Essential oils and Herbs used for cancer –2023 Guide

I plan to add to this page as I find herbs and foods that help if you or a friend have received a cancer diagnosis.

Some of the most popular essential oils used for supportive care in cancer include:

• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Marjoram
• Ylang ylang
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Frankincense

And of course, you need to apply them to the skin in a diluted form, in a gel, cream, balm or oil.

If you find essential oils too strong in scent, then consider using hydrosols instead. Hydrosol contains four constituents; geraniol was the major compound (30.74%) followed by citronellal (29.44%), phenyl ethyl alcohol (23.74%), and nerol (16.12%) (9, 35).  These are beneficial for your skin and mood.

Many major diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s have been linked to chronic inflammation.

antioxidant foods for cancer

Choose the right anti-inflammatory foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.

If you’re looking for an eating plan that closely follows the rules of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils or consult a nutritionist that can work out specific anti-inflammatory meal plans. You can also get your levels of inflammatory markers tested, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF).

Let’s look at just a handful of anti-inflammatory foods you should have in your diet:

• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries) contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that fights inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and NF-kB which drive inflammation.
• Chili peppers and bell peppers are rich in quercetin, sinapic acid, ferulic acid and other antioxidants with strong anti-inflammatory effects.
• Grapes contain anthocyanins and resveratrol – compounds that reduce inflammation.
• Cherries are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and catechins, which fight inflammation.
• Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium and lycopene, an antioxidant with impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Lycopene may be particularly beneficial for reducing pro-inflammatory compounds related to several types of cancer.
• Dark Chocolate and Cocoa contains flavanols that have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant that has been compared to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
• Turmeric boasts a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Eating black pepper with turmeric can significantly enhance the absorption of curcumin.
• Mushrooms contain phenols and other antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory protection (best to eat them raw or lightly cooked).
• Green tea’s high EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) content reduces inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and damage to the fatty acids in your cells.
• Fatty fish  (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies) are a great source of protein and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Your body metabolizes these fatty acids into compounds called resolvins and protectins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. In clinical studies, people consuming salmon or EPA and DHA supplements had decreases in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
• Avocados are packed with potassium, magnesium, fibre and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain carotenoids and tocopherols, which are linked to reduced cancer risk.

An anti-inflammatory diet isn’t just about what you eat, but what you don’t eat. Foods high in salt, saturated fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates should be limited or avoided.

Chronic inflammation throughout the body can also contribute to increased intestinal permeability (the so-called leaky gut syndrome). When the gut is “leaky” and bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, it can cause widespread inflammation and possibly trigger a reaction from the immune system.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates

Anti-cancer herbs

Anti-cancer herbs used in Traditional Islamic Medicine to treat the accumulation of ‘black bile’ -: