Essential Oils and Breast Health

Almost twenty-five years ago I spotted a book at my local bookstore that caught my attention, it was on essential oils. I flipped through the pages quickly and said to myself, “hmmm, I think this is what I’ve been searching for.” I bought the book and the next morning sat down and do some reading, I quickly discovered it was precisely what I had been looking for!

Within a year I had attended my first class on essential oils, the topic was so fascinating that I had to learn more; I am so glad I found that book and continued learning and trying new ways of using essential oils for aromatherapy, household cleaning, air fresheners, and First Aid. Something that one of the gals in the class said peaked my interest further. She said, “I use the essential oils as a massage for breast health and over time I have noticed that my breasts feel much better.”

Knowing what I know today about essential oils I can very easily see how that gal in class said what she had and why she saw results. There has been so much science done on the efficacy of essential oils and scores of testimonials for all sorts of issues.

Please do keep in mind that beneficial results are not and never will be achieved with aromatherapy oils or cheap essential oils. You need to use what’s known as “therapeutic-grade” essential oils, Young Living has the best quality essential oils I have ever found. You might also like to know that only 2 percent of all essential oils in the world are of this superior quality and that Young Living makes up the largest portion of that 2 percent, you’re just not going to find this quality of essential oil in a health food store.

Noteworthy to All

This article is NOT intended to treat, diagnose, or prescribe. It is only intended for educational purposes only and for a better understanding of natural health.

7 Important Facts

I cannot stress these facts enough…

1. It is ALWAYS best to “PREVENT” illness and disease – do not wait until you are ill – TAKE ACTION WHILE YOU ARE WELL to help prevent illness.
2. It is ALWAYS cheaper and easier to prevent illness and disease.
3. Take RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HEALTH – be proactive!!!
4. Hold “Yourself” ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR HEALTH.
5. Do NOT wait until it is too late or after the fact.
6. Get the toxic household cleaners and personal care products out of your home; they ARE known to cause breast and other forms of cancer. See tips for far safer solutions below under “Related Articles.”
7. Read #1 over and over, it is the single most empowering and smartest behavior YOU can do for the quality of your life.

Here’s a story I want to share about essential oils and breast health by Vicki Opfer…

Using Essential Oils for Breast Health

When I joined Young Living I was not only skeptical about network marketing, I was also critical of it.  Today, I believe that network marketing offer us an opportunity unlike any that has been available in the history of mankind.

I have a story to tell you that will explain why I believe this to be true.  Some time ago, I had an opportunity to speak with a woman in Iowa, who is a chiropractor.  Dr. Peters told me that she had been concerned because of a family history of breast cancer.  She had gotten a mammogram, but felt, like I did, that mammograms may damage breast tissue.  So she found a doctor in California who offered thermal imaging of breasts, and flew to CA to have this done.  Unfortunately, the doctor found a number of “hot spots” and told her that he would want to re-examine her in 4 months.  She went back for a second visit, with the same results – a number of hot spots that the Dr. planned to monitor, and he asked that she come back again in 4 months.

Within a few weeks, Gary Young was in Iowa, speaking about the oils.  Gary presented research by Dr. Jamie Matta, which had also been presented at the annual Young Living convention, describing the combination of frankincense oil with other oils such as sandalwood, tsuga, and myrtle, which were documented as oils that may prevent cancer.

Dr. Peters bought these 4 oils.  Each day, morning and evening, she would put a few drops of the frankincense in her hand, and add one of the other three oils, and then apply this to her breasts.  She used the frankincense every day, and alternated in the other oils.  In four months, when she went back to California for her check up, the doctor did not find any significant hot spots in her breasts.  The doctor was amazed and wanted to know how this had happened.  I was asked to give him an introductory lecture by phone so that he would understand why this might have happened.

The doctor has considered doing a small research study with 30 women to see whether he can duplicate these results in other patients, and, if the results are good, doing a larger study with 300 women.

Isn’t that exciting?  Well, there’s something even more exciting to me!  While I am absolutely thrilled that the doctor will be validating the effects of the oils, I can begin to share this story with people today, and person to person, we can get this vital information out to as many people as possible – think of it!!!  What if we could even prevent 10% of the breast cancer cases that occur?  Wouldn’t that be wonderful?  That would make everything that we do worthwhile!!!    Now, THAT is the power of NETWORK MARKETING!!! ~ Vicki Opfer

Healthy Immunity and Anti-aging

During the past two decades, a number of clinical studies have shown a direct link between cancer, accelerated aging, and poor immune function. In particular, a key weapon in our nonspecific immunity called a “natural killer”cell is very adept at automatically destroying suspicious looking cancer cells without requiring “education” in the immune glands of the body (ie, thymus). [1-12]

