Hello! Thanking you in advance for your time…I have a question regarding something that I read about peppermint and eucalyptus oils increasing the skins absorption of 5-fluorouracil, an anti-cancer drug. The study cited was Abdullah et al 1996, Williams & Barry, 1989. I am unable to find that particular study and wondered if you have any input as to the validity of this statement. If this is indeed true…do you have any special recommendations for those with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy or for those taking cancer relapse prevention drugs?
With great regard, Tiffany
Hi Tiffany,
A number of essential oils enhance the transcutaneous penetration of other substances. This is a widely-studied phenomenon, and research is ongoing. It happens because some essential oil constituents are very good at crossing the epidermis. In a 1991 paper, Williams and Barry found that 1,8-cineole, the major constituent of eucalyptus oil, enhanced the skin permeability of 5-FU by an incredible 95 times.
5-FU is only applied to the skin to treat skin cancers. In those situations, it would be prudent to avoid applying any essential oils or aromatherapy products to the same area of skin. When 5-FU is given intravenously (for internal tumors) applying essential oils to the skin will have no effect. Similarly, ingested essential oils will not affect the dermal delivery of 5-FU, or any other substance.
-Robert
I would really appreciate more information on using oils for those who are undergoing cancer/chemotherapy treatments eg what particular oils suit certain cancers; how many drops to use in capsules to be taken internally (eg frankinsence and/or oregano come to mind) and any precautions to be aware of. Thanks for all the help you give us!!!
Rosalie, this is a very important question, and one I cannot do justice to in a few sentences. I have a close relative who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and we have had long conversations about essential oils and herbs. She is currently seeing a Chinese Medical Herbalist, and is finding this very helpful. There is a difference between using oils to mitigate the effects of radiation or chemo, and using them to help prevent disease recurrence. Some of the most helpful oils for mitigating side-effects might be the antioxidant ones, such as oregano, thyme and clove, and there is research showing that some oils can help prevent the loss of white blood cells during chemo. When I discussed this with my relative’s oncologist, he was concerned about possible interactions, and wanted to see evidence that this would not happen. There is very little evidence of this, and of course there are many drugs and combinations used in chemotherapy. We might be able to show that a particular oil works well with cyclophosphamide, or 5-FU, or epirubicin, but what about all three together? The advice often heard is not to use antioxidant herbs or oils that may protect normal body cells from damage, because they may also protect the cancer cells that the chemo or radiation is trying to eliminate. It is certainly a concern, and it might be best to wait until that phase of treatment is over, before using essential oils.
I am so pleased that essential oils and cancer treatments are being discussed. I have been using Aromatherapy for nearly 20years now and in the past 4 years my client population is mainly oncology patients. Working in the hospital I am not currently permitted to use the oils but I do in my private practice. I have never prescribed internal use of oils and probably never will. I use the oils topically and for inhalation purposes to SUPPORT the patient through their journey from diagnosis onwards. Even after completion of treatments many patients experience long term physical, mental and emotional side effects. I choose oils to mitigate the side effects and each week I see my patients they have a different concern which I address and the dilutions are very low. So far I have not had a patient with any adverse reactions to using essential oils and in fact aromatherapy is a highlight of their week if they have been experiencing a bad time with their treatments. I hope this small amount of input helps
Hello Robert, I am using my French aromatherapy product Altearah Bio in my holistic spa Spadunya Club located in Dubai. I have a spa guest who has suffered from recurring cancer for the last fifteen years. She has been using the above product regularly via massage at the spa and inhaling the scents and has in her own words “never felt better”. She has also used it immediately after a chemotherapy session in spite of my advising against it. She strongly believes she has never felt better and links it to this product and the expertise of her therapist.
Needless to say my healthy clients are feeling healthier and better. I am loving this journey. I am new in this industry and am learning every day. I would love to attend one of your training sessions. I think we met in a professional show in Dubai a number of years ago. Best regards