The use of essential oils as a form of alternative treatment has increased in popularity over the past few years. One of the essential oils that has been gaining attention is frankincense oil, which has been found to have possible anti-cancer effects. In this article, we will review the current research on frankincense oil and its potential as a cancer treatment. We will discuss the different studies that have been conducted, their results, and the possible implications of these findings. We will also discuss the potential risks of using frankincense oil as a cancer treatment, as well as the current regulatory status of the oil.
What types of cancer can be treated with frankincense oil?
Frankincense oil has been found to have cancer-fighting properties and can be used to treat several types of cancer. Studies have found that frankincense oil can be beneficial in treating breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. It has also been used to treat brain tumors and skin cancers such as melanoma.
What evidence is there that frankincense oil can be used to treat cancer?
There is scientific evidence that suggests frankincense oil can be used to treat certain forms of cancer. Studies have shown that frankincense oil has the ability to kill cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and reduce tumor size. It has also been found to be effective in the treatment of colorectal, breast and skin cancers.
Are there any potential side effects associated with frankincense oil treatment?
Yes, there are potential side effects associated with frankincense oil treatment for cancer. These can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation. It is important to discuss any potential risks and side effects with your doctor before using frankincense oil for cancer treatment.
How often should frankincense oil be used for cancer treatment?
Frankincense oil is not a replacement for traditional cancer treatments, but it may be used as a complementary treatment. It is suggested that frankincense oil be used on a daily basis, either in a diffuser or topically, for best results. Always consult with a doctor before beginning any natural treatment for cancer.
Are there any other essential oils that can be used in conjunction with frankincense oil for cancer treatment?
Yes, there are a number of other essential oils that can be used in conjunction with frankincense oil for cancer treatment. Some of these include lavender oil, myrrh oil, chamomile oil, lemon oil, and sandalwood oil. These oils can be used in massage therapy, aromatherapy, and topical application. It is important to consult a qualified aromatherapist or doctor before using any of these oils in conjunction with frankincense oil for cancer treatment.
I read online that frankincense oil can cure cancer. Is there any truth to this? A small number of laboratory studies have suggested that frankincense oil may contain some properties that affect cancer cells, but there is no evidence yet that it can treat or prevent cancer in humans. Of a handful of in vitro studies involving cancer cells in a petri dish and a study with mice, some have reported that the frankincense extract or oil they tested stopped cancer cells from growing or caused apoptosis cancer cell suicide. However, the bioactive compound and how it works on cancer cells are not clear. What has been tested is not the frankincense essential oil you buy from a health food store, but the plant resin or gum produced by the boswellia tree, which has been used in traditional medicine in many African and Arabian countries with reported anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. Studies to date have used extracts or oil from the gum of different species of boswellia gum resins are different depending on the geographical conditions where the tree is grown , in different concentrations and with different types of cancer cells including bladder , breast , bowel , liver , ovarian and pancreas. Much more research, including clinical studies in humans, is necessary to work out if frankincense oil can be used as a cancer therapy in humans. Studies are being carried out on the diet, including with cancer patients, however to date there is no conclusive evidence of the benefits or potential risks. For people having cancer treatment , fasting can put you at risk of not getting enough important nutrients at a time when your body needs plenty of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to help cope with treatment. Go to cancer. Share this. Read more.
Research suggests that as many as 60 percent of people being treated for cancer use complementary therapies to supplement their care, notes Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. One complementary therapy that has become increasingly popular is essential oils. Most of the research on oils points to their role as a supportive therapy in cancer care for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and insomnia , per a paper published SeptemberOctober by the Associate of Community Cancer Centers. Sometimes, particularly in hospitals specifically focused on cancer care, experts in integrative medicine, such as aromatherapists, will be available to help you select the oils that you might want to try. If not, you can consult an aromatherapist on your own to help you understand how different oils should be used, notes Cancer Research UK. While essential oils may offer some benefits for people with cancer , there are many factors to consider before giving them a try. Essential oils are concentrated extracts of flowers, roots, leaves, stems, seeds, resin, bark, or fruit rinds. There are more than essential oils available, and they can be purchased at most health food stores. To date, there are no scientific studies showing that aromatherapy can cure or prevent cancer. Most of the research showing promising results has been done in vitro, meaning that the essential oil was found to affect cancer cells in a petri dish. For example, results of a study published in October in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine suggested that breast cancer cells may stop growing and die off when exposed to frankincense oil. In a paper published in in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine , scientists looked at the role of essential oils in various laboratory studies. Most of the human studies on essential oils for cancer focus on helping improve quality of life, anxiety, symptoms, and side effects of treatment. Kiefer says. In a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Palliative Medicine , researchers compared the effects of standard massage and aromatherapy massage in cancer patients. Those who received the aromatherapy massage with a Roman chamomile essential oil reported a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and an improvement in symptoms. A study published in June in Complementary Therapies in Medicine , examined the effects of inhaled ginger essential oil in women with breast cancer who experienced chemo-induced nausea and vomiting. Results showed the aromatherapy did not result in a statistically significant reduction in nausea and vomiting. In another trial, published in Palliative Medicine , cancer patients who completed six aromatherapy sessions reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Still, other studies have shown no benefits of aromatherapy. More research is needed to determine just how effective this approach is for helping people with cancer cope with the symptoms they experience. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so you should always dilute them before rubbing them on your skin.