A 2002 study at the University of Milan documented a direct link between stress and inflammation and lowered natural killer cell activity and poorer outcomes in cancer cases.[13]

An earlier study published in the International Journal of Cancer showed that animals with higher levels of NK(Natural Killer) activity were able to suppress metastatic cancer growth by up to 7-fold in comparison with normal mice.[14]

Researchers at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York also showed a link between low immunity (natural killer cell activity) and poor outcomes in cancer survival. After analyzing the survival data from 102 colorectal cancer patients, Tartter and Steinberg found that having a preoperative low NK cell function triggered a frightening jump in the danger of cancer recurrence.[15]

Similarly a 2002 Chiba University study on 140 patients with colorectal cancer found that lowered NK cell activity was linked to a 50% risk of cancer colonization and spread compared to patients with normal or better NK cell function. Lead researcher Keiji Koda, MD, stated, that “the patient’s own anticancer immunity, as well as the potent malignancy of the tumor, may play a role in the development of recurrence following curative surgery… preoperative natural killer (NK) cell activity was the only [variable] associated with distant metastasis following curative surgery for colorectal cancer.”[16]

Cancer is among the most complex and difficult to treat of any human disease. A patient that has been diagnosed with cancer should always defer to his/her physician for primary care. It is important to note that many natural therapies, especially those using essential oils, work best in the early stages of cancer. In fact, citrus oils, high in d-limonene, including orange, grapefruit, and tangerine, work better as cancer preventatives than cancer treatments, although they have been shown to have powerful anti-cancer properties on all stages of cancer.

A 1996 study at Charing Cross Hospital in London, UK, achieved close to a 15% remission rate in patients with advanced colon and breast cancer using doses from 1 to 15 grams of d-limonene from orange oil as their only treatment. In patients with only weeks or months to live, limonene treatment extended patients lives by up to 18 months in some cases.[17]

Determining Hormone Sensitivity

A number of human cancers are known as hormone sensitive cancers. In the case of women, hormone-receptor positive cancers require estrogen for growth; in the case men, hormone-receptor positive cancers require testosterone for growth.

In women, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, all can be either estrogen receptor negative or positive.

If a female has an estrogen receptor positive cancer, it is strongly recommended that she avoid all potentially estrogenic essential oils unless otherwise directed by a health care professional.

Some of these oils include: fennel, clary sage, melissa, lemongrass, lemon myrtle, and geranium.

Similarly, these patients should also avoid estrogenic types of foods such as: soy, and estrogenic-types of herbs such as American ginseng and black cohosh.

For men, it is not known at this time whether essential oils would negatively impact men with testosterone-receptor positive cancers (i.e., prostate). In these cases, a health care professional should be consulted before herbs such as saw palmetto and essential oils such as clary sage are used.

Immunity and Cancer

Enhancing immune function is a vital component of both traditional and complementary approaches to cancer. Typically, chemotherapy and radiation can drastically winnow down populations of T-cells and NK cells that are responsible for fighting tumor growth, and certain natural compounds can restore levels of these critical immune components.

Additionally, a heightened immune response during the earliest phases of cancer can have far greater effects than later on in the cancer cycle. It is important to note that immune stimulating products may not be suitable for all cancers, particularly patients with leukemia or non- Hodgkinís lymphoma, and for this reason these patients should be especially diligent in consulting their physician before use.

About Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is considered a holy anointing oil in the Middle East. It stimulates the hypothalamus to amplify immunity. Research at Ponce University shows that it inhibits breast cancer and enhances DNA repair. In ancient times, it was well-known for its healing powers, and was reportedly used to treat every conceivable ill. Considered a gift of the highest caliber during the time of Christ.

About Orange Essential Oil

Orange (Citrus sinensis) is very high in limonene, a supernutrient that has been studied extensively for its ability to prevent cellular mutations and reverse cancer. Over 50 peer-reviewed research papers have investigated limonene against a variety of cancers, including breast, lung, and colon.

Caution: All citrus oils are photosensitizing. Do NOT apply orange oil to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or ultra-violet light within 10-24 hours.

About Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is high in sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the pineal gland and the limbic region of the brain, the center of our emotions. Listed in Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica (A.D. 78), Europe’s first authoritative guide to medicines, that became the standard reference work for herbal treatments for over 1,700 years. Recent research at Brigham Young University documented its ability to inhibit many types of cancerous cells.

About Myrtle Essential Oil

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is antibacterial and may support immune function in fighting colds, flus, and other infectious disease. Myrtle has been researched by Dr. Daniel Pénoël for normalizing hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries, as well as balancing hypothyroid conditions. It has also been researched for its soothing effects on the respiratory system. Has been studied for normalizing hormonal imbalance of the thyroid and sexual organs. It is also antispasmodic and elevating.

