Hope for Children with PANDAS: Natural Aromatherapy Treatment for Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Disorder associated with Strep Infections

Review of recent literature suggests that essential oils appear to be critical in successful treatment of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcus-A infections). Essential oils dissolve the biofilm which coats resistant bacteria, including Streptoccus pyogenes (Strep-A) and resistant staph bacteria (MRSA), whereas antibiotics do not penetrate the biofilm. Essential oils also cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby getting to all parts of the brain including the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is the area of the brain most affected by PANDAS and other auto-immune syndromes. Essential oils which are successful in breaking down the protective biofilm include Oregano, Melaleuca (Tea Tree, Niaouli, Cajeput), Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, and Power of Protection aka Thieves essential oil blend. Use of these oils may therefore be necessary in clearing up the source of recurring and dangerous auto-immune disorders, including PANDAS. The most effective applications appear to be soles of the feet, anointing back of neck and spine, gelatin capsule protocols, air diffuser, and water treatments. Because of the phenols in these essential oils, dilution in olive oil or other nutritious carrier oil is important for applications on the body and in gelatin capsules. Water & air diffuser treatments are automatically diluted in the water and air.  

The PANDAS syndrome, discovered in the 1990s, affects children between ages 4 and teenage who have repeatedly become infected with Streptoccus pyogenes, and is characterized by extreme physical and psychological difficulties including facial tics and other uncontrolled movements, panic, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, screaming, writhing, hypersensitivity, inability to focus, and nightmares.

Strep throat frequently requires antibiotic treatment, which results in fungal overgrowth; and recurring infections can deplete the immune system. Strep bacteria mask themselves, hiding from and confusing antibodies which may overproduce and get stuck in the brain, causing inflammation. It is thought that the inflammation of the basal ganglia of the brain may cause the neuropsychiatric symptoms of PANDAS – similar to an encephalitis of the brain.

Within the last few years IVIG (intravenous) treatment of glamaglobulin has been successful in alleviating the symptoms temporarily, with additional IVIG treatments every few months helping these children to function normally. An attack of symptoms can be sufficiently severe that the children are in extreme distress, unable to carry out normal functions and attend school. The recurring episodes of debility can continue for years.

Parent reports indicate that essential oils are helping to abate their children’s symptoms and avoid episodes, sometimes for years. These anecdotal reports offer interesting possibilities for natural, noninvasive, palliative and immune-building treatment of PANDAS. with essential oils and essential oil blends.

Essential oils have calming, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic and immune-building characteristics which are important in fighting autoimmune disorders and reducing their symptoms. In addition to attacking the source by breaking down biofilm coatings protecting the bacteria, essential oils also help to abate symptoms by calming the nervous system, fighting inflammation, detoxifying, nourishing & healing the brain and other organs.

At client request, we have created categories of essential oils and essential oil blends frequently utilized in the treatment of PANDAS. We have chosen calming, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and immune-building essential oils and therapeutic blends which calm and energize the Central Nervous System and break down the biofilm to fight resistant Strep-A.  

Essential Oils Relieve Anxiety, Balance Emotions

The first two oils that I came to know personally were Lavender and Geranium. It was a perfect beginning for me, because I was a single mom raising two boys, and all three of us carried a high level of anxiety and insecurity (due to economic uncertainty and a new environment, new life on our own).  I was a school psychologist and knew about meditation and biofeedback, but I had no idea that anxiety, stress and headaches could be relieved by smelling essential oils.

I immediately loved the Lavender, smelled it frequently and anointed myself with it.  I wasn’t so sure about the Geranium, but it grew on me over time, and now when I introduce others to Geranium, I always refer to it as the most comforting of all the oils.

When you find something wonderful, it is natural to share. I kept a small bottle of Lavender in my desk at school, and sometimes teachers would complain of headaches.  I began to invite teachers to anoint their necks and brow to relieve headaches, and much to everyone’s surprise, it worked!

I didn’t suffer from headaches myself, but I will always remember the relief that I felt when anointing myself with Lavender. A drop behind the ears, and I could feel the stress melt away!

Other essential oils that I have come to treasure for their powerful stress relieving capacities are Bergamot and Marjoram. Also, Basil helps relieve irritability and negativity, and activates empathy and wellbeing.

One of the most famous of the Earth Angel Oils blends is the Anti-Stress, Pain & Panic Relief  blend, which contains Lavender, Marjoram and Basil; and this combination is our first choice for stress relief for both people and animals.

As a psychologist, I was shocked when I realized that the oils are effective in alleviating stress. I have been devoted to letting others know the wonderful benefits of this natural remedy, ever since my first exposure to the oils 25 years ago.

Have the oils helped relieve stress in your life? Please let us know your experiences with the oils and your favorite ways to use them.

More information on the oils described in this post: Lavender; Geranium; Bergamot; Marjoram;  Basil; and Anti-Stress, Pain & Panic Relief   blend

 

My journey with the oils

Early Aromatic Experiences in a Growth Center, early  70’s, and years later, my first essential oils.

I have been passionate about essential oils ever since I discovered them 25 years ago.

Before I knew about essential oils, I had been exposed to exotic aromas through candles and incense, particularly the scents of Sandalwood and Patchouli, while living in a humanistic growth center as a resident psychology student during the early 1970’s.   But I had never heard of essential oils.  It was a memorable occasion for me, and once I learned about them, I couldn’t imagine how it took me so long!

I  learned about essential oils from books.  I enjoy fresh herbs and liked to try to grow them. While visiting my two favorite herb shops, I began to notice books on essential oils. My curiosity aroused, I asked the shop owner to introduce me to the two most important oils to start with. She sold me Lavender and Geranium, and the books.

Do you remember your first essential oils?  If you do, please comment and tell your stories.  What was it like? Did you share your discovery with others?

More physical and energetic information on the oils described in this Post:   Lavender; Geranium