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In the movie Ground Hog Day, Bill Murray plays a TV reporter sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover their Ground Hog Day events. He wakes up one morning to find that time has regressed 24 hours and he has to repeat the previous day’s events over again. This same regression in time happens again and again. At first, he dreads repeating the same day’s events all over. At one point, he decides to make better choices with the same events. Because of these choices, he is finally able to break free of the rut of repeating the same day over.

How is being stuck in a loop of living the same day over and over similar to having Lyme disease biofilms?

Similar to repeating an endless Ground Hog Day, people with Lyme disease can experience the same symptoms over and over
Angie has good days and bad days. On good days, she can take care of the kids and work on her farm. On bad days, she can’t even get out of bed because of pain, fatigue, and feeling toxic. She feels constant anxiety because her symptoms can quickly switch into becoming much worse. Her number of bad days also increases when she gets a new antibiotic from her Lyme literate doctor. After several weeks of good days, she thought she had eliminated her infections. Then the bad days returned. One cause of her returning bad days is probably biofilms.

Unfortunately, Lyme disease and co-infections can create recurring symptoms when they re-emerge from slimy biofilms
Biofilms are basically a protective “slime” made by microorganisms which can consist of polysaccharides¹, extracellular proteins¹, magnesium², pathogens³, or extracellular DNA⁴. Biofilms act as a shield against antibiotics^5,6, herbs⁷, and the immune system⁸. Under a biofilm, many different species of pathogens⁹ can work collaboratively together¹⁰ to survive anti-microbial treatment and re-emerge to create symptoms over and over again. Biofilms can contribute to a roller-coaster of symptoms that wax and wane. Angie wanted a new way to end her roller-coaster of Lyme pain and fatigue.

She tried different enzymes to try and reduce her recurring symptoms
Angie took fermented vegetable and earthworm enzymes to cut through biofilms to try and relieve her recurring symptoms of pain and feeling toxic. When she started these supplements, her pain, fatigue, and feeling toxic actually increased. She described the increase of symptoms as similar to a toxic Herxheimer reaction. After feeling horrible again and again from taking these enzymes, she sought another way to reduce her recurring pains.

Special “blood” herbs help to prevent recurring pains by preventing biofilms from forming
Bacteria use a complex chemical pathway called the Heme-Nitric Oxide/Oxygen (H-NOX) binding domain¹¹ to form biofilms. Bacteria use chemical regulators on this pathway to affect biofilm gene expression and to activate biofilm chemical messenger molecules. Using herbs to interrupt the nitric oxide pathway can disrupt how bacteria form biofilms. Fortunately, there are many Chinese herbs that inhibit the nitric acid pathway¹² which were used to help Angie to prevent biofilms and reduce her recurring pain and fatigue.

Here are three anti-biofilm herbs that also help to remove painful toxins and protect vital organs
In animal and human studies, these herbs have been shown to reduce nitric oxide production, neutralize toxins, and relieve pain and inflammation. These herbs have been used for hundreds of years to treat pain, chronic illness, and fatigue. These herbs have also been used extensively to treat problems in the blood like blood stagnation, anemia, and high blood pressure. In ancient Chinese medical texts, two of these herbs have also been used to treat chronic infections caused by multiple pathogens¹³.

Herb #1: Angelica Root, Angelica Sinensis, Chinese name: Dang Gui¹⁴
The properties of this herb are sweet, acrid, and warm. With over three-hundred references on Pubmed, the medicinal properties of this herb have been researched for its antimicrobial, neuro-protective, anticancer, anticoagulant, and liver-protective properties. This herb blocks how bacteria are able to make biofilms by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide synthase^15,16. In Chinese medicine, angelica is used to strengthen and replenish the blood. It is used to treat anemia, pale complexion, brittle nails, dry hair, dizziness, blurred vision, post-partum fatigue and weakness, palpitations and abdominal pain.

This herb is also used to increase circulation and relieve pain. Angelica along with other herbs is used to treat menstrual disorders including irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, pre-menstrual discomfort, early menstruation, bloating with menstruation, irritability, fatigue, and weakness. During pregnancy, it is used with other herbs to treat abdominal pain, restless fetus, lower back soreness, diarrhea, and breech presentation. After delivery, this herb with other herbs is used to treat post-partum bleeding, spontaneous sweating, fever, shortness of breath, back and leg pain accompanied by the inability to turn from side-to-side, lower abdominal coldness, insufficient milk production, and pain and muscle spasms.

It is commonly used in Chinese hospitals with other herbs to treat traumatic injuries, bruises, fractures, broken bones, and swollen or injured tendons. In the limbs or extremities, Angelica is also used to treat coldness, numbness, pain, painful joints, soreness and weakness of the low back and knees. Topically, it is used with other herbs to treat sores and abscesses, reduce swelling, expel pus, relieve pain, and heal slow-healing sores.

Angelica also moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels. It is used to treat constipation and dry stools. This herb is also used to stop coughing, reduce phlegm, and to relieve shortness of breath. It has also been used to treat arrhythmia, stroke, migraine, nephritis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, bed wetting, uterine prolapse, insomnia, blocked blood vessels in the hands and feet, herpes zoster, alopecia, psoriasis, dermatological disorders, deafness, anal fissure, chronic hypertropic rhinitis, and chronic pharyngitis.

Herb – drug interaction: It is suggested that concurrent use of angelica with wafarin may potentiate the effects of wafarin, anti-platelet, and anticoagulant drugs. This herb reduces scopolamine and cycloheximide induced amnesia in rats. Angelica also treats acetaminophen-induced liver damage.

Angelica has an inhibitory effect against Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Vibrio cholerae, Alpha-hemolytic streptococcus, and Beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Herb #2: White Peony Root, Paeonia lactiflora Chinese name: Bai Shao¹⁷
The properties of this herb are bitter, sour and cool. This herb is also effective at blocking how bacteria can produce biofilms by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide¹⁸. White peony is used to strengthen the blood and moisten dryness in the body. This herb treats a dull and pale complexion, dizziness, tinnitus, and brittle, pale nails. White peony regulates menstruation and helps to alleviate pain. It is used to treat these conditions: irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, breast distention, pre-menstrual symptoms, mood swings, restlessness, and gestational and post-partum disorders. Other conditions treated by this herb include: night sweats, spontaneous sweating, and excessive perspiration.

White peony is also used to treat long standing pathogenic illnesses with symptoms of muscle spasms, twitches, tremors, alternating flexion and extension of the extremities, tonic-clonic spasms, and convulsions. It is also used to treat excess heat conditions marked by dizziness, tinnitus, flushed face, red eyes, irritability, bad temper, headache, vertigo, poor balance, delirium, burning diarrhea, burning upon urination, and loss of consciousness. White peony is also used to treat numbness, spasms, and pain in the muscles, tendons, sinews, and extremities. It is also used for epigastric, intercostal, flank, hypochondriac, and abdominal pain.

This herb is contraindicated in patients with eczema or rashes that are aggravated by wind. It is also contraindicated in post-partum patients with stabbing fixed pains or who are still bleeding. White peony may cause drowsiness or sedation. People who operate heavy machinery need to exercise caution.

White peony has an inhibitory effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudonomas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and some dematophytes.

Herb #3: Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa Chinese name: Mu Dan Pi¹⁹
The properties of this herb are acrid, bitter, and cool. This herb is effective at blocking how bacteria can produce biofilms by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide²⁰.Tree peony clears heat and cools the blood. This herb is used to treat symptoms when the bones feel like they are “steaming”, nighttime fevers, the absence of perspiration, thirst, and menopause.

Used to cool “heat” in the blood, Tree peony has been used to treat maculae, bleeding related blotches on the skin, purpura, hematemesis, hemoptysis, hematuria, hypermenorrhea, early menstruation, and epistaxis. It is also used for night fevers accompanied by morning or daytime chills, hypertension, irritability, redness of the face and eyes, and a short temper.

Tree peony also invigorates blood circulation and disperses blood stasis or “thick blood.” This condition is analogous to hypercoagulation in western medicine. This herb is used to treat severe pain, amenorrhea, abdominal masses like fibroids, tumors, abscesses, and masses. It is also used to treat bruises, broken bones, inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with traumatic injuries. In laboratory and animal studies, Tree peony has strong anti-inflammatory effects, increases blood perfusion, decreases cardiac output, anti-hypertensive effects, and protects that heart from ischemia.

Tree peony is contraindicated in pregnancy and patients that have excessive bleeding during menstruation. This herb has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Vibrio cholerae.

The right herbs can help you to alleviate recurring Lyme symptoms by preventing biofilms from forming
Just like finding the right course of action to break out of an endless Ground Hog Day loop, the proper combination of anti-biofilm herbs can help you to get free of a rut of recurring Lyme disease symptoms. By interrupting the nitric oxide cycle used to make biofilms, these herbs, along with other medicines and treatments, helped Angie to finally relieve her rollercoaster symptoms of fatigue and pain caused by her Lyme disease and co-infections. Since some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your recurring Lyme disease symptoms.
Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday June 4th at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for stopping biofilms and recurring Lyme disease symptoms. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

1. Simões M, Cleto S, Pereira MO, Vieira MJ. Influence of biofilm composition on the resistance to detachment. Water Sci Technol. 2007;55(8-9):473-80.
2. Song B, Leff LG. Influence of magnesium ions on biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens. Microbiol Res. 2006;161(4):355-61. Epub 2006 Mar 6.
3. Chemistry of biofilm prevention. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemistry_of_biofilm_prevention#Composition_of_biofilm
4. S D Goodman, K P Obergfell, J A Jurcisek, et. all. Biofilms can be dispersed by focusing the immune system on a common family of bacterial nucleoid-associated proteins. Mucosal Immunology (2011) 4, 625–637; doi:10.1038/mi.2011.27; published online 29 June 2011 https://www.nature.com/mi/journal/v4/n6/full/mi201127a.html
5. Matin, A. Biofilm Studies. https://www.stanford.edu/~amatin/MatinLabHomePage/Biofilm.htm
6. Stewart PS, Costerton JW. Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in biofilms. Lancet. 2001 Jul 14;358(9276):135-8.
7. Wong RW, Hägg U, Samaranayake L, Yuen MK, Seneviratne CJ, Kao R. Antimicrobial activity of Chinese medicine herbs against common bacteria in oral biofilm. A pilot study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Jun;39(6):599-605. Epub 2010 Apr 24.
8. Goodman et al., p625.
9. M. L. Grbic, I. Vukoievic, G. Simic, I. Krizmanic and M. Stupar. Biofilm Forming Cyanobacteria, Algae, and Fungi on Two Historic Monuments in Belgrade, Serbia. Arch. Biol. Sci, Belgrade, 62 (3), 625-631, 2010 DOI:10.2298/ABS1003625L
10. Nadell CD, Xavier JB, Levin SA, Foster KR (2008) The Evolution of Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Biofilms. PLoS Biol 6(1): e14. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060014
11. Lars Plate, Michael A. Marletta. Nitric Oxide Modulates Bacterial Biofilm Formation through a Multicomponent Cyclic-di-GMP Signaling Network. Molecular Cell – 26 April 2012. https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/abstract/S1097-2765%2812%2900260-2
12. Shan-Yu Su1 and Ching-Liang Hsieh. Anti-inflammatory effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on cerebral ischemia. Chinese Medicine 2011, 6:26 doi:10.1186/1749-8546-6-26
13. Fruehauf, H. Driving Out Demons and Snakes, A Forgotten Clinical Approach to Chronic Parasitism, Journal of Chinese Medicine, no. 57, May 1998. p. 14
14. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 918 – 924.
15. Han C, Guo J. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Traditional Chinese Herb Pairs, Angelica sinensis and Sophora flavescens. Inflammation. 2011 Oct 6.
16. Su YW, Chiou WF, Chao SH, Lee MH, Chen CC, Tsai YC. Ligustilide prevents LPS-induced iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages by preventing ROS production and down-regulating the MAPK, NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol. 2011 Sep;11(9):1166-72. Epub 2011 Mar 30.
17. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 930 – 934.
18. He DY, Dai SM. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of paeonia lactiflora pall., a traditional chinese herbal medicine. Front Pharmacol. 2011;2:10. Epub 2011 Feb 25.
19. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 160 – 162.
20. Lee SJ, Lee IS, Mar W. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 activity by 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose in murine macrophage cells. Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Oct;26(10):832-9.

Image credit Jopparn from Wikimedia Commons.

For people with recurring Lyme disease fatigue and brain fog despite taking antibiotics and herbs

by Greg Lee / Two Frogs Healing Center

Imagine you are at a lively dinner party. As you look around the room, the guests are chatting with each other, enjoying food and drinks. In one corner of the room, you see a live elephant scooping up snacks with it’s trunk into its mouth. The guests are totally ignoring this elephant as it happily munches away.

How is an elephant at a dinner party similar to Lyme disease symptoms that are not responding to medications?

Just like an elephant at party, a cause of persistent Lyme disease symptoms is often overlooked
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt at the Physician’s Roundtable conference reported that big parasites¹ are a commonly overlooked reason for persistent symptoms in Lyme disease patients. In the US and other advanced countries, he made the case that parasites are more widespread than commonly believed. International travelers, imported produce, and migratory animals can introduce parasites and their cysts into our environment. Unfortunately, these parasites can mimic symptoms of Lyme disease.

Just like Lyme disease and co-infections, parasites produce toxins which trigger symptoms
Helminth parasites are worm-like organisms that can be found in the lymph, organs, and the blood. Protozoa are smaller than helminth parasites and have names like babesia, malaria, amoebas, or protomyxzoa. They are capable of producing toxins1 which disrupt your immune system and make your body more parasite-friendly. These toxins can produce similar symptoms to Lyme disease and co-infections. Unfortunately, parasite infections are often misdiagnosed in Lyme disease patients.

Phoebe struggled for years with fatigue, brain fog, and digestion problems
Phoebe loves traveling to developing nations and helping to build schools. After returning from each of her trips, she requires months to recover her stamina and heal up her digestion. Her doctors diagnosed her with stress, depression, and menopause. Her Lyme disease blood tests came back CDC negative. Parasite tests came back negative. She had some relief with herbal parasite cleanses, enemas, and anti-parasite treatments. Then she got bit by an infected tick.

After a tick bite, her symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation got much worse
Fortunately, her primary care doc was willing to give her a few weeks of antibiotics to address her aggravated symptoms. However, her symptoms did not improve much despite the medication. Her doctor referred her to other specialists who eventually diagnosed her with intestinal parasites. Despite taking anti-parasitic medications, she still felt very sick. Then she discovered some custom-made herbal formulas that were tailored to her parasites.

Specially prepared anti-parasite herbs helped to reduce Phoebe’s symptoms
The inflammation in Phoebe’s digestion could limit how well herbs get absorbed. In order to maximize absorption, her herbs were blended with lecithin and water. This mixture was then processed to make small particles which could be absorbed more easily. The resulting liquid looked similar to a latte from a coffee store. Which anti-parasite herbs helped her reduce her symptoms?

Here are three anti-parasite herbs that helped Phoebe improve her fatigue and brain fog
In animal and human studies, these herbs have been effective at killing and expelling parasites.

Herb #1: Rhizoma Dryopteridis, Chinese name: Guan Zhong²
The properties of this herb are bitter, and cool. Guan Zhong is used kill various intestinal parasites such as: hookworm, ringworm, and pinworm. This herb is used to treat bacterial and viral infections like colds, flu, measles, encephalitis, viral pneumonia, infectious bronchitis, and parotitis because it is effective at clearing heat and eliminating toxins. It also stops bleeding in conditions like hematemesis, epistaxis, hematochezia, and excess uterine bleeding.

Caution: this herb is not recommended for people with excess dryness, or coldness in the stomach. This herb is to be taken separate from fatty or greasy food. This herb is not to be used with infants, people with a weak constitution, or people with ulcers in the gastrointestinal track. It can stimulate the contraction of the uterus and should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Filmarone is an active component in Dryopteridis which has a marked antiparasitic effect against tapeworms. In other studies, Dryopteridis kills roundworms in pigs and liver flukes in humans. This herb has a mild to moderate inhibitory effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Pseudonomas aeruginosa, Diplococcus meningitidis, and Staphlococcus aureus. It has a strong inhibitory effect on the influenza virus, adenovirus, encephalitis B, and herpes simplex virus. This herb also has an antineoplastic effect.

Herb #2: Fructus Mume, Chinese name: Wu Mei³
The properties of this herb are sour and neutral. This herb is effective at helping to expel parasites and relieve abdominal pain. It has been used effectively against parasitic roundworms, hookworms, and the ascaris worm. This herb treats chronic respiratory diseases that have a dry, feeble cough and a low voice. It also binds the intestines, treats bacterial dysentery, chronic diarrhea and rectal prolapse. Fructus mume relieves thirst and generates body fluids. It is used to treat symptoms of thirst, weight loss and irritability. This herb is used also to treat diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and overheating.

The charred form of fructus mume is also used to treat chronic uterine bleeding. When soaked in salt water and then mixed with vinegar to make a paste, this herb is used to treat ulcers, sore, corns, and warts. It has an anti-aging effect. Fructus mume is also used to treat internal hemorrhoids, viral hepatitis, increased liver enzyme levels, jaundice, chronic cholecystitis, and infantile diarrhea. A mixture of one part Fructus Mume and two parts vinegar that is mixed for 24 hours was 96% effective in treating a billiary ascaris infection.

The sole usage of this herb is cautioned for treating acute diarrhea, or diarrhea caused by food poisoning or infections. It is normally combined with other herbs to treat the above causes of diarrhea. This herb is contraindicated in patients with excess heat or signs of stagnation. Fructus Mume has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and some dematophytes.

Herb #3: Agrimony, Chinese name: Xian He Cao⁴
The properties of this herb are acrid, bitter, astringent, and neutral. Agrimony treats various parasitic infections including malaria, tapeworm, roundworm, and trichomonas vaginitis. It is used to stop bleeding conditions including treat epistaxis, hemoptysis, hermatemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, profuse menstrual bleeding, and thrombocytopenic purpura. This herb also relieves diarrhea and dysentery especially if there is pus and/or blood, white mucus, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Agrimony is used for treating fatigue especially in people with a normal appetite, dizziness, lightheadedness, weak knees and weak low back. This herb also reduces swelling, eliminates pus, breast abscesses, sores, hemorrhoids, nodules, and ulcerations.

This herb may cause palpitations and flushing. It can be taken internally or applied topically as an herbal wash or paste. In one rabbit study, agrimony reduced bleeding time. Water extracts of this herb lower blood pressure and has an inhibiting effect on the heart. Alcohol extracts of this herb increase blood pressure and has a stimulating effect on the heart. Water extracts of this herb at low dosages has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, high dosages inhibits these smooth muscles. In one study, this herb was effective at stopping upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Agrimony has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudonomas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This herb has marked antiparasitic effect against roundworm, tapeworm, and schistosomiasis. In mouse studies, this herb is effective against tumor cells. This herb contains vitamin K which may reduce the anticoagulant effect of wafarin and should be used with caution to avoid the formation of clots.

The right herb combination can help you to kill parasites and relieve their symptoms
Just like discovering the elephant in the room, the proper combination of anti-parasite herbs can help you to expel large parasites. These herbs helped Phoebe to finally relieve her fatigue, brain fog, and digestive problems caused by Lyme disease and an intestinal parasite infection. Since some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your infections.

Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday June 4th at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for stopping parasites and Lyme disease symptoms. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

1. Klinghardt, D. A Deep Look Beyond Lyme. 2012 Physician’s Round Table. January 28th, 2012. Tampa, FL.

2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 554 – 555.

3. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 988 – 990.

4. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 578 – 580.

Image credit Jopparn from Wikimedia Commons.

For parents with kids that play in tick infested areas
by Penelope Melas /Co-founder of the Two Frogs Healing Center

I thought my daughters were safe and so I let my guard down
At a Memorial Day picnic, my two daughters were in a suburban Baltimore backyard picking strawberries. With no woods nearby, I thought I had no reason to worry about ticks. I was wrong.

I am secretly petrified of my kids getting Lyme disease
I have seen what happens to people with Lyme disease who get sicker and sicker when their doctor can’t figure out what is wrong. I would wrap my kids up in plastic every time they went outside if that would protect them. Unfortunately, ticks can be found just about anywhere outdoors besides the woods: backyards, playgrounds, piles of mulch, or around stone walls. My daughter had picked up a nasty surprise at a friend’s house.

A few hours later, one of my daughters came to me holding a tick in her hand
Later that evening, my eldest daughter showed me a very tiny speck that she had pulled off of her leg. It was hard to see what it was. So, we pulled out her microscope. I felt anxiety in my stomach when I saw it was a tiny tick. There was a red raised bump where she had pulled it off of her leg. Unfortunately, ticks can carry over sixty different diseases. I put it in a sealed plastic container and sent it to get tested for different diseases that ticks can carry.

We sent the tick for testing at a specialty laboratory called Clongen Labs
I spent the next few days worrying about what diseases the tick was carrying. My mind jumped from worrying about Lyme disease or other infections. Much to my relief, we got the test results back in a few days. When I opened the email from Clongen Labs, my worst fear came true.

The tick test came back positive for a bacterial infection called Bartonella
In addition to Lyme disease, Bartonella is another infection that ticks also carry. Bartonella bacteria can cause fatigue, mental symptoms, headaches, swollen glands, arthritis, seizures, neurological disorders, and aches and pains that are similar to Lyme disease.

What can you do to protect your family against Lyme disease?

Follow these four steps to help keep your family safe for the coming tick season

1. Spray your family, pets, and yourself down with a good tick spray
Unfortunately, DEET only works as a tick repellant in very high concentrations. Studies have shown that the ticks continue to crawl all over clothes covered in low concentrations of DEET. Tick researchers recommend permethrin as a more effective repellent. Permethrin is an insecticide that comes from a chemical found in the chrysanthemum family. It is made less effective by the oils on our skin, so Permethrin is usually applied on clothes. Once it is on clothing, it becomes odorless and can last for several weeks with a one application. Once ticks come into contact with the chemical, most will curl up and fall off. With prolonged exposure to this chemical, the ticks will be killed.

A low-toxic tick repellant that I use is called picaridin. You can get it in many insect repellent products online or in outdoor stores. I also recommend getting in an eight hour spray version. Ticks are also easier to spot on light colored clothing. A hat can protect your kid’s head from ticks on tall grass. Frontline can help protect your pets.

2. Do regular tick checks
A convenient time to check for ticks is right before kids get into the bath. Since ticks have been found hidden in the hair on the head, I recommend running your fingertips through scalp to feel for small bumps. Feel for bumps as small as the period at the end of this sentence. You may need to look at what you find under a magnifying glass or a microscope to determine if it is a tick.

Once you get kids into the bath, I recommend using a loofah sponge to lightly scrub the skin. This can help remove small ticks that have not attached yet.

3. Protect your house from ticks
Ticks are most active in the spring through the fall. Fortunately, they will dry out and die if they cannot find a moist habitat. Spraying insecticide or a natural oil like Neem can kill ticks living around your house. Keeping your lawn trimmed short and removing grass clippings and dead leaves reduces moist habitats where ticks can hide. Placing diatomaceous earth on your lawn or dessicants like boric acid in and around stone walls, sheds, or barns where mice or chipmunks live can also help to reduce tick populations. Putting up deer fencing can prevent deer from dropping ticks in your yard.

