Did you know that your immune system is the only thing that stands between you and everything around you, on you and in you that tries to attack you?
In fact, did you know that cancer is a result of your immune system malfunctioning?
Dr. Rashid Buttar even stated:
“You can’t have cancer if you have an intact immune system.”
Don’t get me wrong…yes, there are many factors that lead to your immune system malfunctioning. For example:
- environmental toxins
- malnutrition
- inability to properly detox
- genetic expression
However, it’s essential to recognize that in order to help the body recover from a cancer diagnosis, we must support the immune system.
So, what’s our immune system and how exactly does it work?
Simply put…the immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against unwanted invaders.
It’s actually estimated that we have about 120 trillion cells in our body, and roughly 10% of those cells make up the immune system. This means that not only do we have more cells in the immune system than we have in our brain, our central nervous system AND in/on our skin, but the majority of our cells are also responsible for protecting all of the other cells in the body!
Pretty incredible, right?!
And to dig a bit deeper…the largest number of immune cells in your body are a type of white blood cells called, neutrophils, which account for 50-70% of your total immune “army.” When undergoing any sort of cancer treatment, they’re commonly referred to as “Absolute Neutrophil Count” (ANC). The ANC measures the integrity of your immune system and tells the doctors if your immune system is strong enough to move forward with your treatment protocol or is too weak and will make you even more susceptible to an infection.
Now…what can go wrong?
We all have between 10 to 100,000 abnormal cells in our body on any given day, and it’s our immune system’s job to get rid of those abnormal cells on an ongoing basis.
However, as your body is exposed to specific invaders, such as viruses, toxins and parasites, the immune system becomes distracted by the acute situation, aka. the invader. Thus, it no longer maintains its normal “job” of getting rid of the abnormal cells and your immune system weakens.
This is EXACTLY why I am such a big advocate of providing proactive support to your immune system (i.e. a healthy diet, essential oils, regular detoxification and exercise). I would even go so far to say that these are “cancer prevention practices” because they help to actively keep your immune system strong.
If your immune system is strong, then…
- …the parasite is no longer a threat.
- …the virus your exposed to is not a threat, and
- …the abnormal cells are destroyed BEFORE they become a threat.
All this to say, any time your immune system is compromised, you are susceptible to a malignancy.
So, let’s talk about conventional medicine’s approach to cancer.
As most of you know, an oncologist uses chemotherapy, radiation and surgery in attempts to get rid of the cancer. However, while these can be effective and helpful, here’s where all of this gets really messy and convoluted…
Chemotherapy is a cytotoxin poison. This means it kills EVERYTHING in its path, including not just the abnormal cells, but our healthy immune cells too.
Radiation not only damages the DNA in cancer cells, but it does the same damage in the normal cells. Plus, radiation therapy may lead to variety of side effects, including low white blood cell counts. (And remember…these are an important part of your immune system!)
Finally, some experts suggest that using any amount of anesthesia during a surgery creates a wave of inflammation in your body and aggravates the heart, the respiratory system or the cancer. Plus, they also have found that any surgery triggers the release of stress hormones, (i.e. norepinephrine), which then activates even more inflammation in the body and further weakens the immune system.
All this to say, while intentions may be good…and somewhat effective…these further compromise an already weakened immune system.
“Um, what can I do, then?”
Now that I’ve shed some honest light on all of the “traditional” paths, I do have a suggestion…
Let’s boost your immune system and help you fight cancer – without compromising the efficacy of the treatment – with essential oils!
Now, before I lose you, I completely understand that many oncologists are very hesitant to recommend the use of essential oils during cancer treatment. In fact, some of them may have given you a straight-up, “No!”
Here are some critical things you need to know first:
- Many essential oil companies on the market are producing poor quality essential oils. These contain synthetic ingredients and are sourced from inappropriate environments.
- Using poor-quality oils can cause more harm than good, can be contraindicated with chemotherapy and can cause unpleasant side effects.
- Therefore, I ONLY use and recommend doTERRA essential oils because of their rigorous testing on every! single! batch! This ensures that there are absolutely no chemicals, no synthetics and that every plant is grown and sourced in an environment that is supportive of that specific species of plant. (If you want to learn more about doTERRA’s quality control and the in-depth measures they take to produce the absolute best, click here.)
