Aromatherapy in Chemotherapy

We view every moment we can touch plants, smell them, and feel their energy around us as an opportunity to connect more deeply with Mother Nature. Essential oils and carrier oils, which are hundreds of times more concentrated than the plant itself, can be used as a support and complement in treatments and post-illness care. During chemotherapy treatment, it is essential to eliminate synthetic and chemical products from our lives, to return to nature and support the healing process, body-mind-soul health, and, above all, quality of life. We have prepared for you an article that explains how aromatherapy can be integrated into everyday life during and after chemotherapy and how we can benefit from the power of plants. Cleansing the body of synthetic substances is extremely important for each of us, which is why we hope that everyone can benefit from this guide.

• Oral lesions

One of the biggest problems that affect daily life during treatment is oral lesions. In aromatherapy, essential oils, carrier oils, and herbal waters can help relieve oral lesions caused by treatment. In the morning, we recommend “oil pulling” with cold-pressed coconut oil, an Ayurvedic detox, followed by rinsing your mouth with herbal water or natural oral hygiene solutions. Practiced for thousands of years, “oil pulling” involves swirling a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 6–20 minutes before consuming liquids, cleansing away harmful bacteria that have accumulated overnight. Cold-pressed coconut oil helps with both gum health and bad breath, as well as oral Candida infections, which are common during chemotherapy (1). Chamomile water can reduce pain and inflammation. For a cooling effect, ice cubes can be made from chamomile water. Clove essential oil is effective against radiation-induced oral mucositis (2) and can be used in commercial mouthwashes or prepared at home by adding 2 drops of clove essential oil to 100 ml of chamomile water.

• Dry skin

Cold-pressed carrier oils form a layer that retains water in the skin, keeping its surface soft. Cold-pressed sweet almond, coconut and sesame oils can be safely used during treatment, helping to hydrate, nourish and regenerate.

• Nausea and vomiting

For nausea during treatment, ginger and peppermint essential oils or aromatherapy products containing them are very helpful (3), (4), (5). These oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or applied to a tissue to keep on hand. You can prepare a mixture of 10 ml of cold-pressed jojoba oil, 9 drops of peppermint oil, and 1 drop of ginger oil, which is applied to the wrists, near the nose, behind the ears, and temples.

• Hair loss

For hair loss, which is common during chemotherapy, it is recommended to mix rosemary and cedarwood essential oils with nourishing base oils such as coconut, argan and sweet almond. Prepare a 100 ml care oil by adding 10 drops of rosemary and 10 drops of cedarwood, which is massaged into the scalp daily for 30–60 minutes and then rinsed with aromatherapy shampoo.

• Post-surgical scars

For post-operative scars, St. John's wort oil can be used for regeneration and arnica oil for bruise relief. People who have had radiotherapy should avoid St. John's wort oil due to the risk of phototoxicity, using cold-pressed sesame oil instead.

• Radiotherapy

Before and after radiation therapy, applying Aloe Vera gel and cold-pressed coconut, sesame, jojoba, or calendula oils to the skin can reduce side effects and improve quality of life.

• Anxiety and depression

During treatment, in addition to the body, the mind and soul also face uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Essential oils can support the immune system and provide emotional balance. Lavender essential oil helps reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep, while rose and yarrow oils bring the energy of nature into everyday life. Citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin and orange stimulate energy and vitality. In aromatherapy, 2–3 drops per 10 m² can be added to the water in the aroma lamp. Studies have shown that essential oils used in massages can reduce pain and improve quality of life (7).

• Conclusion

Aromatherapy supports the balance of mind-body-soul, reduces fears and maintains vital energy. Using natural products instead of synthetic ones, such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste or deodorant, protects both the body and the environment. Aromatherapy can be used at any stage of treatment to alleviate side effects and support healing. May the energy and healing power of nature always be with us.

reference

1. Bergsson, G. et al., 2001. In Vitro Killing of Candida albicans by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 45(11), pp.3209-3212.

2. Kong, M. et al., 2016. The effect of clove-based herbal mouthwash on radiation-induced oral mucositis. OncoTargets and Therapy, 9, pp. 4533-4538.

3. Efe Ertürk, N., Taşcı, S., 2021. Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea in Cancer Patients. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 56, p.102587.

4. Arslan, M., Özdemir, L., 2015. Methods used in management of nausea during chemotherapy. Turkish Oncology Journal, 30(2), pp.82-89.

5. Jafarimanesh, H. et al., 2020. Effect of Peppermint Extract on Nausea in Breast Cancer Patients. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 19, p.153473542096708.

6. Hosking, A. et al., 2018. Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 5(2), pp.72-89.

7. Ünali, E. et al., 2021. Breast Cancer and Aromatherapy. Lokman Hekim Journal, 11(1), pp.1-9.

8. Farahani, M. et al., 2019. Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 47, p.102169.

9. Reis, D., Jones, T., 2018. Frankincense Essential Oil as Supportive Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue. Holistic Nursing Practice, 32(3), pp.140-142.

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