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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

About Treating Lyme Disease Naturally

By Enid Hinton


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.

Doctors and researchers use blood tests to diagnose this illness. The tests look for the presence of spirochetes which carry the illness throughout the body. Even medical doctors admit that the usual tests are not definitive, since some cases go undetected. People familiar with herbal preparations, which require no prescription, may want to try this method even if they have had negative test results.

The herbs that fight the illness are immune system boosters. They increase the number and effectiveness of the body's own defensive cells, which then destroy these foreign invaders. Herbs specific to this illness, that seem to be particularly effective, include the South American cat's claw, which is also found in tropical Asia. This herb is marketed as a liquid extract and in capsule form.

People have used cat's claw for arthritic complaints for generations. Researchers have found that the herb's effectiveness for Lyme can be increased by inactivating certain elements in the plant. People who want to self-treat for this illness should obtain a special preparation rather than using the whole herb.

Many people may seek a doctor's diagnosis but choose to use natural means to regain health. Doctors prescribe heavy doses of antibiotics when the illness is detected; these drugs often must be taken for extended periods of time. Antibiotics appear to be most effective when the illness is diagnosed quickly. If the problem is a long-standing one, antibiotics may not cure the problem.

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.




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