Tag: herbalist

  • Homemade Fire Cider

    Homemade Fire Cider

    Homemade Fire Cider

    Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting and warming properties. It is a potent infusion of herbs, spices, and vegetables steeped in apple cider vinegar.

    Fire cider is known for its potent and spicy flavor, as well as its potential health benefits. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and heat tolerance.

    Here are some common uses for fire cider:

    Immune Support

    Fire cider is often consumed as a daily tonic or during cold and flu season to help support the immune system. Its ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and horseradish, are believed to have immune-boosting properties.

    Cold and Flu Relief

    Many people use fire cider at the onset of a cold or flu to help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. The warming and spicy nature of fire cider can help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.

    Digestive Aid

    Fire cider can aid digestion and help relieve symptoms like indigestion, gas, and bloating. The combination of apple cider vinegar and herbs like ginger and rosemary may promote digestive health.

    Anti-Inflammatory

    Some of the ingredients in fire cider, such as turmeric and cayenne pepper, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used by some individuals to help reduce inflammation in the body.

    Energy Booster

    The spicy and tangy nature of fire cider can provide an energy boost. It’s often taken in the morning as a natural pick-me-up.

    Circulation Support

    Ingredients like cayenne pepper in fire cider may help improve blood circulation. Some people use it to promote cardiovascular health.

    Sinus Congestion Relief

    The spicy components in fire cider, particularly horseradish and chili peppers, can help clear sinuses and provide relief from nasal congestion.

    General Wellness

    Many people incorporate fire cider into their wellness routines as a preventive measure to maintain overall health and vitality.

    Before using fire cider or any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications.

    Homemade Fire Cider

    Fire cider is a traditional immune-supporting remedy with deep roots in folk medicine.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 1/2 cup fresh horseradish root grated
    • 1/2 cup fresh ginger root grated
    • 1/2 cup fresh turmeric root grated
    • 10 cloves garlic crushed or minced
    • 2 jalapeño peppers chopped, adjust for spice preference
    • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
    • Zest and juice of 1 orange
    • 2 tbsp dried rosemary
    • 2 tbsp dried thyme
    • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
    • raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar enough to cover all ingredients
    • raw honey to taste, optional

    Method
     

    1. Wash and chop the onion, horseradish, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and jalapeño peppers. You can leave the seeds in the jalapeños for extra heat, or remove them for milder fire cider.
    2. Zest the lemon and orange, and then juice them.
    3. In a clean, quart-sized glass jar, layer the chopped onion, grated horseradish, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño peppers, lemon zest, orange zest, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
    4. Pour raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar over the ingredients in the jar until they are completely covered. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion.
    5. Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the jar and the lid to prevent corrosion.
    6. Place the jar in a dark, cool place (like a pantry) for about 3 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help mix the ingredients.
    7. After 3 to 4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass container.
    8. If you find the fire cider too strong, you can add raw honey to taste. This will also sweeten it a bit and make it more palatable.
    9. Store your fire cider in the refrigerator, where it can last for several months.
    10. To use, take 1-2 tablespoons daily as a tonic or when you feel like you need an immune boost. You can also use it in cooking or as a salad dressing ingredient.
  • Hawthorn, a Tonic for the Heart

    Hawthorn, a Tonic for the Heart

    Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used as food and medicine for centuries. Their use as a heart tonic, though, is relatively recent.  That story is interesting and goes like this:

    A Dr. Green of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland practiced medicine in the 19th century and was known to have great success with patients with heart ailments.  This Victorian era doctor was secretive about his methods, never revealing the ingredients of his cures for “dropsy” (edema), “flux of humor” (circulation problems), heart weakness in aging, and the like.  When he died, his daughter revealed that his protocol consisted largely of administering tinctures of the ripe berries of the very common Hawthorn tree.

