Can Essential Oils Help Treat Cancer?
Apr 21st 2021
Posted by Stephanie Chambers
by Dr Christoph Streicher, Ph.D. and Stephanie Chambers
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not be the only way to kill cancer cells. Essential Oils appear to be able to do this, at least under laboratory conditions and in certain concentrations. These findings raise interesting possibilities for further research, though many more studies, including clinical trials, are needed.*
A study by researchers from China and Germany1 on the antibacterial effects of ten Essential Oils and in vitro toxicology against three human cancer cells was published in the Molecules Journal.*
The Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae) Essential Oil exhibited the strongest ability to reduce the three human cancer cells (i.e. PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7). The other Essential Oils - Mint (Mentha spicata L., Lamiaceae), Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc., Zingiberaceae), Lemon (Citrus limon Burm.f., Rutaceae), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf., Rutaceae), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflora L., Oleaceae), Lavender (Mill., Lamiaceae), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L., Compositae), Rose (Rosa damascena Mill., Rosaceae) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum N. Lauraceae) had a lesser effect effect.*
Overall, the ten Essential Oils appeared to have a significantly stronger ability to reduce prostate carcinoma cells (PC-3) than they do on lung carcinomas (A549) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7).* However, this study is based on in lab testing, specifically in vitro, meaning human cells were directly tested instead of cancer within a human. Many substances kill cancer cells in vitro, but are not safe or lose their effectiveness once they are introduced into an actual human body. While the results are encouraging, we look forward to seeing the clinical trials of these Essential Oils in the treatment of cancers of various types.*
Sources:
1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657472
Disclaimer: *The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.
Original Published: 2015-03-18 / Last Modified: 2025-6-4