Lyme disease is a bacterial infection and the main culprit for it is Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacteria transfer to humans through the bite of a black-legged tick that carries the infection.
Unfortunately, this disease is prevalent in the US and tens of thousands of cases are reported on a yearly basis.
The treatment of the disease is complicated because this bacteria changes forms and is capable of escaping from our immunity. The most common treatment option is antibiotics; however, their rate of success isn’t 100 percent.
In fact, in some patients, the symptoms linger even after finishing the antibiotic therapy. This syndrome is known as PTLDS or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome or chronic Lyme.
Unfortunately, this condition has unpleasant side effects such as a bull’s eye rash, tiredness, chills, headache, fever, pain in the muscles and joints, and swollen lymph nodes.
Hope for Lyme Disease Patients: These 7 Herbs Have the Potential to Destroy Lyme Disease Bacteria
In a study done by a team of scientists from Johns Hopkins University, specific herbs were tested for their ability to destroy Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria linked with Lyme disease.
The study compared the herbs to the effects of commonly used antibiotics for Lyme such as cefuroxime and doxycycline.
They discovered that some herbs had much better performance than antibiotics in treating various forms of the Lyme disease bacteria.
Below, check out the seven herbs that the study concluded were the most potent ones.
Best 7 Herbs That Can Help with Lyme Disease
- Japanese Knotweed
This herb has been found very helpful in the eradication of Lyme bacteria. It showed potent antimicrobial properties. According to the researchers, this herb may also alleviate unpleasant and painful symptoms and prevent further progression of the illness.
- Cistus Incanus
This form of essential oil showed exceptional properties in the treatment of Borrelia burgorferi.
It has antimicrobial characteristics that are of great aid in lowering the spread of this bacteria. The oil is promoted as a potent natural alternative in the fight against Lyme disease.
- Artemisia or wormwood
This herb showed great performance in the fight against Lyme disease bacteria. It has antimicrobial characteristics and fights against infections. But, one thing that’s pivotal with wormwood is being cautious with its use.
This is because of potential toxicity, especially in cases of overuse or prolonged use. It’s therefore recommended for short-term use only.
- Black walnut
Rich in antimicrobial characteristics, this herb was found very promising in the fight against Lyme disease.
It works by impeding the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi. Still, it has to be used carefully and only for short periods of time due to the possibility of toxicity!
- Cat’s claw
According to the research, this is another herb that can be of aid in the fight against Borrelia burgdorferi. It doesn’t just possess antimicrobial power, but it also strengthens immunity, helping it fight against the disease.
It’s also anti-inflammatory and provides support to immunity in the fight against the infection.
- Cryptolepis
The researchers in the study found this herb to be very potent in destroying the motile and persister forms of Borrelia burgdorferi.
And, the effects also surpassed the effectiveness of the commonly used antibiotics, i.e. doxycycline and cefoperazone.
It showed exceptional antimicrobial characteristics and it’s a promising tool in the fight against Lyme.
- Chinese skullcap
This herb has antimicrobial characteristics and it helped eradicate Borrelia burgdorferi. It impedes the growth of bacteria and reduces inflammation.
This can contribute to fewer of the unpleasant symptoms known to happen with lingering Lyme disease.
The researchers also concluded that some commonly used herbs like stevia, grapefruit seed extract, monolaurin, and Andrographis didn’t show any significant power against Borrelia.
However, Andrographis is still considered important because it has the power to strengthen immunity and address other microbes linked with chronic Lyme disease.
The use of herbs for Lyme disease has a lot of other benefits. For example, it’s effective against other types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, contributes to stronger immunity, restores the balance of the gut flora, etc.
What’s more, the possibility for toxicity in herbs is low so long-term use is often possible (it depends on the herb).
Sources: