For people with Lyme disease that have a mid-afternoon drop in their energy, can’t get out of bed, or are depleted after Lyme disease treatment
by Greg Lee

Driving back from my local IKEA store, my car started to shake, sputter, and slow down. My anxiety levels started to rise as I realized I was in a part of town with a lot of crime. The thought of criminals seeing my broken down car with a big furniture box on top, left me feeling vulnerable like a defenseless deer in mountain lion country. As my friend and I were coasting to a stop, he shouted, “Get off here!” We got off onto an exit ramp. At the end of the ramp, I felt a wave of relief as we slowly came to a stop right in front of a guardhouse of a massive military base.

How is a broken down car similar to adrenal fatigue caused by a Lyme disease infection?

Just like a stalled car on the side of the road, Lyme disease can leave you feeling exhausted
Bonnie would feel like taking a nap every afternoon at work around 3 pm. On weekends she would sleep twelve or more hours to catch up on her rest. Unfortunately, it would take more and more caffeine to boost her energy temporarily. After a demanding family gathering, she crashed and couldn’t get out of bed for two days. Her doctor diagnosed her with fatigue and told her to get more rest. She decided to get another opinion.

Various medications, supplements and treatments gave her some more energy
Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and green smoothies brought some relief, however her fatigue would quickly return. After many months, her doctor gave her the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and prescriptions for steroids and antidepressants. These medications helped a little. For several years afterwards, Bonnie just took the medications and still struggled with her fatigue. Fortunately, she heard about a Lyme literate acupuncturist two hours away. She received a new type of scan that checks for electrical frequencies of different infections.

Electro-dermal scanning technology helped to discover the underlying factors in persistent fatigue
Bonnie received an electro-dermal scan that checked different systems of her body for illness, infections, and possible remedies. The scan identified elevated frequencies corresponding to neurological Lyme disease, protozoa in her digestion tract, and adrenal depletion. Her 23andMe genetic report showed a mutation in a gene can decrease enzyme activity and increase fatigue.

Can natural remedies help her to replenishing from Lyme disease and co-infection adrenal fatigue?

Here are four strategies for restoring vitality caused by adrenal fatigue in people with Lyme disease
Given the identified locations of her infections, Bonnie’s treatments and medicines were focused on clearing out her infection from her nervous system and intestines. Protozoa infections like Babesia can move through the blood, so anti-protozoa remedies for clearing infection from her entire body were also used. Given her concerns about antibiotics disrupting her gut health, she chose a natural approach first. A combination of energy replenishing treatments and natural medicines helped to restore her energy.

Strategy #1: Use sublingual essential oils to target central nervous system Lyme
Bonnie received a mixture of essential oils that have inhibited Lyme disease in lab studies: cistus¹ and clove², combined with others including lavender³, and frankincense⁴ to reduce inflammation and protect the nervous system. Every night, she held a few drops under her tongue to allow the oils to diffuse into her nervous system. Within a few days her head felt clearer and she reported sleeping more deeply. Bonnie also took liposomal remedies to target toxins and infections in her body.

Strategy #2: Take liposomal remedies to detoxify and reduce infections
In animal studies, a simultaneous Lyme disease and a protozoa infection decreases immune response and increases mortality rates in mice⁵. Liposomal remedies are extremely small natural medicines which are covered in lecithin. Cells easily absorb liposomes because of their size and lecithin covering. Bonnie took a customized liposomal mixture of glutahione⁶ and vitamin C⁷ to help reduce toxins and inflammatory compounds that produce fatigue.  She also took liposomal herbs that inhibit leptospirosis⁸, another spirochete infection, and protozoa in different experiments: artemisia annua⁹, andrographis which contains andrographolide¹⁰, scutellaria and coptis¹¹, scrophulariiflora¹², and achyranthes¹³. In patients infected with Lyme disease and co-infections, liposomal herbal formulas have been highly effective at increasing stamina and energy levels compared to herbs in alcohol tinctures, decoctions, or powdered herbs. Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatments also help to target infections, reduce toxicity, and increase vitality.

Strategy #3: Apply Frequency Specific Microcurrent to reduce infections and compounds that deplete energy reserves
Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatments sends a pair of low level electrical currents, referred to as A/B, into the body to inhibit infection, reduce toxicity and inflammation, and increase vitality¹⁴. The “A” current was delivered into Bonnie to inhibit spirochetes (20, 45, 47), protozoa (32, 113), infectious toxins (spirochete 55/00, protozoa 60/30). The “B” current pair was used to target the central nervous system (1, 89, 94), the digestion tract (22, 31, 85). She also received frequencies to revitalize her adrenals (49, 81 / 273, 315). Bonnie felt much more replenished and energized after receiving microcurrent treatment. Taking remedies to increase energy also helped.

