Most Effective Treatment For Lyme Disease

Herbal & Prescription Lyme Disease Antibiotics

In this article, you will learn how to build a Lyme disease herbal or prescription antibiotic treatment. Later, in this guide I provide nine sample herbal and prescription antibiotic treatment plans, including the dosing regimens I find effective.

The focus of this article is on Lyme germ treatment. For information about treating Lyme disease coinfections see

• Target Viruses, Mycoplasma, & Chlamydia in Lyme? Maybe Not.

Before I describe these plans, you should be aware that chronic Lyme disease recovery requires more than antibiotics. I cannot emphasize this point strongly enough. Treating Borrelia, the Lyme germ, with antibiotics is complicated because limited research shows which treatment regimens work best. As a result, many Lyme-Literate Medical Doctors , like me, prescribe antibiotics based on theory, in addition to our collective observation, which is that combinations of antimicrobials work better than single agents alone. It is critical that a Lyme disease treatment regimen addresses the first ten steps outlined in my Lyme disease treatment guidelines, The Ross Lyme Support Protocol. These steps are designed to revive health and to boost the immune system. Even a year or more into treatment, when a person is feeling better, these steps are essential to speed recovery by supporting the immune system.

Chelation Therapy For Lyme Disease

Some people believe Lyme disease symptoms are linked to heavy metal toxicity from materials like lead or mercury. Chelation therapy is a method of removing heavy metals from the bloodstream.

Its done using a type of medication called a chelator or chelating agent. This medication binds to metals in the bloodstream, collecting them into a compound that can be processed by your kidneys and released in urine.

Chelation therapy is an effective treatment for a buildup of heavy metals. But theres no evidence that heavy metals contribute to Lyme disease, and chelation therapy wont treat the underlying infection.

Homeopathy Treatment For Lyme Disease #1 Holistic Treatment For Lyme Disease

Among the natural treatments for Lyme disease that has proliferated in response to the ongoing Lyme disease epidemic,homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease has a unique and valuable place.

Homeopathy is one of the natural treatments for Lyme disease that contains a therapeutic healing system that regards the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of human health as inextricably linked. The disease is seen as an expression of the imbalance of the whole, so it is necessary to consider the whole to find adequate treatment.

For patients who may not be successful or who cannot tolerate antibiotic therapy in treating Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease can be a good option.

Homeopathic medicines, commonly known as remedies, are precisely manufactured in homeopathic pharmacies. The homeopaths job is to find the remedy that best suits your makeup and the symptoms to be treated. Homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease strengthens the individuals underlying health and strengthens the response to treatment for Lyme disease.

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Can Lyme Disease Be Treated With Red And Infrared Light Therapy

Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii. First diagnosed in the 1970s in Lyme, Connecticut, Lyme disease can develop in humans who are bitten by infected blacklegged ticks. In its early stages, it causes flu-like symptoms including rash, fever, chills, nausea, and joint aches. Catching Lyme disease at an early stage is critical because it grows progressively worse and symptoms become more serious.

If Lyme disease is caught early enough, patients may be successfully treated with antibiotics. People treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Usually, it takes two to four weeks for Lyme disease sufferers to recover after taking antibiotics.

According to the CDC, in a small number of cases, antibiotics are not completely effective for people with Lyme disease. In that case, a chronic form of the disease, known as post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome , may develop.

Lyme Treatment Protocol Overview: My Lyme Disease Toolkit

Quick disclaimer here:

This is what worked for me. I am not a qualified doctor or other medical professional Im not suggesting that these treatments are foolproof, nor do I recommend you jump into them. BUT I do think thatif any of them sound appealingyou should do some research and maybe meet with a qualified professional who specializes in these treatments. This array of treatments was developed over time with the help of multiple different specialists and doctors. Without further ado, here is an overview of my holistic treatment for Lyme disease.

Over the past three years, I have tried everything under the moon to get better, or at least it feels that way. I was so eager to get my health back that I was open-minded to trying anything. From your run-of-the-mill antibiotics to mixing ozone into my blood: I have tried treatments across the spectrum of medicine, ranging from conventional to very alternative. Some treatments were specifically aimed at killing off Lyme disease bacteria, some were to detox and manage symptoms and herxes, and some treatments were to support my immune system and body as I tackled the infections. Heres a very simple overview of the chronic Lyme disease treatments I have explored first-hand. For a more in-depth look into my treatment protocol, stay tuned!

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Heat Vs Light: Which Is Most Effective

Heat, whether it comes from a traditional or infrared sauna, is both a stimulating and destructive force. Heat causes additional stress to the body. While the stress is temporary and the stress can lead to accelerating healing, the heat itself can cause damage when not used with caution. Both heat and red light can help Lyme Disease sufferers. If you are choosing between them, you will probably get more powerful and lasting results with light therapy.

