Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Parkinson’s Disease?Essential Oils for PD SymptomsHow to Use Essential OilsFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Parkinson’s Disease GuideHow to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Essential Oils for PD Symptoms
How to Use Essential Oils
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Parkinson’s Disease Guide
This article will discuss research on essential oils and which oils are potentially beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Stiahailo
People with PD have low dopamine levels. Dopamine is a chemical produced in the brain that regulates smooth, controlled movements. The nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine have died or are damaged.
Experts do not know what exactly causes PD. However, there is emerging evidence that suggests that there are genetic, inflammatory, and environmental factors (such as toxins) that can trigger PD.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms can include:
What Are the Types of Parkinson’s Disease?
There is a 2020 study that supports inflammation within the body as a trigger or a cause of worsening PD.Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties and may ease somePD symptoms.
Lavender
Lavenderis a common essential oil that has been used for its calming scent. It is commonly found as an added fragrance to soap, lotion, and candles.
People with Parkinson’s disease can have difficulty sleeping.With lavender’s strong, calming properties, it’s no surprise that it can be used as a sleep aid.
A 2013 study reported that older adults who stopped using benzodiazepines (a common class of sedation medications) as a sleep aid did not sleep as long at nighttime. However, when they started using lavender aromatherapy oil, their sleep duration increased back to their previous duration.
Sweet Orange
People who have PD can suffer from mood changes and anxiety.Sweet orange has a light, citrusy scent that has been shown to improve mood and anxiety symptoms. A 2018 study found that people who inhaled citrus scents for 90 seconds experienced temporary changes in the brain, increasing relaxation and comfort levels.
Adding sweet orange essential oil to a diffuser for aromatherapy or in your bath may help ease anxiety related to PD. However, more research specific to people with Parkinson’s disease is needed.
Peppermint
One of the mainstaytreatments for PDis a combination medication called Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa). Potential side effects of this medication arenauseaand vomiting.
Peppermint is a popular flavor and scent additive that can be used to help manage gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. A 2021 study tested inhaled peppermint as a treatment for nausea. It was found to be even more effective than a combination of peppermint and traditional nausea medication.
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser when nausea hits and it may help ease the discomfort.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a green plant with leaves similar to an evergreen tree.Rosemary essential oilfrom this plant is thought to help with inflammation, pain, and infection.
A 2016 study suggests that components of rosemary, fennel, and myrtle may have a protective effect against PD.The results are not conclusive and more research needs to be done on how rosemary and these other oils can slow the progression of PD.
The Surprising Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair Growth
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a household spice that has a familiar smell and taste. It’s used in baking, tea, and as an essential oil.
There is a study that shows cinnamon as a potential protective agent against the progression of PD. The 2021 study showed that essential oils from theCinnamomumspecies could work to provide brain protection.More research needs to be done, as the study was only done on animals and has not gone through human trials.
Considerations for TreatmentWhile preliminary studies suggest that some of these essential oils may serve as effective complementary treatment methods for PD and other conditions, keep in mind that research is limited at this time. Always discuss complementary methods with your healthcare provider before adding them to your care routine.
Considerations for Treatment
While preliminary studies suggest that some of these essential oils may serve as effective complementary treatment methods for PD and other conditions, keep in mind that research is limited at this time. Always discuss complementary methods with your healthcare provider before adding them to your care routine.
There are three ways that you can absorb essential oils, they are:
Summary
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects thenervous system. It currently has no known cure. There are treatments available to help manage the progression of the disease and its symptoms.
Essential oils are a complementary therapy that may help reduce PD symptoms. Lavender can aid in sleep, sweet orange can help with anxiety, and peppermint eases nausea. In studies, rosemary and cinnamon have been shown to potentially slow down the progression of PD. However, more research needs to be done to determine these two essential oils' effectiveness in managing PD.
A Word From Verywell
What Are the Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no scientific proof that essential oils treat or cure PD. But when used with prescribed treatments, essential oils may help manage some of the symptoms of PD like difficulty sleeping and anxiety.Learn MoreEssential Oils That Can Help You Sleep BetterGenerally, most people will not experience negative side effects when using essential oils. However, there have been a few cases of serious side effects that you should be aware of.These include:Abnormal pregnanciesBreathing problemsLiver toxicityEarly pubertyAllergic reactionLearn MoreCan You Be Allergic to Essential Oils?
There is no scientific proof that essential oils treat or cure PD. But when used with prescribed treatments, essential oils may help manage some of the symptoms of PD like difficulty sleeping and anxiety.Learn MoreEssential Oils That Can Help You Sleep Better
There is no scientific proof that essential oils treat or cure PD. But when used with prescribed treatments, essential oils may help manage some of the symptoms of PD like difficulty sleeping and anxiety.
Learn MoreEssential Oils That Can Help You Sleep Better
Generally, most people will not experience negative side effects when using essential oils. However, there have been a few cases of serious side effects that you should be aware of.These include:Abnormal pregnanciesBreathing problemsLiver toxicityEarly pubertyAllergic reactionLearn MoreCan You Be Allergic to Essential Oils?
