The Role of Naturopathy in Treating Lyme Disease
A holistic approach is important – simply hitting bugs over the head with a hammer is not enough.
Immune Function
We want the body to be able to fight the infection itself.
The following are beneficial to keep in mind for immunity when treating Lyme disease:
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- Avoid nutritional factors that suppress immune function such as sugar
- Transfer Factors – researched to boost NK cell activity (general and Lyme specific)
- Beta-glucans
- Colostrum
- Astragalus
- Mushroom extracts – reishi, shitake, maitake, etc.
Mediate Inflammation
Inflammatory mediators include:
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- Herbs – curcumin, white willow, holy basil
- Proteolytic enzymes – protease, bromelain, papain, serrazimes
- Essential fatty acids – often need 4-6 grams daily. Fish or flax.
Antimicrobials
Lyme
- teasel
- samento (cats claw)
- guaiacum
- grapefruit seed extract
Babesia
- artemisinin
- cryptolepis
Bartonella – Houttuynia (HH2 by Zhang)
Parasites
- black walnut
- wormwood
- clove
- ginger
- gentian
Yeast
- pau d’arco
- garlic
- cinnamon
- caprylic acid
Others
- olive leaf extract
- colloidal silver
Supporting Detoxification and Herxheimer Reactions
- Glutathione
- Smilax glabrae (Chinese sarsaparilla)
- Liver/ kidney herbs
- Lemon juice in water
- Epsom salts baths
- FIR sauna (with caution)
- Lymphatic drainage massage (with caution)
Offsetting Antibiotic Side Effects
Candida overgrowth – prevent with probiotics. Recommended preparation contains 100 billion live organisms daily. Probiotics should be given before bed, at least 2 hours after last dose of antibiotics or antimicrobial herbs. Saccromyces boulardi can be used in conjunction.
Liver and kidney function – monthly labwork is important. Herbs such as dandelion, milk thistle, burdock, schisandra can help strengthen liver and kidneys. Do not give milk thistle to a patient taking Mepron or Malarone (reduces efficacy).
Adrenal Support and Hormone Balancing
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- Adrenals under major stress – assess using salivary testing throughout the day.
- Herbs – rhodiola, ginseng, ashwaghanda. Balancing better than stimulating.
- Hormone precursors – DHEA, pregnenolone
- Reproductive hormone support – maca, black cohosh (good for bladder irritability also), progesterone, testosterone.
Symptom Relief
Pain
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- herbal anti-inflammatories
- proteolytic enzymes
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Nerve pain relief
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- St John’s wort
- lemon balm
- Jamaica dogwood
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Energy
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- Adrenal support, thyroid support (iodine and tyrosine)
- Mitochondrial support – CoQ10 (not with Mepron or Malarone), NADH, NT factor, carnitine, keto-glutaric acid
- Ribose
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Sleep
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- 5-HTP
- melatonin
- valerian
- lemon balm
- passion flower
- chamomile
- L-theanine
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Muscle spasms
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- magnesium
- malic acid
- potassium
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Depression
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- Amino acid therapy can be helpful
- Tyrosine – energizing for the brain, also support thyroid
- 5-HTP – supports serotonin, calming, helps depression
- GABA/ L-theanine – good for anxiety/ OCD
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Other Issues
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- Heavy metals
- GI infections
- Mold toxicity
- Chronic viral infections (herpes, EBV, CMV, HHV-6)