For people who are concerned about contracting Lyme disease
by Greg Lee

“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 gave a stunning presentation on the ecological factors that affect infected tick populations at a recent conference on Lyme disease hosted by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine Committee. 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 different 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.

The size of the forest affects which animals transmit infections to ticks
In other studies, mice and chipmunks were shown to have the highest transmission rates of infection to ticks. There are specific landscapes which support increased mice and small rodent populations. 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 crop of 2010 is estimated to be the largest one in 20 years in New York and other surrounding areas. Early indications in Maryland also show an abundant crop. As mice, chipmunks, and deer increase in numbers with greater acorn production, this leads to a greater populations of ticks. In 2011, more acorns mean greater numbers of small rodents that will be carrying greater numbers of larval-sized ticks. This can lead to a greater risk in 2012.

2012 is predicted to be a dangerous year for getting Lyme disease
The larval sized ticks of 2011 grow into nymph-sized ticks in 2012. Since nymph ticks are believed to be the major reason for people contracting Lyme disease, 2012 is predicted to have greater numbers of hard-to-see infected nymph ticks². 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.

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

Come to our free film showing of Under Our Skin and discussion on Wednesday October 20th at 6pm at Two Frogs. Click here to find out more details about this controversial film on Lyme disease.

Image courtesy Letheule
on Wikimedia Commons

For people with Lyme disease who want to see more clearly
by Greg Lee

Ever had a difficult time seeing the road when driving in the rain?
You want to avoid crashing into something, so you try all sorts of things to be able to see more clearly. You flip on the windshield wipers. If that doesn’t work, then you turn on the defroster to clear moisture off the inside of the windshield. Or if you wear glasses, then you try wiping them off.

How is driving in the rain similar to blurry vision caused by Lyme disease?

Just like a blurry windshield, a Lyme infection can obscure your vision
There can be several different causes of Lyme induced blurry vision. Clients have reported having blurred vision due to a Lyme infection in their eyes. This condition has been effectively cleared up with antibiotics in most cases.

Other clients report occasional bouts of blurry vision, which may be due to toxins affecting the visual pathways in the brain. Through using detoxification methods such as herbs, acupuncture, cupping, and dietary changes, these clients see an improvement in their vision through detoxifying their brain. However, there are a group of people who have vision problems that persist, despite several rounds of antibiotics or effective detoxification methods. These clients are often suffering from an energy imbalance in their “Liver” as described by Chinese medicine.

The different energies of the Liver in Chinese medicine and how they affect vision
In Chinese medicine, the term “Liver” is used to describe the actual organ in your body and its associated “energies.” The capitalized version of “Liver” in this article refers to the Chinese definition. The energies of the Liver are further defined using keywords like “Liver-qi,” “Liver-blood,” and “Liver-yin.” Liver-qi is responsible for the smooth flow of energy in the body and the emotions. “Liver blood” describes how the Liver is responsible for maintaining a smooth flow of blood in the body and its ability to nourish whatever blood comes into contact with, especially the eyes. One quality of “Liver yin” is the ability to moisten the eyes.

“Liver-qi communicates with the eyes and if the Liver functions harmoniously, the eyes can differentiate the five essential colors….If the Liver receives blood, we can see. The Liver channel [acupuncture pathway of the Liver] branches out to the eyes. Both Liver-qi and Liver-blood flood the eyes to maintain proper eyesight. A person’s eyesight may therefore also serve as an indicator for Liver function.”

– Translated from the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon 2nd Century BCE¹.How does Lyme disease affect these Liver energies, which can produce vision problems?

Persistent blurry vision can be due to a depletion of Liver-blood and Liver-yin
The Liver can get overwhelmed and blocked by the toxins produced by a chronic Lyme infection. These toxins have a hot quality and deplete the moistening energy of Liver-yin.  Long-term antibiotics can also block up the Liver’s ability to maintain a smooth flow of energy to the eyes. Over a long period, these conditions can lead to a deficiency of “Liver-blood” and “Liver-yin²” which can produce blurry vision. When these two energies of the Liver are replenished, you see an improvement in visual clarity. Here are two methods for replenishing the energies of the Liver, which help people with Lyme disease to improve their vision.

Two ways to replenish the depleted Liver-blood and Liver-yin to improve vision
Here are two methods for effectively restoring the Liver-blood and Liver-yin energies of the Liver: 1) Acupuncture with moxabustion and 2) Chinese herbal medicine.

Method #1: Acupuncture and moxabustion
There are acupuncture points along the inner surface of the lower legs and also on the mid-back on either side of the spine that are needled to help replenish Liver-blood and Liver-yin.

Moxabustion is a process of placing a cone of ground up herb called moxa on these same acupuncture points and lighting it with an incense stick. Once the cone gets warm, it is removed before it gets too hot. This process helps to deeply nourish and replenish these energies that get depleted by a chronic Lyme infection. Many patients also report other symptoms like pain resolving quickly through treatments of acupuncture and moxabustion.

Method #2: Chinese Herbs
There are many herbs that increase visual clarity through replenishing Liver-blood and/or Liver-yin. Here are three different herbs which nourish Liver-blood and/or Liver-yin. Selecting the best herbs depends upon the other presenting symptoms that occur along with blurry vision.

Herb #1: Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata)
The properties of this herb are: nourishes Liver-blood, moistens Liver-yin, and arrests coughing and wheezing. This herb is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms like blurry vision, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, fatigue, weakness, sore back, weak knees, tinnitus, night sweats, premature gray hair, and forgetfulness. This herb is to be used with caution in patients with digestive problems, coldness in the stomach, or sharp stabbing pain in the abdomen³. There are no known drug interactions at the time of publication.

Herb #2: Shi Jue Ming (Concha Haliotidis)
This herb works to clear vision by nourishing Liver-yin and reducing heat in the Liver. It also has properties of pacifying the Liver, clearing the eyes, clears heat in the stomach, stops pain, and stops bleeding. This herb is used for symptoms of hypertension, dizziness, tinnitus, headaches, migraines, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, insomnia, fever, palpitations, forgetfulness, sore knees, weak back, constipation, and heat spells in the body.

It is also used to treat other eye disorders like red, swollen painful eyes, photophobia, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, and diminished visual acuity. Shi Jue Ming is also used for stomach problems like acid reflux, heartburn, bleeding ulcers, and stomach pain. This herb is cautioned for patients that have loose stools and a poor appetite⁴. There are no known drug interactions at the time of publication.