Strategy #4: Take remedies for replenishing vitality
In Chinese medicine, there are herbs which are used to replenish kidney essence, also know as Jing¹⁵. Bonnie took a liposomal herbal combination which had several jing nourishing herbs including lycii berries¹⁶, cooked rehmannia¹⁷,  eucommia¹⁸, cornus¹⁹, and cordyceps mushroom²⁰. She also took a supplement for addressing genetic problems affecting enzyme activity and replenishes mitochondrial energy. She felt a difference in her symptoms soon after getting treatments, taking her remedies, and sleeping more deeply.

Bonnie felt an increase in energy in a few short days
Four days after her first treatment, Bonnie did not feel like taking an afternoon nap. She even made plans to go out with friends on the weekend. Despite the unusual taste, she was extremely pleased to see how liposomal remedies, essential oils and energy replenishing herbs worked at giving her more vitality.  A combination of these four strategies can help you replenish from Lyme adrenal fatigue.

These four strategies help to stop the energy drain from a Lyme disease and protozoa infection
Let’s go back to my stalled car. It turns out that I just ran out of gas and we got back on the road in a short time. Just like putting gas in the tank, electro-dermal testing helps to identify which infections may be the biggest energy suckers. Liposomal remedies can be used to reduce the underlying infections, toxins, and inflammation. In Bonnie’s case, sublingual essential oils, liposomal remedies, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, and energy replenishing herbs all worked together to help her to stop feeling exhausted and regain her vitality back. Since some of these herbs and essential oils have cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist that understands the proper use of liposomal remedies to develop an effective, safe, and targeted strategy for your condition.

– Greg

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday June 1st at 6pm to learn more about reversing Lyme adrenal fatigue, electrodermal scanning for hidden infections, natural methods for reducing neurological Lyme, inflammation, and pain caused by protozoa, co-infections, and yeast.  https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

 

P.S. Do you have experiences where essential oils, natural remedies, or treatments helped to restore your energy from Lyme adrenal fatigue? Tell us about it.

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4. Siddiqui, M. Z. “Boswellia Serrata, a Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview.” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 73, no. 3 (May 2011): 255–61. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22457547

5. Normark, Johan, Maria Nelson, Patrik Engström, Marie Andersson, Rafael Björk, Thomas Moritz, Anna Fahlgren, and Sven Bergström. “Maladjusted Host Immune Responses Induce Experimental Cerebral Malaria-like Pathology in a Murine Borrelia and Plasmodium Co-Infection Model.” PloS One 9, no. 7 (2014): e103295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0103295. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116174/

6. Rotman, Maarten, Mick M. Welling, Anton Bunschoten, Maaike E. de Backer, Jaap Rip, Rob J. A. Nabuurs, Pieter J. Gaillard, Mark A. van Buchem, Silvère M. van der Maarel, and Louise van der Weerd. “Enhanced Glutathione PEGylated Liposomal Brain Delivery of an Anti-Amyloid Single Domain Antibody Fragment in a Mouse Model for Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Controlled Release: Official Journal of the Controlled Release Society 203 (April 10, 2015): 40–50. doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.02.012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25668771

7. Ditteová, G., S. Velebný, and G. Hrckova. “Modulation of Liver Fibrosis and Pathophysiological Changes in Mice Infected with Mesocestoides Corti (M. Vogae) after Administration of Glucan and Liposomized Glucan in Combination with Vitamin C.” Journal of Helminthology 77, no. 3 (September 2003): 219–26. doi:10.1079/JOH2002161. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895280

8. Dharmananda, S. Lyme Disease: Treatment with Chinese Herbs https://www.itmonline.org/arts/lyme.htm

9. Rasoanaivo, Philippe, Colin W Wright, Merlin L Willcox, and Ben Gilbert. “Whole Plant Extracts versus Single Compounds for the Treatment of Malaria: Synergy and Positive Interactions.” Malaria Journal 10, no. Suppl 1 (March 15, 2011): S4. doi:10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059462/

10. Sinha, J., S. Mukhopadhyay, N. Das, and M. K. Basu. “Targeting of Liposomal Andrographolide to L. Donovani-Infected Macrophages in Vivo.” Drug Delivery 7, no. 4 (December 2000): 209–13. doi:10.1080/107175400455137. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11195427

11. Yabu, Y., M. Nose, T. Koide, N. Ohta, and Y. Ogihara. “Antitrypanosomal Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines on Bloodstream Forms of Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense in Vitro.” The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 29, no. 3 (September 1998): 599–604. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10437965

