LYME DISEASE
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Echinacea boosts the immune system and fights viral and bacterial infections
- Red clover cleanses the bloodstream and is a good tonic
- Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time, and do not use during pregnancy. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
- Garlic has antibacterial properties and is considered an immune enhancer
- Black walnut can help to kill parasites and bacteria
- Milk thistle facilitates liver cell regeneration and can protect the liver from toxic damage
- Other herbs that may be useful in the treatment of lyme disease include kelp, germanium, dandelion root, ginseng, hawthorn, horsetail, and marshmallow root
- Take primrose oil, 1000 milligrams 2-3 times daily. This may help combat pain and inflammation.
- If suffering from joint pain, use the herbal remedies for arthritis
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Include garlic in your diet. It is a natural antibiotic and immune-booster.
- Use “green drinks” to provide chlorophyll, which aids in detoxification, and other valuable nutrients and enzymes.
NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION
- Essential fatty acids: Take as directed on the label. This may reduce inflammation and joint stiffness.
- Vitamin E: 400 IU. Caution: If you are taking anticoagulants, you should not take vitamin E supplements
MEDICAL ALERT: The symptoms of Lyme disease have been misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis and subsequently mistreated. Any generalized, unexplained rash should be seen by a physician, especially in areas where Lyme disease is a problem.
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, you should be followed closely by a physician. Complications such as inflammation of the heart muscle or meningitis can occur in some cases. The symptoms of Lyme disease are also similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and gout.
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.