Although a number of essential oils have been studied for their anti-cancer potential, it is still a relatively new and emerging area of cancer research that needs further development. What has been proven, however, is that essential oils can be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms, both physical and emotional, associated with cancer and its treatments.
Aromatherapy and cancer
Coping with cancer can be confusing, lonely and frightening, not only for those diagnosed, but also for their partners, family and friends. Many people turn to aromatherapy because it improves their mood, helps them cope, and because it is something they can do to help themselves in conjunction with their chosen treatment plan.
It is now recognized that essential oils can be useful in reducing anxiety, depression, anxiety, fatigue, anxiety, pain, stress and tension and in improving the sleep quality of cancer patients. For hospitals that offer patients complementary therapies as part of their treatment plan, aromatherapy is often one of the most popular choices. It is also increasingly used within hospices and cancer support groups.
Safe use of aromatherapy
Although essential oils are 100% natural, they are still extremely powerful and complex substances. It is therefore essential that the patient obtains permission from the person responsible for the primary treatment (i.e. the doctor) before using aromatherapy. They should also consult an aromatherapist who is trained to work with cancer patients, as this is a highly specialized area.
There are conflicting views on whether essential oils should be used in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Many doctors and nurses recommend avoiding the use of essential oils during treatment. This is because certain oils have protective and antioxidant effects on our cells, and in addition to protecting healthy cells, they can also have a protective effect on the cancer cells, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. The oils can also speed up or slow down the rate at which chemotherapy drugs are metabolized by the body, which again can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or cause unpleasant or even more serious side effects because the drugs are dosed very carefully for each patient.
Others argue that there is no evidence that essential oils interfere with cancer drugs and that oils such as peppermint and spearmint have actually proven effective in combating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. [1]. Trials in France have also shown that oils such as Cajeput. Lavender, Niaouli and Tea Tree can help prevent radiation burns and scars [2].
Again, this is an area that should be discussed with the patient’s doctor.
Massage for cancer patients
Studies have shown that massage can be helpful in reducing pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression and improving sleep and quality of life in cancer patients. It can also help reduce edema in the extremities, improve range of motion and scar tissue health. Some people worry that massage may stimulate the lymphatic system and spread cancer cells through the lymph, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. A special type of massage called Manual Lymphatic Drainage is often used to treat lymphedema (swelling that occurs when lymphatic fluid builds up in the body, often caused by cancer and its treatments).
It is generally accepted that gentle, light, relaxing massages can be given safely and can be wonderfully comforting and beneficial to patients at all stages of cancer. For those who are particularly ill or weak, even a simple hand or foot massage can provide great comfort and relief.
As mentioned above, it is important to go to a massage therapist who has the right qualifications and experience in treating people with cancer. Vigorous deep tissue massage should be avoided. Macmillan UK [3] also advise that massage should be avoided as follows:
- Directly over a tumor site or lymph nodes affected by cancer
- On sensitive or bruised areas
- On areas subject to radiotherapy, both during and several weeks after treatment
- Around intravenous catheters and painkillers
- On areas affected by poor circulation, blood clots or varicose veins
Extreme caution should be exercised if the cancer has spread to the bones or if the patient has a low platelet count. In both cases, the patient must obtain permission from his doctor before receiving a massage treatment.
Essential oils to support cancer
There are many different oils that can help with a range of physical and emotional symptoms, and an experienced aromatherapist will help the patient choose the safest, most appropriate oils and dilution rates based on their specific circumstances. It is generally safe to use normal to low doses of the oil, or half the normal dose if the cancer is advanced or the patient is very weak.
Below we provide some general advice on essential oils that may be useful for cancer patients, along with ideas on how to use them.
For soothing comfort
For a soothing massage blend, try frankincense, geranium and green mandarin. Frankincense slows breathing, counteracts panic attacks and induces a calm, meditative state. Geranium balances the emotions and adds a relaxing floral scent, while Green Mandarin adds a soft, uplifting edge to counteract the overwhelming fatigue that often accompanies illness. Mix up to 6 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil.
Other useful oils for calming emotions and relieving stress and anxiety include Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Ylang Ylang.
For a pre-blended option, try our 100% pure Relaxing Essential Oil Synergy with Frankincense, Cedarwood Atlas, Red Mandarin and Yarrow to soothe and relax the body and mind, or our ready-to-use Relaxing Massage Oil or Relaxing Massage Wax with Sandalwood, Frankincense, French Lavender, neroli, petitgrain and palmarosa.
