Q. Dear Terry, “I’ve been working with an integrative practitioner for several years to help with chronic Lyme disease. I feel like some improvement has been made, but I’m always looking for more information on this topic. Are there any suggestions you have to help with Lyme disease?”– Dave S., Lewiston, ME

A. Dear Dave, I encourage you to continue working with your healthcare practitioner as they may have additional insight. With that being said, I have some recommendations that can really make a difference. Lyme disease can present very differently in each person. I think using natural ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial is a safe and effective way to provide overall support.

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) has been used to safely and effectively fight colds and the flu. However, andrographis may also help open new paths toward fighting Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Over the past several years, the use of andrographis as part of a multi-herbal treatment for Lyme disease, or in conjunction with conventional methods, has grown.
While andrographis provides a full spectrum of compounds that prevent or stop disease, andrographolide is considered the most beneficial.

You’ll find that research on the herb – no matter what disease it is studying – focuses primarily on that compound. I believe that taking andrographis once or twice daily would be an excellent choice. I would take 400 mg of andrographis, standardized to 80 mg of andrographolides, twice per day.

Curcumin is another very supportive ingredient because it positively impacts many of the body systems that are frequently disrupted by Lyme disease. There is significant research showing curcumin can benefit arthritis, cognitive function, gastrointestinal function, and cardiovascular health, which are all very important for anyone dealing with Lyme disease. I would take 750 mg of curcumin enhanced with turmeric essential oil, once per day.

You may also want to consider concentrated plant oils of cinnamon, thyme, clove, and oregano. All of these plant oils have potent antimicrobial properties, whether we are talking about yeast, bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. One study demonstrated that oregano, clove, and cinnamon were able to decrease the stationary and biofilm phase of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

Look for concentrated plant oils that are approved for internal use. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and their identity verified based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity, and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits. I would take 75 mg of these four plant oils internally, twice per day.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally