Research has been performed throughout the world from New York City to Beijing on the beneficial effects of essential oils on cancer cells. There are a handful of oils that have been potentially proven to reduce or eliminate these cells altogether. However, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) only recognizes essential oils and aromatherapy to help manage the symptoms and side effects of treatment. They do not recognize them as a cure or prevention for cancer. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow medicinal treatment or prevention claims on essential oil labeling. Why is this?
"Mountains of evidence have to be collected before the FDA will allow human testing," stated Nicole Stevens, Scientific Advisory Board Member at DoTerra Essential Oils, in a personal communication dated August 13, 2009. "Most of the evidence to this point has been in cell culture models, some animal models and other laboratory systems. The evidence is very promising that the oils would have similar effects on humans but the actual clinical trials have yet to be done."
Existing Research on How Frankincense Oil and Geraniol Suppresses Cancer Cells
Frankincense Oil, also known as Olibanum (oil from Lebanon), is derived from the Boswellia Carteri tree, according to a Young Living Essential Oils product summary. There have been a number of studies performed with frankincense oil. Many of the research abstracts and full text articles can be found at PubMed Central, by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The following are some current studies on frankincense oil and geraniol:
- Ten researchers from Oklahoma recently completed a study on frankincense oil and cancer of the bladder. The study showed a positive reaction to human J82 cancer cells, including suppression. "Frankincese oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment," according to this study entitled "Frankincense Oil Derived from Boswellia Carteri Induces Tumor Cell Specific Cytotoxicity," published by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal on March 18, 2009.
- A study has been performed by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences entitled "Boswellic Acid Acetate Induces Differentiation and Apoptosis in Leukemia Cell Lines." The study concluded that "dual apoptotic and differentiation effects of BC-4 suggest that it may be a powerful agent in the treatment of leukemia."
- Geraniol is an essential oil compound found in nutmeg, basil, rosemary leaves, just to name a few, according to the Plant Metabolic Network (PMN) website. The Laboratory of Cancer Nutritional Prevention in Strasbourg, France has determined that the component "sensitizes colonic cancer cells to 5-FU treatment, by increasing the cytotoxicity of the drug. . . .," according to the study entitled "Geraniol, a Component of Plant Essential Oils, Sensitizes Human Colonic Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil Treatment", published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in 2002.
Other studies exist in relation to frankincense oil, geraniol and many other essential oils. They can be located at the PubMed link above. However, "the reason PubMed publications have to "'suggest'" that essential oils may be a powerful agent in fighting cancer is because there has not been very much work done using essential oils to treat cancer in humans," stated Ms. Stevens.
Testimonial Concerning Benefits of Oils on Two Cancer Survivors
Although at the moment no testimonials were received directly from cancer survivors, Dr. David Stewart of Young Living Essential Oils, experienced close contact to the essential oil regimens of two survivors. The first is a man he had met at the Young Living farm in Ecuador. The man was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years before coming to the farm. He received "frankincense and helichrysum oils intravenously almost daily, along with other herbal supplements. He began to see immediate improvement. His prostate gland shrank and the cancer disappeared in less than four months," stated Dr. Stewart in a personal communication dated July 29, 2009. The man has since passed away from a tropical virus.
The second case in point was with Dr. Stewart's mother-in-law, an 85-year-old woman who was given six months to live after being diagnosed with cancer of the lymphoma. "So we put her on an herbal tea that originated with the American Indians more than a hundred years. . . . Her color had returned along with her appetite and energy level. After two months, she was tested by two different doctors and there was no sign of cancer," stated Dr. Stewart. She lived another four years before passing away from old age. The herbs in the tea came from burdock root, slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb.
In addition, a number of survivors were mentioned by Dr. Gary Young at a Young Living conference held in Singapore on June 17th. However, requests for contact information on these people have gone unanswered at this time.
The Benefits of Essential Oils on Cancer Victims Should be Tested on Humans
Numerous research has been performed on the reaction of essential oils on cancer cells. The current research, including that mentioned above, shows evidence that oils have a positive effect on the health of patients. In spite of this research, more needs to be done to document studies on humans. Only then will essential oils be taken seriously.
Julie Maggiacomo Carrera - Julie's writing career began back in college in the 1990s. However, she considers herself a new writer since she has put this profession ...
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