A Story on Essential Oils and Cancer Recovery

By Caryn Gehlmann

Essential oils and cancer is a tricky subject. Some people think of themselves as cancer warriors. Other people call it a journey or experience and they don’t feel brave at all. However you feel, you can use essential oils safely to support your well-being along the way.

As a cancer survivor myself, I know how this disease requires a thoughtful and holistic approach. No two people share the same experience, so when you receive a diagnosis of cancer, you begin a personal journey finding what works best for you. Many e3 customers have shared with me that essential oils have played a role in their cancer recovery.

It’s my privilege to share with you an interview with Chalese. Chalese is a nurse and a cancer warrior and she shares with us how essential oils played a part in her journey.

Tell us about your background in nursing. What is your current position?

I have been a registered nurse for 21 years. I received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oregon Health and Sciences University. Early on in my career, I worked in oncology. After a few years, I went on to work in critical care where I then transitioned into surgical services. I have provided sedation to patients receiving a wide spectrum of services and spent many years working in a plastic surgeon’s office. My current position is a recovery nurse in a post-anesthesia care unit.

You’re a cancer survivor. Do you mind sharing a bit of your story?

Yes. I am a cancer survivor, but I also see myself as a warrior too. The surgeries I have endured from the treatment of my cancer has left me on a daily journey of finding a balance of comfort in my body. Three years ago, at the age of 40, I went in for my first and only mammogram. I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer in my right breast. The recommendation was to remove my whole breast and I needed it done immediately. Within two weeks I was going in for a double mastectomy. I chose to have breast reconstruction, so I spent the following nearly two years having multiple procedures and surgeries.

How were you first introduced to essential oils?

Thankfully my career led me to Caryn and Essential 3 via her beautiful daughter Staci, who was my coworker! I was first introduced to them and to essential oils over a decade ago.

How did you find essential oils helpful when you had cancer?

Traditionally I had always diffused oils but once I was diagnosed with breast cancer I immediately started to pour over the internet to find recommendations for treatments* and preventions since my breast cancer was invasive and has a chance of returning. I use Frankincense daily and I used a variety of oils on my scars that amazed my plastic surgeon and his staff every time I visited. I also diffused oils to help with anxiety and to aid in sleeping and pain management.

How have you continued to use essential oils?

I always thought I was fairly conscious about what I put in and on my body, but after a cancer diagnosis, I have really started to scrutinize the ingredients of everything including my skin care products. I love scents and to smell good too, so essential oils have become a part of every skin care item I use, including what I wash my clothing in. It is important for me to put only pure ingredients on my body from now on. I diffuse them daily. They are in my shampoo, body soap, moisturizer, and I love to make my own personal blend of a spray tonic to spritz on my face throughout the day.

Any recommendations for cancer patients and their families on the use of essential oils?

My recommendation would be to be open to trying them. I have exposed many patients over the years to essential oils and I consistently have received a response of pleasant surprise. I think I can only remember one patient saying they didn’t care for it. All your senses deserve special treatment when you are going through a challenging illness.

We really appreciate Chalese taking the time to share her story about essential oils and cancer recovery with us. We’d love to hear your story too! Feel free to contact us here or on our social media  — Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

* As always, please remember reliable education is key in aromatherapy and what might work for some may not work for others. We’ve found unsafe practices are often recommended online, so please talk to your doctor and ask questions before you introduce essential oils into your health practice, especially during chemotherapy and radiation treatment.