Essential oils, short for quintessential oils, are highly-concentrated, aromatic liquids that are distilled with either water or steam from the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, or bark of a plant. The quintessential oil derived its name from the fifth Aristotelian element, æther; Aristotle believed that it was made up of heavenly bodies. As this element became extremely popular with medieval alchemists, they renamed it quintessence. They then sought to isolate quintessence and integrate it into their work. Because of its heavenly characteristics, alchemists believed that its intake would rid the body of any illness or uncleanliness. Since then, essential oils have been used for a plethora of reasons, including combating diseases, one of which is breast cancer.
Skin care professionals may be acquainted with the many benefits that essential oils have on the skin. These oils are being used for acne, wrinkles, rosacea, and scars. For example, tea tree oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for clients suffering from acne and dandruff. Jojoba oil is often used for lessening the appearance of wrinkles as it is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants and keeps the skin moisturized. Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for clients with rosacea or other conditions that irritate the skin. Dilo oil is rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, which can plump the skin and reduce fine lines. Essential oils are even great for clients with oily skin, as most oils do not clog pores, are lightweight, and easily absorbed. Some of them, such as grapeseed oil, can help regulate sebum production. There are endless essential oils that can be utilized by professionals for a number of client concerns.
Most skin care professionals are likely familiar with essential oils being used in the spa for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is defined as “the art and science of using essential oils derived from plants, flowers, fruits, seeds, and woods for the health and wellness of the body, mind, and spirit.”1 When essential oils are inhaled, they have a drastic effect on emotions. They can provide a calming, soothing, and elevating effect on the spirit. This is made possible due to the effect the smell has on the limbic region of the brain. Odors encourage the discharge of neuropeptides such as hormones, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals are known to reduce stress and pain and even alleviate symptoms of depression. When the neuropeptides are released, they are then received by the amygdala and hippocampus. These components of the brain primarily deal with emotions. The brain’s response to smell makes aromatherapy an incredibly popular spa and massage treatment.
Essential oils have recently been connected to fighting breast cancer. Current studies have shown that some oils possess the ability to kill breast cancer cells. One study tested four oils’ antibacterial potency, as well as its in vitro toxicology against human cancer cell lines, particularly the MCF-7 breast cancer cells.2 This study found that at a concentration of about 0.2%, the tested oils were relatively effective at inhibiting breast cancer cells. Chamomile oil killed 93 percent of the cancer cells in vitro, while thyme oil killed 97 percent of the breast cancer cells. However, it is important to note that this study was conducted in vitro, or in a petri dish. Therefore, the cancer cells were removed from their true biological domain, the body.
Specifically, scientists have observed a very strong link between frankincense and anti-cancer properties. Active agents in frankincense have been shown to encourage cancer cells to self-destruct. Immunologist Mahmoud Suhail stated, ”cancer starts when the DNA code within the cell's nucleus becomes corrupted. It seems frankincense has a re-set function. It can tell the cell what the right DNA code should be.” He also stated that ”frankincense separates the 'brain' of the cancerous cell (the nucleus) from the 'body' (the cytoplasm), and closes down the nucleus to stop it reproducing corrupted DNA codes.”3 A 2013 study by researchers at the University of Leicester indicated that frankincense contains a compound, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, that targets cancer cells. According to researchers at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, frankincense “helps regulate the cellular epigenetic machinery, which highlights its ability to influence genes to promote healing.”4 As a result, they believe that it may be effective for both cancer prevention and treatment.
Researchers have also identified chamomile oil as a breast cancer-fighting essential oil. One of chamomile’s main active ingredients is apigenin, which may inhibit the lifespan and spread of breast cancer cells.5 Studies have recently shown that medicinal chamomile extracts have little effect on normal cells but have a significant effect on inhibiting many human cancer cell lines. The positive effects of this oil has been shown in breast, skin, prostate, and ovarian cancer. One study also found that chamomile essential oil is able to inhibit cell mutation by 60 to 75 percent.
While essential oils have numerous health benefits, there are a number of contraindications of which skin care professionals should be aware. Due to the oil’s high concentrations, professionals should pay attention to the dose and dilution of the oil they are working with. Furthermore, clients may be at risk for allergic reactions, due to the chemical compounds of certain oils. For example, oils rich in aldehydes and phenols are more likely to cause a skin reaction. Professionals should also perform a patch test and dilute the oil accordingly. Caution should also be used with essential oils that are irritating to mucous membrane, including the lining of the digestive, respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, as they can have a drying effect. Attention should always be paid to any oils being used on clients with health conditions such as pregnancy, stroke, and high blood pressure.
References:
1 Harrison, J. (2008). Aromatherapy: Therapeutic use of essential oils for esthetics. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning Inc.
2 Barrett, M. (2014, November 29). Study Finds Thyme Oil Destroys 97% of Breast Cancer Cells: Natural ani-cancer solution.
3 Suhail, M. M., Wu, W., Cao, A., Mondalek, F. G., & Lin, H. K. (2011). Boswellia sacra essential oil induces tumor cell-specific apoptosis and suppresses tumor aggressiveness in cultured human breast cancer cells. Biomed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011(11), 129. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-129
4 Bollinger, T. (n.d.). Essential Oils, Aromatherapy & Cancer.
5 Cars to Cure Breast Cancer. (2015, January 23). Can Chamomile Essential Oil Kill Breast Cancer Cells?
Essential Science Publishing. (1999). PDR for essential oils. Essential Science Pub.
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. (n.d.). Aromatherapy Safety Information.
Nature's Gift. (n.d.). Essential Oils with Effects in Skin Care.
The Alternative Daily. (2015, May). 5 Herbal Essential Oils That Are Proven to Kill Cancer Cells.
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