4. Talk to your kid’s school to educate them on protecting kids against Lyme disease
If your kid’s school is near a wooded area, then talk with the facilities manager about spraying the grounds where kids play. Or talk about putting up deer fencing up around high traffic areas. Whether you have woods near your house or not, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. I learned this lesson the hard way when I thought my daughter was in a safe backyard. The best way to protect your family against Lyme disease is prevention.

– Penelope

1. A plain-language introduction to tick-borne diseases. The Basics. Fifth Edition April 2007. Written by Douglas W. Fearn. Published by the Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. www.LymePa.org.
2. Semmler M, Abdel-Ghaffar F, Al-Rasheid KA, Mehlhorn H. Comparison of the tick repellent efficacy of chemical and biological products originating from Europe and the USA. Parasitol Res. 2011 Apr;108(4) pp. 899-904.
3. Schmahl G, Al-Rasheid KA, Abdel-Ghaffar F, Klimpel S, Mehlhorn H. The efficacy of neem seed extracts (Tre-san, MiteStop) on a broad spectrum of pests and parasites. Parasitol Res. 2010 Jul;107(2) pp. 261-9.

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“White tailed deer are the one indispensable piece in the Lyme [disease] puzzle¹“
Exploding deer populations have been blamed for greater tick populations and increased incidences of Lyme disease. Deer are believed to spread infected ticks. Some strategies for reducing infected ticks on deer include applying pesticides to ticks using deer feeders. Other strategies employ hunters to reduce deer populations.

Could you reduce new cases of Lyme disease by getting rid of white-tailed deer?

In one study, eliminating deer herds results in decimated tick populations
Richard Ostfeld, Ph.D. Disease Ecologist with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies presented the ecological factors that affect infected tick populations at a recent conference on Lyme disease. He cited one study on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine where hunters were used to reduce a deer herd from a few hundred to zero. The impact of this hunt had a significant impact on two of the four tick stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. The larval and nymph tick populations were reduced to near zero. Aside for humans and their pets, no other host species live on the island². Similar studies produced different results.

In other studies, reducing deer herds did not significantly impact tick populations
In numerous studies in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, hunters were used to cull deer herds from large numbers to very small numbers. Unfortunately, reduced deer herds did result in a significant reduction of nymph tick populations. Incidence rates of Lyme disease were not significantly reduced, either. Why are ticks able to persist despite reduced herds of deer?

Ticks don’t care what animals that they can feed on
The larval and nymph stage of the black legged tick is know to feed on 41 species of mammals, 57 species of birds, and 14 species of lizards. The adult stage is known to feed on 27 species of mammals and 1 species of lizard². Dr. Ostfeld gave several other theories as to why ticks are able to survive despite lower numbers of deer.

Ticks survive by ganging up on the remaining deer
The remaining deer in these study areas were found to have increased concentrations of ticks. Another reasons that ticks are able to survive from year to year is that some animals allow ticks to stay on their bodies.

Some animals are not good at grooming and killing ticks
In a lab study, approximately 50% of larval ticks were able to successfully feed off white footed mice. In another study which counted the number of larval ticks found on wild animals, the average mouse had about 25 larval ticks, the average gray squirrel had about 150, and the average opossum had about 250. Fortunately, opossums were found to be highly effective at grooming and killing attached ticks². Also, the size of the forest affects which mammals carry and transmit Lyme disease to ticks.

Fragmented forests usually have greater populations of mice
In other studies, mice and chipmunks were shown to have the highest transmission rates of infection to ticks. In Dutchess County New York, fragmented landscapes tend to have a greater population of mice. Dr. Ostfeld estimated that forest fragments less than five to eight acres in size have a greater risk of infection by 300% – 400%². What other critical factor supports a growing tick population?

Ecologists show a high correlation between acorn abundance and tick populations
Dr. Ostfeld reported that the acorn production of 2010 was one of the largest crops in 20 years in New York and other surrounding areas. In Maryland, 2010 was the largest acorn crop in over 32 years according to the Department of Natural Resources. As white-footed mice³, chipmunks, and deer have increased in numbers with greater acorns to feed them, these hosts are predicted to lead to greater populations of nymph-sized ticks in 2012.

2012 is predicted to be a dangerous year for getting Lyme disease
Since increased numbers of hard-to-see nymph ticks² are believed to be the major reason for people contracting tick infections, 2012 is predicted to have greater numbers of Lyme disease cases. This can result in a much greater risk for contracting Lyme disease especially in areas of abundant acorn production.

There are many factors which influence the numbers of infected ticks from year to year
Increased populations of deer are only one of many factors in spreading Lyme disease. Greater acorn production leads to more rodents and deer. These rodents end up carrying and infecting more larval ticks. More deer and other large animals carry and infect tiny nymph-sized ticks that end up transmitting Lyme disease to humans.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture at 6pm on Monday April 2nd, “Getting Rid of Lyme Disease” in Frederick, Maryland.

– Greg

1. Piesman, J. F. 2002. Ecology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in North America. In Gray, J. S., O. Kahl, R. S. Lane, and G. Stanek, editors. (eds.). Lyme Borreliosis-Biology, Epidemiology, and Control pp. 223-249.CABI International. Trowbridge, England.
2. Richard Ostfeld. A Systems Approach in Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases: People, Animals, and the Ecosystem. National Academy of Sciences, The Institute of Medicine Committee on Lyme Disease and Other Tick-borne Diseases: The State of Science Conference. October 11-12, 2010, Washington, DC
3. Richard Ostfeld. Ecological Drivers of Tickborne Diseases in North America. International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. March 11-14, 2012, Atlanta, Ga.

For people who are unable to reduce their painful Lyme disease Herxheimer reactions
by Greg Lee

When I was a kid, I played a board game called Monopoly* with my friends. In the game, you can get stuck in jail until find a way of getting free. One way to escape was through a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

How is getting stuck in jail similar to patients with recurring Lyme disease pain?

Just like being trapped in jail, patients with Lyme disease can feel imprisoned by their symptoms of pain
While on several different medications, Inez suffered with debilitating pain and depression.  Her Lyme Literate Physician had prescribed: Mepron, Zithromax, and Artemisinin for Babesia, Omnicef for Lyme disease, Flagyl for Lyme disease cysts, Cholestyramine for binding biotoxins, Neurontin for burning pains, magnesium, B-12 injections and folic acid to help with detoxification, and several other supplements. She was deeply concerned that her horrible pain and fatigue would keep her from participating and enjoying an upcoming family gathering.

After months of medications, Inez felt even more pain and severely depressed
Her P.A. (Physician’s Assistant) told her that her painful symptoms were a sign that her antibiotic medications were killing her infections. The P.A. suggested that she get an intravenous infusion of magnesium to reduce her symptoms. Unfortunately Inez was experiencing what is called a Herxheimer reaction, which happens when dying germs release toxins as they are killed off.

Herxheimer reactions can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms and painful emotions
These toxins aggravated Inez’s symptoms of pain along her back, irritability, brain fog, fatigue, and depression. Even her supplements and toxin binding medication, Cholestyramine, provided little relief. Expensive intravenous magnesium infusions would help for a few days. However, her symptoms would come right back. Why do toxins affect some people more severely than others?

Inez is lacking the genes to be able to eliminate Lyme toxins
According to her Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-DR) blood test, her immune system is unable to identify and eliminate Lyme disease and mold toxins. Her antibiotic treatment was killing of gobs of germs, which created a flood of toxins in her body. As these toxins built up in her system, she felt even sicker, more cantankerous, and extremely hopeless. After months of worsening symptoms, she was at the end of her rope. “I am just ready to end it all,” she sobbed.

What can help Inez to quickly relieve her pain, depression, and other hellish Herxheimer symptoms?

