Summary

see also diarrhea, dysentery, stomach flu.

Food poisoning is the result of ingesting food or water that contains harmful bacteria, parasites, toxins or viruses. Some common symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, watery diarrhea, nausea, fever, fatigue and/or vomiting.

Symptoms and how quickly they occur differ for the various types of harmful intruders and are described in more detail below for some of the more common types of food poisoning.

E. coli enteritis is the common food poisoning to those that travel.  Meats that have not been handled properly, unsanitary food preparation areas, dairy or foods with mayonnaise not properly refrigerated or undercooked eggs or meat are all possible sources.

Symptoms usually occur with in 24 to 72 hours of infection.  Sudden severe diarrhea that may be bloody is the most common symptoms.  Others symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, gas and/or loss of appetite.  Vomiting is rare.

 

Staphylococcus aureus is another common source of food poisoning since this bacterium may be found on the skin and noses of healthy people and animals. The bacterium is responsible for making a variety of toxins that then, in turn, when ingested causes the food poisoning.

Symptoms can develop very fast, usually within one to six hours. Symptoms typically are mild and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

   

Botulism (Clostridium botulinum) This bacteria commonly occurs in improperly prepared or preserved foods but may also enter the body through open wounds or sores.

Symptoms usually develop within 8 to 36 hours. Symptoms in adults include the common symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting but also may include difficulty in breathing, swallowing or speaking, double vision, dry mouth and/or weakness with paralysis.  There is no fever with botulism.

Symptoms in infants may demonstrate themselves as constipation, poor feeding with weak sucking, respiratory problems, weakness and/or a weak cry.

 

Salmonella enterocolitis is another common type of bacterial infection that occurs in the lining of the small intestine.  Salmonella contamination can occur in improperly prepared foods especially chicken, eggs or turkey or can be passed from an infected person.  Even some reptile pets are carriers of salmonella.

Symptoms develop in the 8 to 48 hour period after exposure.  With a weakened immume system symptoms will be more acute. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, chills, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, nausea and/or vomiting.

 

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial organism that is common in our everyday environment and is found is some types of foods such as meats and cheeses. 

Symptoms develop in 3 to 70 days after the infection, but usually after 21 days.  Symptoms include diarrhea in some cases, fever, muscle aches and/or nausea. The infection can spread to the central nervous system with more severe complications.

 

Shigella is another group of bacteria that can cause an acute bacterial infection of the lining of the intestines.  These bacteria can be released in the stools of an infected person and passed to others. Areas at risk are areas of poor sanitation or those that may travel to such areas and be exposed to poor sanitation practices.

Symptoms develop in 1 to 7 days after being in contact with the bacterium. Symptoms include acute and sudden abdominal pain and fever plus stools that may range from those with blood, mucus or pus to watery diarrhea.  Additionally nausea, rectal pain (tenesmus) and vomiting may occur.

 

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is also considered as a form of food poisoning.  The bacterium releases a toxin that causes increased release of water in the intestines, which produces severe diarrhea.  Again, poor sanitation with food and water typically in poorer parts of the world lead to this infection.

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, low energy, nausea and/or vomiting.  Plus a number of symptoms related to dehydration including dry mouth, dry skin, lack of tears and low urine output.  It may also include a rapid heart rate and sunken eyes.

 

Campylobacter enteritis is another bacterial infection of the small intestine again coming from contaminated food or water.  Raw poultry, fresh produce, or unpasteurized milk are some of the sources cited.

Symptoms start 2 to 4 days after being infected and include abdominal pain, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and fever. 

 

Fish poisoning come from fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) and is a parasite that humans can acquire from eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish that contain the tapeworm cyst.

After eating the infected fish the larva of the tapeworm grows in the human intestine and are fully active in 3 to 6 weeks. There may be no symptoms or may include some abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  Eventually weight loss and weakness may be experienced along with a deficiency in vitamin B12.

 

A quick note on the terms associated with digestive tract infections.

Common medical terms
	Gastroenteritis is the general term for infection (bacterial, viral, parasitical or toxins) that leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
	Dysentery, a subset of gastroenteritis, primarily affecting the colon. Infection is commonly from parasites but can also be bacterial, viral or toxic. Most common are amoebic, giardia and cryptosporidium that all come from protozoans (single cell parasites).
	Gastritis, a subset of gastroenteritis, is specifically inflammation of tissue in the stomach.
	Diarrhea is a common symptom of various forms of gastroenteritis. Some use this term interchangeably with dysentery.
Common lay terms
	Food poisoning can lead to gastroenteritis and primarily describes what and how the infectious agents come into the body.
	Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) is a subset of gastroenteritis caused by a viral infection from a number of viruses (but unrelated to those that cause the common cold and flu).
	Traveler’s diarrhea (Montezuma’s revenge) is the lay term used for gastroenteritis (bacterial or viral) common to folks traveling to new areas and exposed to new infectious agents.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  DigestZen, fennel, ginger, peppermint, sandalwood

Essential oils based products: GX Assist, PB Assist

Also consider: cinnamon, cypress, eucalyptus, oregano

Suggested protocols:

DigestZen may be taken internally or topically.  Internally add 3 - 4 drops to a swallow of water or juice.  Topically apply 3 - 4 drops to the lower stomach area.  For children and babies apply topically and dilute with a carrier oil. For infants the oils will be effective when applied to the bottoms of the feet.

Ginger and peppermint are also good to settle upset stomachs.

Cinnamon or cassia applied topically to the lower stomach area with a carrier oil are specifically helpful for diarrhea.

Bacterial, Viral or Parasite?

If the type of infection is known consider augmenting with an oil effective for that infection if it is not included in the protocol above.

ANTIBACTERIAL: basil, cassia, cinnamon, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, melaleuca, myrrh, OnGuard, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, wild orange

 

ANTIVIRAL: basil, cassia, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, helichrysum, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, melaleuca, melissa, myrrh, OnGuard, oregano, thyme

 

PARASITES: cinnamon, DigestZen, lemon, melaleuca, mountain savory, OnGuard, oregano, Roman chamomile, thyme

 

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Student - Does anyone know what oils might treat e coli food poisoning?  I would appreciate any help.

Rob - There is a study done that shows oregano and thyme effective against E-coli.  Based on this, you might want to put 3-4 drops of each in a capsule, then fill to the top with carrier oil and take internally.  You might experience a little unpleasantness (bad burps) afterward.  I would follow it up by a quick shot glass of 2 drops DigestZen in water. Repeat every hour till symptoms of food poising go away. You could also try frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, cassia or ginger.

Brooke - I had a little 'food-poisoning' experience about a month ago.  I woke up at 2:30 AM in the middle of the night with the sharpest pains throughout my abdomen! I had never experienced that sort of pain before.   I grabbed the DigestZen and put 4-6  drops (neat) on my abdomen and rubbed it all over (I didn't have any coconut oil because I wasn't at home) - and then I put a couple of drops under my tongue.  I did it again about 10 minutes later. Within 30 minutes I was sound asleep again - pain gone!  Not sure what kind of food-poisoning it was, but I'm positive that is what it was because my hubby has had it before.  - I hope you're experience only lasts that long! Good luck!

 

Lisa -I have a friend who just called because her two young children ate some peaches from a can that had been left out the night before.  She is worried about them getting botulism.  What oils can help kill bacteria from food poisoning? And what can she do? One child is 4 and the other is 7.

Jan - DigestZen and ginger ...can they swallow capsules? one drop each in a capsule and fill the rest with Fractioned Coconut oil. Since they are 4 and 7 and maybe can’t swallow a capsule rub diluted DigestZen on the abdomen.

Cherie - Friend, a little knowledge might ease your friends worry, First, Botulism is an anaerobic bacteria which means unless the botulism was in the can (i.e. the can was bulging or dented before opening) they probably don't have botulism.  There are some other bacteria she will want to be aware of, but I wouldn't be too concerned about botulism.  With them being so young, Food poisoning would probably crop up pretty quickly, so if they aren't showing any symptoms within 24 hours, they are probably fine.  As for which oils, I'm less experienced there, but DigestZen is good and I would use lavender to ease stress and worry.   I hope this helps.

Steff - Melaleuca....absolutely. A personal story...

I was working an insane schedule and so we hired a nanny/housekeeper/cook to help out.  The Nanny was getting backpacks ready for the new school year.  Unknown to me, she had pulled out food from the backpack that was from the previous year.  She took off the tupperware lid and placed the food on the counter.  When I came in and saw the food set out I thought it was part of what was being prepared for the meal (no mold etc.) It looked like some type of cheese/potatoe creation.  I took a couple bites of it - as it tasted like a funky type of cheese and I would taste some more trying to figure out what it was. One of my kids came into the room, and upon seeing me eating the food screamed "that was in our backpack from LAST YEAR!" I was horrified...I got into the car trembling, heading for the emergency room to have my stomache pumped.  I picked up my phone and dialed poison control.  The advice... It was too late...I'd most likely get a severe case of food poisoning and my body would clean itself by throwing up or having diarrhea etc. When I returned home and told my Nanny what the physicians had said, she opened up her purse and pulled out some Melaleuca oil.  She explained that I needed to take it and put about 10 drops in a cup of water.  (This was not a doTERRA oil - since we didn't know about doTERRA at the time.  I'd muscle test for your particular - more serious situation, to know how many drops to give). Anyway, to make a long story short.... I had NO effects from the food.  None whatsoever.  I'm a firm believer in melaleuca - especially the doTERRA Therapeutic Grade of Maleleuca. Since this time we've used melaleuca in orange juice to help the kids get the oils down in similar situations. Hope this helps.

Lisa -The buggy in the tummy killer is anise it smells like black licorice.  I did the same thing for my son when he got the bad stomach flu and he stopped after two drops on the tongue once. I then switched to OnGuard and he slept the rest of the night with no more vomitting. My  daughter sprayed her room down with OnGuard like you would with Lysol  and she never got it and I, who took care of three kids who had it, never got it either. Remember to wash up with the OnGuard soap and drown the toothbrush with the two oils or better yet throw it away.

 

Dian -Does anyone know of any oils that would help after you have ingested food infected with botulism?  

Sharon - Using a clay laced with DigestZen will help.  The clay absorbs the nasties, and the oils help with the symptoms.

Christina - I was worried my 4 year old had gotten food poisoning and I was out of DigestZen, it also was around 10 PM and my pediatrician’s office was closed. So out of my panic state I gave him about 7 drops of peppermint oil internally, diluted 5 drops with EVCO and rubbed it on his tummy and soles of his feet.  He was better within the hour. Amazing!

 

Ann - My daughter has had diarrhea off and on since Monday.  I have been using DigestZen and peppermint topically on her feet and tummy, and was wondering if DigestZen would be ok to give her internally, she is 15.  Would that help?

Brooke – Yes - If she can stand it - We had the flu bug last week, and I used a couple of drops of DigestZen under their tongue three times a day, and then had them drink water with peppermint in it.  But I also rubbed lemongrass and ginger on their abdomen - and it helped a ton!  It is a really nasty flu bug going around!

Maree - I would also try clove.... internally.  That really helped my family’s issues a few weeks ago.

 

Cami - My 2 year old has been sick for the last 5 days. She is either throwing up or has diarrhea. Monday she was throwing up. Tuesday she threw up once but had diarrhea all day. Wednesday diarrhea all day. Thursday she threw up a little. Then today she has thrown up twice. Can't really keep anything down again and has had diarrhea. She will drink and she acts like herself when she isn't throwing up. I am just wondering if there is something I can give her that will help her stomach calm down and just help get rid of this bug that we can't seem to get rid of!

Leah - Sounds like my baby this past week, except the throwing up hasn't been that intense. Definitely has the diarrhea. He's mostly breastfed. The oils I've been using on him (he's 10 months old) are Balance on the bottom of his feet, basil around his ears - as he seems to have an irritation or infection, frankincense on his head or neck, and DigestZen on his belly button. I think the DigestZen plays the biggest part in not throwing up.

Sandi - Sounds like my daughter last week (5 years old). Ginger worked best for her. Stopped things (both ends) right in their tracks. Couple drops of ginger in FCO and rubbed on her lower abdomen. Then she liked to smell the peppermint because it masked the smell of the ginger, which she doesn't like. It usually worked for about 12 hours before she's start feeling nauseous and then I'd reapply.

Protocols folks recommend for children

 

 

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

 

What Science & Research are saying

Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Burt, S. A. (2003). Letters in Applied Microbiology 36, 162-7.

The research studied the antibacterial properties of five essential oils (EO) on Escherichia coli O157:H7. The results show that oregano and thyme EO have significant in vitro colicidal and colistatic properties and are exhibited in a broad temperature range. The effects were greatly improved by the addition of agar as stabilizer. Bay and clove bud EO are shown less ve in reducing the number of E.coli O157:H7.

 

Herbal remedies for dyspepsia: peppermint seems effective.

Prescrire Int. 2008 Jun;17(95):121-3. [No authors listed]

Abstract

(1) Functional dyspepsia is extremely common, yet few if any treatments have been shown to be effective. This review examines the potential benefits and risks of using herbal products in treating symptoms of dyspepsia. (2) About forty plants have been approved in France in the composition of products traditionally used for dyspepsia. (3) The clinical efficacy of most of these plants has not been assessed. Some essential oils can cause severe adverse effects, including seizures. Herbal teas appear to be safe when used appropriately. (4) A few randomised controlled clinical trials suggest that peppermint essential oil is effective in reducing abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea in patients with "irritable bowel syndrome". Peppermint tea, containing essential oil, has no known adverse effects. (5) There is no sound reason to discourage patients from using herbal teas made from plants such as lemon balm, German chamomile or star anise.

 From PubMed.com

Effects of essential oils on the growth of Giardia lamblia trophozoites.

Machado M, Sousa Mdo C, Salgueiro L, Cavaleiro C., January 2010

Centro de Estudos Farmacêuticos/Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.

Abstract

Giardia lamblia is one of the most important worldwide causes of intestinal infections produced by protozoa. Current therapy for giardiasis is unsatisfactory due to high incidence of undesirable side effects and significant failure in clearing parasites from the gastrointestinal tract. In the search for new therapeutic agents, we report on the effect of several essential oils on G. lamblia growth. Among eighteen tested essential oils, those with phenolic compositions were the most active, particularly if containing high contents of carvacrol, such as Thymbra capitata and Origanum virens (IC50 values of 71 and 85 microg x mL(-1), respectively). The oils from Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris (IC50 values from 100 to 200 microg x mL(-1)), as well as, those from Mentha x piperita and Lippia graveolens (IC50 values over 200 microg x mL(-1)) were less active. Results support the concept that several essential oils or some of their constituents may be useful in the clinical management of Giardia infections.

Editor's note:  The oils mentioned above are commonly known as thyme, oregano, clove, peppermint, and  Mexican oregano.

Essential oils in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis: A preliminary in vitro study.

Hawrelak JA, Cattley T, Myers SP. 

School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dysbiosis is associated with a number of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. There is a need for selectively acting antimicrobial agents capable of inhibiting the growth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, or those found to be out of balance, while not negatively impacting the bulk gastrointestinal tract microflora.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study is to examine the potential of a selection of essential oils as agents to treat dysbiosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight essential oils were examined using the agar dilution method, including Carum carvi, Citrus aurantium var. amara, Foeniculum vulgare dulce, Illicium verum, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha arvensis, Mentha x piperita, and Trachyspermum copticum. Doubling dilutions of the essential oils were tested against 12 species of intestinal bacteria, which represent the major genera found in the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

RESULTS: Carum carvi, Lavandula angustifolia, Trachyspermum copticum, and Citrus aurantium var. amara essential oils displayed the greatest degree of selectivity, inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens at concentrations that had no effect on the beneficial bacteria examined.

CONCLUSION: The most promising essential oils for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis are Carum carvi, Lavandula angustifolia, Trachyspermum copticum, and Citrus aurantium var. amara. The herbs from which these oils are derived have long been used in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and the in vitro results of this study suggest that their ingestion will have little detrimental impact on beneficial members of the GIT microflora. More research is needed, however, to investigate tolerability and safety concerns, and verify the selective action of these agents.

Editor's note: the oils mentioned in the Materials and Methods section are commonly known as caraway, petitgrain, sweet fennel, star anise, lavender, Japanese peppermint, peppermint, ajowan caraway.