When I was walking through my own journey with low platelets, I spent a lot of time asking, “What should I take?”
But over time, I began to ask a better question:
“What foods help support platelets naturally—and how can I nourish my body so it can function the way it was designed to?”
One of the most powerful shifts I made was focusing on anti-inflammatory foods that support the immune system, rather than constantly searching for the next quick fix.
Inflammation plays a significant role in autoimmune conditions like ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia). When the body is inflamed, the immune system can become unbalanced and begin attacking its own platelets. But when we consistently choose foods that reduce inflammation and support whole-body health, we create an environment where healing becomes more possible.
If you’re wondering what to eat to support platelet count naturally, here are five simple, nourishing foods to start with.
1. Berries (Especially Goji Berries)
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells—including platelets—from oxidative stress and damage.
Goji berries have been traditionally used to support:
- Immune system balance
- Blood health
- Liver function (important for detoxification and overall wellness)
Other berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in vitamin C, which supports blood vessel health and helps the body absorb iron more effectively.
Why this matters for platelets:
Reducing oxidative stress and supporting the immune system may help protect platelets from unnecessary destruction.
Reducing oxidative stress and supporting the immune system may help protect platelets from unnecessary destruction.
👉 Simple idea: Add berries to smoothies, oatmeal, or enjoy goji berries as a daily snack.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with nutrients that support overall blood health.
They contain:
- Vitamin K (supports normal blood clotting)
- Folate (important for blood cell production)
- Magnesium (helps regulate inflammation)
Why this matters for platelet count:
These nutrients help support the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood function and reduce inflammation—both important for those with low platelets.
👉 Simple idea: Add greens to salads, smoothies, or sauté with garlic and olive oil.
3. Lentils
Lentils are a nourishing source of:
- Plant-based iron
- Folate
- Protein
Iron supports healthy blood, and folate plays a key role in the production of blood cells.
Why this matters for platelets:
While platelets are different from red blood cells, your body still needs the right building blocks to support overall blood health and function.
While platelets are different from red blood cells, your body still needs the right building blocks to support overall blood health and function.
👉 Simple idea: Use lentils in soups, stews, or simple grain bowls.
4. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps:
- Support immune function
- Strengthen blood vessels
- Improve iron absorption
- Reduce inflammation
Why this matters for low platelet count:
Supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation can help create a more balanced internal environment.
👉 Simple idea: Start your day with lemon water or add citrus to salads and dressings.
5. Omega-3 Rich Foods (Like Salmon)
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
You can find them in:
- Wild-caught salmon
- Sardines
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
Why this matters for ITP and platelets:
Lowering inflammation may help calm an overactive immune response, which is key in autoimmune conditions like ITP.
👉 Simple idea: Aim to include omega-3 rich foods a few times per week.
Conclusion: Small Steps Toward Healing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Healing doesn’t come from one perfect decision—but from consistent, nourishing choices over time.
Healing doesn’t come from one perfect decision—but from consistent, nourishing choices over time.
If you’re trying to increase platelets naturally, start simple. Choose one or two of these foods and begin incorporating them into your daily routine.
As you do, you’re not just “eating healthy”—you’re supporting your body, reducing inflammation, and creating space for healing.
If you’d like to know exactly what I do, it's the 14-day reset that focuses on anti-inflammatory foods, and simple daily habits.
You're always welcome to join me, but no matter where you begin, know this:
Your body is not working against you. With the right support, it can begin to heal.
Your body is not working against you. With the right support, it can begin to heal.
Daily Habits That Support Natural Immune Health Without a Spleen
For years, getting sick felt terrifying.
As someone living without a spleen, I’ve learned how important it is to focus on natural immune support without a spleen through simple, daily habits.
I lost my spleen due to autoimmune ITP. Like many others, I was told that without a spleen, I would be considered “immunocompromised” and more vulnerable to illness.
And for a while, that felt very true.
I seemed to catch everything that went around. Every cold lingered. Every illness felt bigger than it should.
But over time, something unexpected happened.
I stopped getting sick all the time.
Today, I can honestly say I have one of the strongest, most resilient immune systems of anyone I know.
Not because I never get exposed…
Not because I live in a bubble…
Not because I live in a bubble…
But because I began consistently supporting my body in simple, intentional ways.
And these same habits?
They’ve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
They’ve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
This post is for you if:
- You’re living with ITP and want natural ways to support your body
- You’ve had a splenectomy for any reason and want to strengthen your immune system naturally
How can I support my immune system naturally without a spleen?
Supporting your immune system naturally without a spleen includes:
- Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods to help reduce inflammation
- Managing stress through daily habits like rest, prayer, and quiet time
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Reducing exposure to toxins in your home and personal care products
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These consistent daily habits help create a strong foundation so your body can respond well during times of stress or illness.
What It Means to Live Without a Spleen (And Why It Can Feel Scary)
The spleen plays a role in supporting the body’s response to certain infections.
So when it’s removed—whether due to ITP, injury, or another condition—it’s common to feel:
- More vulnerable to illness
- More anxious about getting sick
- Unsure how to best support your body moving forward
I remember that feeling well.
But what I’ve learned over the years is this:
👉 While we can’t control everything…
👉 We can support how our body responds
👉 We can support how our body responds
The Shift: From Fear to Supporting My Body Daily
There was a time when I felt like my body was working against me.
Now, I see things differently.
Instead of focusing on fear, I began focusing on daily support—creating an environment where my body could function well, recover well, and stay balanced.
And over time, that consistency changed everything.
The Daily Habits That Strengthened My Immune System
These are the foundational habits I rely on every day—whether I feel great or feel run down.
1. Reducing Inflammation Through Nutrition
I began focusing on foods that nourish instead of deplete.
This includes:
- Whole, simple ingredients
- Reducing processed foods and sugar
- Choosing meals that support overall wellness
This isn’t about restriction—it’s about support.
2. Lowering My Daily Toxic Load
This was one of the biggest turning points for me.
I didn’t realize how much everyday exposure (cleaners, personal care, fragrances) could add stress to the body.
By making simple swaps, I helped:
- Reduce unnecessary burden
- Create a cleaner, more supportive home environment
3. Supporting Gut and Liver Function
These systems are closely connected to overall wellness.
When I began supporting them more intentionally, I noticed:
- Better resilience
- More balance in my body
- Greater overall balance
4. Managing Stress Consistently
Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel—it affects how our body functions.
For me, this looks like:
- Prayer and quiet time
- Slowing down when needed
- Creating space to rest mentally and emotionally
5. Using Targeted Supplements
I use supplements to support my body—not replace the basics.
They help fill in gaps and provide extra support during times when my body needs it most.
Supplements are not one-size-fits-all, but focusing on antioxidants has been important for me.
6. Daily Essential Oil Support
Essential oils have become part of my daily rhythm.
I use them to support:
- Immune health
- Emotional balance
- Respiratory wellness (when my lungs or sinuses need extra support)
When I Feel Something Coming On: My Go-To Support Routine
I used to panic at the first sign of illness.
Now, I respond with support.
Immune Support
When I feel run down, I often increase:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Oil-infused supplements featuring:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
Respiratory Support (Especially Important Without a Spleen)
Supporting my respiratory system has become a priority.
I turn to:
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and ravintsara
- Raindrop Technique to support the body and overall wellness
- Simple acupressure points that support comfortable breathing
The Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Step
- Warm fluids like tea
- Hydration
- Rest—even when I start to feel better
A Thoughtful Note on Antibiotics and Immune Support
This is something I’ve been asked about often—especially in the splenectomy community.
Many people without a spleen are encouraged to take antibiotics regularly as a preventative measure. This is something you should always discuss with your healthcare provider, as every situation is unique.
For me personally, I’ve taken a different approach. Because a large portion of the immune system is connected to the gut, I’ve been intentional about supporting my body in ways that help maintain overall balance.
In my own journey, I’ve chosen to reserve antibiotics for times when they are truly needed for bacterial infections.
As I’ve focused on strengthening my body through daily habits—nutrition, reducing toxins, stress support, and immune-supportive tools—
I’ve found that my need for antibiotics has become far less frequent. This isn’t about telling anyone what they should do—but simply sharing what has worked for me, and what has allowed me to feel more confident and supported in my day-to-day life.
A Note for Those Living With ITP
If you’re walking through ITP, I want to gently share this:
The habits that support your overall health also support your body’s ability to stay balanced.
Can natural approaches support overall wellness for those living with ITP?
Natural approaches can play a supportive role in overall wellness for those living with ITP by helping the body stay balanced.
Many people focus on:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Supporting the gut and liver
- Managing stress consistently
- Creating healthy daily habits that support the body as a whole
While every journey is different, these foundational habits can be a meaningful part of a long-term wellness routine. I have been in remission from ITP for 20 years with all of the healthy habits I have mentioned.
You Are Not Powerless
Whether you:
- Still have your spleen
- No longer have a spleen
- Are navigating ITP
- Or are simply trying to stay well
There are things you can do.
You don’t have to live in fear of every illness.
You can:
- Support your body daily
- Build resilience over time
- Walk through seasons of sickness with more confidence and peace
If You Want Support Getting Started
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone.
I love helping others learn simple, natural ways to support their bodies—especially when it comes to:
- Essential oils for immune and respiratory support
- Reducing stress in practical, doable ways
- Building healthy habits that actually stick
If that’s something you’re looking for, feel free to:
💛 Reach out to me directly
💛 Ask a question
💛 Or share what you’re currently struggling with
💛 Reach out to me directly
💛 Ask a question
💛 Or share what you’re currently struggling with
I’m always happy to help guide you in a way that feels simple and realistic for your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITP, Splenectomy, and Immune Support
Can you live a healthy life without a spleen?
Yes—many people live full, healthy lives without a spleen.
While the spleen does play a role in supporting the body’s response to infection, there are many ways to support your overall health and build resilience through daily habits, nutrition, and lifestyle choices.
How can I support my immune system without a spleen naturally?
Supporting your body naturally often comes down to consistency.
Some of the most impactful areas include:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Lowering your exposure to toxins
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Managing stress
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These simple habits, practiced daily, can make a meaningful difference over time.
Is it normal to feel more anxious about getting sick after a splenectomy?
Absolutely.
Many people feel increased fear or uncertainty after losing their spleen—especially when it comes to illness.
You’re not alone in that.
But over time, as you build supportive routines and learn what works for your body, that fear can shift into confidence.
What helps support the immune system when you feel like you’re getting sick?
When you feel something coming on, it can help to:
- Increase rest and hydration
- Support your body with nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants
- Use supportive wellness tools like herbal teas or essential oils
- Slow down and give your body time to recover
The goal is to support your body early and consistently. Don't wait until you're feeling terrible to start supporting your body!
Can natural approaches help with ITP?
Natural approaches can support overall wellness for those living with ITP by focusing on habits like nutrition, stress management, and supporting the body’s natural balance. While each person’s experience is unique, many find these habits helpful as part of their daily routine.
Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?
Start simple.
You don’t have to change everything at once.
Choose one area:
- Swap out a few products in your home
- Add one nourishing meal per day
- Begin a simple stress-reducing practice
- Learn one or two essential oils to support your body
Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
What should you do if you are diagnosed with ITP?
If you are diagnosed with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), start by understanding the condition, working with your doctor, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and taking small, consistent steps toward healing.
If you are diagnosed with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), start by understanding the condition, working with your doctor, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and taking small, consistent steps toward healing.
💛 You’re Not Alone in This
If you’ve just been diagnosed with ITP, I want you to know something right away…
You’re not alone.
I remember what that moment felt like—the confusion, the fear, the questions that seemed to multiply faster than answers. One minute you’re living your life… and the next, you’re trying to understand platelet counts, low platelets, and what this ITP diagnosis means for your future.
And if you’ve already gone down the Google rabbit hole searching “what to do after an ITP diagnosis”… I get it. I’ve been there too.
So before we go any further, can I gently say this?
Take a breath.
You do not have to figure everything out today.
You do not have to make every decision right now.
And this diagnosis does not get to write your whole story.
You do not have to make every decision right now.
And this diagnosis does not get to write your whole story.
There is space here—to learn, to grow, and to walk this out one step at a time.
🪜 What to Do After an ITP Diagnosis
Let’s keep this simple. These are your first steps—not your whole journey.
What Is ITP? (Immune Thrombocytopenia Explained Simply)
ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) is a condition where your immune system mistakenly targets your platelets, which help your blood clot. That’s the simple version.
You don’t need to understand everything about ITP right now—just enough to begin asking good questions and feeling a little more grounded.
Work with Your Doctor (But Stay Informed)
After an ITP diagnosis, your doctor will likely monitor your platelet levels and discuss treatment options if needed.
This is important—but so is your role.
This is your body, and it’s okay to ask questions, learn about your options, and be part of the decision-making process as you move forward. (Helpful tip I learned along the way: Write your questions down and take them with you to your appointment.)
Learn to Notice Your Body Without Fear
When you first hear “low platelets,” it’s easy to become hyper-aware in a fearful way.
Instead, try shifting into gentle awareness.
Notice things like bruising, energy levels, or changes in your body—but without panic. This isn’t about fear… it’s about learning how your body communicates with you.
Simple Ways to Reduce Inflammation
If you’re wondering what to do after an ITP diagnosis from a natural perspective, this is a great place to begin.
You don’t need a perfect diet overnight. Just start with small, consistent changes:
- Focus on whole, nourishing foods
- Reduce highly processed ingredients
- Pay attention to how your body responds
Healing doesn’t happen in extremes—it happens in daily choices over time.
Why Stress Matters for ITP
One of the most overlooked parts of healing after an ITP diagnosis is stress.
Your body doesn’t just need physical support—it needs a sense of safety.
Chronic stress can impact the immune system, so creating space for rest, prayer, quiet, and calm is not a luxury… it’s part of the healing process.
Protecting your peace matters more than you might think.
🙏 Emotional Support After an ITP Diagnosis
I know this might feel scary right now. I know there are unknowns.
But your body is not your enemy.
And this diagnosis is not the end of your story.
And this diagnosis is not the end of your story.
There is hope here.
I’ve walked this road. I’ve faced the fear, the setbacks, the questions… and I’ve also experienced healing, strength, and a deeper understanding of how to care for my body in ways I never knew before.
You are not alone in this.
🤝 Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with ITP
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Here are a few gentle ways to take your next step:
💛 If you need encouragement and reassurance
My website was created for warriors just like you:
My website was created for warriors just like you:
Click over to the homepage for some more resources: ITP WARRIOR HOMEPAGE
🌿 If you’re looking for a supportive community
Join my Facebook group, Platelets, Plants, and Prayers, where we talk about natural ways to support the body, share experiences, and encourage one another:
👉 [Join the community]
Join my Facebook group, Platelets, Plants, and Prayers, where we talk about natural ways to support the body, share experiences, and encourage one another:
👉 [Join the community]
📖 If you’re ready for a deeper, step-by-step guide
I’ve created a resource that walks through the areas that made the biggest difference in my own healing journey—from food and inflammation to toxins, stress, and more:
👉 [Explore the ITP Healing Guide]
I’ve created a resource that walks through the areas that made the biggest difference in my own healing journey—from food and inflammation to toxins, stress, and more:
👉 [Explore the ITP Healing Guide]
You don’t have to do all of this today.
Just take one small step.
And if today’s step is simply choosing hope over fear…
that’s more than enough. 💛
that’s more than enough. 💛
If you’re living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), you’ve probably been told your condition is “random” or “idiopathic.”
But what if it’s not as random as we think?
There is a powerful — and often overlooked — connection between stress, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. And for many ITP warriors, understanding this link can change everything.
Because the chain reaction looks like this:
Chronic Stress → Chronic Inflammation → Immune Dysregulation → Platelet Destruction
And that chain reaction matters.
My ITP Wasn’t Random
Before I understood this connection, I thought my ITP came out of nowhere.
But it didn’t.
My diagnosis followed one of the most emotionally toxic, high-stress seasons of my life. At the time, I didn’t connect the dots. I didn’t understand how deeply emotional stress could inflame the body and dysregulate the immune system.
Now I do.
And I wish someone had explained this to me sooner.
Why Inflammation Should Matter to Every ITP Warrior
Inflammation is not always bad.
Short-term inflammation helps us:
- Fight infection
- Heal injury
- Destroy pathogens
But when inflammation becomes chronic — from ongoing stress, poor diet, toxins, or unresolved trauma, — it stops protecting and starts damaging.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes complications
- Neurological disorders
- Metabolic dysfunction
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disease
Including immune-mediated platelet destruction.
When inflammation doesn’t resolve, the immune system can become confused, reactive, and destructive.
For ITP warriors, this is critical.
What Stress Actually Does Inside the Body
Your nervous system has two primary modes:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) — “Fight or Flight”
- Releases cortisol
- Raises heart rate and blood pressure
- Diverts energy away from digestion and repair
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) — “Rest and Digest”
- Repairs
- Regulates
- Restores
Most of us are living in fight-or-flight mode far more than we realize.
Maybe you’ve felt it too.
Your body never quite settles.
Even when you sit down, your mind keeps racing.
Even when you sit down, your mind keeps racing.
When this state becomes chronic, inflammation rises.
Cortisol: Helpful… Until It Isn’t
Cortisol is not the enemy. In healthy rhythms, it:
- Peaks in the morning
- Gradually declines throughout the day
- Helps regulate immune activity
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
But chronic stress disrupts that rhythm.
Instead of a healthy rise and fall, cortisol can flatten. Research shows that flattened cortisol rhythms are associated with:
- Increased disease risk
- Suppressed immune regulation
- Increased inflammation
Too much cortisol over time dysregulates the immune system.
And immune dysregulation is at the core of ITP.
Acute Stress vs. Chronic Stress
Interestingly, short bursts of stress can temporarily boost immune function.
But chronic stress?
That’s where the damage happens.
Long-term stressors like:
- Financial pressure
- Ongoing health concerns
- Social isolation
- Relationship conflict
- Feeling out of control
Lead to:
- Reduced natural killer (NK) cell activity
- Decreased immune resilience
- Increased inflammatory markers
In research where participants were exposed to a cold virus:
- Acute stress did not increase illness risk
- Chronic stress lasting more than one month doubled the risk
- Stress lasting over two years made participants four times more likely to get sick
It’s not the one hard day.
It’s the unrelenting season.
And many ITP warriors know exactly what that feels like.
The Real Difference Between Who Gets Sick and Who Stays Well
When researchers study long-term illness patterns, one theme consistently rises to the surface:
It’s not whether stress exists.
It’s how well the body can recover from it.
Two people can experience the same stressor.
One adapts. One inflames.
One adapts. One inflames.
Over time, the person who cannot downshift out of fight-or-flight is more likely to develop chronic inflammation — and chronic inflammation fuels autoimmune disease.
For ITP warriors, stress management isn’t optional.
It is protective.
Stress, Sleep, & Immune Health
Sleep deprivation:
- Increases cortisol
- Suppresses immune function
- Increases inflammatory markers
- Impairs brain detoxification
And when you’re exhausted, stress feels heavier.