Herb #3: Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii)
This herb is very nourishing and a chief herb for treating visual disorders caused by a lack of Liver-yin. It is used especially for weakened patients that need strengthening over a long period of time. It is used for a variety of symptoms like: dizziness, blurry vision, infertility, soreness and weakness of the low back and knees, gray hair, night sweats, impotence, insomnia, or feeling like your bones are being steamed.

Gou Qi Zi is used to treat lung problems like dry cough with difficult to expectorate phlegm, coughing up blood, and afternoon fevers. This herb is cautioned for use in patients with diarrhea. It is also cautioned with pregnant patients because it can cause a contraction of the uterus⁵. There are no known drug interactions at the time of publication. A Lyme literate Chinese herbalist can help you to determine which herbs are best for addressing your visual problems and other symptoms. Patients report gradual improvements with treatment.

One patient reported a gradual increase in visual clarity
A 40 year old patient, who reported having Lyme disease symptoms for twenty-two years, was unable to drive or work due to blurry vision. She had been taking the anti-malaria drug Plaqenil for over thirteen years which can have visual disturbances as a side-effect.

After four weeks of receiving weekly acupuncture and taking Shi Jue Ming (Concha Haliotidis) and Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) along with other anti-Lyme herbs, she was able to see clearly enough drive over an hour to her medical appointments. At seven weeks, she was able to return to work at a job which required her to read detailed medical charts of patients. Using the right treatments and herbs can make a big difference in resolving persistent blurry vision.

The right treatment combination can help clarify your vision
Just like getting your windshield cleared off in a rainstorm, the proper combination of acupuncture, moxabustion, and herbs help you to regain your visual clarity from the debilitating effects of a chronic Lyme infection. These herbs can also address a wide variety of related Lyme disease symptoms, so work with a Lyme Literate Chinese Herbalist to determine the proper, safe, and effective herbal combination for your condition.

– Greg

1. Dharmananda, S. The Liver: Views from the Past. https://www.itmonline.org/5organs/liver.htm
2. Flaws, B., and P. Sionneau.  2005. The Treatment of Modern Western Medical Diseases with Chinese Medicine. 2nd Edition. Boulder, Colorado, Blue Poppy Press. p. 351.
3. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 924 – 927
4. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p.  796 – 797
5. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 956 – 957.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture at 6pm on Monday October 4th, “Getting Rid of Lyme Disease” in Frederick, Maryland.

For people with Lyme disease who want a healthier heart
by Greg Lee

Have you ever seen a scary monster movie? These movies are often about frightening creatures that chase after people and terrorize them. No matter what police or soldiers do, these creatures are seemingly unstoppable. When I watched these films as a kid, my heart would beat faster and would feel like it was about to jump out of my chest.

How is a scary monster movie similar to a Lyme infection of the heart?

People with Lyme disease can also feel like they are fighting a scary monster

Just like a scary movie scene that gets your heart beating faster, a person with Lyme disease can experience a similar increase in his or her heart rate. These people can have symptoms like an irregular heart beat, palpitations, or inflammation of the heart muscle. These symptoms can come and go suddenly, which can be very scary for most people. Once Lyme disease is determined to be the cause of the heart problems, antibiotics are used to kill off the Lyme bacteria that are causing heart problems.

Patients can still have heart symptoms after antibiotic treatment

Many of these patients report that taking antibiotics led to an increase of heart symptoms. When these bacteria are killed, they release lots of toxins that can affect the heart, which can increase symptoms of pain, palpitations, or inflammation. If the Lyme toxins and infection have severely affected the heart, it can lead to reduced functioning. A new patient was receiving antibiotics for an irregular heart beat due to a Lyme infection. He asked, are there any other ways to stop my heart discomfort?

Herbal alternatives for helping the heart against a Lyme infection

According to Chinese herbal medicine, there are many herbs that can help the heart to reduce pain, arrhythmia, and inflammation. The herbal description uses keywords like “heat,” “phlegm,” and “dampness” to indicate inflammation and pain due to an infection. “Stagnation” is used to indicate a concentration of blood, fluids, or energy that can be marked by sharp stabbing pain. There are three herbs that have been effective in reducing heart pain and inflammation in people with Lyme disease.

Herb #1: Ku Shen Gen (Sophora root)

One of the most important uses of this herb is for stopping heart arrhythmia. The properties of this herb are bitter and cold. It also is used to treat insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, dysentery, diarrhea, jaundice, genital infections, itchy skin, and leprosy. It is also an immune system stimulant. Ku Shen Gen also has an inhibitory effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus proteus, B-hemolytic staphylococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus¹.

This herb has a bitter taste, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. It is not to be used with patients that have excess coldness in their stomach.

Herb #2: San Qi (Notoginseng Root)

The properties of this herb are: sweet, slightly bitter, and warm. It dispels stagnation of the blood, stops bleeding, activates blood circulation, reduces swelling and inflammation, and relieves pain. It is used to treat arrhythmia, angina, high cholesterol, hepatitis, hypertension, and high liver enzyme levels². Other Chinese herb texts describe this herb as having anti-toxin, calming, and nourishing properties. These texts also describe using this herb for palpitations, insomnia, traumatic injuries, and neurosis.

This herb will also enhance the effect of other anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial herbs for treating system-wide, chronic infections³. This herb is to be used cautiously with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Herb #3: Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps)

This herb is a medicinal fungus that has sweet and warm properties. It treats generalized soreness, low back and knee weakness and pain, bone or joint disorders, tinnitus, forgetfulness and poor memory. It replenishes energy especially in patients that have extreme fatigue, or are weak and have spontaneous sweating. It also strengthens the lungs, treats chronic respiratory disorders, increases platelet counts, reduces cancer symptoms, treats arrhythmia, and hypertension⁴.

Dong Chong Xia Cao enhances immune system white blood cells and enhances the quality and duration of sleep. It also relieves asthma, has anti-cancer properties in mice experiments, and reduces cholesterol in rats. It has an antibiotic effect on Staphylococcal spp., Streptococcal spp., and Bacillus anthracis.

These three herbs help your heart to reduce arrhythmia and palpitations, alleviate pain, neutralize toxins, and reduce inflammation. Consult with a Lyme Literate Chinese Herbalist before adding these herbs to your Lyme disease treatment program. These herbs have helped patients to reduce heart symptoms for several hundred years.

Patients report a significant reduction of heart discomfort

After taking these special anti-arrhythmia, pain alleviating, and inflammation reducing herbs, patients have reported that their heart symptoms are significantly better. Adding anti-Lyme herbs and treatments like cupping and acupuncture help to further reduce and eliminate heart-related symptoms. Using the right herbs can make a big improvement in your heart symptoms.

The right herbs can help protect your heart against a Lyme infection

Just like a happy movie ending where the scary monster gets defeated, the proper combination of herbs helps you to stop heart palpitations, reduce inflammation, and neutralize damaging toxins that are affecting your heart.

However, some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, so work with a Lyme Literate Chinese Herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your condition. Adding these herbs to your Lyme treatment program can help you to reduce or eliminate those scary symptoms and to have a happy heart.

1. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 150 – 152
2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 587 – 590
3. Fruehauf, Heiner. “Gu Syndrome: A Forgotten Clinical Approach to Chronic Parasitism”, Journal of Chinese Medicine #57, London, England 1997, p. 16
4. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 883 – 885

– Greg

Come to our free film showing of Under Our Skin on Wednesday September 15th at 6pm at Two Frogs. Click here to find out more details about this controversial film on Lyme disease.

For people who want to protect their gallbladder from Lyme disease
by Greg Lee

Have you heard that bedbugs infestations are on the rise across the United States? These nasty critters have developed pesticide resistance, which has enabled them to grow in populated areas. They like to bite and feed on you mostly at night. At other times, they can hitch a ride on your belongings, and hide in nooks, crevices, and walls.

How is a bedbug infestation like a Lyme disease infection in the gallbladder?

Similar to bedbugs, Lyme disease can hide in the wall of the gallbladder
When the gallbladder becomes infected with Lyme disease, a person can feel mild to severe discomfort in their abdomen. Unfortunately, some antibiotics have a difficult time penetrating into this organ due a barrier between the gallbladder and the blood supply. As a result, the wall of the gallbladder can act as a hiding place for Lyme bacteria¹. According to one LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor), there is a correlation between patients that have a Salmonella infection and a Lyme infection of their gallbladder. Certain antibiotics like Rocephin are believed to be able to penetrate and kill Lyme bacteria in the gallbladder.

Rocephin has been known to lead to increased gallbladder pain and inflammation
When some patients take Rocephin, they experience greater gallbladder pain, discomfort, or inflammation. This antibiotic is believed to be able to penetrate and kill off the bacteria hiding in the wall of the gallbladder. When these bacteria are killed, they release lots of toxins in the gallbladder, which leads to a flare-up of pain and inflammation. Over time, this infection can lead to reduced gallbladder functioning. A recent patient was facing having their gallbladder removed due to severe gallbladder discomfort and reduced functioning. He asked, are there any other alternatives for saving my gallbladder?

Herbal alternatives for helping the gallbladder against a Lyme infection
According to Chinese herbal medicine, there are many herbs that can help the gallbladder to reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. In herbal descriptions, these keywords: “heat,” “fire,” “phlegm,” and “dampness” are used to indicate inflammation and pain due to an infection. There are three herbs that have been effective in reducing gallbladder pain and inflammation in people with Lyme disease.

Herb #1: Zhu Ru (Bamboo shavings)
One of the most important uses of this herb is for clearing gallbladder fire with phlegm. The properties of this herb are cool, sweet, and moistening. It also is used to treat irritability, insomnia, nausea, chest congestion, and a bitter taste in the mouth with profuse phlegm. Zhu Ru also has an inhibitory effect against Staphlococcus albus, E. coli, and Salmonella typhi².

Herb #2: Huang Qin (Scutellaria)
The properties of this herb are: bitter, cold, clears heat, dries dampness, sedates fire, and eliminates toxins. It stimulates gallbladder activity and has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It enhances the antibiotic effect of beta-lactam antibiotics against drug resistent staph infections like MRSA. It 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, hypertension, and disorders of the skin, eyes, throat, ears, and nose.

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 viruses³. It also kills leptospira (another spirochete disease) and neutralizes endotoxins⁴, which is the type of toxins that Lyme bacteria produce.

Herb #3: Long Dan Cao (Gentiana, Dragon Gallbladder Herb)
The properties of this herb are: bitter, cold, clears heat and dries dampness, and purges fire in the liver and gallbladder. It also treats jaundice, eczema, thirst, lack of appetite, abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, headaches, red eyes and a bitter taste in the mouth. Long Dan Cao also treats hepatitus, encephalitis B, tinnitus, fever, irritability, insomnia or nightmares, convulsions, seizures, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitus.

It inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Diplococcus meningitidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Small doses of Long Dan Cao taken before or with meals can enhance digestion and absorption. Caution: this herb can cause drowsiness or sedation, and people should exercise caution if driving or operating heavy machinery⁵.

These three herbs help your gallbladder to reduce inflammation, clear infections, neutralize toxins, and enhance the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics. These herbs have been used to treat liver and gallbladder infections for several hundred years.

An ancient herbal formula recipe used to treat gallbladder infections
One well-known liver/gallbladder herbal formula, “Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver” has been used effectively to treat liver and gallbladder discomfort caused by heat, inflammation, and infection for over three hundred years. It contains Long Dan Cao (Gentiana) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria). Possible additions to this formula include Zhu Ru⁶ (Bamboo shavings) to treat nausea and vomiting. Patients with anemia, weakness, cold extremities, bloating, or loose stools are cautioned from using these herbs. Consult with a Lyme Literate Chinese Herbalist before adding these herbs to your Lyme disease treatment program.

Patients report a significant reduction of gallbladder discomfort
After taking these gallbladder specific, anti-Lyme, anti-toxin, and inflammation reducing herbs, patients have reported that their abdominal discomfort is significantly better. Adding treatments like cupping and acupuncture help to further reduce and eliminate gallbladder-related symptoms. Using the right herbs can make a big difference in your discomfort and gallbladder functioning.

