About Treating Lyme Disease Naturally

By Enid Hinton


The news is full of reports of the prevalence and maybe even increased risk of a tick-borne illness named for the town in Connecticut where it was first identified. More and more people are interested in ways of treating Lyme disease naturally or with pharmaceutical medicines. There are many advocates for both protocols.

Medical doctors use a blood test to diagnose this problem. The test may reveal the presence of spirochetes, bacteria-like organisms which carry this disease. However, spirochetes are uncannily adept at hiding, and the test may not always be definitive. This causes many people to turn to herbal means of fighting the problem. Herbals require no prescription, and most have no harmful side effects if used correctly.

The herbs that fight the illness are immune system boosters. They increase the number and effectiveness of the body's own defensive cells, which then destroy these foreign invaders. Herbs specific to this illness, that seem to be particularly effective, include the South American cat's claw, which is also found in tropical Asia. This herb is marketed as a liquid extract and in capsule form.

Cat's claw, which gets its common name from its thorns, has long been used for arthritis and joint pain. To be effective against Lyme, some of the active ingredients in the plant must be rendered inert. There are several special preparations of this herb on the market; look for ones that are formulated specifically for this particular problem.

People may have been diagnosed with the illness but still choose natural methods. The common medical approach prescribes large doses of antibiotics to be taken over an extended period of time. This protocol appears to be most effective when the illness is diagnosed immediately. People who have had the problem for months or even years may not find antibiotics completely effective.

Others may not like the idea of taking antibiotics, especially for month after month if the problem is persistent. They may choose herbal products to avoid the consequences of antibiotic use, such as yeast over-growth or immune system weakness. It also is a good idea to follow antibiotic use with herbal preparations.

North Americans have their own herbal remedy growing along the roadsides. Research has shown that teasel, a thistle-like plant that grows wild in many temperate regions, is effective against this illness. Herbalists sell teasel extract online. People can also harvest it themselves, choosing plants well away from the heavy metal contamination of heavy traffic. Dig roots in November, clean and chop them, and soak them in vodka for six weeks in a tightly-sealed jar. The liquid extract can them be poured off and used. For dosage recommendations, check online or look on product labels.

Ignoring Lyme's is unwise. The effects worsen over time, resulting in arthritic complaints, higher risk for Alzheimer's, tremors, skin problems, and damage to the heart and nervous system. Mosquitoes, fleas, and horseflies may also spread the disease.




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