“But what if my doctor wants my immune system to be suppressed and ‘under-active’?”
Yep, this is also a very common question I hear.
But here’s the deal…doTERRA essential oils are not only effective and safe, they are also NOT contraindicated with cancer treatment.
These specific essential oils have a modulating effect on the immune system, which means that the oils support the normal function of the immune system. So, for the over-functioning immune system, they’ll help it calm down, and for the under active immune system, they’ll help it to work harder. Unlike medications, which drive function, doTERRA essential oils bring your system into balance.
Here’s an example…if you’re constipated and take medicine (a laxative), you’ll going to have a bowel movement. Or if you have diarrhea, you’re going to take a different medication which will drive your body to that specific desired result. Basically, the medication drives the results.
However, a recent study compared a blend of essential oils (Frankincense, Wild Orange, Litsea, Thyme, Clove, Summer Savory Plant, and Niaouli) to other drugs (i.e. Methotrexate, Prednisone, etc.) that are supposed to suppress the immune system. In their results, they found that the blend was more effective in regulating an over-active immune system than any of the drugs being prescribed. The blend modulated the need and didn’t drive an outcome because the essential oils don’t just have a one-direction approach. Instead, they bring support and balance, as needed.
(Here’s the study reference, if interested.)
Here’s my recommended essential oil protocol to boost your immune system function:
To help you, here’s the protocol similar to what we used with my son, Kicker, during his 3.5-year cancer treatment. He was never hospitalized for opportunistic infections and maintained a “normal” ANC through 95% of his treatment. Basically, using these essential oils changed the trajectory of Kicker’s outcome…and for that, we’re so incredibly grateful!
Also, if you have any natural remedy suggestions that you’ve found helpful to boost your immune system, please share below in the comments! I’d love to hear what has worked for you!
Blend #1
For an Adult:
Use 3 drops – 3X/day or 5 drops – 2X/day of each of the following doTERRA essential oils. Apply topically on to the bottoms of feet and on the liver. (If wanting to make a blend in a 10ml roller bottle, add 15 drops of each oil and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.)
For a Child:
Cut the adult dose in ½ and dilute with Fractioned Coconut Oil. (If wanting to make a blend in a 10ml roller bottle, add 8 drops of each oil for 5-9 year olds and 5 drops of each oil for 2-4 year olds. Then, top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.)
For an Infant:
Cut the adult dose to ¼ and dilute with Fractioned Coconut Oil. (If wanting to make a blend in a 10ml roller bottle, add 2 drops of each oil and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil.)
Oils:
Blend #2
For an Adult:
Use 3 drops – 2X/day or 5 drops – 1X/day of each of the following doTERRA essential oils in a veggie capsule and drink with water.
For a Child:
For ages 9 and up, use 1 drop – 2x/day of each of the following doTERRA essential oils in a veggie capsule and drink with water.
For 5-8 year olds, add 8 drops of each oil in to a 10ml roller bottle, and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply to the bottoms of the feet 2x/day. (Topical use only.)
For 2-4 year olds, add 5 drops of each oil in to a 10ml roller bottle, and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply to the bottoms of the feet 2x/day. (Topical use only.)
For an Infant:
For an infant, add 5 drops of each oil in to a 10ml roller bottle, and top it off with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply to the bottoms of the feet 2x/day. (Topical use only.)
Oils:
If you don’t have doTERRA essential oils, you can purchase them from me by clicking here. Please also know that I suggest getting a wholesale customer account. This gives you access to 25% off of all doTERRA products for an entire year and will allow you to use your doTERRA account as often or as infrequent as you would like. If you have questions, click here to email me.
What are some natural remedy suggestions that you’ve found helpful to boost your immune system? Please share in the comments below because I’d love to hear what has worked for you.
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Thanks for this information. My 11 month old has just entered phase two of leukemia treatment at St. Jude. I am looking to make this process as smooth as possible for her! In regards to the blends, should we only use one of the blends at a time or can we use both?