A treatment method called “wet cupping” helped Inez to quickly relieve painful symptoms by rapidly pulling out toxins
Wet cupping can draw painful toxic symptoms from deep in the body to the surface through using special suction cups and a hand vacuum pump. Inez had nine suction cups placed on her neck, shoulders, and along either side of her spine. In just a few minutes, the skin under the cups grew purplish-red as toxins and blood were being drawn to the surface. The cups were removed and dark circles were left all over her back. Next, needles were used to help draw the toxins out.

Needles were inserted in the dark circles on the skin to make holes to draw the toxins out
After quickly removing the needles, dark red blood began to ooze slowly out of the holes left by the needles. The suction cups were placed back over the holes to help draw the toxins and thick blood out more quickly. After about ten minutes, the cups were removed. What remained on the skin were round dark red blobs formed in the shape of the cup, which looked like Jell-O mounds make of thick blood.

Not only toxins get pulled out of the body, but also coagulated blood
One study of wet cupping found the fluids to be very high in toxins¹. Another use of cupping in Chinese medicine is to remove “stagnant blood²” which is analogous to hypercoagulation in western medicine. Hypercoagulation is a condition where the blood is thicker than normal and moves more slowly through your body. Cupping helps to pull out the thick compounds in the blood, which is why the blood removed from Inez’s back looked like little Jell-O molds. Cupping also helps to remove inflammatory compounds like cytokines³ and excess fluids from the lymphatic system also. Removing these toxins, compounds, and fluids can have a dramatic effect on improving symptoms.

Inez’s pain and depression were gone after removing the thick toxic blood from her back
“I always think that it’s hopeless when I’m coming here. It’s amazing how after each treatment, my pain and my depression are gone!” said Inez. After multiple cupping treatments, Inez’s blood had a healthier red color and flowed more normally. Between treatments, her pain and mood swings have been significantly reduced in severity and frequency. Some weeks, her symptoms are gone completely. Cupping has helped her to escape her prison of Lyme disease pain and depression.

Just like a “Get Out of Jail” pass, cupping can quickly reduce the hellish symptoms of Lyme disease toxins
An effective way to stop Lyme toxins from wandering throughout the body and causing all sorts of pain, fatigue, and mood swings is through wet cupping. Consult with a Lyme Literate cupping practitioner to develop a proper, safe, and effective treatment strategy for your condition since this procedure is strongly cautioned in patients with anemia, clotting disorders, taking blood thinning medications, who are pregnant, who have a weak constitution, or at risk for myocardial infections⁴.

– Greg

>> Next step: Click here to take our What Lyme Brain Type are You? Quiz to help identify underlying causes of neurological Lyme.


P.S. Do you have experiences where treatment or remedies helped you relieve Herxheimer reactions? Tell us about it.

1. Schockert, T. Observations on cupping. High toxin concentration in blood from cupping. MMW Fortschr Med. 2009 Jun 4;151(23):20.
2. Bisio, Tom. A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth: How to Treat Your Injuries with Powerful Healing Secrets of the Great Chinese Warrior. Fireside, 2004. p. 165.
3. Zhang CQ, Liang TJ, Zhang W. Effects of drug cupping therapy on immune function in chronic asthmatic bronchitis patients during protracted period. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Nov; 26(11) pp. 984-7.
4. Kobayashi, S. Acupuncture Core Therapy: Shakujyu Chiryo. Paradigm Publications, Taos. 2008. pp. 203 – 204.

* Monopoly is copyrighted by Hasbro

For people struggling with Herxheimer reactions and elevated Liver enzymes due to Lyme toxins
by Greg Lee

When I was a boy, I was given a Swiss army knife. In addition to having a knife, it had all sorts of great attachments like a screwdriver, saw, and scissors. I used it to cut rope for holding up tents, saw up kindling for fires, and slice up Vienna Sausages when I would go camping with my friends.

How can liver protecting herbs help you fight Lyme disease similar to the many uses of a Swiss Army Knife?

Herbs can help you in several ways against Lyme disease toxins
Patients face a big challenge in trying to prevent Lyme disease toxins from aggravating symptoms and damaging vital organs like the liver. Similar to the multiple tools on a Swiss Army Knife, there are herbs that have multiple ways of helping the liver to deal with these toxins, fight infections, and reduce toxic symptoms. These herbs are especially useful when anti-Lyme medicines and treatments increase the level of toxins in the body which stress the liver and increase symptoms.

Medications and treatment can release more toxins which intensify Lyme disease symptoms
When Lyme spirochetes are killed by anti-Lyme medicines or treatments, the dead pieces of the bacteria release toxins called endotoxins in the body. The liver filters these toxins out of the blood and dumps them into your intestines to be eliminated. Huge releases of toxins can overwhelm the liver’s ability to filter them out. These toxins overflow throughout the body and can aggravate symptoms of pain, fatigue, and confusion. Aggravated symptoms due to a toxic die off of Lyme bacteria is called a Herxheimer reaction or Herx for short. Unfortunately, some people cannot eliminate these toxins very effectively.

Approximately, 25% of the population is lacking the genes to eliminate Lyme toxins¹
When antimicrobial medicines or treatments kill off infections, people who lack the genes to eliminate toxins feel much worse for longer periods of time than other people who have the genes. People who are missing the antitoxin genes get much sicker much faster than other people. These people usually take longer to recover and require more extensive support to eliminate their toxins.

Can herbs help to neutralize Lyme toxins?

There are several herbs that are effective at neutralizing Lyme disease endotoxins
Here are four herbs that help Lyme disease patients to reduce their herxheimer reactions. The anti-endotoxin properties of these herbs are demonstrated in animal studies and in clinical results with patients. Just like a Swiss Army Kinfe, these herbs can provide other benefits like protecting vital organs like the liver, killing spirochetes, and reducing inflammation.

Herb #1: Fructus Forsythiae, Chinese name: Lian Qiao²
The properties of this herb are bitter, and cool. Forsythia clears heat, eliminates toxins, treats bleeding under the skin that produces red and purple lesions (purpura), stops vomiting, and promotes urination. This herb is used extensively to treat viral infections that produce heat in the heart and phlegm the lungs³. It treats high fever, irritability, delirium, red swollen eyes, sore throat, ulcers on the tongue, intestinal or lung abscesses, sores, lesions, ulcerations, lumps, nodules, and furuncles.

In one canine study, forsythia was found to be the most effective at clearing bacterial endotoxins⁴. This herb has also been used to reduce inflammation in a guinea pig study. Forsythia has liver protecting properties. The essential oil of forsythia inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus dysenteriae, Hemolytic streptococcus group a, Hemolytic streptococcus group b, Neisseria catarrhalis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus proteus, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leptospira, and influenza viruses. This herb is very safe to use and there were no documented cautions or contraindications with medications at the time of publication.

Herb #2: Radix Scutellariae, Chinese name: Huang Qin⁵
The properties of this herb are: bitter and cold. Scutellaria is used to clear heat, reduce symptoms of infection and inflammation, sedate heat symptoms, eliminate toxins, stop bleeding, calm and stabilize the fetus, and for disorders of the skin, eyes, ears, throat, and nose. It is used to treat abdominal fullness, poor appetite, nausea, sensations of heaviness, thirst with no desire to drink, and people with the diagnostic signs of a red tongue with a greasy yellow coating.

This herb is also used to treat jaundice with bright yellow skin, infectious hepatitis, dysentery, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, heat sensations in the chest and abdomen, irritability, sore throat, toothache, oral ulcers, tonsillitis, epigastric burning and discomfort, and constipation. Scutellaria is also used to treat burning, scanty, painful, dark urination which may be cloudy or bloody. This herb also treats cough with yellow sputum, yellow nasal discharge, fever, shortness of breath, dry mouth, chest congestion, sore throat, and eye disorders with redness and pain. Scutellaria also treats lesions, sores, and ulcerations.

It stimulates gallbladder activity and has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Scutellaria inhibits the cancer-causing effects of fungal toxins, is used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, reduces anxiety and stress, and relieves headaches. Scutellaria is used to treat encephalitis, hepatitis, Scarlet fever, bacterial eye infections, and hypertension.

