What Are The Best Essential Oils for Cancer Support?
Here are the 8 Best Essential Oils for Cancer according to research
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TL;DR| Frankincense Oil | Lavender Oil | Peppermint Oil | Eucalyptus Oil | Thyme Oil | Tea Tree Oil | Juniper Oil | Clove Oil | About Essential Oils | Precautions | Dilution Guidelines | Application Methods | Complimentary therapies | Bottom Line + Video
When considering ways to support your journey with cancer, you might not immediately think of essential oils.
However, these concentrated plant extracts have been researched for their potential to enhance traditional treatments and boost overall well-being.
Some oils, like frankincense, show promise in possibly fighting cancer, while others, such as lavender, are known for their calming effects.
Let’s explore the top essential oils that may offer support during this challenging period and see how they could be integrated into your treatment plan.
Top Essential Oils for Cancer Support
When you’re looking for natural support during your cancer journey, essential oils can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. Here are the top essential oils that have been researched for their potential benefits:
- Frankincense Oil: Comes from the Boswellia tree and contains compounds that may slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be used in a diffuser or applied topically (when properly diluted) to potentially make the body less hospitable to cancer cell growth.
- Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, it has shown the ability to potentially reduce tumor growth in some studies. It can be inhaled or applied to the skin (with proper dilution) to help manage stress and anxiety during cancer treatment.
- Peppermint Oil: Contains menthol, which may help prevent cancer cell growth and reduce nausea, a common side effect of chemotherapy. It can be inhaled or diluted with a carrier oil for topical application.
- Eucalyptus Oil: May help manage symptoms of cancer treatment such as discomfort and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its active components have shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation in early research.
- Thyme Oil: Contains substances that may slow down cancer cell growth. Thymol, a key ingredient in thyme oil, has been particularly effective against certain types of breast and lung cancer cells.
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it has been studied for its effects on different types of cancer cells and may help reduce the spread of viruses, beneficial for those with weakened immune systems from cancer treatments.
- Juniper Oil: May aid in fighting cancer, particularly liver and colon cancer, as it has demonstrated effectiveness against various cancer cell lines.
- Clove Oil: Rich in eugenol, known for its effectiveness against different kinds of cancer cells. It can be as effective as some chemotherapy drugs in fighting prostate, colon, and lung cancer cells. Use cautiously and always dilute before applying to the skin.
1. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense, a powerful essential oil, has been researched for its possible benefits in supporting cancer patients. This oil, which comes from the Boswellia tree, has compounds that might slow the growth of some cancer cells, reduce inflammation and pain, boost immunity. [2]
For example,
- A 2020 systematic review found that frankincense has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, showing potential benefits for various conditions with mild side effects.
- A 2018 in vitro trial revealed that frankincense essential oil combined with doxorubicin effectively inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cancer stem cells and induces apoptosis in CD133+ and CD90+ subpopulations.
- Similarly, a 2017 in vitro trial demonstrated that frankincense, along with pine needle and geranium essential oils, suppresses breast cancer progression by regulating the AMPK/mTOR pathway in mouse models.
- Additionally, a 2018 case report highlighted the use of topical frankincense essential oil in reducing a patient’s severe fatigue, enabling her to manage daily activities.
- Finally, a 2012 (updated 2020) non-randomized controlled trial on animals showed that frankincense essential oil reduced melanoma tumor burden and protected against liver damage from melanoma treatments without significant side effects.
Although, most research done on Frankincense essential oil and cancer are non-rct and in-vitro studies, it is still a very promising essential oil in treating cancer symptoms.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, is well-known for its calming properties and has demonstrated the ability to potentially reduce tumor growth in some studies. Many people are familiar with the soothing scent of lavender, but this oil offers more than just relaxation.
More specifically:
- A 2016, in vitro trial, found out that Lavender essential oil and its active constituents linalool and linalyl acetate show antitumor effects on human prostate cancer, with apoptosis induction and cell proliferation inhibition in xenograft tumors.
- A 2020, RCT study, concluded that inhalation aromatherapy with lavender and peppermint essential oils significantly improved sleep quality in cancer patients compared to control groups.
- Another RCT study published the same year concluded that combining Lavender oil, Eruca sativa oil, Aloe vera oil, and sodium carbonate at low doses can help reduce tumor markers and improve heart properties in breast cancer treatment.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil, an essential oil that can support cancer treatment, contains menthol. Menthol may help prevent cancer cells from growing. Menthol’s possible anti-cancer properties could help your body fight cancer. [3]
The most researched part of peppermint oil is the fact that it might reduce nausea, a common side effect of chemotherapy.
A 2020, RCT trial, concluded that Peppermint oil significantly reduces the frequency and severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, making it a potential complementary treatment to antiemetics.
These findings are enhanced by the presence of another 2017, RCT trial, that concluded the same thing. That aromatherapy with peppermint oil can decrease nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients during the acute phase after chemotherapy, making it an inexpensive and non-complicational complementary treatment.
It is worth mentioning this 2022 study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (IJEB) on Lung cancer. More specifically, the study states that Lung cancer is the second most common cancer globally, with Turkey having a high rate of cases.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil with its refreshing scent and strong components, in another powerful ally during cancer therapy. The oil’s ability to fight inflammation can ease symptoms often caused by cancer treatments like discomfort and swelling.
Although most of the studies presented on Eucalyptus oil and cancer are in-vitro (meaning they were conducted in laboratory settings rather than in living organisms) research from 2012 to 2022 suggests that essential oils derived from various Eucalyptus species show promise in fighting cancer.
- In 2012, a study found that oils from Eucalyptus benthamii leaves displayed the ability to kill certain types of cancer cells.
- Nearly a decade later, in 2021, a review of existing literature confirmed that Eucalyptus-derived essential oils might slow or stop cancer cell growth, though more research was needed to be certain of their effectiveness and safety.
- That same year, another study discovered that oils from two other Eucalyptus species were particularly effective against colon cancer cells.
- Most recently, in 2022, researchers found that oil from Eucalyptus tereticornis leaves showed potential as a treatment for lung cancer due to its strong antioxidant properties and ability to combat cancer cells.
While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that more research, especially in living organisms, is needed before these oils can be considered as reliable cancer treatments.
5. Thyme Oil
Next on our list is thyme oil, which has shown promise in several studies for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Research shows that thyme oil may help fight different types of cancer, including breast, oral, colorectal, and cervical cancers. [4] [5] [6] [7]
In lab studies, thyme oil has been found to slow the growth of cancer cells and even kill them in some cases. It seems to work by affecting important proteins and pathways in cancer cells. [4]
Some studies have also looked at thyme oil’s effects in mice with tumors. The oil appears to have strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its anti-cancer effects. Scientists have identified some of the key compounds in thyme oil, like carvacrol, that might be responsible for these benefits. [7]
While more research is still needed, especially in humans, these early findings suggest thyme oil could potentially be useful as a complementary treatment alongside standard cancer therapies. However, it’s important to note that most of this research has been done in lab dishes or animals so far, not in human clinical trials.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a strong essential oil known for its ability to fight germs. In fact, you might see many toothpastes containing Tea tree oil for that exact reason.
It has been studied to see how it affects different types of cancer cells.
Interestingly, researchers have found that tea tree oil can slow down the growth of various cancer cells in lab tests. It seems to work particularly well against melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and breast cancer cells. [8] [9]
The oil appears to cause cancer cell death and may even help overcome drug resistance in some cases. [9]
When applied to the skin of mice with tumors, tea tree oil was shown to shrink the tumors. It also seems to boost the immune system’s response to cancer. [10]
The main ingredient in tea tree oil, called terpinen-4-ol, appears to be responsible for many of these effects. [11] [12]
Scientists have observed that tea tree oil can kill cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells like skin cells or blood cells. This suggests it might be gentler than some current cancer treatments. [8]
Again, while these findings are exciting, it’s important to note that most of these studies were done in test tubes or on animals. We still need more research to understand if and how tea tree oil might be used to treat cancer in people.
7. Juniper Oil
Juniper oil is another cancer fighting essential oil that scientists have been studying.
Research shows that juniper berry oil may help prevent colon cancer in rats by slowing down cell growth and causing cancer cells to die off. [13]
The oil seems to work against breast cancer cells too. Interestingly, the oils from female juniper shrubs might be more powerful against breast cancer than those from male shrubs. [14]
Different types of juniper, like Juniperus oxycedrus and Juniperus phoenicea, have oils that can kill cancer cells in lab tests. Some of the main ingredients in juniper oil, like alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene, seem to be responsible for fighting cancer. [15]
While this research is promising, it’s important to remember that most of these studies were done on animals or in test tubes. We still need to do more research to see if juniper oil could help treat cancer in people. Even so, these early results suggest that juniper oil might one day play a role in cancer treatment or prevention.
8. Clove Oil
Last in our list is Clove essential oil. This oil, derived from the clove plant, has also shown promising potential in fighting various types of cancer. [16]
Studies have found that it can slow down the growth and spread of breast cancer cells, without causing cell death. [x] [17]
In colon cancer cells, clove oil appears to work by controlling a specific protein and increasing the natural process of cell death. [18]
When tested against esophageal cancer cells, clove oil stood out as having the strongest cancer-fighting properties compared to other plant extracts. [19]
These studies suggest that clove in various forms might help stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
What are essential oils and how do they work?
Essential oils are concentrated, volatile liquids extracted from various parts of aromatic plants, including flowers, leaves, stems, and roots.
They are obtained primarily through steam distillation or mechanical expression, with oils produced using chemical solvents not considered true essential oils due to potential adulteration and impurities. [1]
When using essential oils, especially for health issues like cancer, it’s crucial to ensure they’re of high quality and pure. This means they shouldn’t contain any synthetic additives or chemicals that could reduce their effectiveness. The goal is to get the purest form of the plant’s natural essence.
In the U.S., the FDA considers essential oils generally safe when used correctly. However, it’s essential to be careful and read product labels closely.
