When Histamine Goes Haywire: Sixteen Essential Oils (from A to L) for Supporting the Balanced Histamine Levels, Taming Inflammation, and Aiding a Healthy Immune Response

Help for Histamine Havoc

For the past several weeks, I’ve been exploring the connection between excess histamine in the body and health outcomes. I’ve also been describing how essential oils can be an ally in balancing high levels of this chemical signal and aid you in achieving mind-body balance.

Now, in the conclusion of this series, I am going to provide you with some additional essential oils that you can use to tame excess histamine release and enhance resiliency. It will be divided into two parts.

In this first part, topics include:

• a quick review of the issues that occur with excess histamine release
• the properties of essential oils that help to mitigate high levels of histamine and balance our overall mind-body wellness
• a mega-list of sixteen oils, from A to L, that are antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory
• the four different types of allergic responses that these various oils are most effective for

In part two, I will complete our collection of histamine and immune balancing oils from M to Z.

Now, let’s start with a summary of the past two video posts, in case you missed them or need a refresher. Then, we’ll dive more into the oils that may provide you with some relief.

As always, all the resources, references, and links to studies can be found in this accompanying post and/or in the resource section.

So, let’s get started.

 

The Problems with Excess Histamine Levels and How Essential Oils Can Re-Balance the Body and Support Immune Resiliency

Histamine is a crucial chemical messenger that supports an effective immune response and influences many physical functions. Histamine receptors are found in many locations in the body, so a wide range of symptoms can occur when this mediator is released.

Various environmental and emotional triggers can lead to an excess of histamine in the body, causing our natural defenses to go array. These effects can be compounded by genetic variants in histamine enzyme production or metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, underlying pathogens, or decreased excretion of histamine.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of people struggling with high histamine symptoms. This is likely due to the rise in environmental exposures and emotional stressors in our world.

Perhaps you are one of the many experiencing getting sicker more frequently or having more robust allergic responses, menstrual issues, gut disturbances, strange skin eruptions, mood shifts, sleep issues, and/or hypersensitive reactions to stimuli. Integrative doctors are finding that these rising concerns are needing additional supportive interventions, beyond typical holistic health approaches.

In the first part of this series, I discussed more about the causes and issues related to excess histamine in the body and how it can lead to histamine intolerance and contribute to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). I also explained the first step to treating these conditions, which is symptom relief (through using natural or synthetic antihistamines) and calming the limbic response. Finally, I highlighted how essential oils can aid the healing process and restore histamine balance by mediating our immune response and addressing various triggers of histamine release.

In my second vlog, I gave a recap of part one and dove deeper into how essential oils indirectly and directly lower histamine levels as they impact immune health and overall resiliency. This is due to their following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Hormone, neurotransmitter, and vagal tone modulators
• Mood supportive
• Anti-microbial
• Digestive aids that enhance assimilation, elimination, gastrointestinal barrier function, and support a healthy microbiome
• Antioxidants (cellular protectors)
• Stress relieving
• Supportive of detoxification of harmful compounds

Lastly, I mentioned pre-clinical and clinical evidence of using geranium, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender oils for alleviating high histamine levels. Furthermore, a human trial reported that an aromatherapy blend was found to be effective for relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms.

So, now that we are caught up-to-speed, let’s look at some additional essential oils that can directly lower histamine levels and enhance resiliency.

 

The Mega-List of Essential Oils That Can Aid Histamine Balance and Allergic Responses: A to L

In researching essential oils that act as antihistamines, I came upon a wonderful post from the Creator’s Apothecary. The authors listed a vast number of oils that could impact immune modulation and lower histamine levels with specific references from peer-reviewed research.

The post also highlighted the four types of allergic reactions and correlated their list of oils with which type they were most effective for. The categories of allergic reactions include:

• TYPE I, hypersensitivity reaction, or anaphylactic reactions
• TYPE II or cytotoxic reactions (an allergic reaction where antibodies stimulate the complement pathway causing damage to cellular structures)
• TYPE III or immunocomplex reactions (an allergic reaction occurring when IgM and IgG antibodies react with the allergen to form immunocomplexes known as antigen-antibody complexes)
• TYPE IV or cell-mediated reactions (these are a delayed type of hypersensitivity reactions which are linked to deferred skin responses and some autoimmune diseases)

And now, the list….

The Mega List of Essential Oils (From A to L) That Lower Excess Histamine and Aid Immune Resiliency

1. Atlas Cedarwood – Cedrus atlantica- can help with TYPE II and IV (delayed) hypersensitivities, including food allergies. The high levels of sesquiterpenes present in this oil provide it with the ability to act as an antihistaminic and antiallergenic oil. It also acts as a decongestant and detoxifier to aid in enhanced blood and lymphatic circulation.
2. Basil – Ocimum basilicum- has moderate antiallergic properties and can be useful for TYPE I reactions. One study reported that it had antihistaminic effects that may support the treatment of asthma and related conditions.
3. Bergamot – Citrus bergamia – is a citrus fruit essential oil with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be helpful for alleviating allergy symptoms and asthma.
4. Blue Cypress – Callitris intratropica – possess anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, analgesic (pain relieving), and antipruritic (anti-itching) actions. It may be useful for treating immediate allergic responses such as contact dermatitis, itching, insect bites, and insect stings.
5. Blue Tansy – Tanacetum annuum – is helpful for TYPE I hypersensitivity reactions. It has strong antiallergic and antihistaminic effects and can assist with the inflammatory component of asthma. Key constituents such as sabinene and camphor provide this oil with its anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Caraway – Carum carvi – is an oil that has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. It may provide relief from stuffiness and coughing.
7. Clove Bud – Syzygium aromaticum / Eugenia caryophyllata – can offer moderate antihistamine effects for TYPE I allergic disorders. This oil also has antimicrobial properties, kills mites that can cause allergies, enhances the immune response, and acts as an antioxidant. One study reported that the eugenol in clove oil can help with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and psoriasis.
8. Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus –has multiple actions for assisting with allergies and respiratory relief. It contains eucalyptol (1-8, cineole), which has various benefits for wellness and lung health.
9. Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare –can reduce pain and alleviate the itching from excess histamine.
10. Frankincense – Boswellia carterii or B. frereana –contains alpha-pinene, which can heighten immune support and decrease allergic symptoms.
11. German Chamomile – Matricaria recutita or Matricaria chamomilla – has antiallergic and antihistaminic properties. It contains azulene and bisabol, which both have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and spasmolytic actions. This oil provides a calming effect on the respiratory system and soothes symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
12. Grindelia- Grindelia squarrosa –appears to aid allergenic attacks.
13. Helichrysum – Helichrysum italicum / Helichrysum angustifolia – is useful for TYPE I responses. This oil is anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and antiallergic. It combines well with Blue Tansy.
14. Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia –has a moderate antihistamine effect and is antiallergic. It can lower inflammation, stress and tension, calm the mind, and enhance a blend’s efficacy. Pre-clinical studies indicate that lavender oil inhibits immediate-type allergic reactions by preventing mast cell degranulation. There is some evidence that the compounds found in lavender oil, including linalool, may inhibit histamine production and suppress inflammation in the airways. Furthermore, human trials have shown that lavender reduces skin irritation and enhances the healing process in subjects.
15. Lemon – Citrus limon – is a citrus oil that may help TYPE I allergic reactions. One study found it could reduce nasal mucus and tamed throat and mouth inflammation in allergic rhinitis.
16. Lemongrass – West Indian: Cymbopogon citratus, East Indian: Cymbopogon flexuosus – has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, wheezing, and a stuffy and runny nose. It is also antifungal and can prevent pathogens that aggravate allergic reactions. Additionally, when applied topically or inhaled, lemongrass may help to reduce an overactive immune response, calm skin inflammation, and fight fungal infections.