About Tsuga Essential Oil

Tsuga (Tsuga canadensis) is known for being: analgesic, anti-rheumatic, blood cleanser, stimulant. Tsuga Essential Oil Profile.

Immune-enhancing Products Suitable for Most Cancers

• ImmuPro (supports immune system)
• Dried Ningxia wolfberries (powerful antioxidant fruit. Rich in polysaccharides, more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more calcium than broccoli)
• Essential oil of Balsam Fir (alpha humulene chemotype)

Essential oils with the broadest spectrum anticancer activity (breast, cervical, skin, prostate, etc.) Oils are ranked according to their potency.

1. Sandalwood
2. Balsam Fir (alpha humulene chemotype)
3. Thyme
4. Hyssop
5. Tsuga
6. Orange

Breast Cancer and Essential Oils

1. Sandalwood
2. Myrtle
3. Tsuga

Related Articles:

Essential Oil Profile: Tsuga
Essential Oils and MRSA (Staph Infection) a Study
Orange and Lavender Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety Two Studies
Cinnamon Essential Oil: does yours ‘Bark’ and benefit?
How To Buy at Wholesale

Sources

1 Currier NL, Miller SC. Echinacea purpurea and melatonin augment natural-killer cells in leukemic mice and prolong life span. J Altern Complement Med. 2001 Jun;7(3):241-51.

2 Fujisawa T, Yamaguchi Y. Autologous tumor killing activity as a prognostic factor in primary resected nonsmall cell carcinoma of the lung. Cancer. 1997 Feb 1;79(3):474-81.

3 Hanna N. The role of natural killer cells in the control of tumor growth and metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1985;780(3):213-26.

4 Wu J, Lanier LL. Natural killer cells and cancer. Adv Cancer Res. 2003;90:127-56.

5 Herberman RB, Ortaldo JR. Natural killer cells: their roles in defenses against disease. Science. 1981 Oct 2;214(4516):24-30.

6 Oliver RT, Tobias J, Gallagher C. Prebiopsy neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer to prevent post-surgery trauma-induced growth factor and immune-suppression mediated tumour progression. Eur J Cancer. 1996 Mar;32A(3):396-7.

7 Page GG, Ben Eliyahu S, Liebeskind JC. The role of LGL/NK cells in surgery-induced promotion of metastasis and its attenuation by morphine. Brain Behav Immun. 1994 Sep;8(3):241-50.

8 Levy SM, Herberman RB, Maluish AM, et al. Prognostic risk assessment in primary breast cancer by behavioral and immunological parameters. Health Psychol. 1985;4(2):99-113.

9 Page GG, Ben Eliyahu S, Taylor AN. The development of sexual dimorphism in natural killer cell activity and resistance to tumor metastasis in the Fischer 344 rat. J Neuroimmunol. 1995 Dec;63(1):69-77.

10 Schantz SP, Brown BW, Lira E, et al. Evidence for the role of natural immunity in the control of metastatic spread of head and neck cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1987;25(2):141-8.

11 Tjalma WA, Winter-Roach BA, Rowlands P, et al. Port-site recurrence following laparoscopic surgery in cervical cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2001 Sep;11(5):409-12.

12 Wiltrout RH, Herberman RB, Zhang SR, et al. Role of organassociated NK cells in decreased formation of experimental metastases in lung and liver. J Immunol. 1985 Jun;134(6):4267-75.

13 Gaspani L, Bianchi M, Limiroli E, et al. The analgesic drug tramadol prevents the effect of surgery on natural killer cell activity and metastatic colonization in rats. J Neuroimmunol. 2002 Aug;129(1-2):18-24.

14 Gorelik E, Wiltrout RH, Okumura K, et al. Role of NK cells in the control of metastatic spread and growth of tumor cells in mice. Int J Cancer. 1982 Jul 15;30(1):107-12.

15 Tartter PI, Steinberg B, Barron DM, et al. The prognostic significance of natural killer cytotoxicity in patients with colorectal cancer. Arch Surg. 1987 Nov;122(11):1264-8.

16 Koda K, Saito N, Takiguchi N, et al. Preoperative natural killer cell activity: correlation with distant metastases in curatively research colorectal carcinomas. Int Surg. 1997 Apr;82(2):190-3.

17 Vigushin DM et al., Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of D-limonene in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Research Campaign Phase I/II Clinical Trials Committee. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 1998;42(2):111-7.

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Articles by Evelyn Vincent, Young Living Independent Distributor #476766

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"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." ~ R. Buckminster Fuller