    Hawthorn is a gentle herbal medicine.  It seems to work primarily by enhancing the heart’s ability to utilize oxygen.  It can be taken on a regular basis over a long period of time.  In separate double-blind studies, patients with either cardiac insufficiency or weakened cardiac performance showed significant improvement.  In other studies, Hawthorn exhibited the ability to  increase coronary blood flow, decrease arterial blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and improve the contractility of the heart muscle.

    There is no one constituent within the plant that can do all of the above.  The whole plant extract is preferred, including  the leaf, flower and berry.  Hawthorn doesn’t work to stimulate the heart, like digitalis (a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials), but works on the nutrition of heart cells and their ability to store and release energy.  Dr. Rudolf Weiss, MD, of Germany states that Hawthorn “has a long-term sustained effect on degenerative, age-related changes in the muscular tissue of the heart.”

    Hawthorns are shrubby trees which grow prolifically in our area. They are in the genus Crataegus, and part of the Rose family.  They have noticeable white flowers, but care should be taken to avoid the long sharp thorns on the branches!  Extracts are available in both capsule and liquid form.

    Come in and speak with one of our knowledgeable Wellness Ambassadors about Hawthorn today. We carry many options to choose from and, this month only, are featuring a special smoothie in our café that includes this wellness-promoting ingredient. Shot Through the Heart, appropriately named, is available through the end of February, so stop by and grab one to enjoy!

    Written By Ralph Celebre, Registered Herbalist (AHG)

  • Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Everyday Natural Essentials

    These are a few of our favorite must-haves for your purse, pocket, car or office: natural solutions to help you cope with common colds and more. Read on to see how keeping these products handy can help you conquer any day, no matter where you are.

     

    1. Xyloburst Gum

     

    Everyone needs gum, right? It freshens breath and cleans your palate after a meal on the run. Chances are you have some in your car, purse or pocket right now. But take a look at what’s in it. Read the fine print. Check out what’s making it sweet. Some gums contain sugar – a brilliant idea for cleaning your teeth (NOT!). Other gums contain aspartame or other synthetic alternative sweeteners that we don’t love for many reasons. Try swapping your old gum in for some gym with Xylitol. A sugar alcohol derived from corn or birch trees, xylitol kills bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities. Chewing gum with xylitol after meals can help ensure fresh breath AND a healthy smile.  

     

    2. Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters

     

    Our bodies are designed to break down the foods we eat and absorb nutrients from them, but our poor modern diets tend to interfere with this. Digestive bitters are a group of herbs that have the power to stimulate digestive function gently and effectively by encouraging the production of healthy enzymes. Bitters can help receive heartburn, gas, bloating and even decrease sugar cravings, according to our friends at Urban Moonshine. We especially love their handy portable spray bottle. If you’re on-the-go and experiencing discomfort, a few sprays are all you need to be on your way!

    3. Ultima Replenisher

     

    These little packets will put you back on course when you are feeling thirsty, tired or dehydrated. Full of electrolytes and minerals, this powder will mix right into your water bottle when shaken and works fast to bring balance to your body! Great for hot days, stressful days, or days when you are recovering from being sick. And they taste amazing, too 😉 Don’t leave home without a packet!

     

    4. Activated Charcoal

     

    Going out to eat can be an adventure- especially for our stomach. This is when activated charcoal can be your best friend. Charcoal can capture unwanted material that can wreak havoc on your body, carrying it through your digestive system and potentially saving you an emergency trip to the restroom. Keep it on hand to relieve gas and bloating and even safeguard against food poisoning!

     

    5. Aura Cacia Peppermint Oil

     

    Peppermint essential oil is a superhero. The cooling effect it has on the senses makes it super useful for so many things. It can provide relief for nausea, hot flashes, fever, sinus congestion, stress, migraines and more. Apply a drop to a tissue and inhale, or dilute with a carrier oil in a roller ball applicator to apply to your skin (such as the back of your neck and temples) to bring calm to what’s bothering you.  The oil can also extinguish the itch of a bug bite and cool the irritation of a hot rash.

