With the rapid increase in reported cases of persistent and chronic Lyme disease symptoms, many people are now searching for alternative and natural Lyme Disease treatment options. Especially when it is so common for pharmaceutical antibiotic treatments to prove ineffective.
Due to the diversity of symptoms and associated complications that Lyme Disease often presents in each and every person infected, there is no one-size-fits–all treatment protocol.
The best treatment for Lyme disease takes a multi-layered approach and many doctors believe that:
Pharmaceutical antibiotics should not be used without natural therapies that support the use of these aggressive drugs which can weaken your immune system over time.
This will help to ensure that the detoxification pathways are operating efficiently and the kidneys and liver are supported at the time of introducing more aggressive medications.
The suggested guidelines below are a good starting point to help you navigate what natural remedies might work best for you.
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We have assembled twelve (12) of the most effective and commonly used natural treatment strategies and protocols to combat this increasingly diagnosed condition.
They can be quickly referenced from here:
Herbal Antimicrobials:
Herbs for Lyme disease are a natural treatment option believed to aid the body in fully recovering from Lyme disease and the long-term symptoms associated with chronic Lyme disease.
There are many options for herbal antimicrobials and antibiotics that target the varied symptoms of Lyme disease. Chinese herbs are also commonly used to treat Lyme disease from a holistic perspective.
While the list of herbal antimicrobials being extensive, the following are most often recommended in reference to finding a natural cure for Lyme disease:
- Teasel Root – has long been used in Chinese medicine for its many health benefits, such as kidney and liver health. It is commonly used for the treatment of pain, swelling and inflammation, which are common symptoms of Lyme disease. It is also used for its antibiotic properties to fight bacteria, to treat osteoporosis and low bone density (osteopenia), enhance detoxification and improve digestive health. Teasel root can be purchased in many forms, including as capsules, pills, powders, tinctures, teas and raw.
- Cat’s Claw (also known as Samento) – a woody vine found in Peru, has been the focus of research for nearly 50-years. It has been used most often for its positive effects on the immune system, as well as alkaloids that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cat’s claw is often used for treating inflammation, osteoarthritis, arthritis, bone pain, bowel disease, bursitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, digestive disturbances, fever, fibromyalgia, gastritis, heart disease, nerve pain, skin disorders, stomach pain and weakness. Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties it is also great for healing wounds and supporting your immune system.
- Bee Venom – treatments are often used for patients who have had no response to western medicine practices such as antibiotics. This is done by either injecting the patient with bee venom via a syringe or directly from a bee sting in a controlled environment. While some studies have been conducted, further studies are still needed to determine exactly how the bee venom works. The connection is believed to involve melittin, the key active component found in the bee venom [2]. It has been used as a natural treatment for Lyme disease, in particular for the following symptoms: inflammation, arthritis and pain relief.
- Olive Leaf Extract – is believed to be beneficial for those with Lyme disease for its immune boosting and antibacterial properties. It has been used to treat chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, in combination with boosting the immune system and fighting bacteria.
The Salt/C Plus Protocol:
A popular Lyme disease natural treatment protocol that has provided relief to thousands of people, is called the Salt/C Plus protocol. It has been found to be particularly effective at permanently alleviating chronic and rapidly degenerative Lyme disease infection, where aggressive antibiotic treatment has failed.
At its most basic level, it involves taking increasingly large doses of Vitamin C along with pure sea salt. Using what is referred to as the ‘scale up method’ for dosing. The protocol is often used for long periods of time with results sometimes achieved very early on but may also be achieved after long term use. This is believed to be from the bacteria ‘hibernating’ so to speak, within the body.
Some bacteria are now known to have developed a strategy of hiding within host cells to escape the immune system as well as many antibacterial treatments.
This essentially means that the bacteria can lie dormant inside host cells and may become a source of relapsing infection [1]. The sudden or sporadic change or decrease in symptoms is consistent with the microbes eventually succumbing to the steady and continuous Salt/C Plus application.
The Salt/C Plus protocol is designed to eventually eliminate harmful bacteria and microbes from the human body, even those not caused by Lyme disease.
While the research and scientific evidence behind the Salt/C Plus protocol is limited, it has helped many people “get their lives back” and has been well documented in books and natural healing websites. It reportedly works irrespective of age, gender, length of time infected or degree of infection.
With Lyme disease on the rise, it is likely that we will continue to see the Salt/C Plus protocol in reference to finding a natural cure for Lyme disease. Even with the lack of medical research, regarding Lyme disease natural treatment, it is a seemingly safe and simple method that can easily be started at any time after the onset of Lyme disease symptoms.