The right herb combination can help your gallbladder to recover from a Lyme infection
Just like fumigating apartment walls for bedbugs, the proper combination of herbs helps you to eliminate a hidden Lyme infection, reduce inflammation, and neutralize damaging toxins in your gallbladder. Some of these herbs can also enhance the effectiveness of your antibiotics. However, some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, so work with a Lyme Literate Chinese Herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your condition. If these herbs are used before pain becomes too severe or significant functioning is lost, they can help you to save your gallbladder from surgery.

1. Blog post by LymeMD on Thursday, June 26, 2008. https://lymemd.blogspot.com/2008/06/lyme-and-gallbladder.html
2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 710
3. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 137 – 140
4. Zhang Xia, Cui Naije and Wang Jiatai, The antagonistic action of heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese drugs on endotoxins, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2001; 21(1): 72-77.
5. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 148 – 150
6. Flaws, B., and P. Sionneau.  2005. The Treatment of Modern Western Medical Diseases with Chinese Medicine. 2nd Edition. Boulder, Colorado, Blue Poppy Press. p. 140.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture at 6pm on Monday September 13th, “Getting Rid of Lyme Disease” in Frederick, Maryland.

For people with stubborn Bartonella
by Greg Lee

Did you ever have a class clown in your school? In my class, I had a kid named Michael that would interrupt the teacher with his silly questions. He also brought in bugs and lizards that he found on his way to school. He was sent almost every week to the principal’s office for his disruptive behavior.

How is a class clown like a Bartonella infection?

Bartonella disrupts your body with its toxins
Just like a class clown, Bartonella symptoms can be annoying to downright disruptive to how you feel. This infection is also called “cat scratch fever,” because you can get it from an infected cat as well as ticks.

Many people report symptoms of burning feet, legs, and arms. Others report pains that feel like electrical zaps. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms are caused by “fire toxins.” When these toxins affect the skin, they produce red rashes that can look like long thin streaks. Patients also report increased bouts of anxiety, irritability, and brain fog. Certain foods trigger a flare-up of these symptoms.

Oils and sweets increase Bartonella brain fog symptoms
Eating foods like greasy meats, ice cream, and sweet fruits have increased symptoms of burning and brain fog in patients. Limiting or eliminating these trigger foods out of your diet helps to reduce Bartonella symptoms. Lyme literate medical practitioners describe challenges with Bartonella persisting despite antibiotic treatment.

Bartonella can be very difficult to get completely out of your body
Patients on months or years of medications can still have symptoms. It hides in your blood cells. It also suppresses your immune system, which makes Bartonella even harder to get out of your body.

When your immune system is suppressed, clearing other infections like Lyme disease becomes much more difficult. This is a reason why some Lyme literate medical practitioners talk about eliminating Bartonella before other co-infections. What else besides drugs can help you eliminate a Bartonella infection?

There are four herbs that help to significantly reduce the prickly, burning symptoms of Bartonella
When these four herbs are added to an anti-Bartonella herb formula, the burning hot symptoms, rashes, and brain fog are significantly reduced and sometimes eliminated completely.

Herb #1: Folium Artemisia Argyi, Chinese name: Ai Ye¹
The properties of this herb are warming, stop bleeding, and treat pain due to cold in the lower abdomen. It is used to treat malaria, so it may also be effective against Babesia.  Research shows that it inhibits the growth of these infections: anthrax, strep, staph, diphtheria, pneumonia, and bacterial dysentery. There are no documented contraindications with existing medications at this time.

It is added to herb formulas to see if it will kill Bartonella. A ground form of this herb, called moxa, is also burned topically over symptomatic areas to expel Bartonella symptoms near the surface of the skin.

Herb #2: Dryopteridis, Chinese name: Guan Zhong²
The properties of this herb are bitter and cool. It is used to kill parasites, clear heat, and eliminate toxins. It also treats and prevents bacterial and viral infections. It was used historically for expelling demons. Research shows that it inhibits dysentery, salmonella, pseudonomas, meningitis, and S. Aureus. It strongly inhibits viruses: influenza, adenovirus, encephalitis B, and herpes simplex. It also inhibits the growth of abnormal masses of tissue. It is added to herb formulas to see if it will kill Bartonella and neutralize its toxins.

Overdosing of this herb can have certain side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, tremors, or gastrointestinal irritation. It is contraindicated during pregnancy. There are no documented contraindications with existing medications at this time.

Herb #3: Chinese Nut Galls, Chinese name: Wu Bei Zi³
The properties of this herb are salty, sour, and cold. It is used to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and rectal prolapse. It is also used to treat night fevers, irritability, and excess sweating. It also stops bleeding, eliminates toxins, and reduces swelling. It has anti-candida properties. It is added to see if it will neutralize Bartonella toxins.

Use with caution with signs of heat, symptoms of sharp stabbing pain, or patients with palpable masses. Caution: this herb has a strong binding affinity and should be taken 2 hours before or after taking any medication.

Herb #4: Lycopus, bugleweed, Chinese name: Ze Lan⁴
The properties of this herb are bitter, acrid, and slightly warm. It is used to increase blood circulation and to provide internal warmth along acupuncture meridians. It is used to treat chest pain, hypochondriac pain, and back pain due to traumatic injuries. It regulates water circulation, expels parasites, and reduces swelling. It is to be used with caution in patients with anemia.

Since this herb has diuretic properties, is to be used with caution with diuretic medications. There are no documented contraindications with existing medications at this time. It is added to herb formulas to see if it will expel or kill Bartonella hiding in blood cells.

How do you know that these herbs are working to kill off your Bartonella infection?

Patients report a significant reduction of Bartonella symptoms
After taking these and other anti-Bartonella, anti-toxin, and immune enhancing herbs, patients have reported that their brain fog has been eliminated completely and burning symptoms have been reduced to a minor prickly feeling in as little as four months. Patients then test themselves to see if Bartonella is hiding out somewhere in their body.

Patients eat trigger foods to test if Bartonella has gone away
In the beginning of treatment, patients are observing the foods that increase their symptoms. When they are symptom free, they go back and eat the foods that triggered their symptoms. Patients feel that their infection is nearly gone when they are able to eat foods like sweet fruits, greasy meats, and ice cream without a flare up of symptoms.

The right herb combination can help you to bust up a Bartonella infection
Just like sending the class clown to the principal’s office, the proper combination of herbs helps you to eliminate a disruptive Bartonella 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. Once you are clear of your infection, you can go back to enjoying your yummy foods without fear of recurring Bartonella symptoms.

1. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 600-602

2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p.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., p. 990-992

4. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 647

Next Step: Come our free film showing of Under Our Skin on Wednesday July 21st at 6pm at Two Frogs. Click here to find out more details about this controversial film on Lyme disease.

For people with chronic bowel problems
By Greg Lee

Over dinner, a highly respected Lyme literate physician looked at me across the table and asked me, “Do you know what the biggest concern in my practice is?” I had no idea what his biggest concern was. I racked my brain for the right answer and I said, “Patients with multiple co-infections?” He said, “No, C. Diff.”

Unfortunately, people with C. Diff are also racking their brain for a right answer
C. Diff stands for “Clostridium difficile” which is a bacterium that infects the colon and can create symptoms of diarrhea, cramping, and inflammation. In extreme cases, it can be life threatening. Unfortunately, people who are on antibiotics are susceptible to getting this infection.

How antibiotics make you more vulnerable to getting C. Diff
People who are on antibiotics can have their healthy gut bacteria wiped out by their medications. This enables C. Diff bacteria to grow in the places where your healthy gut bacteria used to be. C. Diff is able to grow because it can resist many different kinds of antibiotics.

Why don’t antibiotics kill C. Diff also?
There are drug resistant strains of C. Diff which can thrive while you are on antibiotics. Most people get a C. Diff infection while they are on or just after finishing a round of antibiotics. Here are the signs and symptoms of a C. Diff infection.

Signs and symptoms of C. Diff
If you are on or have just finished taking antibiotics, the signs of C. Diff are: watery stools for two or more days and mild cramping and/or bloating. Signs of a severe infection are watery stools more than 10 times a day, blood or pus in the stool, severe abdominal cramping and pain, fever, nausea, dehydration, loss of appetite, and weight loss¹. How can you know the difference between diarrhea and a C. Diff infection?

How to find out if you have C. Diff
Your doctor can test a sample of your stool for the bacteria. Other tests can look at the lining of your colon with a small camera to check for inflammation or damage from C. Diff toxins. CT (Computerized Tomography) scans determine if there is a thickening of the colon which can indicate an infection.

If you have C. Diff, you often get prescribed more powerful antibiotics and probiotics. However, many people with this infection get recurring bouts because they never cleared their original infection. Or they get infected with a new strain. Unfortunately, a new strain of C. Diff can wreak havoc in your colon.

A new strain of C. Diff produces highly damaging toxins
This new strain produces two kinds of toxins: an enterotoxin (toxin A) and a cytotoxin (toxin B)². These toxins attack and destroy the lining of your colon. This can lead to bleeding and inflammation of the colon which leads to blood or pus in the stool. This new strain has also infected healthy people who have not been on antibiotics. What else beside drugs can help you heal from a C. Diff infection?

Chinese herbs give you an alternative way to recover from C. Diff
Here is an ancient formula of Chinese herbs that can help you to recover from a C. Diff infection. This herbal formula helps you to stop diarrhea, replenish fluids, alleviate cramping and pain, neutralize toxins, and stop bleeding in the colon.

C. Diff Herb formula: True Man’s Decoction to Nourish the Organs, Chinese name: zhen ren yang zang tang³
Written around 990 A.D., this formula was used to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and a prolapsed rectum. It was also used to treat diarrhea that contained pus and blood. Other symptoms may include pain that responds favorably to local pressure or warmth, cramping, lethargy, a wan complexion, reduced appetite, soreness of the low back, weak legs, and not feeling fully evacuated. What is in this herb formula?

Ten herbs work together to heal your intestines
This formula was originally used to stop diarrhea in dying patients probably due to cholera and other digestive illnesses. It contains ten herbs with many different properties. These herbs are ginseng, atractylodes, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, terminalia chebula, poppy husks, white peony, angelica, aucklandia, and honey fried licorice. Ginseng is replaced in this formula with acanthopanax root especially for people with Lyme disease. Each herb has a different function.

Several herbs bind up the stool and stop diarrhea. There are also herbs that relieve pain and cramping. Other herbs replenish fluids that are lost through chronic diarrhea. Some herbs help to aid in digestion. Others reduce inflammation and swelling. Some of the herbs in the True Man’s formula have cautions around medications.

Herbs in this formula are to be used with caution around some medications
One of the herbs in this formula, acanthopanax root:

• led to an elevated serum digoxin level in one patient
• increases the effect of hexobarbital, inhibiting its metabolic breakdown
• increases the efficacy of antibiotics, possibly increasing t-lymphocyte activity
• stimulates the production of adrenaline⁴

White peony⁵ reduces blood glucose and its use is cautioned with antidiabetic medications. White peony also has sedative and analgesic effects on the central nervous system. It prolongs the sleeping time induced by barbituates and has a protective effect against seizures induced by cardiazol⁵. Three herbs in this formula: white peony⁵, atractylodes⁶, and angelica⁷ are to be used with caution with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Atractylodes also has diuretic effects and may lead to increased elimination of water and electrolytes even though there are no reported cases of drug interaction⁶. Licorice may alter the effects of systemic corticosteroids and is to be used with caution with cardiac glycosides⁸. Always consult with a trained herbalist because they will know about alternative herbs that can be used as safe substitutions should you be taking any of the medications listed above. In addition to possible drug interactions, there are other herbs that can be added to neutralize enterotoxins.

Additional herbs help to neutralize enterotoxins which cause diarrhea
Extracts of the herb andrographis has been useful in stopping diarrhea caused by E. Coli enterotoxins⁹. Phellodendron and coptidis contain significant amounts of berberine¹⁰. Berberine stops diarrhea caused by cholera¹¹. This compound also prevented intestinal damage from E. coli enterotoxins in a study on rabbits¹¹. The right combination of herbs helps your intestines to recover from C. Diff.

A thousand year old combination of herbs can help to relieve the concerns of today’s physicians
A thousand year old herbal recipe can help your intestines to heal the damage done by C. Diff. Always consult with a trained herbalist when dealing with C. Diff, medications, and herbal medicine. The right combination of herbs can stop the chronic symptoms, neutralize damaging toxins, and help your intestines to heal. This helps your doctor to reduce their worries about your health.

1. Mayo Clinic Website: C. Difficile https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-difficile/ds00736
2. D. Voth and J. Ballard, Clostridium difficile Toxins: Mechanism of Action and Role in Disease. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, April 2005, p. 247-263, Vol. 18, No. 2
3. D. Bensky and R. Barolet, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, Eastland Press, Seattle (1990), p. 357 – 358.
4. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 865
5. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 934
6. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 858
7. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 923
8. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 871
9. S. Meenatchisundaram, G. Parameswari, T. Subbraj, T. Suganya and A. Michael, Medicinal and Pharmacological Activities of Andrographis paniculata – Review, Ethnobotanical Leaflets, January 2009, p. 55-58, Vol. 13

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture on Getting Rid of Lyme Disease on Monday July 12th at 6pm in Frederick, MD.

For people with chronic Lyme symptoms that don’t respond to medications
By Greg Lee

Have you ever heard stories about foreign spies getting a hold of classified secrets? Once they buy or steal secrets, they try to get out of the country as soon as possible. If they are being pursued, these spies often use a network of safe houses to hide out in until the way is clear.

How is a safe house just like the Lyme disease biofilm?

Lyme bacteria can create a shield called a biofilm to protect themselves
Behind the biofilm, these bacteria are shielded from many medications. The biofilm blocks your immune system from finding the bacteria also.

This is how the biofilm is just like a safe house that protects the bacteria from being killed by drugs or your immune system. When your go off medications, they can re-emerge and aggravate your symptoms all over again. Not only do Lyme bacteria create biofilms, so do other bugs in your system

Other bacteria like staph and strep can also create biofilms which Lyme can hide in
According to Microbial Biofilms by Ghannoum and O’Toole, different bacteria like staph and strep also create biofilm shields.
In these biofilms, many different bacteria can hide within them. When different bacteria congregate under a biofilm, they share information with each other.

Underneath a biofilm shield, different species of bacteria can swap genetic information
In Microbial Biofilms, they cite studies which estimate that the Lyme bacteria have received 1 out of thousand genes from other species¹. The authors state that gene exchange happens quite frequently among different bacteria in a biofilm. This exchange may lead to a dangerous mutated form of the Lyme bacteria.

Unfortunately, Lyme bacteria may obtain drug resistant genes from other bacteria
If Lyme bacteria were to obtain resistance to antibiotics, this could create an drug resistant monster. Given that Lyme bacteria reproduce in only a few weeks, it would only take a few generations for a drug resistant strain of Lyme bacteria to populate your system. Drug resistant Lyme bacteria may be an explanation for why it can survive despite years of multiple antibiotics.

Can earthworms prevent bacteria from sharing their drug resistant genes with the Lyme bug?

Earthworms have been used for over four hundred years to kill parasites
Lyme disease is defined as a parasitic infection of the borrelia species of bacteria. In the Compendium of Materia Medica herbal encyclopedia compiled in 1593, dried earthworms were prescribed for improving circulation, expelling demons, and overcoming numbness in the limbs². They were used to effectively treat the signs of demonic possession: convulsions and seizures, parasitic infections, and numbness of the extremities. In the past thirty years, they have been safely used with over 60,000 people in Chinese Hospitals without adverse side-effects. Recent results indicate that earthworms may have a biofilm busting ability also.

Earthworm extracts may stop the Lyme bug from getting drug resistant genes by breaking up their biofilms
According to the manufacturer, an earthworm extract called Lumbrikonase contains six enzymes that are found in Red Wiggler and Red Marsh earthworms. A local LLMD shared that his clients on this extract are reporting Herxheimer reactions believed to be caused by cutting through biofilm and killing off the hidden bacteria. A few of his clients also report a reduction in their inflammation.

Several other Lyme doctors are reporting some improvements with their patients on these extracts. These enzymes may also be useful against cysts or tumors where the Lyme can hide.

Earthworm enzymes also break down cysts or tumors that Lyme can hide in
Your body produces a protein called fibrin that helps to form cysts and tumors. The Lyme bacteria are believed to be able to hide within these cysts or tumors. These enzymes help to break apart the fibrin which ends up dissolving the cyst or tumor. Earthworms also help to reduce other Lyme symptoms as well.

Earthworms are also used to treat Lyme symptoms of tremors, pain, and co-infections
They are also used to open up nerve conduction, blood circulation, urinary flow, breathing capacity, and energy flow. Which is why they are used to treat numbness, tremors, and pain due to blockages in blood flow. They are also used to clear mycoplasma parasite infections in the lungs and in the digestive tract. Earthworms are a powerful medicine to add to your Lyme treatment program.

Earthworms help you to find and destroy the hiding places that shield the Lyme bacteria
By adding earthworms or their extracts to your Lyme treatment program, you can help your anti-Lyme medicines and the immune system to kill the bacteria more effectively. Just like finding out all the safe houses where spies are hiding, earthworms help to uncover different places where Lyme is hiding . Earthworms may be effective at eating through the biofilm shield and stopping the transfer of drug resistant genes to Lyme.

They can help with dissolving cysts or tumors which can house Lyme. They can also help to improve the neurological and pain symptoms of Lyme disease. They can help you to clear out mycoplasma co-infections.

The benefits of a humble little red wiggler are amazing because of what they can offer for healing Lyme disease.

1. Mahmoud Ghannoum and George A. O’Toole. Microbial Biofilms. ASM Press, Washington, DC. 2004.

2. Li Shizhen. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica). 1593.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture on Getting Rid of Lyme Disease on Monday June 7th at 6pm in Frederick, MD.

For people on antibiotics who are concerned about drug resistant infections

by Greg Lee

Image courtesy of Expatriate Games Flickr Creative Commons

Imagine it is starting to rain. You grab your umbrella and run outside. Unfortunately, there are several holes in the fabric and you start to get wet. How is a leaky umbrella like the danger of drug resistant infections?

Drug resistant infections are on the rise
Just like a leaky umbrella, antibiotics are offering less protection against these infections. These infections have names like: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C-Diff), Salmonella, and E-coli. The widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the rise of drug resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics are widely used to prevent infections in farm animals, in animal feed, and in agriculture for pesticides. In humans, long term use of antibiotics by doctors and patients breeds drug resistant germs. Some countries sell antibiotics over the counter without a prescription. Hospitals have been shown to be a source of these infections amongst their patients.

