Plugging the Holes in Lyme Disease Leaky Gut

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For people with Lyme disease who have digestion problems aggravated by antibiotics, poor diet, and gut inflammation
by Greg Lee

Have you heard the story of the Dutch boy who sticks his finger in a dike? He plugs a small trickle of water which would have turned into a stream, then a torrent, and then a flood which would have washed away the town. He saves his town by acting quickly and averting a disaster.

How is a trickle of water in a damaged dike similar to a person with a leaky gut?

Just like water that seeps through a dike, a leaky gut can let food, pathogens, and toxins out of the intestines and into the blood
People with leaky gut have toxic pathogens which live in and alter the lining of the intestines. A diet high in inflammatory foods can also increase the holes in the lining of the intestines¹. Pathogens which open up holes in the intestines can come from eating food contaminated with parasites or other infections². Alcoholics with increased bacterial lipopolysaccharides³ and children with autism have a high incidence of leaky gut⁴. People with Lyme disease who receive antibiotic treatment can have their healthy gut microbes killed off which allows unhealthy germs like Clostridium difficile and drug resistant microbes⁵ to grow and create holes in the intestine walls. Pathogenic toxins from mold⁶ can also irritate the gut. These irritants can lead to wide range of local and systemic symptoms.

Leaky gut syndrome can produce a wide range of symptoms
Inflammatory compounds irritate the lining of the intestines which leads to an increased number of leaks in the intestinal walls. This increases symptoms of bloating, distention, and pain in the gut⁷. These leaks allow larger food particles, pathogens, toxins, and inflammatory compounds to seep into the blood stream⁸. As these compounds circulate through the body, they can also lead to increased symptoms of allergic reactions, heart problems, metabolic weight gain⁹, joint pain and inflammation¹⁰, migraines¹¹, and depression¹². In response to these compounds coming into the blood stream, the immune system mounts a response.

The immune system sees the intestinal compounds that are seeping into the blood as invaders to be attacked
In response to pathogenic toxins leaking from the intestines, the immune system produces multiple inflammatory compounds: Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF Beta-1), Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)¹³. These inflammatory compounds affect multiple systems of the body. Because of the inflammatory compounds that become elevated in people with Lyme disease or co-infections, they are at greater risk of leaky gut. In a study on Lyme disease patients, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) were found to be elevated in different phases of infection¹⁴. TNFα has also been found to be elevated in Bartonella infections¹⁵, mice infected with Babesia¹⁶, mice receiving Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever antigens¹⁷, Ehrlichia infections¹⁸, and in Brucellosis patients¹⁹. Both TNFα and IL-13 have a direct effect on increasing intestinal lining leakage²⁰. Unfortunately, western medicine lacks a way to accurately diagnose and to treat leaky gut syndrome.
If medications are not known to be effective, what else can help you to heal leaky gut syndrome?

Here are four strategies for helping to heal leaky gut syndrome
There are several steps to healing leaky gut
● Neutralize or drain toxins, inflammatory compounds, and accumulated congestion which aggravate the intestinal lining and different areas of the body (liver, gall bladder, and brain)
● Heal the leaks in the intestinal walls
● Kill pathogens embedded in intestines
● Improve diet to reduce / eliminate inflammatory foods, xeno-estrogen meats, and / or pathogens

Healing Leaky Gut Strategy #1: Neutralize toxins and drain congestion and inflammation
Toxins from parasites and other germs trigger the body to produce inflammation. Neutralizing the toxins helps to reduce the irritation in the intestines. There are several herbs and essential oils that neutralize toxins as well as reduce the inflammatory compounds which aggravate leaky gut symptoms.

Scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese name: Huang Qin²¹, contains multiple compounds that neutralize bacterial endotoxins also know as lipopolysaccharides in animal and lab studies. These compounds also inhibit TNFα: baicalein, baicalin²², flavonoids²³, wogonin²⁴, and wogonoside²⁵. Baicalein²⁶ and scutellaria²⁷ repaired the inflammatory damage caused by IL-13 in mouse studies.

Licorice, Chinese name: Gan Cao, also contains multiple anti-toxin and anti-inflammatory compounds including: 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid²⁸, flavonoids, glycyrrhizin acid²⁹, and licochalcone Av³⁰. All these compounds inhibit TNFα and the latter three also inhibit IL-13 in animal studies. One of the most recommended forms is deglycyrrhizinated licorice for treating leaky gut³¹.

Nutmeg, Chinese name: Rou Dou Kou, has been used traditionally for treating diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, fullness, distention, and coldness. It has also been effective in combination with other herbs in treating ulcerative colitis and infantile diarrhea in China³². Nutmeg also contains neolignans³³, Malabaricone C³⁴, and Macelignan³⁵ which inhibit endotoxin inflammation in animal and lab studies. Macelignan also inhibits IL-13 and TNF alpha in a rat study³⁶.