It has a wide spectrum inhibitory effect against beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Group B strep), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which causes problems in cystic fibrosis patients), E. coli, Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), Vibrio cholerae (cholera), and multiple influenza viruses. It also kills leptospira (another spirochete disease) and is highly effective at neutralizing endotoxins⁶. A compound from Scutellaria called baicalin potentiates the effectiveness of antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and cefotaxime. This herb enhances the antibiotic effect of beta-lactam antibiotics against drug resistant staph infections like MRSA and beta-lactam resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This herb is very safe to use and there were no documented cautions or contraindications with medications at the time of publication.

Herb #3: Radix Bupleuri, Chinese name: Chai Hu⁷
The properties of this herb are bitter, acrid, and cool. Bupleurum is used to treat disorders that have chills and fever, fullness and distention of the chest and hypochondriac region, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, poor appetite, nausea and vertigo, and irritability. It is used specifically used to guide pathogenic illnesses, like malaria, out of the body. This property makes it an excellent supporting herb for patients with Babesia.

This herb also treats emotional distress, headache, eye disorders, breast swelling and pain, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, menstrual cramps, and jaundice. Bupleurum treats prolapse of internal organs including the rectum and uterus, shortness of breath, fatigue, and hypermenorrhea. It is used to treat pain, relieve insomnia, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, induce the flow of bile, reduce cholesterol, and stimulate the immune system. This herb is used along with other herbs to treat colds, cough, influenza, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Bupleurum has an inhibitory effect against beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Group B strep), Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leptospira, some influenza viruses, poliomyelitis viruses, and hepatitis viruses. The saponin compounds in demonstrated an anti-endotoxin effect even at very low concentrations in one rabbit study⁸. This herb should be used with caution in patients that are deficient in fluids and have signs of excess heat.

The herb formula Minor Bupleurum Decoction reduced the bioavailability of tolbutamide in one rat study. When used in combination with interferon, there may be an increased risk of acute pneumonitis. One theory is that the herbal combination may over stimulate neutraphils (white blood cells that are part of the innate immune system) to release granulocytes elastase and oxygen radicals which can then damage lung tissue. The single herb Bupleurum may not have the same risk as the herbal combination. This herb has a very low toxicity.

Herb #4: Fructus Gardenia, Chinese name: Zhi Zi⁹
The properties of this herb are bitter and cold. Gardenia is used to reduce swelling and pain, and to treat febrile disorders, liver infections, and gall bladder infections. It is highly effective in treating irritability, frustration and restlessness, heartburn, high fever, short temper, delirium, depression, and semi-consciousness. This herb also treats carbuncles, furuncles, ulcers, abscesses, headache, red eyes, toothache, sore throat, ulcers on the tongue, and constipation. It is also effective for treating jaundice, infectious hepatitis, gall bladder inflammation, gallstones, urinary tract infections, and painful urination. Gardenia is also used to treat bleeding disorders hematuria (blood in the urine), hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hematemesis (vomiting blood), and epistaxis (nosebleeds). This herb is used especially when the color of the blood is bright red. It is also used for treating traumatic injuries with swelling and bruises like sprains, strains, soft-tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal injuries.

This herb should be used with caution for patients with loose stools combined with a decreased intake of food. This herb can possibly cause drowsiness and sedation. It is to be used with caution in people who operate heavy machinery or in people when they drive vehicles. It may increase the drug induced sleeping time of barbituates which was found in one animal study. In other animal studies, this herb has reduced blood pressure because of it’s stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Gardenia has been found to lower liver enzymes and serum bilirubin, and protects and prevents liver cells from dying. It also stimulates contraction of the gall bladder, production of bile, and increases excretion of bile into the intestines in animal studies. In another mouse study, a Gardenia compound called genipin prevented glutathione depletion, reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and demonstrated antioxidative properties¹⁰. Two other compounds found in Gardenia, Crocin and crocetin have anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-cancer effects. These two compounds also provide neuroprotection in one rat study by reducing the production of various neurotoxic molecules which shows promise for treating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease¹¹. It also protected mice from E. coli endotoxin sepsis in another study¹².

Gardenia inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningtidis, and dermatophytes. It also kills leptospira and schistosoma.

The right herbs can help you to protect your liver, kill spirochetes, and neutralize toxins
Just like a Swiss Army Knife, these herbs have multiple properties for helping you to  overcome the multiple challenges of a Lyme infection. Through their ability to neutralize endotoxins, these herbs have helped Lyme patients to reduce Herxheimer symptoms of pain, inflammation, and fatigue quickly. Most of these herbs are very safe and have a very low toxicity. Working with a Lyme literate herbalist can help you to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for protecting your liver from toxins, killing Lyme and co-infections, and reducing painful Herxheimer reactions.

Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday January 2nd at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for eliminating Lyme disease and toxic symptoms of headaches, fatigue, and pain.

1. R. Shoemaker. Surviving Mold. p. x (Foreward).
2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 174 – 176.
3. J. Fratkin. Modern Applications for Anti-Viral Therapy. https://drjakefratkin.com/articles/modern-applications-for-anti-viral-therapy
4. S. Dharmananda. Lonicera and Forsythia: Representatives of the “Floating” Toxin-Cleaning Herbs. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/lonicera.htm
5. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 137 – 140.
6. S. Dharmananda. Lonicera and Forsythia.
7. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 84 – 87.
8. Liu Y, Chen Y, Xi W, Bai J. Studies on antiendotoxin action of total saponins from radix Bupleuri. Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jun;26(6):423-5.
9. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 121 – 124.
10. Kim SJ, Kim JK, Lee DU, Kwak JH, Lee SM. Genipin protects lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptotic liver damage in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010 Jun 10;635(1-3):188-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20303938
11. Nam KN, Park YM, Jung HJ, Lee JY, Min BD, Park SU, Jung WS, Cho KH, Park JH, Kang I, Hong JW, Lee EH. Anti-inflammatory effects of crocin and crocetin in rat brain microglial cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010 Dec 1;648(1-3):110-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20854811
12. Zheng X, Yang D, Liu X, Wang N, Li B, Cao H, Lu Y, Wei G, Zhou H, Zheng J. Identification of a new anti-LPS agent, geniposide, from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, and its ability of direct binding and neutralization of lipopolysaccharide in vitro and in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol. 2010 Oct;10(10):1209-19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20655404

For people with recurring Babesia sweats, fatigue, and headaches despite multiple rounds of antibiotics
by Greg Lee

Have you ever heard of a plant called amaranth? Native Americans used to eat the leaves and seeds of this plant. Today, cotton farmers are having a big problem with amaranth. A species called Palmers Amaranth has developed resistance to a commonly used pesticide called Roundup. Despite repeated pesticide spraying, this strain of amaranth can be seen as towering over neighboring cotton plants.

How is pesticide resistant amaranth similar to new strains of Babesia infections?

Similar to pesticide resistant weeds, antibiotic resistant strains of Babesia are showing up in patients
Dr. Richard Horowitz at the 2011 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) conference reported that Babesia infections are spreading world-wide. A group of his patients with Babesia have shown resistance to the drug Mepron. Mepron is an anti-protozoal drug used to kill Babesia. Drug resistant Babesia infections are also showing up in other studies¹. Fortunately, there are anti-protozoal herbs that are also effective at fighting Babesia.

Natural herbs for treating malaria are also effective against Babesia
For his Babesia patients that are not improving with anti-protozoal medications, Dr. Horowitz has had some success in reducing or eliminating their symptoms by adding herbs like Cryptolepis sanguinoleta, Artemisia annua, and an extract of turmeric called curcumin to their treatment.

Cryptolepis is an effective anti-malaria herb that works against resistant Babesia
In one study, Cryptolepis sanguinoleta was 100% effective at clearing malaria infections in seven days². Dr. Horowitz described how Cryptolepis was highly effective for one woman diagnosed with Babesia who kept relapsing after five years of anti-protozoal medications and herbs. Given that this herb is found in Ghana, demand for this herb often exceeds the supply in the USA. Other anti-malarial herbs used against Babesia have greater availability.

