Some people prefer natural or herbal protocols. Some people have no choice due to allergies or sensitivities. The problem that we run into is most of these methods are not recognized by the medical community. There is little research being done on natural remedies in general, and even less for Lyme disease. So it is difficult to determine what holds merit, and what may just be the next big scam.
It helps to keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for the next. We are all so different, with so many variables, that it is impossible to come up with ONE way, particularly with herbs. How your body processes them can be completely different from another. Overall health, diet, exercise, stressors, mental and emotional state all play a role in efficacy as well. Some people are more sensitive than others. Some require higher doses than others. What your body needs in the form of support will differ from person to person.
If you decide to go this route, please find a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor (LLND) that is familiar with treating Lyme in this manner. It is also a good idea to have basic organ and metabolic functions monitored to avoid any possible damage or side effects. Just because they are “natural” does not mean they are not potent or effective. There is more information on the Naturopathic Treatments page.
Good Rules to Go by
I try to look at several factors to determine if I am willing to try something or not. And, I always run it past my doctor first to make sure there are no dangers I am unaware of or interactions or contraindications with other medications.
1) How long has a particular remedy been used? Has it been used in many cultures over centuries? Or was it lab created last year?
2) What do we know, and what do we not know about it?
3) How successful is it in treating the intended ailment? Are there adverse side effects and how severe?
4) What are the risks versus the benefits?
5) How much does it cost and does it seem reasonable?
6) Are Lyme Literate Doctors in support of its possible efficacy? If not, why?
7) Are there any clinical or laboratory studies showing the efficacy of its antimicrobial actions, even if it has not been tested in humans or against Lyme?
8) Does it have antimicrobial properties or is it more effective at supporting immune function, detox, and other bodily processes?
9) Is it being touted as a “cure” or magic pill? What is the probability that is a placebo effect or scam? Is there only one organization behind it? Who are they? How much do they stand to profit from it?
10) Does it seem too good to be true? Is it really worth trying?
Natural Candida Remedy
If you are interested in a Natural Candida Remedy, I have had great success with this in combination with a strict Candida diet, Diflucan, and Nystatin. Time, patience, and perseverance are the only ingredients I would add to it.
Herbal and Natural Protocols
There are 101 Protocols claiming to cure Lyme disease. Every Lyme doctor tends to have their own. Some claim to have “the one” in which case I would run screaming. In my opinion, there is no one way to treat this disease. A good Lyme doctor will carefully diagnose and form an individual plan for treatment. It truly does require customization and close monitoring for each individual which is part of why I warn against self-treating.
Lyme is a very complex disease and still is not fully understood. If it was really that simple, and there really was a one-size-fits-all cure, there would not be so many Protocols and so much controversy surrounding the treatment of it. If there was a cure, it would be known and used.
I do not list all of the protocols that you may hear about in Lymeland here. There are some that I do not feel comfortable saying are effective and are still under scrutiny. Please do your research before jumping in on any of these protocols.
Essential Oils and Herbal Tinctures
Many people have used Essential Oils and Herbal Tinctures with success. Most successes have been due to the direction of an LLND (Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor) and are often in combination with antibiotics. While I feel these are the safest and most effective alternative measures, caution should be used. Be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any herbal remedy or supplement.
I personally have used essential oils in my everyday life, home remedies, and even to help with battling Candida. I’ve studied them for several years now, and I have hope that if there is a cure, it will be found in them. I just wish someone would do the research on it.
They are, however, extremely potent and contain high levels of chemical compounds. I cannot warn enough against self-treating with essential oils, herbal tinctures, and even supplements. Natural does not mean safe. If you decide to take Essential Oils internally, you can put them in empty capsules to ensure efficacy. For more information see the Resources & Links section to the right. Read more about uses, properties, and benefits on the Essential Oils page.
This is a very limited list of essential oils and herbal tinctures and the properties that may make them useful:
Artemisia
Banderol
Banderol
Parts Used: Bark
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Broad spectrum antimicrobial. Anti-inflammatory. Immune stimulant.
Cautions: Should not be used without medical supervision.
Article: Effectiveness of Samento and Banderol on biofilms.
Bay Laurel Oil
Parts Used: Pure & Genuine Essential Oil
Methods of use: Aromatherapy/Topical
Therapeutic Effects: Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, expectorant, immune support, helps with lymphatic congestion.
Cautions: Should not be used continually or in large quantities. Should not be used internally. Topically, can be used on lymph nodes sparingly.
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Parts Used: Pure & Genuine Essential Oil
Methods of use: Aromatherapy/Internal or Capsule
Therapeutic Effects: Strongly antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic. Helps with drug resistant strains.
Cautions: Should not be used for more than 4 days at a time and not for long term use. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal Silver
Parts Used: Metallic Silver particles
Methods of use: Suspension/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: antibacterial
Cautions: Can cause Argyria with extended use. Research showing real benefit to this is lacking. I caution against it. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Garlic (Allicin) Extract
Garlic (Allicin) Extract
Parts Used: Bulb
Methods of use: Tincture or fresh raw clove/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Strongly antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal. Improves cardiovascular and digestive function.
Cautions: Large amounts can cause digestive disturbances. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (ParaMicrocidin)
Grapefruit Seed Extract (ParaMicrocidin)
Parts Used: Seed
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, stimulates immune function, antioxidant. Thought to be effective against the cystic form of Lyme.
Cautions: Can have reactions with certain drugs. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil
Parts Used: Pure & Genuine Essential Oil
Methods of use: Aromatherapy/Topical
Therapeutic Effects: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal. Heals wounds and skin. Particularly effective for burns. Gentle. Used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and depression, helps with sleep and relaxation, and to clean the air.
Cautions: Should not be used internally. Dilution is recommended.
Olive Leaf Extract
Parts Used: Leaf
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Cautions: Side effects are generally mild. Can cause dizziness or diarrhea. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil
Parts Used: Pure & Genuine Essential Oil
Methods of use: Aromatherapy/Internal (Capsules included)
Therapeutic Effects: Antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal. Helps to strengthen the spleen, with viral, bacterial, and respiratory infections, and with immune deficiency. Thought to be effective against biofilm formation.
Cautions: Should not be used continually. Has a strong burning flavor. It is recommended to be taken in capsule form. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol
Parts Used: polyphenolic compound found in some grapes and berries
Methods of use: Supplement/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Prevents heart disease and lowers blood sugar levels.
Cautions: Should not be used without medical supervision.
Article: Resveratrol
Samento (Cat’s Claw)
Samento (TOA free Cat’s Claw) /Cat’s Claw Extract
Parts Used: Vine
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Broad spectrum antimicrobial. Anti-inflammatory. Immune stimulant.
Cautions: Can cause hives and allergic reactions. Should not be used without medical supervision.
Article: Effectiveness of Samento and Banderol on biofilms.
Links: Studies, Reports & News
Teasel Root
Teasel Root
Parts Used: Dried Root
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Antibiotic, diurrhetic (detox), and astringent.
Cautions: Should not be used without medical supervision.
Turmeric
Turmeric
Parts Used: Root
Methods of use: Tincture/Internal
Therapeutic Effects: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, helps with brain function and detoxification.
Cautions: Should not be used without medical supervision.
Article: 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.
Natural does not equal safe!