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If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you’ll probably hear about alternative, supplemental, or complementary therapies at some point, if you haven’t already. These can include essential oils, cannabidiol (CBD) oil, vitamin D, and a wide variety of other options.
When it comes to any alternative treatment, you’ll want to talk to your doctor to make sure that it’s safe and effective before you begin. Additionally, you’ll need to learn how to use it for maximum effectiveness. If you’re thinking about using essential oils to manage lung cancer symptoms and keep your sense of well-being high, here’s what you should know.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. The compounds are found naturally in the leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, and stems of certain plants. Plants use their essential oils for many functions, including controlling infections, attracting or repelling insects and animals, and healing damage.
Essential oils are made by pressing or steaming plant parts to extract their fragrance-producing compounds. Different methods may be used to extract essential oils, each of which can result in a very different end product. They are referred to as “oils” because they contain the plant’s oil-soluble chemicals.
Essential oils have long been considered home remedies or natural remedies for many conditions. They aren’t a lung cancer treatment, although some people find relief from certain symptoms when they use the oils.
Information from the American Lung Association may caution you against inhaling essential oils if you have any concerns for your lungs. Using them this way is often called “aromatherapy,” which is common but may not be good for your lungs.
Essential oils can release substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs may cause irritation in your throat and lungs, as well as coughing and shortness of breath. Also, inhaling essential oils long-term can have additional negative effects on your heart and lungs. One study that followed 200 males and females for 10 years showed that inhaling essential oils correlated with higher blood pressure, higher heart rate, and lower lung capacity.
If you have questions about aromatherapy, talk to your oncology team before you do anything. They will help you understand the potential risks and benefits so you can make the best choice for your lung health.
There is no research showing that essential oils can treat cancer, destroy cancer cells, or shrink tumors. There is some evidence that essential oils can help with certain cancer symptoms or medication side effects. However, much of the available evidence is from very small studies. As always, talk to your cancer care team before you begin any new treatments.
Both lung cancer and lung cancer treatments can cause sleep difficulties. Some research indicates that certain essential oils may help people sleep better. Lavender oil has been found to help improve sleep when it’s inhaled. Valerian aromatherapy may also help with sleep.
Other types of oils may also help improve sleep in some people, including bergamot and ylang-ylang.
Many people with lung cancer also experience anxiety. In one study, 67 out of 180 people (around 37 percent) diagnosed with lung cancer also qualified for a diagnosis of anxiety.
Some types of essential oils may help alleviate symptoms of this anxiety, including:
More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of essential oils for reducing anxiety and to determine how they work to calm the nervous system. Note that these oils were all inhaled, so you may choose not to use them if you’re concerned about your overall lung function.
Inhaling essential oils may be something you don’t want to do when you have lung cancer. However, you can still apply them topically, on your skin.
The majority of essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil, before being applied to the skin.
The oil should make up no more than 3 percent to 5 percent of the topical solution. Depending on how much of the solution you’re making, this amount is usually only a few drops of essential oil per batch.
Once the essential oil is mixed into the carrier oil, the solution can be gently rubbed into the skin.
In addition to the risks specific to the lungs mentioned above, there are some more general risks associated with essential oils. You should also never swallow them unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Essential oils aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any United States government agency, so be careful when purchasing them. Some essential oils may be harvested incorrectly, and some manufacturers may not disclose all their ingredients. Some companies may claim that their products are “therapeutic grade,” but this claim is just a marketing term. It does not refer to the safety or efficacy of the oils.
The lack of regulation makes it difficult to ensure that you’re using high-quality oils that will give you the maximum effect. It also raises the risk that you’ll be exposed to something harmful mixed in with the oil. Before you purchase an oil, make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.
Some people may have side effects or allergic reactions to certain essential oils that are inhaled or applied topically. Reactions are more likely in people who have atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) or who have had reactions to topical products in the past. Although it’s possible to have a negative reaction to any essential oil, the following types of oils are more likely to cause adverse reactions:
If you’re looking to try essential oils for lung cancer, consult your health care provider first. The doctor will be able to offer medical advice and alert you to any potential adverse effects. If you have gotten the all clear from your doctor, there are initial steps you should take to prevent side effects.
Pure (undiluted) essential oils are highly concentrated. Diluting them in a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil may help prevent skin irritation or other adverse reactions.
As with any new topical product, it can be helpful to conduct a patch test to ensure you don’t have any unwanted reactions. The approach recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology is to apply a small amount to a spot of skin twice a day for seven to 10 days. If your skin doesn’t become discolored, itchy, or swollen, the product is likely safe to use.
MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 13,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.
Are you considering using essential oils to treat lung cancer? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
Madison Ragoonanan, Pharm.D.
obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Bradenton, Florida.
Learn more about her here.
Sarah Winfrey
is a writer at MyHealthTeam.
Learn more about her here.
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