Artemisia annua is highly popular anti-malarial herb used against Babesia
Artemisia annua contains a compound called artemisinin, primarily in the upper third of the plant. In China, high doses of artemisinin, 800mg to over 1 gm/day, have been effective for clearing the malaria parasite³. This compound is also effective in treating the spirochete leptospirosis, inhibits the protozoa Leishmania major, and has anti-fungal properties. Similar to artemisia, turmeric contains an anti-malarial compound.

Curcumin also kills the malaria parasite and Babesia
The main constituent of turmeric root is the yellow compound curcumin. It is being researched for it anti-cancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is also being studied for treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease because of its anti-amyloid activities⁴. In lab experiments, curcumin is highly effective at killing the malarial parasite⁵. Another study demonstrated the positive effect of combining curcumin and artemisinin for treating malaria in mice⁶. Adding a black pepper extract called piperine significantly increases the uptake of curcumin⁷. Dr. Horowitz reported improvements in his drug resistant Babesia patients with curcumin. However, he said that these herbs work for some but not all patients.

Are there other herbs that can help eliminate a drug-resistant Babesia infection?

Here are three additional herbs that have demonstrated anti-malarial and/or anti-Babesia properties
In lab and animal experiments, these herbs have anti-malarial and anti-babesial properties. They have reduced symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, and headaches in patients diagnosed with Babesia. Formulating these herbs into microparticle liposomes may enhance delivery into cells, organs, and the brain where resistant Babesia can hide out.

Herb #1: Radix Dichroae, Chinese name: Chang San⁸
The properties of this herb are acrid, bitter, and cold. Chang San is used to expel phlegm in the chest and diaphragm manifesting as epigastric fullness, distention and pain by inducing vomiting. It also treats malaria disorders characterized by fever and chills. Raw Chang San is commonly given with Semen Arecae, Chinese name: Bing Lang, to relieve vomiting. In multiple studies, the active compounds beta-dichroine and gamma-dichroine were found to be 100 times more potent than quinine for treating malaria.

This herb is also effective against Plasmodium gallicinaeum, Plasmodium lophurae, Plasmodium relitum, and Plasmodium cynomolgi. It also treats arrhythmia and has antiamebic properties. Chang San also lowers fevers and high blood pressure. Caution: this herb is used with caution for people who are weak or deficient because it can induce vomiting.

Herb #2: Fructus Bruceae, Chinese name: Ya Dan Zi⁹
The properties of this herb are bitter, cold, clears heat, eliminates toxins, treats malaria, treats cancer, and softens hard nodules. This herb also treats chronic intermittent dysentery caused by protozoans and amoebas and the inability to fully defecate. Ya Dan Zi is used to treat malaria characterized by alternating fevers and chills. It also treats cancers of the colon, breast, esophagus, stomach, cervix, and rectum caused by toxic heat. In one study of 388 cancer patients, 71% of the participants had prolonged life span.

For treating malaria, 10-15 seeds of Ya Dan Zi are ground into powder and placed in a capsule due to the bitterness of the herb and swallowed three times a day. In a four week experiment, the compound Bruceine A from Fructus Bruceae was effective in eliminating symptoms of Babesia gibsoni in dogs. However, the infection was not completely eliminated after four weeks¹⁰.

This herb is contraindicated for long-term use or in high doses. Administration is stopped once the desired healing results are achieved. This herb is also contraindicated during pregnancy, and in children and elderly patients. It is also contraindicated in patients with sensitive stomachs or sensitive digestive tracts as it is very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. Ya Dan Zi is also contraindicated in patients with pre-existing kidney or liver disorders.

Herb #3: Folium Clerodendri Trichotomi, Chinese name: Chou Wu Tong¹¹
The properties of this herb are acrid, bitter, sweet, and cool. It also treats musculoskeletal pain, numbness of the extremities, paralysis and hemiplegia. Topically, this herb also treats eczema and itching in the skin. Chou Wu Teng also lowers blood pressure to treat hypertension. ). There are no documented cautions or contraindications with existing medications at the time of publication.

The right herb combination can help you to overcome a drug-resistant Babesia infection
Just like pulling out pesticide resistant weeds, the proper combination of anti-protozoal herbs delivered in a microparticle liposome may help you to overcome a drug-resistant Babesia infection. Since some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your condition.

– Greg

Next step: Click here to take our Stealthy Co-infection Quiz to see which tick infections may be causing your symptoms.


P.S. Do you have experiences where treatments or remedies helped you  fight a drug-resistant babesia infection? Tell us about it.

1. Wormser GP, Prasad A, Neuhaus E, Joshi S, Nowakowski J, Nelson J, Mittleman A, Aguero-Rosenfeld M, Topal J, Krause PJ. Emergence of resistance to azithromycin-atovaquone in immunocompromised patients with Babesia microti infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2010 Feb 1;50(3):381-6.
2. K A Bugyei, G L Boye, and M E Addy. Clinical Efficacy of a Tea-Bag Formulation of Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta Root in the Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria. Ghana Med J. 2010 March; 44(1): 3–9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2956309/
3. S. Dharmananda. Ching-Hao and the Artemisias Used in Chinese Medicine. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/chinghao.htm
4. S. Dharmananda. Neuroprotective Herbs and Active Constituents, Approaches to Preventing Degenerative Diseases. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/neuro.htm
5. L. Cui, J. Miao, and L. Cui. Cytotoxic Effect of Curcumin on Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum: Inhibition of Histone Acetylation and Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007 February; 51(2): 488–494. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1797756/
6. Nandakumar DN, Nagaraj VA, Vathsala PG, Rangarajan P, Padmanaban G. Curcumin-artemisinin combination therapy for malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006 May;50(5):1859-60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472230/
7. Mimche PN, Taramelli D, Vivas L. The plant-based immunomodulator curcumin as a potential candidate for the development of an adjunctive therapy for cerebral malaria. Malar J. 2011 Mar 15;10 Suppl 1:S10. https://www.malariajournal.com/content/10/S1/S10
8. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 1028 – 1029.
9. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 229 – 231.
10. Nakao R, Mizukami C, Kawamura Y, Subeki, Bawm S, Yamasaki M, Maede Y, Matsuura H, Nabeta K, Nonaka N, Oku Y, Katakura K. Evaluation of efficacy of bruceine A, a natural quassinoid compound extracted from a medicinal plant, Brucea javanica, for canine babesiosis. J Vet Med Sci. 2009 Jan;71(1): 33-41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19194074
11. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 341 – 342.

Do you struggle with recurring bouts of brain fog?
One of my clients, let’s call her June, has struggle for years with the inability to concentrate, memory recall problems, and barely being able to focus on more than one thing at a time. In search of answers, she discovered that garlic can help with detoxifying Lyme disease and Babesia toxins. Unfortunately, she had trouble eating garlic.

– Greg
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Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday October 3rd at 6pm to learn more about other methods for eliminating Lyme disease brain fog.

For people concerned about symptom flare ups after surgery
by Greg Lee / Two Frogs Healing Center

Have you seen scary monster movies? In these films, monsters are often seen as having slime dripping from them. This slime is gooey, sticky, and grosses out the people in the film. Real world creatures use slime to protect themselves.

How does knowing about slimy monsters help you to reduce symptom flare-ups after surgery?

Just like monsters in a movie, harmful bacteria in your body can produce slime
This slime is called a biofilm or plaque when it is in the mouth. On your teeth, it can feel like a film or it produces a weird taste. Lyme disease bacteria also produce and hide under biofilm slime. Unfortunately, people with Lyme disease often experience a flare-up of symptoms after surgery. This can be due to the immune system’s healing response affecting the activity of Lyme bacteria. Symptom flare-ups can also be due to other harmful bacteria being introduced into your body through surgery.

Surgery creates an opening for bacteria to wander deeper into your body
Bacteria like to grow and expand their territory wherever they can. Surgery can allow harmful bugs to get into your bloodstream which enables them to infect different parts of your body. Fortunately, your doctor gives you antibiotics after surgery to stop these germs from spreading. However, antibiotics are not always able to penetrate and kill bad bacteria that are covered by slime.

Are there other methods that can help protect you from these bugs and to heal from surgery?

Alternative medicine provides several methods for stopping slimy bacteria and healing faster from surgery
Many of these natural medicines and treatments enhance your immune system in fighting bad bacteria, cutting through biofilm slime, and speeding up your healing process. Here are some methods for breaking up the slime that can shield dangerous bacteria.

1. Enzymes help you to break down slime

There is an enzyme made from earthworms called “Lumbrokinase” that breaks down slimy biofilms in the body¹. It is used by physicians to breakdown biofilms produced by infectious bacteria. It can increase bruising and is safe to use with blood thinners. Once the surgery wound has healed completely, patients can take this to reduce biofilms and scarring.

2. Herbs help you to break down slime and fight infection

One of my favorites is raw garlic. It has several healing properties: anti-bacterial, anti-toxin, and anti-biofilm (slime). I recommend chopping it into very small pieces and swallowing it with water to avoid garlic breath. It has also been recommended for treating drug resistant staph bacteria². This herb also has an antiviral effect against cytomegalovirus and an antibiotic effect against Candida albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus paratyphosus³.

Clove extract cuts through bacteria slime⁴ (biofilms). After oral surgery, patients can add a few drops to a ¼ glass of water and rinse their mouth out. This herb has an inhibiting effect against Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Corynebacterium diptheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphlococcus aureus⁵. It is also used to treat topical fungal infections⁵. Other treatments and medicines help your body to heal faster with less pain and discomfort.

3. Acupuncture can help you to heal faster from surgery
Some people feel groggy or mentally confused after surgery. This may be due to the effects of anesthesia. Acupuncture has been shown to help detoxify narcotics and other chemicals more quickly out of the body⁶. In acupuncture studies, several acupuncture points help to stimulate the healing of bones⁷. These points have English translations like “Bone Binder” and “Shoulder Bone.”

4. Other Chinese Herbs help repair soft tissue

There is a very popular Chinese herbal capsule called “Yunnan Baiyao” that is specifically for healing from surgery and wounds to the body. It has also reduced intra-operative bleeding in studies in China⁸. It has been used for over a hundred years in Chinese hospitals without serious side effects. There is a small red pill that is to be used for emergency bleeding, like just after surgery. There are also 16 other capsules that are taken several times a day.

Another herbal tincture for healing bones and tissues is called, “Resinall K.” It is actually manufactured in the US by a company called Health Concerns. I have used it effectively for over a decade to help patients to heal broken bones and fractures and reduce pain.

5. Probiotics help to replenish your healthy bacteria when taking antibiotics
Patients are often given antibiotics to kill off harmful bacteria to help them fight infection after surgery. Unfortunately, antibiotics also kill off healthy bacteria that help to digest food. Taking probiotics helps to replenish the supply of healthy bacteria so other harmful organisms like yeast (Candida) or C-diff (colostrum difficile) do not disrupt healthy digestion. I recommend that clients take a daily probiotic with 10 billion of more live organisms a few hours after taking antibiotics.

6. Essential oils kill bacteria where they like to hide from your immune system
A dentist colleague of mine had a heart attack just after dental surgery. He thought the bacteria in his mouth were able to somehow reach and affect his heart. Some bacteria can actually hide within your blood cells and infect other parts of your body. Many antibiotics do not penetrate into blood cells. Fortunately, some essential oils have the ability to kill bacteria that are hiding in blood cells. Some also have the ability to dissolve slimy biofilms. These oils are swallowed in capsules to maximize how much you absorb. Some oils can be toxic when taken internally, so work with a health care provider that is trained in the safe use of essential oils.

7. Homeopathic remedies can help enhance healing
Homeopathic mineral cell salts help cells to heal and function more efficiently. Many people do not get enough of these salts in their diet. This is because many non-organic or highly processed food items do not contain these salts in sufficient quantity.

8. Oil pulling helps to clean out harmful bacteria from the mouth
Oil pulling is the process of swishing sunflower or coconut oil in the mouth. The oil is gently swished through the mouth for about 15 minutes. Then it is spit out. This process rinses the harmful bacteria that have grown in the mouth. Patients report that their head feels much clearer and less toxic afterward. Most people do it in the morning just before brushing their teeth.

9. Light therapy helps wounds to heal twice as fast

Imagine using a space-age infrared light that helps plants grow on the NASA Space Shuttle on your surgery wound. A doctor at the Medical College of Wisconsin has found that this light helps wounds to heal twice as fast⁹ and also reduces neurotoxicity in rat experiments¹⁰. Patients report reduced pain in their wounds and arthritic joints with a 90 second light treatment.

10. Craniosacral technique helps to relieve pain and improve blood flow in the head
Craniosacral technique is a gentle, hands-on pressure that can be applied to release tension around surgical areas and reduce pain. Originally developed by osteopathic physicians, this method is effective in increasing the flow of blood flow and cerebral spinal fluid, which can increase the healing of wounds.

11. Reducing the sugar in your diet helps to starve harmful bacteria
Eating sugar gives bacteria in your body more food. Eating less sugar and carbohydrates after surgery helps to reduce the population of harmful bacteria. Using a combination of these methods can accelerate your healing and reduce unwanted symptoms after surgery.

These medicines and treatments can help to reduce post-surgical pain and risk of infection
Just like getting rid of the scary, slimy monster at the end of a movie, you can use these medicines and treatments after surgery to cut through biofilms and prevent Lyme and other harmful bacteria from wandering around and infecting different parts of your body. These methods can also kill these bacteria and help your body to heal more quickly. Consult with an alternative medicine practitioner that is literate in treating biofilm illnesses like Lyme disease to enhance your healing and reduce symptom flare-ups after surgery.

– Greg

Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday September 12th at 6pm to learn more about healing persistent Lyme disease.

1.        Lumbrokinase. https://www.researchednutritionals.com/store/item.cfm?code=CBD202&cat=43
2.        Andrew Weil. MRSA: Fending Off the Superbug? https://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400262/mrsa-fending-off-the-superbug
3.        Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 1047-1048.
4.        Wong RW, Hägg U, Samaranayake L, Yuen MK, Seneviratne CJ, Kao R. Antimicrobial activity of Chinese medicine herbs against common bacteria in oral biofilm. A pilot study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Jun;39(6) pp. 599-605.
5.        Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 461-462.
6.        Han J, Cui C, Wu L. Acupuncture-related techniques for the treatment of opiate addiction: a case of translational medicine. Front Med. 2011 Jun;5(2) pp. 141-50
7.        Miwa Nakajima, Motohiro Inoue, Tatsuya Hojo, Nozomu Inoue, Kazuto Tanaka, Ryota Takatori, Megumi Itoi. Effect of electroacupuncture on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model: a randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2010;28 pp. 140-143
8.        Li NC, Pan BN, Wang HJ, Li HZ, Wei Q, Wang XH, Cai SL, Gan WM, Na YQ. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. The effect of Yunnan Baiyao on reduction of intra-operative bleeding of the patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate. Institute of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China. 2007 Apr 17;87(15) pp. 1017-20.
9.        Whelan HT, Smits RL, Buchmann EV, Whelan NT, Turner SG, Margolis DA, Crevenini V, Stinson H, Ignatius R, Martin T, Cwiklinski J, Philippi AF, Graf WR, Hodgson B, Gould L, Kane M, Chen G, Caviness J: Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) Irradiation on Wound Healing J. Clin. Laser Med. Surg 2001;1 pp. 16-19.
10.     Liang HL, Whelan HT, Eells JT, Wong-Riley M: Near-Infrared Light via Light-Emitting Diode Treatment is Therapeutic Against Rotenone- and MPP+- Induced Neurotoxicity. Neuroscience 153(4)963-974, 2008.