It becomes a cycle:
Stress disrupts sleep.
Poor sleep increases stress.
Inflammation rises.
Stress disrupts sleep.
Poor sleep increases stress.
Inflammation rises.
Breaking that cycle is powerful.
How I Manage Stress and Lower Inflammation
This isn’t about eliminating stress completely.
That’s impossible.
It’s about teaching your body how to return to calm.
Here are two foundational tools I personally use and teach.
1. Using Essential Oils to Regulate the Nervous System
Stress often begins in the mind.
Rumination — repetitive negative thought loops — keeps the nervous system activated.
One of the simplest ways I interrupt that loop is through aromatherapy.
Scent communicates directly with the limbic system — the emotional center of the brain. Inhaling specific essential oils can signal safety and help shift the body from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest mode.
I often pair oils with:
- Prayer or meditation
- Gentle movement
- Journaling (“mental parking lot”)
- Affirmations
For someone managing an autoimmune condition, small nervous system resets throughout the day can make a significant difference over time.
If you’d like to learn which oils I personally use for stress support, you can connect with me through my website.
2. Reducing Inflammation Through My 14-Day Reset
Stress is one side of the inflammation equation.
Food is the other.
I found a protocol that combines nutrition, water, exercise, and a platelet-friendly antioxidant supplement. Together, these components of the 14-Day Reset calm internal inflammation by eliminating common triggers such as:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Refined sugar
- Corn
- Seed oils
- Highly processed foods
When you reduce inflammatory inputs while also regulating stress, the immune system often becomes less reactive.
This isn’t about dieting.
It’s about lowering your total inflammatory load.
If you’re ready to calm the internal fire and support your immune system naturally, I’d love to share more about the 14-Day Reset with you.
Click RESET for a quick info guide.
Natural Ways to Reduce Stress and Inflammation
If you’re not sure where to begin, start here:
- Establish consistent sleep and wake times
- Take mini stress breaks throughout the day
- Move your body (walking, yoga, Tai Chi)
- Strengthen social connections
- Practice gratitude journaling
- Shift your perception of stressors
- Support your nervous system with aromatherapy
Small steps matter.
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Final Encouragement for ITP Warriors
If you’ve noticed your platelets drop after a stressful season…
You’re not imagining it.
Your body isn’t fragile.
It’s responsive.
The difference between those who spiral deeper into chronic illness and those who build resilience often comes down to one thing:
Stress recovery.
And that is something you can learn.
If you’d like support reducing inflammation, calming your nervous system, or learning how to integrate essential oils into your daily routine, I’d love to walk alongside you.
You can:
- Learn more about the 14-Day Reset
- Ask about essential oils
- Join one of my classes
- Or simply start a conversation
Visit www.ninacesena.com for more information.
Your body was designed to heal.
Sometimes we just have to quiet the silent trigger.
If you had told me ten years ago that essential oils would become part of my daily wellness routine, I probably would have laughed.
And yet… here we are.
This month, I’m quietly celebrating 10 years of what I lovingly call “crunchiness.” Not perfection. Not a magic cure. Just a steady, intentional shift toward supporting my body instead of constantly fighting it.
Remission Isn’t the Same as Wellness
Ten years ago, my platelet count was considered normal. I even used the word remission.
But looking back, I can say this honestly: I wasn’t truly healthy.
I was a classroom teacher. I had kids in school. And I caught every single germ that went around.
My immune system was constantly on high alert, and stress was simply part of life. I didn’t question it—I just powered through.
I Didn’t Set Out to “Rewire” My Immune System
When I was first introduced to essential oils, I wasn’t trying to fix my immune system.
I wasn’t chasing perfect health. I was just looking for simple support.
I began using single oils for things like:
- Stress and emotional support
- Immune wellness
- Hormone balance
- Digestion
- Sleep
And then something unexpected happened.
I made it through fall and winter without taking a single sick day.
That had never happened before.
Stress, the Immune System, and ITP
Here’s something I wish I had understood earlier in my ITP journey:
Chronic stress and immune imbalance go hand in hand.
Stress doesn’t just affect our mood—it impacts inflammation, hormone signaling, sleep, digestion, and immune regulation. When the body stays in fight-or-flight mode long enough, it loses its ability to self-regulate.
Supporting the nervous system became one of the most important pieces of my healing puzzle.
Because stress was a large factor in the underlying cause of my ITP—calming the body helped it function the way it was designed to.
The Oils I Reach For Most
When people ask where to start, I often share that I didn’t figure this out alone. I began with a starter bundle that gave me a solid foundation—and from that point, I learned which individual oils my body responded to best. Even after ten years, these oils are still at the top of my list.
Lavender
Known for its calming properties, lavender supports relaxation, sleep, and emotional balance—key components of nervous system regulation.
Known for its calming properties, lavender supports relaxation, sleep, and emotional balance—key components of nervous system regulation.
Frankincense
Often called the “king of oils,” frankincense has long been used to support cellular health, grounding, and overall wellness.
Often called the “king of oils,” frankincense has long been used to support cellular health, grounding, and overall wellness.
Peppermint
Invigorating and clarifying, peppermint can support digestion, mental focus, and energy—especially helpful during fatigue-heavy seasons.
Invigorating and clarifying, peppermint can support digestion, mental focus, and energy—especially helpful during fatigue-heavy seasons.
These oils don’t override the body. They support it.
Quality Matters (More Than Most People Realize)
Not all essential oils are created equal.
When choosing oils—especially if you’re managing an autoimmune condition—it’s important to consider:
- Plant sourcing and growing conditions
- Distillation methods (low heat, proper timing)
- Purity and transparency
- Whether the oil has been diluted, altered, or synthetically enhanced
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant compounds. How they are grown, harvested, and distilled directly affects how the body responds to them.
Quality isn’t about brand loyalty—it’s about respecting the intelligence of the body.
What I Wish I’d Known During My Platelet Battle
I often say this gently, because hindsight is always clearer:
I wish I had known how much supporting my nervous system mattered.
I wish I had understood that healing isn’t just about what we take—but about creating an environment where the body feels safe enough to repair.
And while essential oils weren’t the only piece of my journey, they became a powerful tool—one I still use daily, ten years later.
If You’re an ITP Warrior Reading This
You don’t have to do everything at once.
You don’t need a shelf full of oils.
And you certainly don’t need perfection.
Sometimes the most meaningful shifts come from small, consistent choices that support peace in the body—one breath, one habit, one step at a time.
That’s not being a “crazy oil lady.”
That’s learning how to listen.
From Personal Healing to Becoming a Certified Aromatherapy Coach
As this journey unfolded, my curiosity turned into education.
What started as personal experimentation and lived experience eventually led me to become a certified aromatherapy coach—not because I wanted another title, but because I wanted to teach responsibly.
Essential oils can be incredibly supportive, but let’s be honest:
- They can feel overwhelming at first
- Quality can be difficult to discern
- And knowing how and when to use them matters—especially with autoimmune conditions like ITP
That’s where I come in.
I love helping people simplify oils, understand quality and safety, and learn practical, gentle ways to use them without fear or confusion. You don’t need to know everything—you just need a trustworthy starting point.
A Resource I Wish I’d Had During My ITP Battle
One thing I often say with a mix of gratitude and reflection is this:
I wish I had known about essential oils when I was actively battling ITP.
That’s why I created a short video sharing a few of my favorite oils and exactly how I would have used them back then to support stress, immune balance, and overall wellness.
If you’re navigating ITP—or simply looking for gentle, natural ways to support your body—you can watch that video here:
My heart is always to educate, empower, and encourage—so you can make informed choices that support your body with confidence and peace.