Light is a stimulating force that does not stress the body but rather, promotes healthy cell functioning, without any known side effects.

Red light therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing from within. It does this by:

• Stimulating mitochondrial activity
• Boosting production of stem cells, which are non-specialized cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types including brain cells, muscle, and other soft tissue

Chronic Lyme Dos And Don’ts

Chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing Borrelia burgdorferi infection that can involve any body system or tissue. The infection produces a wide range of symptoms and signs, which can be debilitating for some patients. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, migratory musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and impaired memory. Unfortunately, chronic Lyme disease is complex and often misunderstood, which means that many patients will struggle to obtain the care they need to regain their health. Every patient concerned about Lyme disease and tick-borne illness should know the following.

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For Memory Concentration And Focus

Improving memory is a challenge. In Lyme disease, short-term memory problems and word-retrieval problems are common. These often improve substantially with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Over time, most patients regain their cognitive function.

When memory is a problem, consider that this could due to a primary problem with attention or with mood. An individual who can’t focus won’t be able to remember because he/she didn’t “attend” to the item in the first place. This happens to all of us when we hear someone’s name at a party if we don’t focus on the name and perhaps make a mental association to the name to enhance memory storage, we will forget that name within minutes. Patients with depression often experience problems with memory and verbal fluency when the depression is resolved, the memory and verbal fluency typically resolve as well.

• Medications: Attention can be improved with certain medications, such as bupropion , atomoxetine , modafinil , or stimulants . Medications that temporarily slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease or memantine ) have not been studied in Lyme disease.
• There is some evidence that online brain training programs can enhance concentration or processing speed.
• Neurofeedback may be helpful in improving attention, as well as in improving sleep and reducing pain. This has been studied for migraines, fibromyalgia, and ADHD.

Herbal And Prescription Antimicrobials By Function

Be aware the doses I provide below are for adults. These same prescriptions can be used with children but have lower doses. For pediatric dosing, talk with your family physician or pediatrician. Tetracyclines can be used in children under eight, but there is a risk of tooth staining. This staining seems not to be an issue if they are used for a month or less.

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How To Avoid Tick Bites

To reduce the chance of being bitten:

• cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks
• use insect repellent on your clothes and skin products containing DEET are best
• stay on clear paths whenever possible
• wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Lyme Disease

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposure to 100 percent oxygen at a high pressure. Its often in a room called a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to promote wound healing.

There isnt much research about the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Lyme disease. But a 2014 case study from Taiwan reports that it treated Lyme disease in a person who hadnt responded to antibiotics. Still, more large-scale studies are needed to understand whether its an effective treatment.

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Get An Accurate Diagnosis

To get an accurate diagnosis, you must first find the right doctor specializing in Lyme disease. Do the research and look for a doctor who has extensive knowledge, licensure and certification, and a high success rate working with patients.

This doctor may not be in the United States. One of the most well-renowned infectious diseases clinics is Lyme Mexico.

You may be thinking you cant travel to Mexico for help, but you can. You can spend the same amount of time and money visiting multiple doctors near your home without results. Or, you can meet with a top expert in Lyme disease and receive the treatment that gives you back the life you deserve.

Lyme literate doctors have modern and more aggressive treatments to help heal your Lyme disease. Lyme specialists not only know about more aggressive treatments, but they also provide them in their clinics on an outpatient basis.

Azlocillin Comes Out On Top

The drug, which is not on the market, was tested in mouse models of Lyme disease at seven-day, 14-day and 21-day intervals and found to eliminate the infection. For the first time, azlocillin was also shown to be effective in killing drug-tolerant forms of B. burgdorferi in lab dishes, indicating that it may work as a therapy for lingering symptoms of Lyme disease.

Pothineni and Rajadas have patented the compound for the treatment of Lyme disease and are working with a company to develop an oral form of the drug. Researchers plan to conduct a clinical trial.

Rajadas is also a professor of bioengineering and therapeutic sciences at the University of California-San Francisco.

Other Stanford co-authors are Hari-Hara S. K. Potula, PhD, senior research scientist postdoctoral scholars Aditya Ambati, PhD, and Venkata Mallajosyula, PhD senior research scientist Mohammed Inayathullah, PhD and intern Mohamed Sohail Ahmed.

A researcher at Loyola College in India also contributed to the work.

The study was funded by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and Laurel STEM Fund.

• Tracie White

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Lyme Disease Natural Treatment Safety

If you decide to explore natural treatments for Lyme disease, talk to your doctor about the risks beforehand. Natural treatments, just like traditional treatments, can still be toxic or dangerous. But in combination with medical treatment, a complementary approach might improve health.

