Tag: herbal

Lyme Disease is characterized by its large and therefore confusing array of symptoms. Ranging

from fever and muscle aches, to memory loss, depression, irritable bladder, facial palsy, and

brain inflammation, Chronic Lyme Disease can be severely debilitating.

The spirochete bacteria which causes Lyme Disease is Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Spirochetes

are particularly difficult to overcome, and this particular one has molecular characteristics that

make it extremely adaptable to its human host environment.

Lyme Disease can have other modes of transmission besides ticks.There is no definitive test for its

presence; and the standard antibiotic treatment, although necessary, has variable results.

While these facts present a daunting challenge to the patient and practitioner, the body’s ability

to fend off the side effects and symptoms of the disease can be augmented with Herbal

Extracts. The following are key strategies for alleviating Chronic Lyme Disease symptoms and

the herbs that can be helpful.

Modulate Immune Function:

With the Borrelia b. bacteria in your system, your immune function will need extra support. Here

are some herbs I recommend:

Cat’s Claw

An anti-inflammatory specific for rheumatic conditions, this herb also ramps

up the body’s ‘killer cells’, and other cells which engulf and eliminate intruding organisms. Cat’s

Claw also has memory protective effects.

Astragalus

Long used in chronic immune diseases like cancer and AIDS, Astragalus works on all three areas of immune function, the surface, the deep and the non-specific immune function. It is an important preventative against the initial Lyme infection turning into chronic Lyme Disease. It also happens to taste good, which is not often the case with great medicinals!

Echinacea

This herb has a history of use against another spirochete, the syphilis bacteria. It helps break down bacterial cell walls, stimulates macrophage (white) cells, and decreases inflammation. It strengthens collagen tissue, and the body’s ability to rebuild damaged tissue.

Gotu Kola

An immunostimulant with an important extra benefit – it’s ability to strengthen connective tissue. Since many of the common Lyme symptoms involve joints and connective tissue inflammation, this is a critical ally!

Protect the Nervous System:

Some of the most life-altering symptoms of the disease are the neurological ones: depression, cognitive decline, speech debility. Utilize these herbal allies to nourish the nervous system:

Skullcap

Considered ‘food for the nervous system’, skullcap is used in cases where there is inflammation. It is useful for headaches, nervous exhaustion, and irritation of the cerebrospinal system. It has also been used as an anti-bacterial, and to eliminate bacterial toxins.

Oats

Another restorative herb for the nervous system, Milky Oats Extract is nervine, nutritive, and rebuilding to a system depleted by chronic Lyme Disease. It has been mentioned in cases of inability to concentrate, melancholy, and fatigue of the limbs, as well as in cases of bladder irritation, a Lyme hallmark.

Ashwagandha

This Ayurvedic herb is an adaptogen, that is, it helps the body cope with physical and mental stress, mainly through modulation of the body’s complex endocrine system. It’s immune stimulating, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, cerebro-tonic, relaxant, rejuvenative and useful for memory loss, debility, and fatigue. And don’t forget to include Fish Oil in your regimen. Nerve cells need good fat!: One to two tablespoons/day, or 4-6 capsules.

Protect the Heart:

Inflammation of the heart occurs in 25% of Lyme patients. For all patients, systemic inflammation of the blood vessels may be the primary cause of the disease’s progression! It reduces blood flow to the brain and the extremities, causing pain, fatigue, neuropathy, mental illnesses, and many other issues:

Hawthorne

The premier herbal heart tonic; this herb enhances the ability of the heart to utilize oxygen! Use a leaf, flower and berry combination extract. It’s cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, and a vasodilator, helping circulation throughout the body, a critical component of a Lyme protocol.

Bilberry

This plant is essential for use in vascular disorders and venous insufficiencies. Again, the strategy here is: strengthen the veins and arteries to prevent wholesale exacerbation of the symptom picture which occurs in conditions of poor circulation.

Garlic

This is probably nature’s best herbal antibacterial! It aids in blood flow to the extremities, and lessens inflammation in the blood vessels which can lead to blockages. It’s warming to the system, critical in fighting spirochete bacteria. It is anti-protozoal, which is important in fighting co-infections which occur with Lyme Disease. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body and is most importantly-cardiotonic.

Add Coenzyme Q10 to this list. Though not an herb, it’s indispensable in your effort to tonify muscles like the heart! Take 50-100mg/day. Also, take 2000 mg of bioflavonoids per day and eat berries, other fruit, and vegetables for food-sourced bioflavonoids which protect the integrity of the blood vessels.

References

Snow, Rebecca, MS, RH (AHG), (2007) Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-infections: Clinical

Overview, Proceedings of the 18th Annual AHG Symposium

Duke, James A., (2002), Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, New York, NY, CRC Press

Tilgner, Sharol, (1999), Herbal Medicine, From the Heart of the Earth, Creswell, OR, Wise Acres

Press