Lavender essential oil has been used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In animal studies, lavender oil inhibits TNFα³⁷ and IL-13³⁸. In a lab study, lavender oil inhibited the effects of endotoxins on human monocytes³⁹. 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 neutralize toxins, lower inflammation, and reduce allergic reactions⁴⁰. It also uses frequencies to target the different parts of the digestion system like the small intestine (22), large intestine (85), and the iliocecal valve (31) that can be affected by leaky gut. In addition to removing toxins and inflammation, the leaks need to be sealed up.

Healing Leaky Gut Strategy #2: Heal the leaks in the intestinal walls
There are supplements and herbs which help to plug the leaks and protect the walls of the intestines. These remedies help to plug up the holes in the intestinal barrier, provide healthy microbes to add another layer of protection for the intestines, and reduce toxicity in human and animals studies.

Probiotics are healthy bacteria and microbes which digest food and provide protection to the walls of the intestines. In human⁴¹ and animal subjects, probiotics including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus⁴² have improved intestinal wall permeability in irritable bowel syndrome studies. Animals in these studies also showed a decrease in levels of endotoxins or lipopolysaccharides⁴³.

Arabinogalactan from larch bark helps to feed healthy probiotic bacteria and impede the growth of pathogenic organisms in the intestines⁴⁴. This supplement also reduced ammonia in human fecal samples⁴⁵.

L-Glutamine in multiple animal studies had a range of beneficial effects on healing damage to the intestines⁴⁶ of the type caused by TNFα and IL-13. In a pig study, this supplement enhanced the expression of tight junction protein expression in the intestines⁴⁷. In a mouse study, glutamine provided significant protection against gut injury and inflammation⁴⁸. In a rat study, glutamine repaired intestinal damage⁴⁹. In a human study, glutamine significantly attenuates the IgA and IgM responses to gram negative endotoxins. Up to 24 patients showed significant clinical improvement or remission 0 – 14 months after taking glutamine, n-acetyl cysteine, and zinc along with a leaky gut diet⁵⁰.

Zinc helps also with repairing intestinal permeability in study with Crohn’s patients⁵¹.

Melatonin in one rat study, significantly reduced ethanol or wine induced intestinal permeability.⁵² In another rat study, melatonin prevented gut barrier dysfunction, reduced bacterial translocation, and decreased early mortality⁵³. In another mouse study, melatonin limited intestinal damage and permeability and preserved aspects of mitochondrial function⁵⁴.

Honeysuckle flowers, Chinese name: Jin Yin Hua regulated gut flora distribution and gut permeabiltiy in one rat study⁵⁵. This herb is also highly effective at neutralizing endotoxins in other animal studies.

Curcumin derived from turmeric is an immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress reducing compound. It relieves irritable bowel symptoms in animal studies⁵⁶. Unfortunately, curcumin is not well absorbed through the intestines. Fortunately, liposomal curcumin in a cow study had greater local tissue absorption⁵⁷, which would suggest that using enteric coated capsules or a retention enema for more effective delivery into the intestines.

Agaricus mushroom combined with selenium protected against heat stress ileum permeability in a rat study⁵⁸. As the intestinal barrier gets repaired, the damaging microbes need to be eliminated.

Healing Leaky Gut Strategy #3: Kill pathogens that are embedded in the intestinal walls
Many different pathogens can increase intestinal wall permeability like E. Coli⁵⁹, Salmonella enteritidis⁶⁰, Streptococcus pneumoniae⁶¹, Hafnia alvei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Pseudomonas putida, Citrobacter koseri, and Klebsiella pneumoniae⁶². The food borne infection Listeria monocytogenes can produce symptoms of gastroenteritis, sepsis, and meningitis. This bacteria is capable of invading the blood through the epithelial lining of the intestines⁶³. Multiple remedies have been helpful are reducing bloating, pain, and nausea from leaky gut.

Ozonated oils have antifungal and broad antibacterial properties. Ozonated sesame oil inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis in a lab study⁶⁴. Patients will take them in capsules, drink them in water or use them in retention enemas. Ozonated oils are often combined with essential oils.
Essential oils also have broad antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. These oils are delivered into the intestines via capsules, retention enemas, and liposomal mixtures.

Artemisia annua essential oil has been shown to inhibit a wide range of pathogens including gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Listeria spp.), and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia, Shigella, Salmonella, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas spp.) and other microorganisms (Candida, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus spp.) It also contains the anti-malarial compound artemisinin⁶⁵, which has also been used clinically to treat protozoa infections like Babesia and Leishmaniasis⁶⁶.

Lemongrass, oregano, and bay essential oils inhibited Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia col, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus at less than or equal to 2% (v/v) in another lab study⁶⁷.

Clove essential oil had a marked germicidal effect on Candida albicans. Staphylococcus aureus (five strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli at 0.4% (v/v) dispersed in a sugar solution in a third lab study⁶8. This oil has also been shown to inhibit protozoa infections that can infect the intestines including Leishmaniasis⁶⁹ and Giardia⁷⁰ in lab studies. In addition to purging pathogens, dietary improvements help to maintain and improve intestinal wall integrity.

Healing Leaky Gut Strategy #4: Improve diet to reduce / eliminate intestinal leaks and increase anti-inflammatory foods

Reduce or eliminate foods with gluten like wheat, rye, and barley. In one study, gliadin which is found in gluten increased intestinal permeability which was correlated with depression⁷¹.

Reduce foods made with commonly used industrial food additives including: glucose, salt, emulsifiers, organic solvents, microbial transglutaminase, and nanoparticles which increase intestinal permeability⁷².

Avoid taking ascorbic acid in combination with aspirin which increases the excretion of lactulose in a human study, a sign of increased intestinal permeability⁷³

Reduce alcohol consumption⁷⁴. Dietary changes can also help with reducing inflammatory compounds which can injure the gut.

The Mediterranean diet can help with reducing systemic inflammation.⁷⁵ It consists of anti-oxidant rich fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, preferably without gluten. This diet also recommends eating legumes and nuts, replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods, limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month, and eating fish and poultry at least twice a week⁷⁶. This diet can help to limit systemic TNFα and its impact on intestinal permeability⁷⁷. A multipronged strategy helps you to repair the damage in a leaky gut.

Remedies, treatments, and a healthy diet can help to reduce symptoms of leaky gut caused by antibiotics, intestinal pathogens, and poor diet
Just like plugging a leaky dike, a combination of herbs, supplements, Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatment, and dietary modifications can help to repair the holes in the intestines and reverse the discomfort of leaky gut syndrome. 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 abdominal bloating, pain, and distention from Lyme disease leaky gut? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday April 6th at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for healing leaku 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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Image courtesy of: By user:Pieter1 (Own work) [GFDL (https://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Disrupting Biofilms to Stop Recurring Lyme Disease Symptoms Report

Thanks for your purchase of the Disrupting Biofilms to Stop Recurring Lyme Disease Symptoms Report!

You will find multiple remedies and treatments that have helped my patients to address their pathogenic biofilms.
Some of these remedies are straightforward herbs or supplements or essential oils.
Other remedies like liposomes require special processing which helps your remedies to penetrate deeply through biofilms.

Click here to get your copy of the Disrupting Biofilms to Stop Recurring Lyme Disease Symptoms

PC users: Right click the document to download it and select Save as…

Mac users can use the save command to download the document

Thanks again!

– Greg

Four Strategies for Restoring Memory Loss Due to Lyme Disease

icicles

For people with Lyme disease that have memory recall issues, word finding problems, and trouble remembering faces
by Greg Lee

Have you ever seen icicles hanging down from the roof? Ice in the gutter blocks water from draining out the downspout. As more water spills over the gutter, it freezes in icicles off the roof. These grow bigger and bigger as sunlight on the roof melts more ice into water which refreezes on the icicles.

How are frozen icicles similar to a Lyme disease infection that prevents memory recall?

Just like water that freezes in a gutter and produces icicles, Lyme bacteria can flood into the brain and freeze memory recall ability
In human and animal studies, Lyme disease have been found to infect the brain and block the ability to access memories. Cognitive impairment with memory and concentration disorders is one of the most frequently cited psychiatric disorders in a twenty year survey of Lyme disease literature[1]. Lyme neuroborreliosis patients scored lower on processing speed, visual and verbal memory, and executive/attention functions, as compared to matched controls[2]. In another study, Lyme neuroborreliosis episodes decrease working memory in children[3]. In a mouse study, exposure to outer surface protein C (OspC) from Lyme leads to axon nerve damage in the brain[4]. In Alzheimer studies, nerve damage is the leading cause of memory impairment[5]. Elevated levels of Interferon-alpha (INF-α) have been detected in Lyme patients with persistent memory impairment[6]. Antibiotics have been able to produce some relief for patients with memory issues.

Intravenous antibiotics have been shown to produce improvements in memory recall issues
Patients given IV ceftriaxone had a greater improvement in their memory issues at the end of three months but unfortunately lost their gains during an antibiotic-free interval of an additional three months out[7]. In another study of eighteen patients given IV ceftriaxone for Lyme encephalopathy, seven reported a complete recovery of their memory issues and eight reported great improvement[8]. Unfortunately, many patients with Lyme disease do not have access to medical practitioners that are willing to prescribe IV antibiotics.

What else besides antibiotics can help with treating Lyme induced memory impairment?

Here are four strategies for reducing Lyme disease induced memory impairment
Fortunately, there are liposomal herbs that can help reduce memory impairing inflammatory compounds and help with repairing damaged brain cells. There are also treatments that help to reduce inflammation in the nervous system and revitalize areas of the brain associated with memory.

Memory restoring strategy #1: Liposomal herbal compounds for reducing INF-α
In lab and animal studies, a few anti-inflammatory compounds found in Chinese and South American herbs have inhibited INF-α. Giving these herbs in liposomal remedy provides a more effective delivery method into the brain[9]. These compounds include: A polysaccharide found in Salvia root, Chinese name: Dan Shen inhibits INF-α in mice[10]. Extracts containing baicalein and wogonin derived from Scutellaria, Chinese name: Huang Qin inhibits INF-α in one lab study[11]. Alkaloidal fractions found in Uncaria Tormentosa, Cats Claw inhibited INF-α in another lab study[12]. INF-α helps with protecting against viral infections, so this approach is cautioned in patients with elevated viral infections. In addition to reducing INF-α, other herbal compounds have been shown to help with repairing nerve damage caused by excess inflammation.

Memory restoring strategy #2: Liposomal herbal compounds for repairing damaged neurons
In lab and animal studies, these herbs and herbal compounds accelerated the regeneration of damaged nerve tissues. Delivering these in a liposomal mixture increases effective delivery into the central nervous system. Reishi mushroom spores, Chinese name Ling Zhi, increased the growth of normal hippocampal neurons in a lab study.[13] Flavonoid compounds from Epimedium, Chinese name: Yin Yang Huo, increased neural stem cells in one rat study[14]. A compound called matrine found in Sophora root, Chinese name: Ku Shen, significantly reduced CNS inflammatory demyelination, and axonal damage in a rat study[15]. Ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica, Chinese name: Ji Xue Cao, containing asiatic acid and other compounds grew axons at a faster rate than control rats[16]. A compound called bajijiasu found in Mordina officinalis, Chinese name: Bai Ji Tian, prevented oxygen-deprivation brain damage and death, reversed amyloid-beta (Aβ) induced learning and memory dysfunction, enhanced energy metabolism and neurotransmitter levels in rats[17]. In a mouse study, a traditional Chinese herbal formula called “Tonify Yang to Restore Five-Tenths Decoction” used for treating stroke symptoms promoted neuronal growth in damaged neurons[18]. The herbs in this formula are astragalus root, Chinese name: Huang Qi, angelica root, Chinese name: Dang Gui, red peony root, Chinese name: Chi Shao, ligusticum root, Chinese name: Chuan Xiong, safflower, Chinese name: Hong Hua, peach kernel, Chinese name: Tao Ren, and red wiggler or red marsh earthworms, Chinese name: Di Long. Along with herbs, low level electrical frequencies can also target inflammation and enhance repair of damaged nerve cells.

Memory restoring strategy #3: Anti-inflammatory and revitalizing microcurrent frequencies for targeting memory centers of the brain
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses pairs of extremely minute electrical frequencies which can be configured to improve memory[19]. The frequency pairs are divided into an “A” frequency and a “B” frequency. The “A” frequency is for producing a healing effect like: reducing inflammation (14, 284), increasing vitality (49, 91), repairing damage (58) or neutralizing toxins (12, 57, 900, 920). The “B” frequency is used to direct healing into a specific area like: nerves (10, 396), the nerve sheath (475), and structures of the brain associated with memory recall. Specific brain structures that are associated with memory are the prefrontal cortex for short-term memory associated with task completion[20] (983), frontal lobe (90), Broca’s area for verbal memory (90), Wernicke’s area for language recall and auditory memory[21] (90), central processor[22] (90), hippocampus for migrating short-term memory to long-term memory (90), visual area for visual memory (84), and Basal ganglia for retrieving procedural memory (988)[23]. In addition to frequencies, cupping and bloodletting on the head helps with reducing symptoms of brain inflammation.

Memory restoring strategy #4: Cupping and bloodletting on the head to pull out CNS inflammation
Suction cups are placed on the forehead, scalp and neck where there is no hair. The intention of the suction is to draw toxins and inflammation out of the head to the surface. After a few minutes, the cups are removed and the skin is often dark red to purplish in color. Needles are inserted into the area where the cups were located and quickly removed to create holes where blood can be drawn out. The cups are placed back on their original locations. Blood oozes out of the holes and collects into the cups. Often the blood is very thick and coagulates into a jelly-like blob. Analysis of extracted cupping blood has found elevated toxins[24] and inflammatory compounds[25]. Cups placed on the occiput have a significant impact on clearing brain fog and improving memory recall. Multiple treatments and remedies can help your nervous system to improve your memory recall ability.

Liposomal remedies and treatments can help to reduce symptoms of memory impairment due to Lyme disease
Just like clearing out the ice that is blocking a gutter, a combination of liposomal anti-inflammatory and neurological repairing remedies, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, cupping and bloodletting can help to reverse the symptoms of memory impairment from Lyme disease. 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 memory impairment from Lyme disease? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday March 2nd at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for restoring memory loss 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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[10] Zhang XD, Xu DZ, Li JH, Wang T, Ge FH, Yang L. [Study on the immunocompetence of polysaccharide extracted from root of Salvia miltiorrhiza]. [Article in Chinese] Zhong Yao Cai. 2012 Jun;35(6):949-52. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23236833