Hi Abri – So sorry to hear what you guys are going through! And yes, you can use them both at the same time! Thanks.
Hi, my niece has AML and is about to undergo a second stem cell transplant. She has been immunocompromised for the last couple of months and therefore has developed a number of infections. Obviously we don’t want to encourage count recovery. Would you still recommend the above blends for support? Many thanks x
Hi Emily, I would suggest using the blends leading up to the implant (on the bottoms of the feet) and then for about 3 months after implant. Hope that helps!
Wonderful information, Season. So glad that Kicker is doing well. Just to clarify – a person should use blends one and two during the day?
Hi Anne – Thanks so much and yes, that’s correct…use both of them. 🙂
Hi Season, it’s Kaye, Nicci’s mother in law. My husband is on his first week of a four week cycle of targeted therapy, the drug Venclexta, for his CLL. I was noticing that the mixture of oils above includes grapefruit and wild orange.
According to the use and safety information which accompanied the drug, he is supposed to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit or Seville oranges [most often used in marmalades] or starfruit. How would you suggest adjusting the blend or would I just leave them out?
Hi Kaye – You may want to check with his physician, but the essential oil comes from a different part of the fruit and doesn’t usually contraindicate with the subscription. However, if you feel more comfortable, you can just leave it out. Thanks!
I also have CLL, I talked with my doctor, because it’s not made from the pulp of the fruit but the rind of the fruit I can use it . However he suggest that I use it tropical and not ingest it ( I’m on a trial )
Yes, using them topically is great for anyone who can’t or doesn’t feel comfortable using them internally.
Hello Season, my name is Heather and I have a daughter, Haley, who has an inflammatory disease that affects the spine called ankylosing spondylitis. She takes sulfasalazine and is currently on Prednisone due to a bad flare. I am very interested in your protocol to replace Prednisone. I am a doTERRA member and some of the oils you mention are not sold by doTERRA; litsea, summer savory plant and niaouli. Also, how many drops of each in a roller ball? Would I put them on bottoms of feet? How many times per day? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Heather – I’m so sorry to hear all that you and your daughter are going through! You could try making the blends without those oils, and I would recommend using the same “formula” and directions that I listed for the other blends at the bottom of this post. Thanks!
You mentioned veggie capsules where can I purchase these? I’m so thrilled at your post. My husband has lung cancer and in his lymph nodes as well. We are half way through his treatment so I would love to get started ASAP..
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Jackie – If you click on to the word “veggie capsule” it will take you to a link at where I buy them with doTERRA. 🙂 Hope that helps! Thanks.
You may also want to check any health food store they usually have empty gel caps
🙂 Yes…thanks for mentioning that!
Thank you for the information. I’m currently nearing the end of my second round of treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer stage four. Can you explain where on the sole of the foot the oils should be put? And when you mention liver, how should this be done. Can you explain why the liver placement is important? Does it assist with liver detox and can the oral veggie cap with oils be taken with other pills like LLV, OnGuard, DDR prime or Mito? So many oncologists do not support oils during chemo so thank you for providing options.
Hi J – For placing the oil on the bottom of the feet, just rub it over the entire bottom of the foot. If you feel need more targeted support, you can Google “Foot Meridian Chart” for images. For the liver, just over the area where the liver is located…you can search for images on Google to find it’s exact location. And yes, it does support liver detox. 🙂 For oral veggie caps, yes, they can be taken along with the others. Thanks!
Hi Season, thanks so much for this info. I’m a WA with doTERRA and am hoping to use this protocol to support a friend through a second go round with chemo. I’m wondering if you used both the topical oils suggested as well as the veggie cap mix at the same time? Or were you suggesting using one or the other, not both at the same time? Thanks so much for the info, much appreciated!
Hi Pat – I recommend using both blends at the same time, but you are also welcome to alternate them, if you feel more comfortable with that. Thanks!
Hi Season, my husband has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I found your site while looking for bone broth recipes 🙂 just wondering if the oils will help with this cancer?