Herbal Treatments for Organ Support:
Maintaining healthy organs is always important, however, when undergoing Lyme disease treatment, it becomes even more so. The long-term effects of lengthy antibiotic treatments can be damaging to the body’s organs, especially to the kidneys and liver.
To maintain a healthy body, it is extremely important to find a healthy balance of medication and natural therapies and supplements when recovering from Lyme disease.
Kidney function is extremely important and is responsible for aiding in the elimination of neurotoxins that are released from pathogen die-off during healing (also known as Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions or ‘Herxing’).
Liver health is equally important as it functions to eliminate impurities from the blood. Ensuring a healthy liver will help ensure that it can handle a potential overload of toxins that may be experienced during bacterial die-off.
The use of lyme disease supplements and herbs can often play a crucial role in supporting both kidney and liver function and boosting your overall immune system strength.
Some natural options to support your organs in the fight against Lyme include:
- Dandelion Root – is recommended to help strengthen the kidneys and cleanse the liver. Dandelion aids in the production of bile for proper digestion and break down in the digestive tract, as well as combating inflammation in the body.
- Glutathione – is a potent antioxidant naturally found in the human body and is concentrated in the liver. It aids in the removal of impurities from the body that the liver has filtered out. If you don’t have enough glutathione in your liver, the toxins that have been filtrated out so to speak, don’t have a pathway out of your body and they then begin to build-up. You can naturally boost your glutathione levels through your diet by eating more cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Green tea and N-acetyl cysteine (a precursor to glutathione) are also used to boost glutathione production.
- Milk Thistle – is used as an aid to help protect and restore the liver. It is believed to both reverse damage possibly caused by long term antibiotic treatment and prevent further damage. It has also been shown to enhance glutathione levels [3].
- Licorice Root – possesses anti-inflammatory properties that are important in combating the inflammation often associated with Lyme disease. However, that is not its only benefit in treating the symptoms of Lyme naturally. Glycyrrhizin found in licorice root has an antispasmodic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. This converts bacterium in the intestines into a substance that protects the liver from free radicals by neutralizing them.
Herbal Pain Relief for Joints and Muscles:
One of the most debilitating symptoms of Lyme disease is the amount of physical pain that it can cause. Considering that the symptoms of Lyme can last anywhere from weeks to years, it has become very important to find natural pain management options.
For nerve pain, curcumin found in turmeric, St. John’s wort and Skullcap are highly recommended by natural therapists.
The all-natural herbal options detailed below, date back far beyond modern medicine and each has a range of medicinal properties.
- Curcumin – is found in turmeric and aids in the relief of nerve pain by reducing enzymes that increase inflammation in the body.
- St John’s Wort – is an herb most often used to treat depression and anxiety. It is highly recommended for its calming properties and has a strong effect on the nervous system. It is used to treat intense nerve pain, muscle pain, flesh wounds and spinal pain.
- Skullcap – is also an herb and is used to treat inflammation, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, increase blood flow and relieve spasms.
- Magnesium – is very important in the natural treatment of Lyme disease given that a severe deficiency in magnesium is often present in those who have contracted the disease [4, 5]. The side effects of a magnesium deficiency happen to be extremely similar to the symptoms of Lyme disease. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease, reportedly steals magnesium from our bodies to survive. This increases stress, fatigue and slows the healing process. Increasing magnesium intake can help aid in all areas of recovery, including reducing muscle and joint pain.
- Epsom Salt baths – are a quick and simple way to aid in the relief of joint and muscle pain. They also help to supply the body with additional magnesium, all while relaxing your muscles in a quick and effective way.
- Malic Acid – is naturally found in many fruits and is often taken as a supplement for its many benefits. Eating foods high in malic acid or using supplements has been shown to reduce muscle pain and soreness, even more so when combined with magnesium.
Detoxification as a Natural Treatment for Lyme Disease:
Enhancing and supporting your natural detoxification pathways is an essential component of treating Lyme disease naturally. Several researchers have now reported that Borrelia Burgdorferi, like several other bacteria, produce neurotoxins that cause an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissue. Endotoxin-like activity has also been associated with Lyme disease Borrelia. Your body needs all of its detoxification pathways working efficiently in order to remove all of the toxins that have accumulated in the body, especially after antibiotic therapy has been used.
There are many effective ways to help your body detoxify, and they include:
- A parasite cleanse;
- The use of activated charcoal, lemon water, apple cider vinegar and/or chlorella;
- Boosting your glutathione levels to neutralize damaging free radicals;
- Reducing mold exposure that can stress the immune system;
- Epsom salt baths;
- Coffee enemas;
- Dry-brushing and Lymphatic Drainage Massage; and
- Infra-red saunas…..just to name a few.