[11] Błach-Olszewska Z, Jatczak B, Rak A, Lorenc M, Gulanowski B, Drobna A, Lamer-Zarawska E. Production of cytokines and stimulation of resistance to viral infection in human leukocytes by Scutellaria baicalensis flavones. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 2008 Sep;28(9):571-81. doi: 10.1089/jir.2008.0125. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18771341

[12] Reis SR, Valente LM, Sampaio AL, Siani AC, Gandini M, Azeredo EL, D’Avila LA, Mazzei JL, Henriques Md, Kubelka CF. Immunomodulating and antiviral activities of Uncaria tomentosa on human monocytes infected with Dengue Virus-2. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Mar;8(3):468-76. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.11.010. Epub 2007 Dec 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18279801

[13] Wang SQ, Li XJ, Zhou S, Sun DX, Wang H, Cheng PF, Ma XR, Liu L, Liu JX, Wang FF, Liang YF, Wu JM. Intervention effects of ganoderma lucidum spores on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons and expression of neurotrophin-4 and N-cadherin. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 24;8(4):e61687. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061687. Print 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3634853/

[14] Yao R, Zhang L, Li X, Li L. Effects of Epimedium flavonoids on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro. Neurol Res. 2010 Sep;32(7):736-42. doi: 10.1179/174313209X459183. Epub 2009 Aug 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703337

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

[20] Courtney SM, Petit L, Haxby JV, Ungerleider LG. The role of prefrontal cortex in working memory: examining the contents of consciousness. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1998 Nov 29;353(1377):1819-28. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1692423/

[21] The Brain From the Top. https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_10/d_10_cr/d_10_cr_lan/d_10_cr_lan.html

[22] The Brain From Top to Bottom. https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_07/i_07_cr/i_07_cr_tra/i_07_cr_tra.html

[23] Neuroanatomy of memory. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroanatomy_of_memory

[24] Schockert T. [Observations on cupping. High toxin concentration in blood from cupping]. MMW Fortschr Med. 2009 Jun 4;151(23):20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19591347

[25] Liu CZ, Lei B, Zheng JF. [Randomized control study on the treatment of 26 cases of acne conglobata with encircling acupuncture combined with venesection and cupping]. [Article in Chinese] Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2008 Dec;33(6):406-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19288903

Image courtesy of tracy from north brookfield,Massachusetts, usa. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Icicles_roof.jpg

Five Methods for Reversing Neurological Inflammation from Lyme Disease

foggy woods

For people diagnosed with Lyme disease that have chronic headaches, memory problems, and meningitis
by Greg Lee

Have you ever driven along a foggy road? On a drive through the mountains, I was enveloped by a thick fog. I had to slow down to 10 miles per hour because I could only see a few feet in front of me. My anxiety would increase if I saw something in the road. With my knuckles tightly grasping the wheel, my mind was hyper-focused on not hitting another car or a tree. How is driving through the fog similar to inflammation in the brain from Lyme disease?

Similar to fog along the road, inflammation from Lyme disease can slow down the brain
Lyme disease produces toxins and lipoproteins which trigger the immune system to produce many different kinds of inflammation. In the cerebrospinal fluid of Lyme disease patients, multiple inflammatory compounds have been detected: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and the chemokine ligands CXCL12 and CXCL131. In another lab study, primary microglia cells, which are macrophages found in the brain and spinal cord, co-cultured with B. burgdorferi released inflammatory compounds IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-4 (CCL4), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-5 (CCL5)2. Increased levels of an excitotoxin called quinolinic acid have been detected especially in Lyme patients with central nervous system inflammation3. Lyme patients with brain inflammation can have a variety of symptoms.

Lyme inflammation can aggravate symptoms of pain, swelling, poor concentration, and mood swings
Elevated inflammatory compounds have been associated with physical, mental, and emotional symptoms in patients. Some of these people report symptoms of brain fog4, concentration difficulties, memory recall problems, forgetfulness5, confusion, being spaced out, feeling ADD (attention deficit disorder), unable to process information, easily overwhelmed, and easily distractable. Physical symptoms have been described as pressure pushing out from the inside of the head, meningitis, chronic headaches6, dizziness7, vision problems8, stiffness, and a thick feeling in the head. Other people have described feeling depressed, suicidal, hopeless9, a lack of motivation, anxious10, and a lack of joy. Some medications help with reducing symptoms associated with Lyme inflammation.

Medications like Celebrex and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) can help relieve symptoms
LDN has been shown to reduce inflammatory symptoms, depression, and cognitive issues11. Patients with Lyme disease have reported significant reductions in pain levels and inflammatory symptoms from LDN and Celebrex. Minocycline and doxycycline also reduce inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) , IL-6, and IL-812. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to LDN or Celebrex. And other patients may experience photosensitive skin reactions13 or digestion problems with extended antibiotic use14.

Are there natural treatments and remedies that can help to reduce inflammatory symptoms in the brain with minimal side effects?

Fortunately, there are five methods that can help to alleviate symptoms of Lyme disease inflammation in the central nervous system
These five methods include treatments and remedies that help patients to quickly relieve and eliminate the symptoms of inflammation in the nervous system. These methods have been effective in patients that have not improved with anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments and remedies draw out inflammation and toxins directly or have inhibited inflammatory cytokines in lab and animal studies.