Hi There 🙂 So sorry to hear all that you are currently going through, and I hope you find the info on my site to be helpful! Yes, the essential oils I recommend would be good for supporting him…and I don’t know if you saw the free class that I’m currently teaching online, but here’s the link just in case. The info would be helpful, and I further discuss oils in it 🙂 http://bit.ly/fivestepstothrivingthroughcancerwebinar
Have a friend receiving aggressive tx for lymphoma, with node pressing on his aorta. Thank you this will be useful. Wish I’d had it when going thru my tx 2 years ago
Hi Paula – I’m so sorry to hear about your friend…and thanks for passing this along to her!
My three year old daughter is now off therapy for AML and ALL post two BMT’s. DoTERRA’s oils provide SO MUCH support. She still has her NG tube and I mix the oils with avocado oil and a 5mL syringe to give internally. I’ve been doing the frank/copaiba/pink pepper/turmeric twice daily. I also do a rollerball on the soles of her feet, along her spine, on her thyroid area and on her hands nightly of frank/copaiba/helichrysum/myrhh. She has mild sandpaper skin rashes and eczema due to graft versus host disease which our oncology teams were just continuing to treat with topical steroid creams. Those work, but the side effects don’t sit well with me. Since using the doTERRA baby wash and especially the lotion this winter, she has only had two little spots. Her skin is so calmed by the baby lotion, the steroid creams have not been needed at all. She has broken out with the use of every other cream and sunscreen we have tried on the market. It took me a whole year to find this natural thing that works instead. The helichrysum and copaiba seem to be helping with neuropathy issues.
Oh Amanda…I love hearing this and am thankful that you’re finding so much support! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Season! I love this resource. I’m curious about your thoughts on DDR Prime, and why it hasn’t been included in your protocols? Thank you so much!
Hi Katie – I love DDR Prime…it’s also a great addition! 🙂 Thanks!
Just did round 1 of chemo. What would you recommend in essential oils for mouth sores inside mouth and outside on lips?
Hi Irene – Melaleuca is a good option, and I’ve also heard using OnGuard or the OnGuard Toothpaste works well. Just be sure to be consistent and proactive with this. Thanks
Just wondering why one blend is topical and the other is ingested.
It’s just 2 different ways to take in the oils. However, you’re welcome to apply them however works best for you! Thanks.
Hi! Thank you for this! Just wondering if the recommended dosages are just for people going thru chemo or for anyone? Would you change the amount if you’re not going thru chemo and just trying to maintain a healthy immune system?
Hi Sarah – You could use the same directions, though some of the oils are more focused to supporting those during cancer treatment. However, it wouldn’t hurt. 🙂
I already use my own antioxidant and immune system blends. I don’t have cancer but i have numerous Autoimmune diseases and the use Prednisone and Methotrexate and Remicade as standard treatment. I also have a severe immunodefiency disease similar to what cancer does to Tcells and ANC counts so the chemos make that very overexxagerated as well. I take immunoglobulin replacement but it’s not enough. I would be happy to share my blends with you.
My question is that you provided 2 very different blends and I am curious what symptoms you used each for OR did you use both blends daily as an immune boost?
Hi There – I actually recommend using both of them at the same time. Hope that helps!
What is your blend recipe? DL
Also, Season, you mentioned a blend of Frankincense, Wild Orange, Litsea, Thyme, Clove, Summer Savory Plant, and Niaouli as a natural replacement for prednisone. I would love to have that blend recipe as I too have been dealing with autoimmune issues and have to take prednisone on a regular basis.
You could just use 1-2 drops of each 2x/day.
I will be starting radiation therapy for breast cancer in a few weeks. What would you suggest to support my skin and immune system during that process?
Hi Nancy – I think this post would help you: https://www.seasonjohnson.com/how-to-use-essentials-oils-to-support-the-immune-system-during-cancer-treatment/ Thanks!
