Lyme Disease Natural Treatments
What are the top 3 severe symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can manifest in various ways, but the top three severe symptoms often associated with it include:
1.| Neurological Symptoms
Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, leading to conditions such as facial palsy (inability to move facial muscles), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain), and peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in the extremities).
2.| Cardiac Involvement
Some individuals with Lyme disease may experience heart-related symptoms, including heart block, an electrical conduction issue that can result in dizziness, fainting, or palpitations.
3.| Joint Pain and Swelling
Severe joint pain and swelling, known as Lyme arthritis, can occur, often affecting large joints like the knees. If left untreated, it can become chronic and debilitating.
Conventional vs. Natural Treatments for Lyme Disease
Conventional treatments for Lyme disease are antibiotics. Antibiotics are often only effective if the illness is caught early. With late stage Lyme it is much more difficult to eradicate Lyme completely with antibiotics alone. Antibiotics also cannot reach the Lyme once it goes into hiding, crosses the blood-brain barrier, or when it forms biofilms around it.
Natural treatments for Lyme disease include herbal supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes. In patient data surveys, people report higher success rates with herbals and natural treatments than antibiotics but not formal studies have been conducted to compare.
It is important to note that some natural treatments may interact with medications you are taking, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using any natural treatments for Lyme disease.
How do you beat Lyme disease without antibiotics?
While antibiotics are the standard treatment for Lyme disease, some individuals with long-lasting symptoms may explore natural remedies to alleviate their discomfort and boost their immune system. These natural approaches include:
1.| Supplements
Many Lyme patients have reported benefits from supplements like magnesium, grape seed extract, vitamin B-complex, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), probiotics, mushroom extract, turmeric, olive leaf, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10. These supplements are often accessible and carry a low risk of side effects.
In fact, many practitioners have created custom lines of supplement & herbal blends that they believe are best for eliminating sypmtoms of Lyme Disease.
Learn more about the best supplement and herbal treatments here.
2.| Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, fish, legumes, and fiber can help combat inflammation and provide relief from arthritic symptoms. Patients also consider limiting alcohol, added sugar, and processed foods. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity are also pursued. Each patient will be different in their dietary needs. Most need to eliminate dairy, and gluten. Certain food sensitivities will develop within the individual. Elimination diets help people learn which foods they are sensitive to and should be done every couple of years, as the body's sensitivities may change. Learn about diets here.
3.| Natural Medicine Practitioners
Patients may seek help from practitioners of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathic medicine, or Ayurvedic medicine to address Lyme disease symptoms.
4.| Alternative and Energy Therapy
Tools like magnets, heat, lasers, and light therapy, including photon therapy and infrared saunas, are used to boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms. Learn more about alternative therapies and how effective they are here.
5.| Essential Oils
Some essential oils, like oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove bud, have shown antibacterial properties in laboratory settings. However, they should be used cautiously, typically through diffusion or diluted in carrier oils. Learn more about essential oils for Lyme Disease here.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by inflammation. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce inflammation. Choose whole grains over processed grains, such as brown rice over white rice and whole-wheat bread over white bread.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, can help to reduce inflammation.
Spices and herbs
Spices and herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic, have anti-inflammatory properties. Add these spices and herbs to your meals for a flavor boost and health benefits.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. They can help to improve gut health and reduce inflammation. Probiotic supplements are available over-the-counter.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as fish oil supplements.
Herbal Treatment Protocols for Lyme disease
Buhner Protocol
The Buhner Protocol, created by herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner, targets Lyme disease by utilizing specific herbs. Japanese Knotweed is employed for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to combat Lyme-causing spirochetes.
Andrographis is known for its immune-boosting effects, while Cat's Claw and Eleuthero aim to support the immune system and reduce inflammation. This protocol focuses on addressing various Lyme disease symptoms and co-infections, aiming to enhance the immune response.
Cowden Protocol
Dr. Lee Cowden's Cowden Protocol tackles Lyme Disease with a combination of herbs, supplements, and detox methods. Samento, an antimicrobial herb, is used to target the Lyme spirochetes. Banderol and Cumanda are also employed for their antimicrobial properties, while Parsley aids in detoxification. This protocol, like Buhner's, addresses a range of Lyme symptoms and co-infections, supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Rawls Lyme Protocol
Dr. Bill Rawls' Rawls Lyme Protocol adopts a holistic approach to Lyme Disease, emphasizing overall health and wellness. Japanese Knotweed is included for its anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in symptom relief, while Cat's Claw and Andrographis support immune function. Cordyceps is used for its energy-boosting effects. This protocol prioritizes reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and enhancing the body's detoxification processes to address Lyme Disease comprehensively.