Reduce CNS Inflammation Method #1: Cupping and bloodletting
Cupping combined with bloodletting has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia and the Middle East. Lyme patients with CNS inflammation have multiple suction cups placed on the head and neck to draw out toxins from the nervous system. Next, the cups are removed and needles are inserted to make very small holes to draw out the toxins. The needles are removed and the cups are placed back on. In each cup, a small quantity of fluid is drawn out of the body. In cupping studies, the extracted blood has been found to be high in toxins15 and inflammatory compounds16. Lyme disease patients that become more inflamed with antibiotics report greater mental clarity, reduced swelling and head pain, and increased emotional ease immediately after receiving cupping and bloodletting. Liposomal herbs also help with reducing inflammatory symptoms in the central nervous system.

Reduce CNS Inflammation Method #2: Liposomal herbs and supplements
A liposome is a microscopic particle that is surrounded with a fat also called a lipid. Liposomal remedies are more effective at penetrating inside the brain17 and the nervous system18 than their non-liposomal equivalents. When anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements are delivered via liposomes, patients with inflammatory symptoms experience greater relief of head pressure, sleep disturbances, and less painful emotions. These liposomal mixtures contain compounds that are formulated for reducing cytokines and chemokines that have been found in Lyme patients with inflammation and CNS symptoms and detected in lab studies.

Inflammatory cytokine / chemokine: anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements
CCL2: Bupleurum, Chinese name: Chai Hu19, Salvia miltiorrhiza Chinese name: Dan Shen20, and Huperzine A21.
CCL3: Radix Sophorae, Chinese name: Ku Shen22 and Scrophularia, Chinese name: Xuan Shen23.
CCL4: Scrophularia, Chinese name: Xuan Shen24.
CCL5: Lemongrass, Chinese name: Xiang Mao Cao25 and Nelumbo nucifera, lotus seed, Chinese name: Lian Zi26.
CXCL12: Nigella sativa or black cumin seed, Chinese name: Hei Zhong Cao Zi27 and Astragalus membranaceus, Chinese name: Huang Qi28.
CXCL13: none found at the time of publication.

IL-6: Pueraria, Chinese name: Ge Gen29, Gotu Kola, Chinese name: Ji Xue Cao30, Andrographis paniculata, Chinese name: Chuan Xin Lian31, Isatidis root, Chinese name: Ban Lan Gen32, Polygonum cuspidatum, Japanese knotweed,
Chinese name: Hu Zhang33, and Scutellaria, Chinese name: Huang Qin34.
IL-8: Turmeric, Chinese name: Jiang Huang35, Tree peony, Paeonia Suffruticosa, Chinese name: Mu Dan Pi36, Scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese name: Huang Qin37, Schisandra chinensis, Chinese name: Wu Wei Zi38, Ginger, Chinese name: Gan Jiang39, and Crataegus fruit, Chinese name: Shan Zha40.
IL-12: Peony, Chinese name: Bai Shao41, Scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese name: Huang Qin42, Salvia root, Chinese name: Dan Shen43, and Stephania tetrandra, Chinese name: Fang Ji44.
IL-18: Emblica officinalis fruit, Ayurvedic name: Amalaki, Chinese name: Yu Gan Zi45, Cordyceps, Chinese name: Dong Chong Xia Cao46, Crataegus fruit, Chinese name: Shan Zha47, Nigella sativa, Chinese name: Hei Zhong Cao Zi48, Turmeric, Chinese name: Jiang Huang49, Pulsatilla, Chinese name: Bai Tou Weng50, and Salvia miltiorrhiza, Chinese name: Dan Shen51.
IFN-γ: Stephania tetrandra root, Chinese name: Fang Ji52, Acanthopanax senticosus, Chinese name: Ci Wu Jia53, Taraxacum officinale, Chinese dandelion, Chinese name: Pu Gong Ying54, and Peony, Chinese name: Bai
Shao55.
Quinolinic acid: Sida cordifolia, Chinese name: Ke Dong, Ayurvedic name: Bala56. Essential oils have also helped to clear inflammation in the nervous system.

Reduce CNS Inflammation Method #3: Sublingual essential oils
Lyme disease patients with CNS inflammation are given a customized formula of essential oils to take under their tongue (sublingual) and also in liposomal form to reduce inflammation in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory essentail oils may include: lemongrass57, clove58, Nigella sativa or black cumin seed59, ginger60, turmeric61, and thyme62. Patients report better sleep, reduced head pressure, less post nasal drip, and greater mental clarity. Not only essential oils, but also Frequency Specific Microcurrent can be used to reduce inflammation.

Reduce CNS inflammation Method #4: Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses millionth of an ampere electrical currents to reduce toxicity and inflammation. Frequencies for decreasing inflammation, detoxifying, and promoting healing are combined with frequencies to target inflamed areas of the brain and nervous system. These anti-inflammatory frequencies can be directed into areas of the brain like the forebrain, midbrain, cerebellum, pineal, pituitary, basal ganglia, cingulate, meninges, prefrontal cortex, or the temporal lobe63. Acupuncture and moxabustion can also help to target CNS inflammation.

Reduce CNS inflammation Method #5: Acupuncture and moxabustion
In human and animal studies, acupuncture64 and herb partition moxabustion have been effective at reducing inflammatory compounds65. Herb partition moxabustion places on a patient’s skin powdered anti-inflammatory herbs: cones of artemisia argyii (ai ye) over a combination of aconite cortex, Chinese name: Fu Zi or Cao Wu or Chuan Wu, Safflower, Chinese name: Hong Hua, and Salvia root, Chinese name: Dan Shen. The herbs are ignited to release their medicinal properties to reduce inflammation. Many treatments and remedies can help to address neurological inflammation symptoms.

Multiple remedies and treatments can help to reduce symptoms of neurological inflammation from Lyme disease
Similar to driving out of the fog, the proper combination of cupping and bloodletting, liposomal anti-inflammatory remedies, essential oils, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, acupuncture and moxabustion helps your brain to overcome the symptoms of neurological inflammation from Lyme disease. 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 helped to relieve central nervous system inflammation from Lyme disease? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday January 5th at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation 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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48. Ahmad I, Muneer KM, Tamimi IA, Chang ME, Ata MO, Yusuf N. Thymoquinone suppresses metastasis of melanoma cells by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2013 Jul 1;270(1):70-6. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.03.027. Epub 2013 Apr 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23583630
49. Somanawat K, Thong-Ngam D, Klaikeaw N. Curcumin attenuated paracetamol overdose induced hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Mar 28;19(12):1962-7. doi:
10.3748/wjg.v19.i12.1962. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3613112/
50. Wang ZL, Sun PP, Li TX, Li SX. [Pulsatilla decoction treat inflammatory bowel disease by activating NLRP3]. [Article in Chinese] Zhong Yao Cai. 2012 Aug;35(8):1280-
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320362
51. Zhou ZH, Weng Q, Zhou JH, Zhou J. Extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on the cytokines of rat endometriosis models. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2012 Apr 2;9(3):303-14. eCollection 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23983360
52. Feng D, Mei Y, Wang Y, Zhang B, Wang C, Xu L. Tetrandrine protects mice from concanavalin A-induced hepatitis through inhibiting NF-kappaB activation. Immunol Lett. 2008 Dec 22;121(2):127-33. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2008.10.001. Epub 2008 Nov 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18992279
53. Lin QY, Jin LJ, Cao ZH, Xu YP. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase by Acanthopanax senticosus extract in RAW264.7 macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jul 23;118(2):231-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.003. Epub 2008 Apr 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18486372
54. Zhang X, Xiong H, Li H, Cheng Y. Protective effect of taraxasterol against LPS-induced endotoxic shock by modulating inflammatory responses in mice. Immunopharmacol
Immunotoxicol. 2014 Feb;36(1):11-6. doi: 10.3109/08923973.2013.861482. Epub 2013 Nov 29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24286370
55. Wang YN, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhu DX, Xu LQ, Fang H, Wu W. The beneficial effect of total glucosides of paeony on psoriatic arthritis links to circulating Tregs and Th1 cell function. Phytother Res. 2014 Mar;28(3):372-81. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5005. Epub 2013 Apr 23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23610010
56. Swathy SS, Panicker S, Nithya RS, Anuja MM, Rejitha S, Indira M. Antiperoxidative and antiinflammatory effect of Sida cordifolia Linn. on quinolinic acid induced neurotoxicity. Neurochem Res. 2010 Sep;35(9):1361-7. doi: 10.1007/s11064-010-0192-5. Epub 2010 May 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20499166
57. Francisco V, Costa G, Figueirinha A, Marques C, Pereira P, Miguel Neves B, Celeste Lopes M, García-Rodríguez C, Teresa Cruz M, Teresa Batista M. Anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon citratus leaves infusion via proteasome and nuclear factor-κB pathway inhibition: contribution of chlorogenic acid. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jun 21;148(1):126-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.077. Epub 2013 Apr 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23583902
58. Grespan R, Paludo M, Lemos Hde P, Barbosa CP, Bersani-Amado CA, Dalalio MM, Cuman RK. Anti-arthritic effect of eugenol on collagen-induced arthritis experimental model. Biol Pharm Bull. 2012;35(10):1818-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23037170
59. Badr G, Mohany M, Abu-Tarboush F. Thymoquinone decreases F-actin polymerization and the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation and Bcl2/Bcl-XL expression. Lipids Health Dis. 2011 Dec 16;10:236. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-10-236. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339355/
60. Podlogar JA, Verspohl EJ. Antiinflammatory effects of ginger and some of its components in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Phytother Res. 2012 Mar;26(3):333-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3558. Epub 2011 Jun 23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21698672
61. Song Y, Ge W, Cai H, Zhang H. Curcumin protects mice from coxsackievirus B3-induced myocarditis by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt/nuclear factor-κB pathway. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Nov;18(6):560-9. doi: 10.1177/1074248413503044. Epub 2013 Sep 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24057864
62. A. Ocaña and G. Reglero, “Effects of Thyme Extract Oils (from Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis, and Thymus hyemalis) on Cytokine Production and Gene Expression of oxLDL-Stimulated THP-1-Macrophages,” Journal of Obesity, vol. 2012, Article ID 104706, 11 pages, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/104706 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jobe/2012/104706/
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Image courtesy David Wright of Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downhill_through_the_Tulgy_Wood_to_Bonby_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1066231.jpg

