Cancer is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells that destroy healthy body tissue. If you or anyone in your family or friends has cancer, you know how devastating it can be.
You can use essential oils to aid your cancer treatment at home. In this extensive research-based article, you will find some essential oils for cancer that can help you fight this condition.
The diagnosis is not the end; it’s the start of the battle. Unfortunately, despite medical advancements, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Although these natural remedies are scientifically proven, the information below is not meant to replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or care provider before choosing any alternative treatment.
12 Essential Oils for Cancer Treatment
1. Oregano Oil
Oregano is famous worldwide for its medicinal properties [1].
Its active compounds, such as carvacrol and thymol, have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. [2]
The proper use of oregano extract can lead to the cellular death of cancerous tumors. [1].
Oregano extract can kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading [1].
Oregano’s toxic effects work only for cancerous cells and do not affect healthy cells.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Free radicals have long earned a bad reputation for the harm it causes to the body.
These by-products of oxygen metabolism can speed up the aging process. It can cause different kinds of diseases.
That’s not all.
Researchers described these as “an important class of carcinogens” [3]. In other words, free radicals can increase the risk of cancer.
Various studies have shown that cinnamon oil has potent antioxidant content. Thus, it can prevent free radical damage inside your body [4,5].
3. Cardamom Oil
Cardamom is an aromatic spice that originated in the humid parts of Asia. It contains beneficial pharmacological properties [6].
It works as an analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-convulsant [6].
This herbal plant can treat many diseases and infections. It contains potent antioxidants. For instance: quercetin, 1,8 cineole, alpha-terpinyl acetate, myrcene, and terpinen-4-ol [6].
Most of these compounds are also present in its oil extract. So it doesn’t surprise that its essential oil can fight even severe diseases like cancer.
There are several ways cardamom oil fights cancer. First, it has a potent cytotoxic activity that destroys cancer cells. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents the formation of cancerous tumors [7].
Cardamom oil is also an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, it inhibits the process of carcinogenesis [7].
4. Clove Oil
Clove is a popular spice used in Indian cooking that adds an enticing aroma and rich flavor to dishes.
Many do not know that its essential oil works against cancer [8]. Researchers found clove oil to have the highest cytotoxic activity on cancer cells. [8]
This means it can wipe out the abnormal cells inside the body before spreading.
Clove oil is rich in antioxidants. It prevents cancer-causing free radicals from inflicting any damage on the body [11].
5. Fennel Oil
A 2011 study conducted in Egypt investigated the properties of fennel oil. It contains anticancer, cytotoxic and anti-tumor properties [12].
Researchers utilized the mouse model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma on Swiss albino mice. [12]
At the same time, they also had some studies done on the various types of human cells [12].
After the 30-day experiment period, researchers concluded that cancer cells were reduced by 50%. The free radical damage was halted by 100% [12].
It was particularly effective in protecting the breast and liver from cancer. In addition, fennel oil is a safe, effective, and easily accessible source of cancer-fighting antioxidants [12].
Data from other studies support the claims that fennel oil can ward off cancer. It neutralizes free radical damage, killing cancer cells. [13,14].
6. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is an essential oil derived from the thyme plant. It has served many purposes in different fields—culinary, perfumery, dentistry, and aromatherapy.
It has a long list of medicinal properties. It acts as an antibacterial, antiseptic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, expectorant, carminative, hypertensive, stimulant, and diuretic, among many others.
Everyone should also know that thyme oil is a good defense against cancer. According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, thyme oil can destroy cancer cells, even those that are resistant to chemotherapy. [15]
The credit goes to thyme’s potent anticancer agents like thymol and carvacrol [15]. These antioxidants also fight cancer by scavenging free radicals in the body [16].
Chemotherapy triggers even the healthy cells, but this oil is much safer. This is because it only focuses on the harmful cancer cells.
7. Lavender Oil
When the stress gets too high, the first thing you may do is to use lavender oil.
Once you do, you’ll feel yourself calming down and feeling better. The relaxation effects of lavender oil are a few of its many excellent benefits for the mind and body.
Lavender oil is also known for its antifungal, antibacterial, carminative, and anti-depressive properties. [17]
Scientists also proved lavender oil’s anti-mutation and anticarcinogenic activities [18].
This oil can work as a chemotherapeutic agent. It works well mainly for cervical cancer [19].
8. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that has many significant pharmacological properties. In addition, it is famous for its unique woody scent.
Many claims that it’s suitable for treating dandruff and dry scalp. It prevents viral and bacterial infections. It also promotes urinary and respiratory health. In addition, Rosemary oil reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, among others.
Ancient healers have treated cancer with rosemary oil [20].
A study shows that supplementation with rosemary oil reduced the risk of mammary cancer in rats by up to 47% [20].
Rosemary oil inhibits the formation of several substances that trigger cancer formation. It scavenges the effects of free radicals in the body. It activates the complement system to suppress the body’s inflammatory reaction [20].
Rosemary has anticancer effects. Its active compounds called rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid treats cancer. [21]
9. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is used as incense and perfume in Africa, the Middle East and India [22].
It can cure many health problems, including cancer. For example, a study indicates that frankincense oil can induce cancer cell death [23].
Researchers used an MTT assay to examine the effects of frankincense oil on five tumor cell lines [23]. Other studies confirm that it can treat bladder, pancreatic, and breast cancer. [24,25,26]
Its mode of action relies on the arrest of cell cycle and growth, as well as causing death in cancerous cells [24]. Frankincense oil can distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells [24].
It kills the abnormal cells without harming the healthy ones.
10. Myrrh Oil
There’s more tomyrrh oil than its enticing scent. It holds a multitude of benefits for health.
A yellowish oleo-gum resin used since ancient times in Egypt and China [23]. Among the many diseases that it can help control is cancer. Myrrh oil contains anticancer and cytotoxic effects. [27,28,29,30].
A Journal of Medicinal Plants Research study states that myrrh oil kills cervical and endometrial carcinoma cells. [31]
11. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is often added to mouthwashes, toothpaste, and other dental products. It makes the taste of these products more pleasant. In addition, Peppermint oil has antibacterial and breath-freshening effects.
Peppermint oil is also an excellent way to fight cancer. A study conducted on animals showed that the use of peppermint oil could cure cancer such as skin cancer [32].
The number and size of the cancerous tumors reduced after the mice consumed peppermint oil. [32]
The use of this oil is not only for the treatment of cancer but also for prevention. It’s also safe to use long-term as it doesn’t harm the healthy cells, only the cancerous tumors.
12. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage essential oil comes from the flowers and leaves of the perennial clary sage herb.
Clary sage oil has been a popular home remedy for skin disorders since the middle ages. The primary chemical compounds of this oil are Linalyl acetate, Linalool, and sclareol.
These chemical compounds contain anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative and anti-cancer effects.
The oil is used for soothing inflamed skin and boosts quality night’s sleep and mental relaxation.
One of the significant components of the oil sclareol. It fights cancerous cells in the human body.
A 2006 study confirms that 13-epi-sclareol in clary sage oil leads to the death of cancerous cells. As a result, Clary sage oil is more effective in preventing breast and ovarian cancer.
Studies show that clary sage oil can prevent and treat deadly diseases.
When to See a Doctor
You must consult a doctor if you see any symptoms of cancer. Essential oils may help relieve some symptoms but can’t cure cancer.
You must have regular appointments with your doctors and start your treatment as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Are Essential Oils Safe?
A: Essential oils are usually safe for use if you have cancer, but they can pose side effects.
For example, children may develop breathing problems with aromatherapy with essential oils. They can also cause skin irritation or allergy, increased sun sensitivity, and unpleasant smells.
Q: Is frankincense anticancer?
A: Some studies have suggested that frankincense oil may contain some properties that affect cancer cells, but there is no evidence yet that it can completely treat or prevent cancer in humans.
Q: What essential oils can cause cancer?
A: There are carcinogenic essential oil constituents, including estragole (methyl chavicol), asarone, safrole, and methyl eugenol. Methyl eugenol and estragole are found in Basil leaves and concentrated in pesto.
Q: What essential oils are suitable for radiation treatment?
A: Some essential oils are suitable for radiation treatment. They are Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis CT 1,8 cineole), and Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).
Final Note
Many die from cancer each year. World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a 70% increase in cancer cases in the next 20 years. You can use essential oils for cancer as a natural alternative treatment with a traditional treatment plan.
Cancer is not something that you should treat by yourself. Thus, consult your doctor before trying out any treatment.