     

    6.Bachs Rescue Pastilles

     

    You’re late and that clock is just bearing down on you- this is going to be a long day. You know that pit in your stomach you get from this sort of stress? That’s what Rescue Remedy is all about. Using the power of homeopathic flower essences, this remedy works with your body to bring about a natural sense of calm when you need it most. These pastilles are discreet and easy to take- just pop one in your mouth and let it dissolve. Before long you’ll realize everything is just fine.

    7. Amazing Trio by Amazing Grass

     

    It’s 3:00pm and you need a pick-me-up. But if you reach for that cup of coffee, you know you’re going to be up half the night. This is no longer a predicament when you’ve got a packet of greens handy! This powder mixes quickly with water to provide an instant boost for your system. It oxygenates, alkalizes and detoxifies with nutrient-rich superfoods. These little packets pack a punch of Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Alfalfa. They fill in nutritional gaps and bring you up to your best potential!

     

    8. Everyday Throat Spray

     

    This soothing throat spray provides instant relief to a dry mouth, a scratchy throat, or a nagging cough. It freshens your breath with peppermint and cools your throat too. The additional of colloidal silver in this formula allows the spray to attack bacteria that cause these problems. It also uses osha root as a trusted herbal cough remedy, and licorice root to soothe irritated mucous membranes. A dash of ginger within helps to calm congestion and reduces nausea. This is a must-have in everyone’s bag!

     

    Click Here to download our

    On-the-go Essentials shopping list! 

     

    Works Cited

    Steinberg, LM; Odusola, F; Mandel, ID (Sep–Oct 1992). “Remineralizing potential, antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gum.”. Clinical preventive dentistry. 14 (5): 31–4. PMID 1291185.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0008816/?report=details

    http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/peppermint-oil.aspx

    Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Summer Camp Week 9: Boost Your Immunity!

    Summer Camp Week 9: Boost Your Immunity!

    This week at Summer Camp, we have an exciting guest post from one of our favorite local Chiropractors, Dr. Michele Gardner! Check out what Dr. Gardner has to share about optimizing immune health below.

    Summer is almost over which means school will be starting soon! There’s a funny thing that happens when children get together in large groups and have the added social stress of starting a new year. It seems to do with both stress-coping strategies and gut health. We now understand that stress affects our nervous system, which in turn alters immune function- especially when it is chronic. (Segerstrom, 2004) We also Dr. Gardner Quoteknow that a large percentage of our immune function resides in our gut. (Vighi, 2008) Each family essentially has its own ecosystem that gets challenged when encountering another that our immune system is unfamiliar with. (University of Utah, 2014) Fortunately, there are daily choices you can make to support general immune health, actions you can take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a high stress time-period, and treatments you can use to ease your symptoms and possibly shorten their duration.

    For starters, I have never seen more stressed-out kids than those in school today. The level of academic and social demand placed on our children requires we teach them stress-coping strategies. Do you know what works for your child and your family? As parents, the pressure is just as great- in different ways. And if you’re a “big kid” – this applies to you too.

    Here’s my list of Top 10 Daily Choices to Support General Immune Health:

     

