Lyme Disease is steadily becoming a more and more prevalent health concern around the world. With symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating depending on the person and other cofactor infections present, there are still many mysteries underlying the most effective way to address Lyme Disease.
In this article, I want to supply you with some of the main herbal therapeutics I draw from for supporting natural balance with Lyme Disease. Note that these therapeutics are NOT focused around “killing” the Lyme, but rather supporting a healthy and balanced body system so that Lyme does not continue to proliferate and cause issues. I suggest using herbal therapeutics for Lyme Disease in conjunction with other approaches for healing and with your professional healthcare provider helping you monitor your health over time.
Remember that working with Lyme Disease is not a race, but a journey that takes some longer than others to find balance with.
Nourish Thy Nervous System
Many practitioners attribute this therapeutic as a core part of the “restoration approach” to supporting Lyme Disease. This approach focuses on restoring the core systems in the body which are most vital to restoring balance with chronic diseases and illnesses like Lyme. Our nervous system plays an integral role in helping maintain a healthy stress response, regulate our immune system, and help keep our hormonal cascade running smooth.
There are many different herbs which can help nourish frayed nerves and regulate nervous system function. Some of my favorite nervine herbs for Lyme Disease support are milky oats (Avena sativa), Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata).
Gentle Detox Support
When the Lyme bacteria are killed in the body (also known as a “die-off” reaction which can happen even if you are not actively trying to “kill” the Lyme), they can release toxins in the body which are imperative to clear out in order to stay healthy and balance your symptoms. The focus here is on gentle detoxification support, not an intense detox “cleanse” with fasting, intense side effects, etc.
Remember that detoxification is a natural bodily function our bodies perform every day whether we are following a “detox program” or not! Therefore, it is vital to ensure that our detoxification pathways are functioning in tip-top shape on their own accord. Some herbs and algaes that can help promote gentle support of our detoxification system are chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum).
Super-Boost Your Immune System
Ensuring that your immune system is functioning in tip-top shape is one of the most important supportive angles you can take for managing Lyme Disease. Focusing on using herbs rich in antioxidants can help keep free radical damage and inflammation under control, further protecting the body from other Lyme complications.
One of my favorite herbs (well, technically it’s a mushroom...but I incorporate it just like I would other herbs) is chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Wild chaga contains an ORAC value of 146,700 (compared to wild blueberries which have an ORAC value at 9,621)! Chaga, along with other beneficial mushrooms, is also packed with immune-boosting polysaccharides, helping to give your body and immune system the extra support it needs.
Other immune-supportive herbs which are great to draw from when finding balance with Lyme Disease are astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), olive leaf (Olea europaea), and cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).
Rest & Restore
Last but not least, a foundational step in regaining balance from any health imbalance, including Lyme Disease, is ensuring that you are getting enough quality sleep every night. In addition to taking all of the standard steps for supporting sound sleep like blocking out any artificial light in your room, cutting out electronics before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening, there are many herbs which can help get you relaxed and ready for sleep.
Remember to only take these herbs in the evening before bed and not to operate a motor vehicle after taking them as they can be quite sedative for some people. My go-to herbs for promoting restful and restorative sleep are passionflower, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and california poppy (Eschscholzia californica).
You’re Not Alone
More and more people receive a formal Lyme Disease diagnosis every day, both chronic and acute cases coming to surface. Remember that you are not alone! There are plenty of practitioners out there, including myself, who can help support you through your journey with Lyme. Be sure to consult with your professional healthcare provider regularly to stay on top of your health and symptoms as things shift. Are you dealing with Lyme Disease? Have you tried any of these herbal therapeutics before? Let me know in the comments below!
