Although skin cancer is one of the more common cancer types in the United States, it also has some of the best prognosis. You may wonder is melanoma treatable? In fact, melanoma and other types of skin cancer are highly treatable, especially when caught early. There is a wide range of skin cancer treatments available that are designed to remove skin tumors and prevent their growth into nearby tissue. New studies suggest that using essential oils may be an effective skin cancer natural treatment. Keep reading to find out more information on treating skin cancer with essential oils.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer refers to any cancer that originates in the cells within the skin. The most common skin cancer types include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell cancer. Skin cancer is characterized by the unregulated, abnormal growth of cells, forming into masses or lesions known as tumors on a cancer patient. These skin tumors are typically what help in identifying skin cancer as they are the first signs of melanoma or other types of skin cancer.
It should be noted that not all skin cancers are malignant. Moles and warts are forms of benign skin cancer, meaning that they will not spread to healthy tissue or grow at a rate that is too slow to result in metastasis for a cancer patient. However, moles can potentially become malignant over a long period of time. Examine your moles for any changes and consider seeing your doctor if you are concerned and aren’t sure if you have a wart or skin cancer.
What Are Traditional Skin Cancer Treatment Methods?
The three most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell sarcoma, and actinic keratosis. As long as the cancer has not spread, most skin cancer treatment will consist of some form of surgery. If the cancer has spread or could not be removed through surgery, doctors may recommend a more aggressive form of cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation.
While both chemotherapy and radiation are often used as an aggressive and effective form of cancer treatment, it can often lead to a number of both short-term and long-term side effects. Before committing to an invasive cancer therapy like chemotherapy or radiation, a cancer patient should consider more natural approaches.
At Immunity Therapy Center, we believe there are many essential oils for skin cancer that can help slow down and stop the growth of cancer cells. Below, we’ll be highlighting a few of our favorite natural remedy options for skin cancer.
Essential Oils for Health and Wellness
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. Dating back to ancient Egypt, early healers would use plant extracts to create a form of aromatherapy. However, ancient Egypt wasn’t the only part of the world that was taking advantage of the medicinal benefits of essential oils. China and India were both experimenting with the medicinal benefits of plants, which has since become an integral component of Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
While aromatherapy has been used throughout history, it’s proven health benefits have made it a holistic and natural supplement that is still growing in popularity today. In today’s changing landscape, many patients are now looking for more natural forms of wellness supplements and treatment. Now aromatherapy is viewed by many as a natural alternative to many harmful drugs and chemicals that are often used to treat common health problems.
Frankincense Oil for Skin Cancer
Studies on essential oils for skin cancer are ongoing, but one of the most widely studied essential oils is frankincense oil. Frankincense extract comes from the sap of trees in the Boswellia genus. The main active component in frankincense essential oil is boswellic acid, which possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies on frankincense oil and its effects on bladder cancer found that the essential oil presented potential anti-tumor activity and activated multiple cell signaling pathways that triggered bladder cancer cell death. Results suggest that, along with its potential to suppress cancer cell viability, frankincense oil may actually be able to distinguish between healthy tissue and cancerous tissue.
A similar study on breast cancer cells found that frankincense extract oil may effectively induce breast cancer cell death. The essential oil may also suppress the growth and aggressiveness of tumors and disrupt the development of new cancer cells.
If you do decide to use frankincense oil, do not apply it undiluted to your skin tumors or lesions. The topical application of undiluted frankincense essential oil can cause skin irritation, inflammation, or burning sensations. Instead, dilute a drop of frankincense oil in a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil, which may help to reduce any adverse skin reactions. Using this essential oil blend can be a great natural remedy for skin cancer, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Other Essential Oils
Studies on other essential oils remain limited, but some essential oils good for skin cancer may include:
- Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Sandalwood Oil
Aromatherapy for Skin Cancer
Along with topical application, an essential oil blend can provide potential treatment via aromatherapy. While frankincense oil may imbue its anti-tumor and cancer-suppressing effects through aromatherapy, most forms of aromatherapy are designed for supportive treatment, usually to enhance comfort and reduce symptoms from other forms of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy. Using aromatherapy along with other treatments may help to enhance mood, improve wellbeing, and reduce feelings of:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Physical fatigue and tiredness
Some aromatherapy experts also believe that inhaling essential oils may help to lessen nausea and vomiting. Some of the ways that aromatherapy can be applied are via:
- Massage
- Beauty products
- Oil diffusers
- Aroma sticks
It should be noted that most studies involving aromatherapy with essential oils focus on its effects on mood, sleep, infection control, and general quality of life. Specific effects on skin cancer or tumors still require further study.
Holistic Cancer Treatment: Pursuing Natural Alternatives
While the use of essential oils for skin cancer still requires more research, initial studies, particularly those involving frankincense essential oils, show some promising evidence for frankincense as a natural remedy for skin cancer. At Immunity Therapy Center, we look at the bigger picture and believe in fighting your skin cancer in a number of ways. Diet, alternative cancer treatments, and unique attention to your specific cancer all play a part in our treatment program. We’re strong supporters of pursuing natural alternatives for different types of cancer because conventional treatments, like chemotherapy, don’t have to be your only option. Your health and well-being are the most important and we know that big hospitals have to follow regulations that aren’t necessarily in the patient’s best interest. This is why we believe in integrating natural therapies that are custom to you. If you do want to try essential oils for your cancer, just make sure to dilute them and consult your doctor for more information.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/frankincense-and-cancer
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664784/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22171782
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/all-you-need-know-about-essential-oils-for-cancer/
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/aromatherapy
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.