It is important to work with your health care professional (ideally a Detoxification Specialist) to determine the proper detoxification protocol for your individual needs.
In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to determine if you have any genetic weaknesses that may impact on your body’s ability to detoxify properly (e.g. the MTHFR and HLA-BRB1 genes).
Natural Supplements:
There are a variety of natural supplements that you can use to aid in the recovery from Lyme disease. Some of the most used and recommended supplements include:
- Turmeric – is widely used for anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the reduction of pain. It is also reported to be beneficial in reducing damage to nerves and blood vessels. Its active ingredient is called curcumin as discussed above.
- Probiotics – help to re-establish good bacteria in your gut and bring your microbiome back into balance. This is required due to the damaged caused by antibiotics which kill both good and bad bacteria, and the generation of harmful free radicals and oxidative stress that is associated with Lyme disease.
- Magnesium – helps to support nerve function, bone health, cellular function, increased energy, muscle aches and cardiovascular health.
- B-complex Vitamins (including Vitamin B-12) – is used for improved neurological health, reduced stress, reduced fatigue, to fight infection and support metabolic and cellular function.
- Medicinal Mushrooms – such as cordyceps, reishi and maitake can lessen autoimmune reactions, improve cognitive function, boost inter-cellular antioxidants, eliminate bad bacteria and regulate gut microbiota.
- Vitamin D3 – helps reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and promotes antimicrobial action [7].
Homeopathic Remedies:
Homeopathic remedies have long been used to treat ailments and restore the body’s immune system, which is an essential part of overcoming Lyme disease.
Some of the options that may be prescribed to you by a Homeopath or Naturopath, include:
- Arsenicum Album – used for digestive disorders, mucosal inflammation and arsenic poisoning.
- Hypericum Perforatum – is believed to have antibiotic properties and is used for nerve pain, depression and wounds.
- Ledum Palustre – is often used for puncture wounds, insect bites, rheumatic and arthritic conditions.
Stevia Shown to Kill Borrelia Burgdorferi:
Recent studies have revealed evidence that whole leaf stevia extract may be effective at killing the spirochetes Borrelia Burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease [6]. The study showed that exposing the bacteria to stevia leaf extract eliminated Lyme disease, even when the bacteria was in its dormant form.
While more studies are still needed before stevia leaf extract becomes a prescribed natural cure for Lyme disease, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying at home along with some of the many other natural remedies discussed. It is important to know that pure stevia leaf extract is different from powdered stevia in the supermarket. You can however purchase pure stevia leaf extract in supplement form.
Immune and Digestive Support:
Bacteria associated with Lyme disease are well known for crippling the body’s natural immune system. Given that 70 – 80% of your immune tissue is located within your digestive system, this means that your digestive system is likely to be impacted as well. In addition to this, aggressive antibiotic therapy is typically prescribed which only further damages these sensitive systems. Digestive symptoms associated with Lyme disease often include long term nausea, irritable bowel and loss of appetite.
It is critical that following a positive Lyme disease diagnosis, proper support is put in place to naturally boost both of these systems. There are a variety of natural supplements and herbs available to provide immune and digestive support, they include:
- Herbs such as teasel root, cat’s claw, dandelion root, licorice root and astragalus root;
- Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin B-complex (including Vitamin B-12);
- Foods rich in antioxidants such as goji berries, blue berries and cilantro;
- Probiotic rich foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh and miso soup and probiotic supplements;
- Medicinal mushrooms such as maitake, shiitake and reishi;
- Homeopathic remedies such as Arsenicum Album;
- Omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce some of the symptoms related to chronic digestive disorders and enhance the functioning of immune cells;
- Magnesium helps relax muscles within the digestive tract and neutralize stomach acid;
- Turmeric (or curcumin which is the active ingredient); and
- Eating fresh and seasonal wholefoods that include fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. The phytochemicals and micronutrients in wholefoods are also thought to provide an antimicrobial defense against Borrelia Burgdorferi [7].
Stress Reduction while Recovering from Lyme Disease:
Reducing chronic stress is one of the biggest factors in recovering from any illness or disease. When your body is tired both physically and emotionally, it can become very hard to relax and focus on the positive.
It is very important during any recovery process that you try to de-stress but with Lyme disease and its unpredictable time span that can be complicated. Chronic stress can further weaken the immune system and overall your ability to fight the disease. Stress can also trigger further inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and negatively affect the digestive system.
