, tea tree, and thyme, may exhibit antibacterial activities against the bacteria that cause UTIs. When using essential oils for UTIs, it is crucial to dilute them with a carrier oil and avoid direct application to sensitive areas like the vagina or urethra. Inhalation through a diffuser is generally considered safer than topical use. While aromatherapy may provide potential benefits for UTIs, it should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and in conjunction with traditional medical treatment.

How to use essential oils for aromatherapy

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from the seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, roots, stems, rinds and other parts of plants. They are used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health or can be applied topically to the skin.

• Using a diffuser: Add 8-20 drops of essential oil to a water oil diffuser. This disperses tiny oil particles around the room so you can breathe them in.
• Inhalation: Open a bottle of pure essential oil and inhale its aroma. You can also add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head and the bowl, and inhale the steam.
• Dry evaporation: Put a few drops of essential oil on a dry material such as a cotton ball and smell the aroma as it disperses.
• Spray: Mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and spritz surfaces, furniture, linens and the inside of your car.
• Compress: Dilute one drop of essential oil with one drop of carrier oil and apply to a hot compress, which can be placed on your lower abdomen.

When using essential oils, it is important to always dilute them with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, before applying them to your skin. It is also important to check for any skin irritation by doing a patch test before use.

The risks of using essential oils

While essential oils are often used for their health benefits, there are several risks and side effects associated with their use. Here are some of the potential risks of using essential oils:

• Skin irritation and rash: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation, especially if applied undiluted directly to the skin. It is recommended to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and perform a patch test before use.
• Photosensitivity: Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, can cause photosensitivity, leading to skin burns if applied before sun exposure.
• Poisonous if ingested: Ingesting essential oils can be dangerous and even life-threatening. They can irritate the sensitive cells inside the body and act as toxins. It is advised to never ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Mucous membrane irritation: Essential oils should not be applied to mucous membranes, such as the eyes, ears, mouth, vagina, or anus, as they can cause irritation and damage.
• Asthma attacks: While inhaling essential oils may be safe for most people, it can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals with asthma.
• Headaches: Inhaling too much of certain essential oils may lead to headaches.
• Hormonal abnormalities: A 2007 study linked the topical use of lavender and tea tree oil to hormonal abnormalities in males who have not reached puberty, resulting in breast growth.
• Toxicity in infants and children: Infants and children are more vulnerable to potential toxicity associated with essential oil use due to their thinner skin and less developed livers and immune systems. Extreme caution and dilution are crucial when using essential oils around children.
• Interactions with medications: Some essential oils can interact with medications and supplements, leading to adverse reactions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils if taking any medications.
• Unsafe for pets: Some essential oils can be deadly to pets, even when used in a diffuser. It is important to research which oils are safe to use around pets or consult a veterinarian.

The best essential oil blends to prevent UTIs

Aromatherapy may be a good complementary treatment for UTIs, but it should not be used as a replacement for traditional medicine. If you are prone to UTIs, you can try using essential oils to stave them off by applying a blend of oils to the skin on your lower abdomen and lower back.

Heidi Chesla, a medical aromatherapy specialist, recommends a blend of a few drops, in equal parts, of the following essential oils: cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), juniper berry (Juniperus communis), and cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana). Chesla suggests rubbing a small amount of the blend onto your lower abdomen and lower back twice each day, in the morning when you wake up and two hours before bed.

It is important to note that essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or avocado oil, before being applied to the skin.

Aromatherapy while battling an active UTI

Aromatherapy can be used to support your body and mind while battling an active UTI. However, it is important to note that essential oils should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you have a UTI, it is recommended that you see a doctor, as untreated UTIs can lead to serious infections.

When using aromatherapy to support your body during a UTI, it is important to only use high-quality, pure, and natural essential oils. Oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, or avocado oil, before being applied to the skin. It is also important to avoid applying essential oils directly to the vagina, penis, or urethra, as this can cause irritation and burning. Instead, diluted oils can be applied to the mons pubis, inner thighs, and outside the labia.

Inhaling essential oils through a diffuser is generally considered safer than topical application. Some essential oils that may be beneficial for battling a UTI include:

• Cajeput oil
• Lemon or lemongrass oil
• Tea tree oil
• Thyme oil
• Oregano oil
• Clove oil
• Cinnamon leaf oil
• Lavender oil
• Eucalyptus oil

In addition to aromatherapy, there are other complementary home remedies that may help with UTI pain and discomfort, including:

• Drinking plenty of water to flush out bacteria
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and citrus juice, which can irritate the bladder
• Applying a warm heating pad to the abdomen to ease bladder pressure

The safety of essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. While they are widely used and generally safe, they are powerful substances that can be harmful if not used with care.

Topical Use

Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. The most common adverse reaction is a skin reaction, which can be prevented by diluting the oil. Dilution also helps to prevent irritation, rash, and other side effects. A general rule is to keep the concentration of essential oils below 5%. For children, a safe dilution ratio is 0.5% to 2.5%.

Some essential oils, such as cinnamon bark, are more likely to cause skin reactions than others. It is also important to note that certain oils, like orange, lime, and lemon, can cause phototoxicity if applied before sun exposure.

Internal Use

Essential oils should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Oral ingestion and internal application can be dangerous and lead to adverse reactions.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils, which can be beneficial for respiratory issues and mood management. When diffusing oils, it is important to follow safety precautions, such as proper dilution, intermittent use, and ventilation.

General Precautions

Essential oils should be treated with caution, similar to medications or harmful materials. They should be stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Additionally, they should be kept away from flames as they are highly flammable.

It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for those with underlying health conditions or those who are pregnant. Patch tests are also advised to check for any skin reactions.

Frequently asked questions