7 Essential Oils that Reduce Estrogen and Stabilize Histamine
My instinct tells me, if the body produces a chemical there is a reason .. and it’s always in our best interest, regardless of our judgment.
In the case of the chemicals listed below … each one has a purpose and the body is doing what it can to keep systems in check.
Histamine is indicated in essentially every health condition we experience; whether we’re talking about food sensitivity, histamine intolerance, arthritis or cancer. The range is vast and real.
Histamine is a neurotransmitter released during an immune response which goes on to activate a number of inflammatory processes in order to protect and support the body. Additional chemicals involved include arachidonic acid (produced by the endocannabinoid system), aromatase (produced as cortisol levels rise), and estrogen.
Arachidonic acid is an excitatory fatty acid that responds to histamine signaling. The antidote is anandamide, a Sanskrit word that means ‘bliss’, and is an inhibitory neurotransmitter .… both produced on the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor. That’s right, both are cannabinoids that the body produces. This is why marijuana has become such a focus of many studies … THC stimulates the blissful aspect of the endocannabinoid system, modifying the stress response and slowing the production of inflammatory chemicals. As for CBD? It synergistically compliments THC; however, when used independently, it is potentially dangerous when combined with medications, etc. (a topic for another post) However, we don’t have to smoke pot or buy the edibles. If you want to, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to do so. Cannabis is a beneficial plant as are many others. THC and CBD are only two of 421 constituents found in the plant; two constituents don’t affect the entire body. It’s the combined energy of all the constituents that underscore the benefits of every plant. In fact, many terpenes found in cannabis are also in essential oils with several known for their actions on the CB1 receptor as well. Therefore, it is very possible to assist endocannabinoid function with just essential oils.
Estrogen is not just a reproductive hormone; it’s a primary signaling stress hormone as well involved in the activation of the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism as well as the immune system. In fact, estrogen-like activity has been linked to autoimmune disorders as well as cancer. Although it is produced by the body, there are a plethora of chemicals in our environment with the ability to act like estrogen in the body. I refer to these as xenoestrogens a.k.a. environmental estrogens which are both manmade as well as found in nature.
Aromatase is an enzyme protein produced in reaction to stress and responsible for aromatizing androgens into estrogen .. this goes for male and female. Why? For the activation of various processes. That’s right! There is a reason for everything .. from aromatase to stress
Think about it. Exercise stresses the body to build muscle, release fat, and even relieve the mind. Sometimes it takes a bit of pressure before we seek to take care of ourselves; yet, it’s not always a bad thing. Even seeds flourish under pressure. Therefore, it’s fair to say a developing human body evolves through stress. However, our focus tends to be on the problem aromatase presents; so, we seek to inhibit it (AND for good reason). Yet, it also has a purpose.
Consider this; although linked to poor living habits, aromatase is found in a number of tissues throughout the body including the gonadotropins for its role in sexual development. An additional even more significant role, in my opinion, is the fact that it helps maintain the balance between active amounts of cortisol and estrogen!.
I neglected to mention, aromatase is also found in the adrenals where androgens and cortisol are produced. Thereby confirming the stress response link….
During such reactions, thriving is halted which reduces the amount of hydrochloric acid (HCL) produced. HCK is necessary for the break down of macronutrients as well as the regulation of gut flora. Keep in mind, stress is a mechanism of survival and meant to be temporary; not a way of life. Therefore, the inability to fully utilize the macronutrients at the cellular level only adds to the systemic stress, triggering the immune system, stimulating the production of histamine and ultimately cortisol because … cortisol is the anti-inflammatory antidote to histamine. However, a rise in cortisol activates the production of estrogen through the release of aromatase. Remember … balance … and the cycle continues. Did somebody mention fatigue and burnout?
Another interesting fact: the conversion of androgens into estrogen and other steroid hormones draws on Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) and additional oxygen molecules. In other words, this is a function of oxidative stress because NADPH is also used in the regeneration of glutathione, cholesterol synthesis and fatty acid chain elongation … yet, another example of the body’s ability to both activate and deactivate inflammatory chemicals.
So, what’s going on?