If you ignore the amount of stress you are under, you will likely increase the symptoms and effects of Lyme disease. The natural treatment of Lyme disease should include ways to naturally reduce the stress levels you are facing, these can include:
Meditation – Taking the time out from daily life, treatment, work or anything else you have going on to find focus and relax has proven to be very beneficial. Meditation doesn’t have to be what you see depicted on TV. Find a quiet spot where you can comfortably sit, close your eyes, and take long deep breaths. Focus on something serine and let your mind wander into that quiet place for 5-10 minutes at a time. Just allow your body to relax without thinking about the pressures of everything else going on around you.- Sleep – You know that sleep is an important part of your daily life and health, but when you are sick and dealing with everything Lyme disease can throw at you, you may find it even more difficult to get a night of quality sleep in. Many natural supplements (such as magnesium), herbs (such as Valerian Root and St. John’s Wort) and essential oils (such as bergamot and lavender) can help you to get a good night’s sleep.
- Support Groups – You may find that you are struggling with Lyme disease and are often feeling alone. Finding a Lyme disease support group in your area or online can really help. Not only will it show you that you aren’t alone, you can connect with others and share coping mechanisms and natural treatment ideas that have worked.
Improved Sleep:
Fatigue is a chronic symptom of Lyme disease and you will need to schedule in more time for rest, including some power naps or down time during the day. A lack of sleep affects your body in more ways than just adding to your already high stress levels. It can further weaken your body’s immune response and ability to fight off infection. For adults, you should be getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night and school-aged children should be getting a minimum of 9 hours.
If you are finding that quality sleep is hard to come by, consider both the options discussed above and the natural remedies below:
- Melatonin – is naturally occurring in the human body and is available in most stores as a supplement for added sleep support. It can help you fall asleep, is non-habit forming and an all-natural option.
- Valerian – is a natural supplement that can often be found in herbal sleep teas. It has been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increase the quality of sleep.
- Chamomile Tea – is likely the most common of recommended sleep aids because of chamomile tea. If tea isn’t your thing, you can also buy chamomile supplements in another form. It has long been used as a mild sedative and relaxant to promote a good night’s sleep.
- California Poppy Extract – has been used for some time for its medicinal purposes. It is said to help with nervous agitation, promote relaxation, treat insomnia, and body aches. Like most supplements, it is available in different tinctures, capsules, and teas.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils have seen a dramatic increase in popularity in recent years, with a great number of people turning to more natural and holistic approaches. They can be used in many different ways (e.g. diffused into the air, orally, directly onto the skin etc.) and it is important to consult with an aromatherapist or naturopath prior to treatment. For relaxation and to help your body detoxify, aromatherapy massage can be highly effective.
It should come as no surprise that many essential oils can also aid in both the prevention and natural treatment of Lyme disease symptoms. More specifically, it has been reported that some essential oils have excellent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm abilities [8]. Further studies are now required to characterize the active ingredients in these essential oils.
Some recommended essential oils for the natural treatment of Lyme disease symptoms include:
- Oregano, Cinnamon Bark and Clove – found to be highly active anti-microbial and anti-biofilm essential oils when used for the treatment of Lyme disease [8, 9].
- Frankincense – helps with skin conditions, headaches, relaxation, depression, anxiety and wounds.
Clay Sage – helps with depression, anxiety, stress, inflammation, and is a mood enhancer.- Lemongrass – helps with nerve pain, carpel tunnel, muscle aches, sore ligaments and diarrhea.
- Chamomile – helps with sleep, relaxation and mood.
- Oregano Oil – is used for its antibacterial and antibiotic properties and for immune support against viruses and infections.
- Citrus – helps has antimicrobial properties and is energizing.
- Lavender – is calming, eases irritated skin, muscle tension, headaches, reducing stress and promotes sleep.
- Peppermint Oil – is a cooling oil that aids with respiratory issues, digestive discomfort, pain, headaches and fever.
- Lemon – helps with detoxification, a sore throat and is a mood enhancer.
So there you have it, The Definitive Guide to Lyme Disease Natural Treatment.
Whether you are looking for lyme disease herbs, antimicrobials, essential oils, supplements or homeopathic remedies, there are a number of natural and holistic lyme treatment options available to you and your family.
Please SHARE this with any of your friends and family who are looking for a more natural approach to treating Lyme disease.
If you would like to DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF —> Click HERE.
Now we want to turn it over to you:
Which of the steps from today’s guide are you going to implement first?
Have you completed a course of antibiotics or are you going to try a natural approach first?
Let us know by leaving a quick comment below right now.
REFERENCES:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3636972/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29186026
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3959115/
[4] https://www.prohealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BurrGuide2008.pdf
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4681354/
[9] http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/defeating-lyme-disease-essential-oils
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Lyme Disease Advice or its staff. This content uses referral links. Read the Disclaimer for more info.
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