Fact or Fiction: Can Aromatherapy Help My Cancer?
Lavender, ginger, sweet orange….
These herbs are just a few of the many aromatherapy, or essential oil, options. In use for centuries, these timeless remedies can be used singly or in tandem with other medical interventions to relieve various conditions or symptoms. I have frequently used lavender to soothe myself and roll-on mixtures containing cinnamon or mint to help with sinus troubles and headaches. The relief they provide can’t be denied.
Are these sweet-smelling compounds useful for cancer? The short answer is- it depends on the goal.
A little background
According to Mount Sinai Medical Center, aromatherapy can be utilized through inhalation (such as with a diffuser or small inhaler “stick”), topical, or internal formulations. However, if you are interested in taking an herbal preparation internally, discuss it with your primary physician and other qualified professionals first. Though they are naturally derived from plant sources, herbs can be just as dangerous as pharmaceuticals and may not be regulated as well.[1]
Essential oils can be collected from many parts of the plant including: the stem, flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds. Not all plants provide oils from each source. Some are difficult to obtain and cost more while others are easily accessible and more affordable.[2] With a history of use going back almost 6,000 years, and spanning all of the major world empires, the use of essential oils has only become well-known in the United States within the last few decades.[1] It seems that aromatherapy works via the nasal receptors, hence the name. Upon smelling the oils, the brain (amygdala and hippocampus) is stimulated and produces a physical response.
Uses
According to the Cleveland Clinic, essential oils can be used for physical, mental, and emotional health.[2] In most cases, there is little evidence from clinical trials or standard testing that shows essential oils are effective. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence.[1]
Symptoms
Headache
Nausea
Pain
Feelings of depression of anxiety
Conditions
Inflammation (joints and muscles, especially)
Sleeplessness
Decreased attention
Infections (from viruses, bacteria, or fungi)
Uses in cancer
Cancer brings with it physical and psychological complications either directly related to the tumor or the treatments. These may include: nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, trouble sleeping, and feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress. Can aromatherapy be a useful tool in combination with standard cancer treatments? Can essential oils be useful in cases where minimal treatments are recommended or the patient declines standard treatment? The answer is yes which is great news for quality of life and empowerment!
A large nurse-led study in the midwest showed that quality of life was improved when evaluating nausea, anxiety, and pain. Typically, these symptoms are managed through pharmaceuticals. The idea that a more natural mechanism (presumably, with a more pleasant aroma) can be used to allay symptoms is amazing.[3,5]
A separate literature review showed similar findings. In this case, patients with a cancer diagnosis who received aromatherapy through inhalation, or in one case massage, reported feelings of relaxation and improved sleep. Specifically, lavender oil seemed to do the trick.[4.5]
Risks
As with any medicinal or alternative intervention, there is a risk of side effects. These can range from mild to severe. Most people will not experience any bad reactions. However, some of the potential side effects include:[5]
Allergies
Skin sensitivities (contact dermatitis)
Asthma-like breathing difficulties
Liver damage
Nerve damage
Some oils are more likely to produce these reactions than others. While lavender and bergamot can cause skin irritation, several oils are much more likely to do this. These include:
Ylang-ylang
Lemongrass
Jasmine
Sandalwood
Clove
Cinnamon
The use of a carrier oil can help minimize the chance of skin irritation.[1,5]
The internal use of oil can cause mouth irritation. This is typically seen with peppermint.
A rarer side effect is the inappropriate enlargement of breast tissue (prepubertal gynecomastia) in young people who were assigned male at birth. This has been seen especially with lavender and tea tree oil.[5]
Most importantly, any patient with cancer who is receiving chemotherapy should check with their oncologist before initiating any essential oil regimen. Any person with an estrogen-dependent tumor (such as breast or ovary) should not use an oil with estrogen-like properties. These include: fennel, aniseed, sage, or clary sage oils.[1]
Wrapping it up
So, should a patient with cancer jump on the essential-oil bandwagon? Possibly- if they want to. As with any chemical compound, whether natural or man-made, the patient should consult their oncologist to ensure that there is not any anticipated bad outcome if they begin an aromatherapy regimen. Oils have many different uses and for the most part side effects are rare and mild. Essential oils can provide an excellent complementary tool in the toolbox while a person is receiving cancer care.
References
Mount Sinai Health System [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 27]. Aromatherapy information | Mount Sinai - New York. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/aromatherapy
Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 27]. 11 essential oils: their benefits and how to use them. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them
Johnson JR, Rivard RL, Griffin KH, Kolste AK, Joswiak D, Kinney ME, et al. The effectiveness of nurse-delivered aromatherapy in an acute care setting. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Apr;25:164–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062964/
Cheng H, Lin L, Wang S, Zhang Y, Liu T, Yuan Y, et al. Aromatherapy with single essential oils can significantly improve the sleep quality of cancer patients: a meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies [Internet]. 2022 Jul 14 [cited 2024 Oct 29];22:187. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9284915/
How aromatherapy with essential oils may help patients with cancer | oncology nursing society [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 29]. Available from: https://www.ons.org/publications-research/voice/news-views/how-aromatherapy-essential-oils-may-help-patients-cancer
