Can Essential Oils Help Manage Parkinson's Disease Symptoms?

Essential Oils for Parkinson's Disease: A Potential Natural Treatment

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and often causes tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. As of 2020, nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's disease. While there is no cure yet, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms. Some people are now exploring essential oils as a complementary treatment option along with traditional Parkinson's medications and therapies. In this in-depth guide, we'll explore the research behind using essential oils for Parkinson's symptoms and discuss how they may help manage this condition.

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain gradually break down or die over time. These brain cells produce dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth, purposeful movements. As dopamine levels decrease, communication between the brain and muscles becomes impaired, leading to Parkinson's motor symptoms. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to brain cell death.

Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms

People with Parkinson's disease experience both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms related to movement difficulties include:

• Tremors (shaking) often beginning in one hand
• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
• Impaired balance and coordination

Non-motor symptoms may include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive changes
• Fatigue
• Bladder problems
• Constipation
• Blood pressure changes

Conventional Parkinson's Treatments

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Carbidopa-levodopa - The standard medication that replaces lost dopamine
• Dopamine agonists - Mimic dopamine effects in the brain
• MAO-B inhibitors - Prevent dopamine breakdown
• Deep brain stimulation - Electrical pulses regulate brain activity
• Physical therapy - Improves mobility and balance

Though these conventional approaches help many patients, side effects like dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and dizziness are common. As a result, some people are looking into complementary therapies like essential oils.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from aromatic plants like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. These oils contain the essence of the plant and harness natural therapeutic compounds. Essential oils are most often obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing.

Once extracted, essential oils can be:

• Inhaled directly
• Diffused into the air
• Applied diluted to the skin
• Added to baths

When inhaled or applied topically, essential oil particles activate smell receptors in the nose that transmit messages to the limbic system, or the emotional center of the brain. This can induce subtle physiological changes in heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, and breathing.

Essential oils should always be diluted properly before applying to skin to avoid irritation. They should also be high quality and 100 percent pure therapeutic grade.

Essential Oils for Parkinson's Symptoms

Research into essential oils for Parkinson's disease is still emerging. However, some early studies suggest that aromatherapy may help address both motor and non-motor symptoms. Here are some of the more promising essential oils for Parkinson's disease:

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming, relaxing effects. According to one study, smelling lavender oil for 3 minutes significantly decreased anxiety levels in hospital patients. For people with Parkinson's, anxiety can exacerbate tremors and motor symptoms. Inhaling lavender oil before activities may promote relaxation.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil has an earthy, uplifting aroma that's thought to reduce stress and anxiety. One study found frankincense helped relieve depression and inflammation in mice. More human studies are needed, but its mood-boosting effects could benefit Parkinson's patients experiencing depression.

Peppermint Oil

Inhaling peppermint oil appears to increase energy levels and mental focus, while also reducing fatigue. This may make it a pick-me-up for Parkinson's patients with low energy. Peppermint oil also shows promise for improving tremors and mobility when applied topically.

Rosemary Oil

Early research in mice indicates rosemary oil may protect brain cells by suppressing inflammation. Its antioxidants compounds may also prevent free radical damage implicated in Parkinson's disease. More studies in humans are warranted to confirm these protective effects.

How to Use Essential Oils for Parkinson's

If you want to try essential oils for Parkinson's, here are some safe ways to use them:

• Diffuse 5-7 drops of your chosen oil(s) throughout the room for an hour before periods of tremors or when needing relaxation.
• Directly inhale the scent of 1-2 drops of oil from hands or a tissue.
• For topical use, dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin. Rub 2-3 diluted drops on pulse points like wrists or behind ears.
• Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath and soak to promote full body relaxation.

It's best to always start with low oil concentrations and increase gradually as tolerated. Try oils individually first before blending to check for any irritation or undesirable effects.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

While research suggests essential oils are generally safe, be sure to keep these precautions in mind:

• Perform a patch test before applying any oil directly to skin to check for allergic reactions.
• Avoid getting oils near the eyes, ears, or other sensitive areas.
• Never ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a doctor or expert.
• Use caution when diffusing oils if you have asthma or respiratory problems as they may exacerbate symptoms.
• Don't rely solely on essential oils - always follow your doctor's treatment plan.
• Talk to your doctor before using oils if you take medication or have health conditions as oil compounds may interact.

The Bottom Line

Early research suggests aromatherapy with essential oils may help alleviate common Parkinson's symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and motor function. Lavender, frankincense, peppermint, and rosemary oil appear most promising, but human studies are still limited. Speak with your doctor first before using essential oils to be sure they won't interact with any Parkinson's medications. While more research is needed, essential oils may provide a complementary therapy along with conventional treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.