Learn About Treating Lyme Disease Naturally

Lyme disease has become one of the most talked-about health threats, which is pretty remarkable considering it was only identified in 1975. This tick-borne illness has affected millions of people; many may have the problem without being aware of it. Treating Lyme disease naturally is a viable alternative to the regular medical procedures.

Medical doctors use a blood test to diagnose this problem. The test may reveal the presence of spirochetes, bacteria-like organisms which carry this disease. However, spirochetes are uncannily adept at hiding, and the test may not always be definitive. This causes many people to turn to herbal means of fighting the problem. Herbals require no prescription, and most have no harmful side effects if used correctly.

The herbs known to help people who suffer from Lyme's are immune system boosting plants. They are nutritive rather than potentially toxic, which means they can be taken indefinitely without harmful side effects. Since almost everyone needs a stronger immune system, no harm is done if the illness is not present. One of the most widely used herbal preparations comes is cat's claw plant, a native plant in South America and Asia. It is sold in liquid extract form and in capsules.

Cat's claw, which gets its common name from its thorns, has long been used for arthritis and joint pain. To be effective against Lyme, some of the active ingredients in the plant must be rendered inert. There are several special preparations of this herb on the market; look for ones that are formulated specifically for this particular problem.

People may have been diagnosed with the illness but still choose natural methods. The common medical approach prescribes large doses of antibiotics to be taken over an extended period of time. This protocol appears to be most effective when the illness is diagnosed immediately. People who have had the problem for months or even years may not find antibiotics completely effective.

Many people don't like the idea of taking antibiotics at all, much less for a long period of time. Some consequences of long-term use include yeast over-growth and consequent skin problems, as well as lowered immunity. Other people may want to follow an initial course of antibiotics with an herbal product, to get the benefits of both. This method may be effective against spirochetes which lie dormant in internal organs until the antibiotics are gone from the system and then emerge to cause further problems.

For those who prefer a local herb over an exotic one, the common roadside weed, teasel, has been proved effective by wide-spread use and by research. This thistle-like plant grows in waste land, especially in regions where deer abound and their ticks can attack humans. Teasel is available from herbalists, or people can harvest their own roots in November, choosing plants away from major roads (to avoid heavy metal contamination). Soaking the cleaned and chopped roots in alcohol - vodka is preferred - for six weeks will make an effective extract. Dosages can be found on product labels or online.

This illness should not be ignored. Anyone who works outdoors is in danger of contamination and should be concerned about unusual joint pain, tremors, skin disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, and nervous system problems. It is thought that the risk of Alzheimer's is heightened by contacting this illness. Some authorities feel that mosquitoes, horseflies, and fleas may also spread the disease. There are many informational sites online, as well as local support groups, for those who want more information.