    1. Get adjusted by your family chiropractor. Adjustments not only boost immune function for hours afterward (Brennan, 1991), they increase relaxation and digestive health through the nervous system! (Yates, 1988) (Takeda)
    2. Consume high-quality, nutrient-dense food for a healthy gut. We have many knowledgeable people here in Flemington who can help you learn to make the best choices for you and your family. Just ask! We’ll help you get started by finding the right person for you. It can be simple too – no need to get overwhelmed. It can be all about adding in good stuff that crowds out what you don’t want. And, it can taste great so you don’t have to feel deprived. If you regularly eat at Basil Bandwagon’s Farm to Market Café, then you know I’m right!
    3. Find appropriate exercise. Did you know exercise immunology is a thing? Regular moderate exercise is shown to decrease risk of illness while over-training can have the opposite effect. (Gleeson, 2007)
    4. Get quality rest. Our bodies restore and regenerate while we sleep. The amount of sleep we require changes with age too. For most adults, seven to eight hours will suffice; teens and infants require more like ten to twelve! (Olson, 2015)
    5. Take quality, whole-foods supplements including vitamins and trace minerals tailored to your needs. Whether you need to establish/restore your gut health or counter the depleting effects of stress, supplementation can be instrumental in your health. The key is to first find out what your specific needs are, and that can often begin with bloods tests. There are certain supplements that are safe to use even if you don’t have a deficiency (essentially you’ll just eliminate the excess). But, there are others you want to take ONLY if you are deficient – especially fat-soluble vitamins (that means they get stored in your body). (Medicine Net, 1999) There are medical doctors with post-doctorate training in Functional Medicine or Integrative Medicine who have a more comprehensive understanding and testing capabilities. Again, we have many here in our community and neighboring counties.
    6. Learn to reduce stress. We’ve already established that our community has a high level of stress, and chronic stress affects our immune function. Help yourself and your family by cultivating stress-coping strategies. We aren’t going to eliminate the stress in our lives so we’d better adapt! And, for the love of Pete, don’t add this to your already overloaded to-do list and become the health “Nazi” in your family! These are strategies that develop over time, organically, and from self-love! Surround yourself with practitioners from traditions that make sense to you, who can guide you along this journey. Ask and we’ll help you find your:
      • Family Chiropractor
      • Community Acupuncturist
      • Aromatherapist
      • Massage Therapist
      • Yoga Instructor
      • Family Gestalt Therapist
      • Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor
      • Ayurvedic Practitioner
      • Minister
      • Energy Medicine Practitioner
      • Herbalist
      • Homeopath
      • Personal Trainer
      • Meditation Guru
      • Art Therapist
      • Hypnotherapist

       

    7. Make sure the humidity in your home stays close to 50%. In cold air our mucous membranes (lining of your respiratory tract) get dried out, which can lower our body’s defense to illness. Their job is to trap those pesky bacteria or viruses we don’t want so we can sneeze or cough them out. (Mercola, 2014)
    8. Play outdoors. Good ol’sunshine and fresh air! If you’ve had a recent physical, then your medical doctor has probably checked your vitamin D level. Direct sun exposure for 15 minutes without sunblock is still the best way to allow your body to absorb vitamin D. (Vitamin D Council)
    9. Hydrate on a cellular level. Those are fancy words for drinking water. Not just any old water, though. pH balance and mineral balance have an effect on cell uptake of water and hydration appears to be linked with immune function that starts in our saliva. (Adams) If you’ve got good well water- fantastic! If not, research options for quality filtration and consider electrolyte supplementation when appropriate. I like to avoid bottled water when possible, but there are bottled waters that provide trace minerals and a healthy pH.
    10. Laugh! Why does Snoop Dogg use an umbrella? For Drizzle! But, seriously, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter will reduce the stress response in your body, boost your immune system, relieve pain, and improve your mood. (Mayo Clinic, 2016) I hear we have some new comedy acts coming up here in Flemington…

     

    What actions can you take for prevention during exposure to an illness or during a time-period of high stress?

     

    Take all the above and add a few immune boosting tweaks:

     

          • Ask your family chiropractor if it is appropriate to increase your care during this time. If you’ve been under a Wellness Care Plan it might be time to return to a Condition Based or Corrective Care schedule. If you haven’t been under care, now is as good a time as any to start.
          • Vitamin C, Zinc (supplements/throat sprays/lozenges), Monolaurin (an anti-viral supplement from coconut), and Olive Leaf Extract are among the supplements I’ll use. There are many, many more: Echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry, and so on. The best people to ask are the staff at Basil Bandwagon!
          • Hydrogen peroxide rinse for your ears; especially if you notice your ears are itchy.
          • Keep your sinuses hydrated with a natural saline spray.
          • Focus on Gut health! Certain foods will suppress digestive health while others will support it: Check out this article. (Palevsky, 2006)
          • Essential Oils – almost all are anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Ask me for resources to practitioners who can teach you all about their many benefits. You can even diffuse them in your home or work place. (Pattnaik, 1996)
          • Rest! Remember you are a human Being, Not a human Doing.