12. Wang, Hongmin, Weimin Zhao, Vanida Choomuenwai, Katherine T. Andrews, Ronald J. Quinn, and Yunjiang Feng. “Chemical Investigation of an Antimalarial Chinese Medicinal Herb Picrorhiza Scrophulariiflora.” Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 23, no. 21 (November 1, 2013): 5915–18. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.08.077. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24035096

13. Zhu, Xiaotong, Yanyan Pan, Li Zheng, Liwang Cui, and Yaming Cao. “Polysaccharides from the Chinese Medicinal Herb Achyranthes Bidentata Enhance Anti-Malarial Immunity during Plasmodium Yoelii 17XL Infection in Mice.” Malaria Journal 11 (2012): 49. doi:10.1186/1475-2875-11-49. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312874/

14.  McMakin C. Frequency Specific Microcurrent in Pain Management. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier; 2011.

15. “Jing (Chinese Medicine).” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, May 4, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jing_(Chinese_medicine)&oldid=660698341. 

16. Dharmananda, S. Lycium Fruit: Food and Medicine. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/lycium.htm

17. Dharmananda, S. Rehmannia. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/rehmann.htm

18. Dharmananda, S. Eucommia: A Unique Rubber Tree. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/eucommia.htm

19. Dharmananda, S. Cornus. https://www.itmonline.org/arts/cornus.htm

20. Zhang, Hong Wei, Zhi Xiu Lin, Yuk Stewart Tung, Tze Hoi Kwan, Chun Keung Mok, Connie Leung, and Lai Sum Chan. “Cordyceps Sinensis (a Traditional Chinese Medicine) for Treating Chronic Kidney Disease.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 12 (2014): CD008353. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25519252

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For people with Lyme disease who have recurring bladder discomfort, frequent urination, and anxiety about going to the bathroom
by Greg Lee

I grew up with lots of guinea pigs. Once, a tiny baby piglet crawled under a big heavy sofa. I tried coaxing him out by calling his name, dangling a long piece of grass in front of him, and bringing one of the other piglets nearby. No matter what I did, he stayed under the sofa. What finally got him out was taking a plastic bag with lettuce inside and making a crinkling sound. All the other guinea pigs squeaked loudly thinking they were about to get fed. He ran out lightning quick to see what the fuss was about.

How is a guinea pig hiding under a sofa like a person with recurring discomfort and inflammation in their bladder?

Similar to a hiding guinea pig, inflammation and discomfort can be very difficult to pull out of the bladder
People with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) can have symptoms of fatigue, chronic pubic pain, loss of appetite, malaise, pain during urination, copious amounts of urine, urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, burning sensations in the lower pelvic area with stabbing-like pain, blood in the urine, depression, anxiety, and constipation¹. Underlying reasons for recurring bladder discomfort and pain remain elusive. Urine cultures have detected E. Coli² in some UTI patients. Chlamydia pneumoniae and Lyme disease are also suspected infections which can cause painful bladder symptoms people with interstitial cystitis³. Some patients have struggled for years with persistent bladder discomfort.

Carla’s changed her diet drastically to limit bladder discomfort
Carla avoided foods that triggered symptoms at all costs. When ever she went out to eat, she would avoid eating tomatoes, spicy foods, citrus, sweetened and processed foods. She never drank coffee, sodas, or alcohol. Her friends made fun of her for asking the waiter about the ingredients in her meal. They eventually stopped inviting her out to social events. She would spend hours and hours searching online for the latest research and treatments for reducing bladder discomfort. She read about the inflammatory compounds that get elevated in human and animal studies on bladder pain and interstitial cystitis.

In one study, bladder pain patients had elevated TGF-beta, decorin (a proteoglycan of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate), fibronectin and hyaluronic acid⁴. In animal interstitial cystitis experiments, IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α were elevated⁵. Medications have been effective in a limited number of cases.

Only two medications are approved for treating chronic bladder pain
The first is oral pentosan polysulfate. The other treatment is to place dimethyl sulfoxide into the bladder through a catheter. These treatments have been effective in approximately 30 – 60% of patients. It can have unfavorable side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, gastric distress, and hair loss. Other treatments may include procedures, such as hydrodistention, and oral pharmaceutical drugs, such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and immune modulators⁶. There are multiple factors behind why treatment has a low success rate.