Generally, most people will not experience negative side effects when using essential oils. However, there have been a few cases of serious side effects that you should be aware of.These include:Abnormal pregnanciesBreathing problemsLiver toxicityEarly pubertyAllergic reaction
Generally, most people will not experience negative side effects when using essential oils. However, there have been a few cases of serious side effects that you should be aware of.
These include:
Learn MoreCan You Be Allergic to Essential Oils?
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease.Pajares M, Rojo AI, Manda G, Boscá L, Cuadrado A.Inflammation in parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.Cells. 2020;9(7):1687. doi:10.3390/cells9071687Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A.Lavender and the nervous system.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304Tan LCS.Mood disorders in Parkinson’s disease.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012;18(Suppl 1):S74-S76. doi:10.1016/S1353-8020(11)70024-4Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Biological activities and safety of citrus spp. Essential oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM.Peppermint essential oil for nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients: incorporating holistic patient decision making into the research design.J Holist Nurs. 2021;39(2):126-134. doi:10.1177/0898010120961579Farrar AJ, Farrar FC.Clinical aromatherapy.Nursing Clinics of North America. 2020;55(4):489-504. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.06.015Morshedi D, Nasouti M.Essential oils may lead α-synuclein towards toxic fibrils formation.Parkinsons Dis. 2016;2016:6219249. doi:10.1155/2016/6219249.Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Piperi C, Mishra A.Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson’s disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities.J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2021;35(4). doi:10.1002/jbt.22720.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease.Pajares M, Rojo AI, Manda G, Boscá L, Cuadrado A.Inflammation in parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.Cells. 2020;9(7):1687. doi:10.3390/cells9071687Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A.Lavender and the nervous system.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304Tan LCS.Mood disorders in Parkinson’s disease.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012;18(Suppl 1):S74-S76. doi:10.1016/S1353-8020(11)70024-4Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Biological activities and safety of citrus spp. Essential oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM.Peppermint essential oil for nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients: incorporating holistic patient decision making into the research design.J Holist Nurs. 2021;39(2):126-134. doi:10.1177/0898010120961579Farrar AJ, Farrar FC.Clinical aromatherapy.Nursing Clinics of North America. 2020;55(4):489-504. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.06.015Morshedi D, Nasouti M.Essential oils may lead α-synuclein towards toxic fibrils formation.Parkinsons Dis. 2016;2016:6219249. doi:10.1155/2016/6219249.Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Piperi C, Mishra A.Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson’s disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities.J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2021;35(4). doi:10.1002/jbt.22720.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease.Pajares M, Rojo AI, Manda G, Boscá L, Cuadrado A.Inflammation in parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.Cells. 2020;9(7):1687. doi:10.3390/cells9071687Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A.Lavender and the nervous system.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304Tan LCS.Mood disorders in Parkinson’s disease.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012;18(Suppl 1):S74-S76. doi:10.1016/S1353-8020(11)70024-4Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Biological activities and safety of citrus spp. Essential oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM.Peppermint essential oil for nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients: incorporating holistic patient decision making into the research design.J Holist Nurs. 2021;39(2):126-134. doi:10.1177/0898010120961579Farrar AJ, Farrar FC.Clinical aromatherapy.Nursing Clinics of North America. 2020;55(4):489-504. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.06.015Morshedi D, Nasouti M.Essential oils may lead α-synuclein towards toxic fibrils formation.Parkinsons Dis. 2016;2016:6219249. doi:10.1155/2016/6219249.Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Piperi C, Mishra A.Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson’s disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities.J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2021;35(4). doi:10.1002/jbt.22720.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
National Institute on Aging.Parkinson’s disease.
Pajares M, Rojo AI, Manda G, Boscá L, Cuadrado A.Inflammation in parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.Cells. 2020;9(7):1687. doi:10.3390/cells9071687
Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A.Lavender and the nervous system.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304
Tan LCS.Mood disorders in Parkinson’s disease.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012;18(Suppl 1):S74-S76. doi:10.1016/S1353-8020(11)70024-4
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Biological activities and safety of citrus spp. Essential oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1966. doi:10.3390/ijms19071966
Mohr C, Jensen C, Padden N, Besel JM, Brant JM.Peppermint essential oil for nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients: incorporating holistic patient decision making into the research design.J Holist Nurs. 2021;39(2):126-134. doi:10.1177/0898010120961579
Farrar AJ, Farrar FC.Clinical aromatherapy.Nursing Clinics of North America. 2020;55(4):489-504. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2020.06.015
Morshedi D, Nasouti M.Essential oils may lead α-synuclein towards toxic fibrils formation.Parkinsons Dis. 2016;2016:6219249. doi:10.1155/2016/6219249.
Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Piperi C, Mishra A.Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson’s disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities.J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2021;35(4). doi:10.1002/jbt.22720.
Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
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