Stress is complex, and at this point, clearly a global issue between cultural beliefs and pressures. However, the environment is compounding the problem due to ALL the chemicals being introduced to the body on a daily basis via personal care, food, medications, and cleaning products; not to mention, the air that we breathe. And to top it all off … mental distress! Essentially, our ability to mass produce and use chemicals is overwhelming a planet that relies on the communication system of chemicals . In other words, there is a balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals based on the needs of every organism; however, the insertion of manmade chemicals has led to a shitstorm of inflammatory reactions that we never anticipated.
Why? Because a large number of the chemicals are classified as ‘endocrine disrupting compounds’ which are now being extensively studied for their impact on the human brain and body. My mission is we begin assessing their global impact.
Up until now, addressing specific concerns was my focus; yet, in my defense, the collective view is every dis-ease has a different root cause. While I’ve known for a very long time that environmental estrogens are a HUGE threat our health (our mind is the other), I never understood the full mechanism of ‘how’. That answer wasn’t revealed until my diagnoses of breast and skin cancer as well as arthritis. These were my awakening; however, regardless of my findings, I stand strong in my belief that what the body needs most is stability .. it’s time to stop stressing over our health and realize our body is simply reacting to the inflammatory messages it is receiving. Therefore:
7 Essential Oils that Reduce Estrogen and Stabilize Histamine
roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)) ~ supports the regeneration of glutathione as it slows the production ACTH
goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) ~ stabilizes autonomic nervous system activity and supports the liver and kidney
ginger root (Zingiber officinale) ~ enhances digestion along with the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acid chain elongation
frankincense sacra or carteri (Boswellia carterii) ~ either one of these two types is safe with medications and assists with stabilizing the stress response
myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)~ supports both the endocannabinoid and endogenous opioid systems, regulating the stress response
marjoram sweet ( Origanum majorana) ~ offers both digestive support and overall hormonal regulation, essential for the elimination of excess estrogen
sandalwood (East Indian) (Santalum album) ~ assists the body with a more effective use of estrogen and the elimination of any excess
Why choose these oils?
they mix well with medications
they help to regulate stress and stabilize the body
Now, if you don’t take medications and have other concerns / symptoms, then a consult may be in order to help you determine some alternate oils.
Not to mention, essential oils are signaling molecules (remember nature communicates via messages and essential oils are lipophilic and have the ability to modify genetic activity). Therefore, supplementing the suggested oils with the following may help:
betaine plus hp ~ a hydrochloric acid supplement
mangosteen ~ a concentrated aromatase inhibitor; once or twice a week
ashwagandha ~ an adaptogenic that helps to regulate cortisol
hemp hearts ~ the perfect ratio of omega 3’s and 6’s, essential for inflammation
I speak about these and other nutritionals in my latest videos: an update on estrogen and histamine and why it’s time we stop lying to ourselves and kids
Summing It All Up
When histamine rises, cortisol flows in to stabilize inflammation which stimulates the production of aromatase in order to convert androgens into estrogen and balance out the cortisol. Other steroidal hormones are also produced that act like thyroid hormones in order to maintain energy levels disrupting thyroid function even when hormone tests show ok. All of this is notifying the DNA of incoming threats which then signals the production of oxidative stress. Given the state of our environment, regardless of mental and emotional ease, this will be a consistent issue unless we support the body with stabilizing cortisol and reducing estrogen.
One Final Thought
This level of care can trigger a detox response .. especially if you are highly stressed and / or exposed to high levels of environmental estrogens. What does this look like? More than likely a rash or even a worsening of symptoms a.k.a. healing crisis. Should this occur … give the body a break … there is no need to push anything. The purpose is stability; so, allow the body to adjust in its own time. Just be sure to drink plenty of water and move your body!!
This, I know, is a lot of information; yet, I believe, these are serious times and the only way out is to stop separating ourselves from nature. This is a dangerous practice. At the same time, the volume of chemicals influencing the quality of our health is overwhelming. While eliminating manmade chemicals is often discussed, we’re far from that day …. not to mention, the transition will probably quite disturbing as the entire planet needs to adjust …
Therefore, the best we can do is know what plants are available to serve our highest good. They’re here to help. Why do we resist?
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