Underlying bladder infections can be hidden which makes detection difficult
One theory for the difficulty in detecting underlying infections in recurring bladder pain is biofillms⁷. Biofilms are basically a slime that infections can hide under which reduces the likelihood of detection. Biofilms can harbor multiple infections⁸ which may lead to increased inflammation and pain in the bladder wall. Another reason is drug resistance. E. Coli that are antibiotic resistant⁹ have been found in urine culture tests. Biofilms can also increase drug resistance as high as one-thousand fold¹⁰. Chronic bladder pain patients have also tested positive for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is found in patients with chronic bladder symptoms
Many patients with chronic bladder pain have also tested positive for Lyme disease and tick co-infections like Bartonella at a medical practice specializing in interstitial cystitis. Also, rare and unusual bacterial and fungal infections have been found by PCR testing in patients after flushing the bladder with an anti-biofilm medication called Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) via catheter. Broad spectrum antimicrobial remedies delivered via catheter have also been much more effective at relieving bladder discomfort when combined with EDTA¹¹. In another study, catheter delivered hydrocortisone and heparin, along with oral bladder sedatives and systemic steroids provided significant relief¹².

In addition to catheter delivered medications, what else can help you to relieve painful bladder discomfort?

Here are five strategies for relieving chronic bladder pain
There are five strategies that have helped patients to reduce or eliminate persistent bladder discomfort.
● Reduce toxicity and inflammation which aggravate the bladder lining
● Cut through biofilms and kill pathogens
● Heal damage to the bladder
● Improve diet to reduce / eliminate trigger foods
● Get treatments for reducing pain and discomfort

Reducing Bladder Pain Strategy #1: Reduce toxicity and inflammation
Infections in the bladder can trigger the production of inflammation which can lead to pain and discomfort. Neutralizing these inflammatory compounds can help to reduce the irritation in the bladder. There are several herbs and an essential oil that reduce the inflammatory compounds which can aggravate bladder discomfort. A highly effective delivery method is to micronized the herbs into small particles called liposomes. Liposomes are remedies that are wrapped in a layer of fat called a lipid in order to increase their penetration into the bladder. In addition to liposomes, cinnamon essential oil is diluted with a carrier oil at a very low concentration and applied topically to reduce inflammation.

Salvia root, Chinese name: Dan Shen, has been used for over 1900 years. Traditionally, salvia has been used to replenish the blood, move blood stagnation, and reduce inflammation. Modern research in China reports that this herb improves microcirculation of the blood, protects the liver against fibrosis and cirrhosis, and aids in the healing of bone fractures¹³. It has been found to inhibit IL-1α, TNF-α¹⁴, TGF-β1¹⁵, and IL-1β in animal studies¹⁶.

Raw ginger, Chinese name: Sheng Jiang, is used in a wide variety of herbal formulas for treating toxicity, burns, nausea, coldness in the stomach¹⁷, lung phlegm¹⁸, pain¹⁹, alopecia²⁰, rhematoid arthritis, and inflammation²¹. This herb inhibits IL-1α and TNF-α in a human study²². Gingerol, one of the main compounds in raw ginger, inhibits TGF-β in a lab study²³.

Cassia leaf essential oil and the compound cinnamaldehyde inhibits TNF-α and IL-1β in a lab study²⁴. In addition to herbs and supplements, Frequency Specific Microcurrent can help to neutralize toxins and inflammation.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses low level electrical currents to reduce pain (20), neutralize toxins (12), reduce biofilms (28) and lower inflammation (284, 82) which are paired with a second current for targeting the urinary system (48), ureter (60), urinary bladder (37) and the bladder sphincter (178)²⁵. Carla noticed significant relief immediately after her microcurrent sessions. In addition to removing toxins and inflammation, cutting through biofilms to get to infections is next.

Reducing Bladder Pain Strategy #2: Disrupt biofilms and kill hidden bladder infections
Biofilms are like a resealable plastic bag. Germs can go in, out, and back into hiding again. If you dissolve the plastic, you can get to the pathogens. Essential oils have compounds called phenols which are solvents that cut through biofilms. Essential oils can be combined in a 1:1 ratio with a carrier oil. This mixture can be used topically to deliver oils into the biofilms and germs in the bladder and urinary tract. Fortunately, liposomal essential oils can penetrate deeper into biofilms, disrupt biofilm formation, and kill the underlying pathogens. Carla said that her liposomal essential oil remedy tasted like a combination of furniture polish and Christmas.

Cinnamon bark oil and its components, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, inhibit E. Coli biofilm formation in a lab study²⁶. Cinnamon oil is a broad spectrum anti-microbial which has been effective at inhibiting biofilms and the following pathogens from Acinetobacter baumannii²⁷, Candida parapsilosis²⁸, and Staphylococcus epidermidis²⁹. Due to it’s strong nature, low dose cinnamon oils are safest for preventing tissues irritation.