My 9 year old son has had an allergic reaction to 2 different vaccinations. He goes to UCSF now for his vaccinations in a challenge and graded form. His next challenge is for the MMR Vaccination. I am concerned as this is a mix that can not be separated. They have no idea what is causing his reactions. He has what they call delayed reactions…his reactions come within 24 hours and have lasted a good couple weeks. Looking for something to help him get thru this. I am extremely nervous as they have no idea what types of reactions for us to continue to look for and how long it will last. The response I was given was….we don’t know enough about delayed reactions other than life threatening reactions generally happen within a few hours. This is why he is surrounded by his medical team for a few hours. They can give us an EpiPen or have us run to emergency room if it gets too severe. It can be very challenging to get him to take things orally and we don’t have a bath tub here for him to take the detox bath. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
Hi Stacy – Have you read my vaccination post? https://www.seasonjohnson.com/how-to-detoxify-from-a-vaccine/ That would be a great place to start. And you could always try a foot soak if you don’t have a bath tub. Thanks!
Perfect….. Yes, I just finished reading it. Thank you so much for all you do!
Are essential oils to be used more as a preventative for cancer? Or is it possible for them to rid the body of pre-existing cancer? I am Stage four in my lymph nodes and bone marrow.
Hi Linda – I’m so sorry to hear all that you’re currently experiencing. As far as preventative care, I would actually recommend using both blends for proactive and reactive support. Hope that helps!
Hi Season,
I have a family member with a rare sarcoma who will be starting treatment. Would your recommend topical application on the site itself or only on the liver?
Hi Yvette – I’m so sorry to hear this! Yes, you could apply it directly on location, on the liver or on the bottoms of the feet. Many prayers to you all!!
Hi Season, My 30 year old niece is has breast cancer and is about to have the surgery. After that she will undergo chemo. I see your post about the essential oils on the feet. What is your recommendation for nausea, lack of taste and all the other things that happen? Do you have a protocol you would recommend for her to continue to do ie baths, packs etc?
Thank you for your help!
Hi Lisa – I’m so sorry to hear all that you guys are going through! Let me ask, have you looked through the previous blog posts in the “Detox” and “Essential Oil’ categories on this site? There’s a lot of information there that you would find helpful…here’s the one for the baths and castor oil packs: https://www.seasonjohnson.com/choosing-strength-cancer-detox-remedies/. I also have an online course that has a lot of specifics, protocols, education, etc. However, at this moment, it’s not available for purchase because I’m adding more content, but you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available again. Just click “Course” at the top of this page for all of the details. I hope this helps you get started and many prayers to you all!
Hello- Thank you so much! I didn’t see this post. I will look at that. I did get all of the oils to rub on her feet after her surgery. Should she use those after the surgery and then when the chemo starts? Also, if she is allergic to coconut, what other oil can she use. Thank you again SO much! I really appreciate your help!
Yes, she can. And you could try any other carrier oil: jojoba, grapeseed, olive, almond, etc.
Thank you so much! Sorry one more question. The chemo specialist has said no citrus, gratefruit or raw vegetables. You had mentioned juices and also the oils above have citrus. Do you know why they think they are not good.
Hey Lisa – Sorry…I’m not a licensed physician, and I make my recommendations based on my own research as a nutritional therapist.
Thank you for answering my questions so quickly. I am going to start the cancer protocols today. Maybe by the time I actually go see an oncologist, they will tell me I don’t have anything wrong. Praying anyway….
So thankful that you’re finding the information helpful…and am praying for you right now!!
Hi Season! My sister Leigh tagged me in your IG post for the blend to boost WBC. From there, I found your blog and this post. Can you pls explain what each of these blends is targeted towards.
Thank you!
Amy
Hi Amy – Here’s a bit more information about each of the oils. I hope this helps…
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-cypress-oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-wild-orange-oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-grapefruit-oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-lemon-oil
Hi Season! First off I just wanna say Thank you so much for all the info you’ve created and shared with all of us. I’ve been implementing your protocols on my mom for chemo support. My question is how soon after chemo do you think it’s safe to start up again? What I’ve been doing currently is stopping the protocol three days before chemo and three days after before resuming again, to give the chemo a “chance “ to work… but do you think that’s necessary? Should I not do a break?
Thank you so much!!
And yes I only use DoTERRA oils ❤️
Hi Aubrey – I actually recommend using oils during treatment…except for the citrus oils during radiation. Hope that clarifies any confusion. Thanks!