     

    Last but not least, what to do to reduce your symptoms and shorten their duration:

     

      • Safely increase your supplements at the onset of your symptoms.
      • Ask for herbal remedies and treatments from your community acupuncturist, herbalist, ayurvedic practitioner, or naturopath.
      • Utilize homeopathy – while available at Basil Bandwagon, working with a practitioner to prescribe a remedy specific to you can be more potent than using blends or trying to guess yourself.
      • Rest!!!  Really!!!  Stay Home!!! Not only will you help yourself recover quicker, you’ll be taking care of your community by not sharing whatever it is with everyone else.

    There you have it, my friends! With a clear nervous system, quality nutrition, rest, recreation, exercise and hydration, you can achieve greater heights in your health. If you do start expressing symptoms, support your body to do what it knows how to do via your immune system and you’ll be well in no time. Snuggle on the couch and watch your favorite comedy shows while someone pampers you. And, if you don’t have someone to pamper you, call me – I’ll grab a healthy soup from Basil Bandwagon and bring you a care package fit for an Olympic Champion!

    chiropractor, flemington, flemington nj, hunterdon county

     

    Dr. Michele Gardner is a Holistic Chiropractor whose focus is on wellness and preventative care for families and individuals facing physical, mental and emotional issues.  She specializes in prenatal care and pediatrics.  Her passion is to educate and inspire everyone to achieve the best possible health without drugs or surgery.  Gardner Family Chiropractic is located in the Old Egg Auction complex at 84 Park Avenue, Suite G105 in Flemington,www.drmichelegardner.com, 908-782-7470, gfctasks@gmail.com.

     

    References:

    Adams, W. e. (n.d.). Immune Function: Basic Considerations of Exercise and Hydration. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Korey Stringer Institute: University of Connecticut: http://ksi.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1222/2015/04/Immune-Function-and-Hydration.pdf

    Brennan, e. a. (1991). Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 399-400.

    Gleeson, M. (2007). Immune function in sport and exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology , 693-699.

    Mayo Clinic. (2016, April 21). Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Management. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456?pg=1

    Medicine Net. (1999, October 14). water soluble vitamins vs fat soluble vitamins article. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10736

    Mercola. (2014, January 13). Effects of Low Humidity on Health. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Mercola.com: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/13/low-humidity-health-effects.aspx

    Olson, E. (2015, June 9). Expert Answers on Insomnia. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757

    Palevsky, L. (2006, December 1). A Holistic Perspective on the Digestive System of Infants and Children. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from ICPA: http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/a-holistic-perspective-on-the-digestive-system-of-infants-and-children.html

    Pattnaik, S. e. (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios , 237-46.

    Segerstrom, S. C. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin , abstract conclusion.

    Takeda, Y. e. Long Term Remission and Alleviation of Symptoms in Allergy and Crohn’s Disease Patients Following Spinal Adjustment for Reduction of Vertebral Subluxations. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research , 4 (4), 1.

    University of Utah. (2014, August 15). Your Changing Microbiome. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from Learn.Genetics. Genetic Science Learning Center.: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/microbiome/changing/

    Vighi, G. e. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology , abstract.

    Vitamin D Council. (n.d.). How do I get the vitamin D my body needs? Retrieved August 15, 2016, from Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/

    Yates, e. a. (1988). Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , 484-488.

  • Herbal Support for Lyme Disease by Ralph Celebre

    Herbal Support for Lyme Disease by Ralph Celebre

    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:

    cats clawCat’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.

    Astragulus

     

    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, lyme diseaseEchinacea

    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, Lyme DiseaseGotu 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, stress, lyme diseaseSkullcap

    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.

    OatOats

    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, lyme diseaseAshwagandha

    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:

    hawthorn, lyme disease, heart healthHawthorne

    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.

    BilberryBilberry

    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, lyme diseaseGarlic

    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