Clary sage, juniper, lemon and marjoram essential oils inhibited biofilm formation around mixed cultures of E. Coli, and other pathogens³⁰.

Tea tree and melissa essential oils inhibited E. Coli and Staph aureus biofilm formation in a lab study³¹. In multiple human, lab and animal studies, tea tree is effective at inhibiting pathogens and their biofilms including Candida³², Staphylococcus aureus³³, Listeria monocytogenes³⁴, and oral biofilms³⁵.

Rose, geranium, lavender, and rosemary essential oils were effective at inhibiting E. coli communication signals for biofilm production called Quorum Sensing³⁶.

Eugenol from clove essential oil and terpinen from tea tree essential oil were highly effective at inhibiting Proteus mirabilis biofilms in a catheter study³⁷. Clove oil disrupts how Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophila communicate to form biofilms in one lab study³⁸. Clove also inhibited biofilm formation and these pathogens in lab studies on Streptococcus pneumoniae³⁹, Enterococcus faecalis⁴⁰, and Candida albicans⁴¹. Due to it’s strong nature, low dose clove oils are safest for preventing bladder irritation.

Reducing Bladder Pain Strategy #3: Heal damage to the bladder
Multiple pathogens in the bladder can trigger the release of the inflammatory compounds. These compounds can irritate and damage the lining of the bladder. Herbs and their constituent compounds have been helpful for preventing or reducing bladder irritation. These herbs are processed into a liposomal form to increase their penetration in the the bladder.

Berberine is a compound found in coptis rhizome, Chinese name: Huang Lian and phellodendron, Chinese name: Huang Bai. In a rat study, berberine completely prevented cyclophosphamide induced bladder edema and hemorrhage. It also dramatically increased nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in urine and plasma⁴². Nitric oxide is an antimicrobial compound produced by the immune system to kill infections.

Astragalus extract, Chinese name: Huang Qi protected mice from urinary bladder carcinoma and lowered interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)⁴³.

Maitake mushroom, Chinese name: Zhu Ling reduced recurrence of bladder cancer in a rat and human study. Fifteen out of twenty two patients had no recurrence of bladder cancer⁴⁴.

Magnolia bark, Chinese name: Hou Po inhibited bladder cancer cells and inflammatory compounds in a lab study⁴⁵.

Reducing Bladder Pain Strategy #4: Improve diet to reduce bladder symptoms 
Reduce or avoid foods that increase bladder discomfort: items containing caffeine, citrus juices, tomato products, items containing vinegar, hot peppers, alcohol⁴⁶, citrus fruits, tomatoes, vitamin C, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and spicy foods. Increase supplements that improve symptoms: calcium glycerophosphate and sodium bicarbonate⁴⁷.

A combination of parsley and garlic, L-arginine, probiotics, and cranberry tablets reduced bladder pain and discomfort in patients diagnosed with drug resistant E. Coli in their urine test⁴⁸.

Reducing Bladder Pain Strategy #5: Get treatments to reduce inflammation and discomfort
Visceral manipulation is an osteopathic manual manipulation technique which can help release inflammation and reduce pain in tissues and organs⁴⁹. When Carla received visceral treatment, she could feel heat and tenderness being released quickly out of her bladder area. Her discomfort would reduce from an 8 to a 3 out of 10.

Acupuncture uses points that help to release heat and discomfort out of the bladder⁵⁰. A combination of topical essential oils, liposomal herbs and remedies, and treatments can help to significantly reduce the bladder inflammation, discomfort, and symptoms of infection.

Remedies, treatments, and a healthy diet can help to reduce symptoms of bladder discomfort caused by infections hidden under biofilms
Just like finding the right lure to coax a baby guinea pig out of its hiding place, a combination of liposomal herbs, essential oils, supplements, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, acupuncture, visceral manipulation and dietary modifications helped Carla to pull the pain and discomfort out of her bladder. Since some of these remedies and treatments require specialized training, work with a Lyme literate Chinese medicine practitioner to develop a proper, safe, and effective strategy for your condition.

– Greg

P.S. Do you have experiences where treatments or remedies improved your bladder pain, urgency, and anxiety? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday May 4th at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for healing bladder pain, leaky gut from Lyme disease, Bartonella, toxoplasmosis, drug resistant arthritis, managing weight issues caused by toxins, reducing brain overwhelm, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, brucellosis, Babesia, mold, parasites, abnormal fatigue, and pain.  https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

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