Saturday, January 10, 2015

Facts 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 herbal products that seem to combat this illness are immune-system boosters. If the disorder is not present, no harm is done, since boosting immunity is beneficial in any case. One widely-used herb is cat's claw, a tropical plant found in South America. It is available in liquid extract or in capsule form.

People with arthritis have used this herb for centuries to alleviate joint pain. It contains some active ingredients that are not helpful in treating Lyme's. For this reason, people who would like to try it for this particular illness should look for a special preparation, designed specifically to treat Lyme's.

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 who practice natural healing and eat organically try to avoid antibiotics. Especially if the treatment calls for heavy doses, those who prtactice alternative medicine may prefer natural means even if they know for sure that they are infected with Lyme's. Others may begin with antibiotic use and continue with herbals to make sure all spirochetes are destroyed.

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.

Anyone who works outdoors - in any of the fifty states - should not ignore symptoms such as joint pain, skin disorders, heart arrhythmia, tremors, or mental fogginess. Lyme's can cause all of these symptoms. Ticks are considered the main vector, but some authorities feel that mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects may also carry the disease. People can find more information online or from a local support group.




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