This is merely a small selection from the vast array of studies in the medical literature that propose the potential benefits of essential oils for cancer therapy in patients.
The truth about essential oils for cancer is three-part
#1 There are currently no placebo-controlled, randomized studies that assess the effects of essential oils on humans. Nevertheless, findings from in vitro and animal studies indicate that essential oils may have the potential to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer at a cellular level. Human studies have primarily demonstrated the effectiveness of essential oils in managing the side effects associated with cancer and medical interventions. Therefore, any claims regarding the use of essential oils for cancer treatment and prevention should be considered highly experimental.
#2
It is crucial to acknowledge that this approach is not absolute. Merely undergoing chemotherapy does not imply that you cannot utilize essential oils for cancer. Similarly, the opposite holds true. Numerous patients and healthcare professionals tend to separate natural and allopathic treatments, neglecting the significance of combining both in practice.
Essential Oils for Cancer
Several essential oils, including Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Frankincense (Boswellia carteri), have been found to effectively eliminate or halt the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.
Frankincense Essential Oil
In a groundbreaking research study, it was revealed that extracts from frankincense possess the capability to specifically attack cancer cells in advanced stages of ovarian cancer. This remarkable discovery was attributed to the presence of AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid). According to lead researcher Kamla Al-Salmani,
“After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing the cancer cells. Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side effects. This finding has enormous potential to be taken to a clinical trial in the future and developed into an additional treatment for ovarian cancer.”
Recent research has shed light on the numerous health benefits of frankincense extracts. A study conducted by Phytotherapy Research revealed that when mice were administered 1-10 mg of Boswellia serrata extract orally, it resulted in the stimulation of various components of their immune systems. These included cytokines such as interferon gamma, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Additionally, the extract also triggered delayed hypersensitivity reactions after 24 and 48 hours, as well as the production of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM). Furthermore, it was observed that the extract facilitated T-cell interactions, particularly CD4/CD8, which are typically low in individuals with AIDS.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as indicated by research conducted in test tubes, which indicates potential toxicity towards cancer cells. Rosemary essential oil is an extraordinary reservoir of various bioactive compounds, with approximately 400-500 phytochemicals identified. The primary components include 1,8-Cineole, camphor, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, borneol, betulinic acid, limonene, carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmanol, and rosmarinic acid.
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- Liver Cancer:
In a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology in 2014, researchers from Slovakia discovered that rosemary oil exhibits anticancer properties specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma, which is known as liver cancer and ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer globally. Furthermore, a collaborative research effort between Saudi and Egyptian scientists, as published in Pharmaceutical Biology in 2016, revealed that rosemary extract offers protective effects against hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide, a widely utilized chemotherapy drug.
- Colon Cancer:
The antiproliferative activity of rosemary leaf extract on human colon cancer cells was highlighted in a 2015 Spanish study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. Additionally, a 2016 joint study by Spanish and Swedish researchers, featured in the June 2016 edition of Journal of Proteome Research, further confirmed the antiproliferative properties of rosemary extracts on human colon cancer cells.
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Lavender Essential Oil
Preclinical investigations have indicated that lavender exhibits anticancer properties against various types of cancer cells. Animal studies have demonstrated that the monocyclic terpene perillyl alcohol (POH), derived from lavender and other herbs, can inhibit and regress tumors.
Additionally, researchers from Romania have observed similar effects by simply inhaling lavender for one hour daily. The study suggests that the neuroprotective effects of lavender essential oils, attributed to their antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities in healthy brain cells, can counteract scopolamine-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain, which may contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.
Always dilute essential oils before use and consult with your oncologist to ensure there are no potential drug interactions. When using a diffuser, carefully follow the instructions provided. Typically, it is recommended to use 4-5 drops of essential oil in total. For topical application, remember to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil using the following conversions:
- 1% dilution: 6 drops of EO per oz of carrier oil
- 2% dilution: 12 drops of EO per oz of carrier oil
- 3% dilution: 18 drops of EO per oz of carrier oil
- 5% dilution: 30 drops of EO per oz of carrier oil