To avoid potential health risks from tainted products, buy high-quality oils from trusted suppliers. Having said that, you may want to check our article on how To Tell If Essential Oils Are Pure.
The chemical composition of essential oils is complex, consisting of various compounds such as monoterpenes, esters, aldehydes, and phenols, which contribute to their distinctive aromas and therapeutic properties. [1]
The therapeutic effects of essential oils are believed to arise from their interaction with the olfactory system.
When inhaled, the aromatic compounds bind to receptors in the olfactory bulb, influencing the limbic system—an area of the brain that regulates emotions and memories.
This interaction can lead to various psychological and physiological responses, including stress relief and improved mood. [1]
Additionally, topical application of essential oils may provide benefits such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. [1]
Aromatherapy in Supportive Cancer Care
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to help cancer patients feel better. Aromatotherapy does not “heal” cancer. It’s a natural way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life during cancer treatment.
Using essential oils can help reduce anxiety, stress, and other side effects from cancer treatments. Studies have shown that aromatherapy helps hospitalized patients, including those with cancer, feel more relaxed and comfortable. [20]
When used with other therapies like massage and acupuncture, aromatherapy can help manage symptoms even better. It allows patients to feel more in control of their well-being during a difficult time.
Precautions and Interactions
If you’re thinking about using essential oils as part of your cancer treatment, it’s important to know the good and bad points. Talk to your doctors first to make sure the oils won’t mess up your other treatments or medicines.
Also, be careful about allergies. Do a small skin test before using a new oil on a bigger area. This can help you avoid feeling bad or having a bad reaction.
Some oils can change how your liver breaks down medicine – when used in excess.
Oils from citrus fruits, like lemon and grapefruit, can make your skin more sensitive to light when used with some treatments. This might make you more likely to get sunburned or have skin problems. [21]
Also, oils like eucalyptus and peppermint mightn’t mix well with blood thinners or other meds. This could cause problems during your cancer treatment. Some oils might make your meds work better or worse, which can be an issue. [22] [23]
To stay safe and make sure your cancer treatment works right, talk to your cancer doctor before you start using any essential oils.
Also, if you know you’re allergic to certain plants, you should stay away from their essential oils to avoid bad reactions. This is really important if you have breathing problems or specific allergies because some oils can make your symptoms start or get worse.
Plus, when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you also need to be careful with essential oils. Many of them aren’t recommended during these times because they might affect how your baby develops or your nursing infant.
Remember, essential oils are strong and shouldn’t go directly on your skin. Mix them with another oil (carrier oil) to make them less likely to irritate your skin, so you can feel better without getting hurt.
And, while taking essential oils by mouth might seem like a fast way to feel better, don’t do it unless a professional tells you it’s okay. It can be dangerous and not worth it.
Dilution guidelines and carrier oils
Because essential oils are so strong, it’s important to dilute them before putting them on your skin. A good rule of thumb is to mix 1-2 drops of essential oil with a teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil for adults.
If you have sensitive skin or are using essential oils on children, you should use a smaller amount of essential oil, such as 1 drop in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil.
There are many different carrier oils you can use. Some popular ones include olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
Application Methods
You can safely add aromatherapy to your cancer treatment routine in several ways.
Inhalation is a common method that lets you directly enjoy the benefits of essential oils. You can breathe in the scent straight from the bottle, put a few drops on a tissue, or use a diffuser to spread the oil’s tiny particles into the air mixed with water. Inhalation can help lower stress, boost your mood, and create a calming environment.
On skin: Putting essential oils on your skin is another good way to use them. By mixing the oils with a carrier oil and putting them directly on your skin, you can focus on specific areas of discomfort or apply them to pulse points. You can also add essential oils to your bathwater or mix them into lotions for better absorption.
Using a diffuser is another way to continuously release essential oils into the air. By using an essential oil diffuser, you can create a peaceful atmosphere that helps improve your overall well-being.
Remember to always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before putting them on your skin and follow the right guidelines to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Combining essential oils with other complementary therapies
Using essential oils along with other treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a diet high in alkaline foods can make your plan for fighting cancer better.
This all-around approach makes sure you’re attacking the disease in many natural ways, making each treatment work better.
Essential oils have strong properties that fight cancer and they work well with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which puts more oxygen in your body, making it hard for cancer cells to grow.
Also, eating an alkaline diet keeps your body’s pH level balanced, which also stops cancer from growing. [24]
This diet, full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, goes well with how essential oils clean your body and make your immune system stronger, helping you feel healthier overall.
Bottom Line
Essential Oils can indeed help you with your cancer treatment, but, I wouldn’t rely solely on them to treat something that serious. Make sure to consult an oncologists that’s open minded and studies alternative approaches to cancer about essential oils first and then add them tot your routine.
I’m leaving your with a 50 minute video from SHARE Cancer Support’s YouTube channel that gives a more in-depth explanation about the use of essential oils in cancer care.
In the meantime, feel free to open in a new tab these posts about cancer and bookmark them for later reading.
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