Essential oils are widely known for their therapeutic properties, but did you know that they can also be used to prevent and treat skin cancer? This article explores the various benefits of essential oils for skin cancer prevention and treatment, including their antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. We will also look at the potential side effects of using essential oils and discuss the best ways to safely use them for skin cancer prevention and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of using essential oils for skin cancer prevention and treatment.

What essential oils are effective in treating skin cancer?

Essential oils have not been proven to be effective in treating skin cancer. However, some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and frankincense oil, may have anti-cancer properties and could be beneficial in preventing skin cancer. Additionally, they may help to reduce inflammation, irritation, and pain associated with skin cancer.

How should essential oils be applied to the skin to treat skin cancer?

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to treat skin cancer, but they should be used with caution. It is important to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, as some oils can be irritating. The oil should be applied directly to the affected area or nearby lymph nodes twice a day in a very thin layer. It is best to consult a doctor before using essential oils to treat skin cancer.

What other treatments should be used in conjunction with essential oils for skin cancer?

Essential oils are not a standalone treatment for skin cancer and should be used in conjunction with other treatments recommended by a medical professional. Additional treatments may include cryotherapy, surgical removal, radiation therapy, topical creams, and photodynamic therapy. It is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

Are there any side effects of using essential oils to treat skin cancer?

Yes, there can be side effects of using essential oils to treat skin cancer. These include skin irritation, burning sensation, redness, and rash. It is important to make sure that the essential oil being used is of high quality, and diluted properly before use. Consulting with a healthcare professional is also recommended to make sure that the essential oil being used is safe and not causing any further irritation.

Does using CBD oil alongside essential oils help to treat skin cancer?

No, essential oils alone will not be enough to treat skin cancer. However, essential oils can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as CBD oil, to help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of the skin. CBD oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce the growth of cancer cells and promote healthy skin.

Although the majority of patients with skin cancer undergo conventional treatment under the direction of a dermatologist, some patients will instead use alternative botanical treatments exclusively. Janet Y. Li, MD, and Jeremy T. Li and Kampp reviewed several herbal supplements for skin cancer, in addition to providing background information on each of them. Bloodroot and zinc chloride, the primary ingredients in black salve, cause localized tissue necrosis. Sanguinarine, which is the active ingredient in bloodroot, has been shown in mouse models to induce apoptosis and cytotoxicity in melanoma cells, but no clinical trials have studied its efficacy and safety. However, there are many case reports of serious adverse effects from black salve skin cancer therapy. Of the published case reports on black salve treatment of basal cell carcinoma BCC , squamous cell carcinoma SCC , and melanoma lesions in 13 patients, 8 BCC lesions and 1 SCC lesion attained a complete response 6 were biopsy proven. Almost all patients experienced serious side effects, such as pain, ulceration, and scarring. Rating Given the inconsistent evidence and the severity of adverse effects, black salve scored a D recommendation. These glycosides are derived from the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant. They attach to the surface of cancer cells, but not normal tissue, and initiate apoptosis. Creams containing solasodine rhamnosyl glycosides are licensed in Australia and the U. No serious adverse effects were reported. Rating Solasodine glycosides, because of the inconsistent results associated with them, scored a D recommendation. Derived from the Boswellia tree, frankincense contains boswellic acid, which induces apoptosis, as shown in animal studies. In humans, only 1 case study, in a middle-aged man with 2 BCC lesions, was reported in the current literature review. Treatment-associated allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. Rating Because only 1 case study could be found, frankincense received a D recommendation. Cannabinoids have shown melanoma and nonmelanoma antitumor effects in preclinical studies of mouse and human melanoma cell lines. Among the results, synthetic cannabinoids lead to apoptosis, impaired angiogenesis, and inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as decreased adhesion of melanoma cells to brain endothelial cells and impaired transendothelial migration of melanoma cells. Tetrahydrocannabinol THC was shown to induce apoptosis in melanoma cells and decrease cell viability, and also demonstrated decreased melanoma cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Rating Various brands of cannabis oil are promoted to heal a wide array of medical diseases, from multiple sclerosis to depression, but there are no clinical trials to support any claims. This dearth of clinical evidence therefore earned topical use of cannabinoids a D recommendation. In the only skin cancer study thus far, use of black raspberry extract after ultraviolet B exposure reduced the number and size of skin cancer tumors in mice. However, no clinical trials in humans have been conducted, and no adverse effects associated with black raspberry have been reported. Silibinin, a flavonoid isolated from milk thistle seed, induces apoptosis in mouse BCC cell lines and inhibits BCC tumor growth in mice. Even though milk thistle or its active compounds have been reported as skin cancer therapy, no clinical trials in humans have been conducted. No adverse effects associated with topical milk thistle have been reported. Rating As with several of the other skin cancer herbals evaluated, Drs. Li and Kampp found no clinical evidence of the effectiveness of milk thistle or its active compounds. It, too, gets a D recommendation. Hypericin is an active ingredient in St. One pilot study conducted in 34 patients showed, after weekly treatment with St. However, no RCTs have studied the efficacy or safety of St. Rating The jury is still out due to inconclusive evidence of efficacy. Therefore, topical use of St. Curcumin, a derivative of turmeric, induces apoptosis and inhibits in vitro melanoma cell migration and invasion in preclinical studies. However, no clinical studies show that curcumin is efficacious in treating nonmelanoma skin cancer. Allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and pruritus have been reported with the use of topical turmeric. Rating Another D recommendation, again thanks to the lack of clinical evidence. So why do patients continue to purchase them? It is important for physicians to be aware of these alternative therapies and to maintain an open dialog with patients. Sign Up. Career Center. This content was created by Everyday Health Media on behalf of an advertiser. More Information. Content on this page was created by the Everyday Health Media team and is funded by an advertiser. The advertiser may select the specialty area but does not edit or approve the content.