 

Summary of Essential Oils for Histamine Balance (From A to L)

Although histamine is a critical chemical messenger for vital bodily functions and an effective immune response, excess levels can occur. This can result in histamine intolerance and contribute to the hypersensitivity of MCAS. Essential oils can indirectly and directly lower histamine levels as they impact immune health and overall resiliency. Various essential oils have direct antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties that can help alleviate the suffering of allergic responses and histamine disorders.

In this post, we completed the first sixteen essential oils (from A to L) that balance histamine. In the final section of this series, I’ll provide the last installment of essential oils (from M to Z) that can further your repertoire of aromatic allies for achieving histamine and immune harmony.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about essential oils for a more balanced mind-body-spirit.

I’d love to hear about your experience with any of these oils for histamine havoc. Please comment below.

Sending many blessings.

 

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Resources:

• Histamine in Health and Disease. (Clin Allergy Immunol. 2002)
• Too Much Histamine? How to Naturally Boost Your Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Levels (Dr. Jill Carnahan, 2023)
• Impact of Mold on Mast Cell-Cytokine Immune Response (J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2018)
• Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? (Int J Mol Sci, November 2021)
• Characterization of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (Am J Med Sci. 2017)
• Histamine and Histamine Intolerance (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2007)
• Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond (Nutrients, 2024)
• Mold, Histamine Intolerance, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know. (Becky Campell, MD)
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Here’s What You Need to Know When Histamine Goes Haywire (Dr. Jill Carnahan, 2016)
• Histamine Potentiates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Entry Into Endothelial Cells (Front Pharmacol, April 2022)
• The Complex Interplay between Immunonutrition, Mast Cells, and Histamine Signaling in COVID-19 (Nutrients. 2021)
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (Clin Rev Allergy Immunol, June 2018)
• Mast Cell Activation and Histamine Intolerance (Jodi Cohen, VBO)
• Essential Oils for Seasonal Allergies (Jodi Cohen, VBO)
• Essential Oils Considered Antihistamine For Allergic Reactions (Creators Apothecary, 2022) (cross referenced)
• Mast Cells Explained: Biohacking Inflammation, Allergies, and Brain Fog (The Human Upgrade Podcast, September 2025)
• Understanding Histamine Intolerance and MCAS with Michelle Shapiro
  (Conversations for Health, September 2025)
• How Essential Oils Directly Aid Detoxification and Cleansing and Protect Us from Harmful Toxins (My video article with references)
• Limbic Retraining: 10 Strategies to Improve Limbic Function (Dr. Jockers Website)
• My Three Favorite Essential Oils for Supporting the Vagus Nerve (+2 Honorable Mentions) (My video article with references)
• The Five Mind-Body and Mood Benefits of Essential Oils That Support Healthy Detoxification and Enhance Our Mental and Physical Health (My video with references)
• Inhibitory Effects of Geranium Essential Oil and Its Major Component, Citronellol, on Degranulation and Cytokine Production by Mast Cells. (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, June 2016 )
• Lavender Oil Inhibits Immediate-type Allergic Reaction in Mice and Rats. (Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, February 1999)
• Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016)
• The Anti-inflammatory Activity of L-menthol Compared to Mint Oil in Human Monocytes in Vitro: A Novel Perspective for its Therapeutic Use in Inflammatory Diseases. (European Journal of Medical Research, December 1998.)
• Antispasmodic Effect of Mentha Piperita Essential Oil on Trachea Smooth Muscle of Rats. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010).
• Histamine, Neuroinflammation and Neurodevelopment: A Review (Frontiers in Neuroscience, July 2022)
• Intestinal Permeability, Histamine, and Leaky Gut Functional Lab Markers (Dr. Jockers Website)
• 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol): A Versatile Phytochemical with Therapeutic Applications Across Multiple Diseases (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. November 2023.)