These drug resistant germs can also be found in your food
Recently, major food processors of beef and nut butters have been shut down due to bacterial contamination at their processing facilities. These germs produce toxins that disrupt your immune system. These toxins can lead to sickness and even death. These germs can also hide from your immune system.

These germs can also evade your immune system
Patients that undergo antibiotic therapy have another challenge with these germs. These infectious organisms are able to develop a jello-blob like shield called a biofilm. Medications and your immune system cannot penetrate through this shield. Under the biofilm shield, many different germs can share a dangerous secret. They can swap drug resistant genes with each other and produce new drug resistant strains. However, drug companies might not come up with a solution.

Drug companies may not be able to help you fight these resistant infections
Unfortunately, pharmaceutical manufacturers have decreased their research into new antibiotics because these drugs may not be as profitable. More research is going into drugs that treat chronic long-term conditions and lifestyle issues like diabetes. Infectious disease physicians are highly concerned that effective antibiotics may not be available in the near future.

Where can you find new medicines that are effective against bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics?

For millions of years, plants have been producing antibacterial substances
In order to to fend off insects, infections, and plant eating animals and reptiles, plants produce a variety of chemicals to repel would-be attackers. Plants are also capable of creating new chemical defenses to protect against new threats. Many of these plants are herbs and spices that are full of antibacterial compounds. Researchers are currently exploring how to use plants to produce new antibiotics for drug resistant germs. Traditional healers knew about this a long time ago.

Traditional healers have long used plants to prevent or cure infections
Many of these plants have been researched to determine their antibacterial properties. A large number of plant compounds have been shown to inhibit growth of drug resistant bacteria and/or strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight these infections. For thousands of years, healers in Asia have used herbs to fight infections. Early medical texts describe using different combinations of herbs to heal many kinds of diseases.

Plants can differ in the ways they kill resistant germs
Many of these plant substances act differently from antibiotics, which suggests that it may be more difficult to develop drug resistance to these new compounds. For example the berberine compound in the herb Berberis helps to block the multidrug resistance mechanism in Staphylococcus aureus. There are many more herbs that have antibacterial properties.

Herbs that are recommended for use against drug resistant germs
Here is a list of Western herbs that have been used against drug resistant infections:

• Bay leaf
• Berberis
• Boneset
• Cloves
• Cryptolepis
• Golderseal
• Grapefruit seed extract
• Honey
• Juniper
• Maitake mushrooms
• Mustard
• Onion
• Oregano oil
• Rosemary
• Red root
• Sage
• St. John’s Wort

Here is a list of Chinese herbs that are recommended for use against drug resistant infections:

• Acorus
• Andrographis
• Artemisia
• Astragalus
• Cinnamon bark
• Coptidis
• Eucalyptus
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green tea
• Honeysuckle vine
• Houttuyniae
• Licorice
• Myrrh
• Polygonum cuspidatae
• Scutellariae
• Seaweed
• Shitake mushrooms
• Siberian ginseng
• Tumeric

Here is a list of Ayurvedic (from India) herbs that are recommended for use against drug resistant infections:

• Aloe vera
• Amalaki (Emblica myrobalan)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Guggulu, Kai-Shore (Commiphora mukul)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) (anti-biofilm herb)
• Kutki (Gentiana kuroo)
• Neem (Azadiracta indica)
• Pipli (Piper longum)
• Shilajit (Asphaltum)
• Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum)

How to know what herbs to take and how much
Herbs in different herbal traditions are classified according to their properties. These properties include where in the body they help to heal and which organs they support. Contemporary research has uncovered many of the active compounds and how they work in the body. Many of these herbs can be found at health food stores or ethnic grocery stores. A trainer herbalist is the best way to get proper guidance on what to take and how much.

Why go to an herbalist for these antibacterial herbs?
One benefit to getting these herbs from an herbalist is that they can verify the source of the herbs as being free of pesticides, heavy metals, or being grown organically. Recent FDA guidelines for Chinese herbalists say that these practitioners must examine their patients in person to recommend or provide herbs. This helps patients to get herbs that work best for their condition and to get support should an unexpected reaction occur. Herbs can then be customized to eliminate undesirable reactions.

In addition to herbs, taking probiotics can also help with detoxifying and strengthening your immune system against these infections.

Herbs give you added protection from drug resistant infections
Just like getting a new umbrella, herbs give you additional protection against these stubborn drug resistant infections. Anti-bacterial herbs help you to kill these germs, detoxify your system, and strengthen your immune system against further attacks.

References:

Kathy Abascal, Eric Yarnell. Herbs and Drug Resistance: Part 2—Clinical Implications of Research on Microbial Resistance to Antibiotics, Alternative and Complementary Therapies. October 2002

Buhner, Stephen. Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts. 1999

John Chen, Tina Chen. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. Art of Medicine Press, City of Industry, California. 2004

Snyder, Peter. Antimicrobial Effect of Spices and Herbs. Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management; St. Paul, Minnesota. 1997

Treadway, Scott. Exploring the Universe of Ayurvedic Botanicals to Manage Bacterial Infections. Clinical Nutritional Insights, Vol. 6, No. 17, 1998

Next Step: Come our free film showing of Under Our Skin on Wednesday May 12th at 6pm at Two Frogs. Click here to find out more details about this controversial film on Lyme disease.

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For people who find a tick embedded in their skin
By Greg Lee

“Uh oh,” I thought as I discovered a small embedded tick on my daughter’s head. My second thought was, “Did it just give her Lyme disease?” Here is what you can do when you find an attached tick.

How long does it take for a tick to transmit Lyme disease to a person?
Deer tick nymphs can be as small as a poppy seed or a little larger than the size of this period “.”. The adults can be about the size of a sunflower seed or about the size of the letter “o”. The tick on my daughter was an adult deer tick.

Some experts say that it needs to be attached 24 hours or longer to transmit the bacteria. Others say that you can get infected as soon as the tick bites you. The truth is that no one knows for sure how long a tick has to be attached to infect you. Also, only 50% of people who get infected ever develop a bulls eye rash. My daughter had a raised bump where the tick was attached and did not develop a rash. The first thing we did was to get the tick out.

Recommendations for removing embedded ticks
Using a pair of pointed tweezers, gently grasp the tick where it is connected to the skin. Gently and slowly pull the tick out of the skin using firm and steady pressure.