For example, a product called bismacine contains an injectable form of bismuth. This is a type of metal thats a common ingredient in some digestive aids. But bismacine contains a higher dose of bismuth thats injectable. Injecting a high dose of bismuth can cause bismuth poisoning, which can lead to heart and kidney failure.

Other natural treatments may interact with other medications or supplements you take. Your doctor can help you confirm whether any medications you currently take will interact with treatment youre interested in trying.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider Before Using Natural Remedies

If youre curious about banderol, samento, or other herbal treatments, talk with your healthcare provider about whether to incorporate any of these remedies into your Lyme disease treatment plan. While it may be tempting to want to try it, improper treatment of Lyme disease can lead to serious complications such as joint problems and nervous system disorders, so self-treating with herbs isnt recommended.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that the side effects and risks of these herbs in regular or high doses aren’t known, nor is their safety in children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with other health conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks with the benefits.

Lyme Disease Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

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Why Are Antibiotics The First Line Of Treatment For Lyme Disease

The use of antibiotics is critical for treating Lyme disease. Without antibiotic treatment, the Lyme disease causing bacteria can evade the host immune system, disseminate through the blood stream, and persist in the body. Antibiotics go into the bacteria preferentially and either stop the multiplication of the bacteria or disrupt the cell wall of the bacteria and kill the bacteria . By stopping the growth or killing the bacteria the human host immune response is given a leg up to eradicate the residual infection. Without antibiotics, the infection in Lyme disease can evade the host immune system and more readily persist.

Transmission Of Bb Via Ixodes Spp Vectors

The black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus on the West Coast, are the primary vectors of Bb in the USA. In endemic areas, the proportion of Ixodes spp. ticks infected with Bb can be remarkably high. One recent survey of the pathogen burden of 197 Ixodes scapularis ticks collected from New York and Connecticut where LD is endemic, revealed 111 ticks were infected with Bb and 37 were co-infected with more than one human pathogen . The high pathogen burden is consistent with previous tick surveys in the same region . In contrast, the percent of infected ticks in other regions of the USA is much lower. In recently published surveys across California, for example, fewer than 5% of Ixodes spp. ticks were infected . Ixodes ticks sometimes carry multiple strains of Bb that may impact the course of disease in people that are co-infected. One tick survey showed that 39% of Ixodes ticks in North America are infected with multiple genotypes of Bb .

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A Quick Check On Privilege

A brief digression, but an important one. I think it is important to acknowledge the privilege that comes with being able to access and afford the resources to effectively diagnose and treat Lyme diseaseor any chronic illness. Many factors go into being able to access the right doctors, testing, medicines, and other various treatments: from money and income, to race, gender identity, to even factors as simple as location. These factors can also play a large role in the individual patient’s experience navigating the medical system and interacting with medical professionals. I am a white, cis woman from a middle class backgroundalthough my journey of chronic illness has been very challenging, I hold a lot of privilege that benefited me as I interacted with the medical system.

I believe it is important to open up a conversation about the ways various types of privilege interact with healthcare accessibility and the individual patient experience with the medical system. Not only is it something important to reflect on individually, but discussing the role certain privileges play in the medical system is key for identifying and evoking much needed systemic change. This is something I will ponder, educate myself on, and hopefully encourage discussion about throughout the existence of Holistic Healing. Please reach out if it is a discussion you wish to take part in here on Holistic Healingmy ears and mind are open!

Here’s How Light Helps Lyme Disease

Red light therapy is an umbrella term for light therapy using red and NIR wavelengths. Also called photobiomodulation and low-level light therapy , red light therapy is clinically proven to help the body recover from a variety of conditions because it powerfully supports the bodys own healing mechanisms.

In other words, LLLT helps the body heal from the inside out, rather than just providing relief from symptoms.

Specifically, red light therapy improves cellular functioning and reduces chronic inflammation. Optimal systemic functioning begins at the cellular level, and peak cellular functioning is supported by a reduction in inflammation. From this simple beginning you can expect a positive ripple effect of benefits. Heres how it works:

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Penicillin Plus Azole Plus Lipsomal Cinnamon Clove & Oregano Oil

• amoxicillin 500 mg 4 pills 3 times a day
• tinidazole 500 mg 1 pill 2 or 3 times a day for 4 days on and 3 days off in 7-day cycles.
• liposomal cinnamon, clove, and oregano oil capsules 1 pill 2 times a day.

Key Points:

• This is a very high dose of amoxicillin, which is four times stronger than physicians prescribe for other infections like ear infections. I consider this dose to be nearly as effective as IV antibiotics.
• This is a pulse dose regimen of the tinidazole. It may be more effective than continuous regimens.
• The essential oils are added to treat persister Lyme.