To assist with pain relief
Lavender essential oil is a well-known pain reliever and can be safely used alongside conventional medications. You can use any of the following application methods to introduce the essential oil into your bloodstream:
- Mix 4-10 drops of essential oil with 15 ml of our fragrance-free bath oil or SLS-free bath and shower gel and add to the bath water as soon as it has run out. Gently swirl to aid dispersion in the water.
- Add two drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage the affected area (remember, it is usually advised never to massage the site of the cancer or an area receiving radiotherapy treatment).
- Make a hot or cold compress by adding 4-5 drops of oil to a bowl of hot or ice cold water. Dip a clean cloth in the water, wring it out and place it over the affected area. Use a warm compress to relieve pain, stiffness and tension and a cold compress for inflammation or swelling. Repeat this and replace the compress when it is no longer hot or cold.
Other essential oils that may be useful for pain relief include black pepper, German chamomile, clary sage, and peppermint. Plai, Rosemary and Sweet Marjoram. St. John’s wort and arnica infused carrier oils would also be useful for massage blends.
For a ready-to-use product, try our Muscles Massage Oil or Muscles Massage Wax, which are expertly blended with Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, French Lavender and Rosemary.
To promote sleep
Lavender, Roman chamomile and neroli are three of the best oils for a restful night’s sleep and can be used in any of the following ways:
- A warm bath is great to help you relax. Use 4-10 drops of essential oil and mix with 15 ml of suitable bath base (as described above).
- Diffuse a few drops of oil in an aromatherapy burner or diffuser an hour before bedtime.
- When you go to bed, put a few drops of lavender on a tissue and place it in your pillowcase and inhale the scent while you try to relax.
- If you’re feeling particularly stressed, try massaging a few drops of Neroli Light into your neck and chest before going to bed (this oil is pre-diluted in Jojoba and can be applied directly to the skin).
Other useful oils include benzoin, cedarwood, clary sage, sandalwood, valerian and vetivert.
You can also try our pre-blended Sweet Dreams essential oil with French lavender, Roman chamomile, valerian root, cedarwood atlas and red mandarin, or our Sweet Dreams Spritz with lavender, chamomile, frankincense and cedarwood.
Essential oils to support chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can make you feel extremely tired. If this is the case, and ONLY If your advisor agrees, try boosting essential oils such as Lemon or Lime to help combat feelings of fatigue. Other stimulating essential oils that are safe to use include basil, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary.
Chemotherapy drugs can also cause nausea, but there is a psychosomatic element to the extent to which a person experiences them on any given day or at any given time. This explains why some days are worse than others and why some people are less debilitated when they are distracted in some way.
To reduce nausea, we recommend the following essential oils:
- Peppermint works well for some people to reduce nausea; however, for some it has the opposite effect.
- Citrus essential oils are also useful in treating nausea. We recommend Lemon or Lime, which have the added benefit of counteracting the overwhelming fatigue that can dominate the treatment.
- Bergamot mint, cardamom, ginger or spearmint may also be useful for nausea.
- Another useful oil is Roman chamomile, which has a calming effect on the body and mind. It is ideal for people who feel that their illness is made worse by chronic concerns.
Other essential oils that can help alleviate the trauma of chemotherapy on the mind and body include Palmarosa and May Chang (Litsea cubeba).
Try one of these in a candle burner, diffuser, or in a personal aromatherapy inhaler.
Important safety note
General advice is that essential oils containing estrogen should not be used in people with breast cancer or other estrogen-related cancers. Several writers suggest that the following oils should be avoided for breast cancer: Anise, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lemongrass, Star Anise and Verbena.
We hope you have found this information useful. Please feel free to contact us if you would like further assistance or advice.
Sharon Lovett
Marketing manager
Disclaimer and safety advice
References
- Z. Tayarani-Najaran, E. Talasaz-Firoozi, R. Nasiri, N. Jalali, and M. K. Hassanzadeh, “Antiemetic activity of volatile oil of Mentha spicata and Mentha piperita in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting,” ecancermedicalscience, vol. 7, no. 1, article 290, 2013. View at https://ecancer.org/journal/7/290.php
- Price S & Price L; Aromatherapy for healthcare professionals; Churchill Livingstone 1995.
- Macmillan UK. See https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/complementary-therapies/complementary-therapies-explained/massage-therapies.html