DOs and DONTs for removing ticks
AVOID squeezing the tick too hard.
DO NOT place vaseline on the tick.
DO NOT place a burned match head on the tick.
DO NOT put alcohol on the tick.

By using only gentle force to pull out the tick, you minimize the chance of any of the tick’s contents from being squirted into you. Place the tick in two small ziploc bags if it is still alive. You can also use a small tightly sealed container. This will prevent the tick from escaping while you are mailing it for testing.

DO NOT place anything on the tick:

• NO antiseptics
• NO pesticides
• NO preservatives like alcohol on the tick.

DO NOT place the tick on tape to immobilize it.

These can interfere with the process of testing the tick for Lyme disease. Use an anti-bacterial cleanser on the area where you removed the tick and on your hands. Here’s where you can send a tick to get it tested.

Labs can test your tick for Lyme disease and other infections
There are several labs that will test your tick for the presence of genetic material of the Lyme bacteria. You do not need your doctor’s permission to test the tick. Unfortunately, tick can carry up to 60 other diseases. We decided to get the tick tested for these infections: Lyme disease, Babesia, and Bartonella.

I took the tick to be tested at Clongen Labs in Germantown, MD. The head of the lab, Dr. Kilani, said that 30% of the ticks tests are positive for Lyme and other co-infections in the springtime. This number increases later in the summer where up to 60% – 70% of the ticks test positive. The test results are sent via email in 1-5 business days. Here is where you can download the instructions and a form for submitting your tick:

https://www.clongen.com/

We waited anxiously over the next few days for the test results to come back over email. Meanwhile, we took preventative measures to stop a possible infection.

Preventative Treatments for Lyme Disease
We contacted our pediatrician and told her that we found an attached tick. We also told her that we would forward the results of the Clongen tick test to her office. We asked her about giving my daughter a Lyme test. The Western Blot is the most accurate one available. However with an early infection, your immune system may not have produced enough antibodies to give you a positive Lyme test. We decided to wait for the Clongen tick test results before proceeding with a Western Blot blood test for Lyme.

If you want to strengthen your immune system against infection, there are several anti-bacterial herbs that are available.

Raw garlic is a Chinese folk remedy to protect against infection and parasites. You can take 3-5 toes of raw garlic with food to boost your immune system. Adults have an easier time with this remedy. There was no way to get my daughter to take raw garlic. Fortunately, we had other anti-Lyme remedies.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our evening lecture on Getting Rid of Lyme Disease on Monday May 3rd at 6pm in Frederick, MD.

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For people who want to reduce tremors caused by Lyme disease
By Greg Lee

People in hang gliders use wind drafts around steep cliffs to sail through the air. These winds are powerful enough to easily lift a hang glider pilot and hundreds of pounds of equipment. Sudden gusts of wind can make flying difficult or dangerous. How are unexpected gusts of wind just like tremors that are caused by Lyme disease?

Recurring Lyme disease symptoms leave people feeling like they are flying off a cliff without a hang glider
Symptoms like tremors, dizziness, and numbness are common in people with Lyme disease. Just like the wind, these symptoms can suddenly appear, disappear, re-appear, and move around the body. This is why the term “Wind” is used in Chinese medicine to describe these kinds of recurring or migrating symptoms. Wind can produce a wide variety of symptoms¹ like:

• pulsating headaches
• ringing in the ears or tinnitus
• runny nose and itchy eyes
• colds
• traveling pains
• sudden rigidity
• spasms, cramps
• itching
• palsy
• paralysis
• vertigo
• stroke
• coma
• convulsions

Not only does wind affect the body, it also affects the mind and emotions.

Wind can disrupt your mental clarity and emotions
Too much Wind in the mind can cause mental uncertainty, unclear thinking, and difficulty in making decisions. Wind also can create emotional irritability, nervousness, and turmoil. It can also lead to manic-depression, an unstable personality, and the inability to keep commitments.

How is Wind able to enter and disrupt your body, mind and emotions?

These factors make you more vulnerable to Wind
Being exposed to windy weather without proper protection can aggravate your symptoms. Lyme disease or other infections break down your body’s defenses which allows Wind to get in. Lyme toxins damage the liver which can lead to a heat and inflammation. Excess heat in the liver can generate damaging Wind inside. Lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption, a high fat diet, and getting to bed late at night impact the liver which can make these symptoms worse. What can help you to stop tremors caused by harmful Wind?

Avoiding these high fat foods helps to reduce harmful Wind
High fat foods, medications and recreational drugs, and highly processed foods can damage or create blockages in the liver. Avoiding foods like fatty animal meats, cream cheese, egg yolks, crab, lard, margarine, shortening, and refined oils helps reduce the stress on your liver². Eliminating buckwheat helps to reduce Wind.

Avoiding alcohol, other recreational drugs, and highly processed foods with additives or preservatives helps your liver, also. Consult with your physician before changing any medications that you are taking. Some foods and herbs help your liver to work more effectively.

Adding liver supporting foods reduces Wind
Examples of foods and herbs² that support the liver to reduce Wind are:

Alternative therapies also help to reduce Wind
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help quickly with reducing tremors and other Wind symptoms quickly. Using acupuncture needles that are gently warmed by a ball of burning mugwort which is also known as moxa, can reduce symptoms of mental confusion, tremors, dizziness, and transient pains rather quickly. Cupping and bloodletting on the base of the neck or on the shoulders also helps reduce these symptoms. Using a combination of changing your diet and alternative treatments helps you reduce tremors and other symptoms cause by Wind.

Take the Wind out of your Lyme disease tremors
In Chinese medicine, tremors and other transient symptoms are similar to being hit with unexpected gusts of too much wind. Consulting with a trained Chinese herbalist and/or acupuncturist can help you to make the right dietary changes and get treatments to help get the Wind out. Just like an experienced hang glider pilot who knows how to safely maneuver through sudden blasts of wind, you can have an effective strategy for protecting yourself and reducing tremors and other symptoms of Wind.

1. Maciocia, Giovanni. 1989. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone: London.

2. Pitchford, P. 2002. Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition. 3rd. ed. North Atlantic Books: Berkley, CA.

Next Step: Want to learn more about healing Lyme disease? Click here to find out about our free lecture on Getting Rid of Lyme Disease on Monday April 5th at 6pm in Frederick, MD.

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