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.

Doctors and researchers use blood tests to diagnose this illness. The tests look for the presence of spirochetes which carry the illness throughout the body. Even medical doctors admit that the usual tests are not definitive, since some cases go undetected. People familiar with herbal preparations, which require no prescription, may want to try this method even if they have had negative test results.

The herbs known to help people who suffer from Lyme's are immune system boosting plants. They are nutritive rather than potentially toxic, which means they can be taken indefinitely without harmful side effects. Since almost everyone needs a stronger immune system, no harm is done if the illness is not present. One of the most widely used herbal preparations comes is cat's claw plant, a native plant in South America and Asia. It is sold in liquid extract form and in capsules.

People have used cat's claw for arthritic complaints for generations. Researchers have found that the herb's effectiveness for Lyme can be increased by inactivating certain elements in the plant. People who want to self-treat for this illness should obtain a special preparation rather than using the whole herb.

Even those who have had a medical diagnosis of Lyme's may want to use an herbal approach. Doctors generally prescribe high does of antibiotics; if the problem has gone undetected for months or years, antibiotics may be prescribed for extended periods. This approach seems to work best on those recently infected; people who have had the problem longer may find that antibiotics are not a definitive cure.

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.

Anyone who works outdoors - in any of the fifty states - should not ignore symptoms such as joint pain, skin disorders, heart arrhythmia, tremors, or mental fogginess. Lyme's can cause all of these symptoms. Ticks are considered the main vector, but some authorities feel that mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects may also carry the disease. People can find more information online or from a local support group.




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