How These Five Strategies Help Your Tendons and Joints to Heal from Ciprofloxacin Damage

wooden table

For people with Lyme disease who have sore, swollen tendons and joints after taking cipro
by Greg Lee

Have you ever regretted leaving something outside in the rain? I took a wooden table outside to hold some snacks for guests. Towards evening, we took everything back inside except the table. That night, a passing shower soaked the table. Unfortunately, the table top was made out of pressed wood and warped into a roller coaster shape from the rain.

How is a warped table top similar to joint inflammation after taking ciprofloxacin?

Similar to rain that has warped a table, ciprofloxacin can warp joints out of shape
Ciprofloxacin, also known as cipro, is an antibiotic used to treat many infections including Lyme disease and co-infections. This drug has been effective against a broad range of pathogens including many gram negative bacteria. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Cipro has been used especially to treat infections in the respiratory, urinary, and digestion tracts. Unfortunately, cipro can produce painful conditions especially in joints, including tendon rupture[1]. The high risk of tendon damage has also been acknowledged by the US Food and Drug Administration placing a “Black Box” warning on the drug. Patients at greater risk are over 60 years old, corticosteroid users, nursing infants, and kidney, lung, and heart transplant recipients[2]. There are clears signs and symptoms associated with ciprofloxacin tendon damage.

Ciprofloxacin can produce redness and swelling around affected tendons and joints
After taking ciproflaxin for three days, Anton experienced redness, swelling, and severe pain in his left wrist. The redness and pain migrated to his left hip and left ankle. He was unable to use these joints due to severe pain. Other patients have reported similar symptoms that lasted for weeks after taking cipro. Cipro has been found to degrade type-I collagen found in tendons, joints, and skin by upregulating Matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2)[3]. This antibiotic has been cited repeatedly as the cause of Achilles tendon ruptures. If a tendon has been ruptured, then a joint will become immovable.

Cipro has also been associated with gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, headache, dizziness, insomnia, skin eruptions, vision damage, gait problems[4], Clostridium dificile diarrhea[5], and irreversible peripheral neuropathy, weakness, burning pain, tingling, or numbness[6]. This antibiotic can deplete important compounds like magnesium[7] and glutathione[8] out of collagen. Higher doses have been found to lead to a greater severity of symptoms. Symptoms can occur hours to several months after taking the medication. Once tendon or joint symptoms occur, patients are recommended to discontinue taking the medication. What are the recommendations for reducing tendon inflammation and damage after taking cipro?

Rest and physical therapy are recommended for treating cipro pain and inflammation
Rest and physical therapy are the main recommendations for reducing cipro damage in symptomatic tendons and joints. Unfortunately, this approach relies solely upon the body’s ability to detoxify the cipro and repair the damage.

If tendon pain or rupture can occur months after taking cipro, what else can help patients to reduce pain and inflammation and protect against tendon rupture?

Here are five strategies for reducing pain, inflammation and repairing collagen damage in people who have taken cipro
There are five strategies that can help to reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation in patients that have been taking ciprofloxacin. These strategies focus on reducing inflammation through treatment and natural remedies. Some of these strategies are also for promoting the repair of damaged collagen.

Strategy #1: Cupping and bloodletting to reduce inflammation in affected joints
Anton discontinued use of cipro when his first symptoms appeared. Despite stopping quickly, his symptoms continued to migrate along his left side. Fortunately, he received a treatment called wet cupping which applied suction cups to the symptomatic joints. During this procedure, the cups were removed and needles were used to make small holes where the cup had been. Next, the needles were removed and the cups were re-applied to pull out inflammation[9]. Within a few minutes, the redness and swelling disappeared. At the end of the treatment, Anton reported a 90% reduction in pain and discomfort, and a much greater flexibility in his joint mobility. A treatment called Frequency Specific Microcurrent was also used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Strategy #2: Frequency Specific Microcurrent for reducing inflammation, inorganic chemicals, and promoting healing
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses very low electrical signals of a millionth of an amp to reduce inflammation, detoxify inorganic chemicals, and promote healing in ligament, tendons, and joints[10]. These frequencies can be directed into specific joints all over the body. Anton received multiple sessions of Frequency Specific Microcurrent aimed at clearing inflammation and repairing his damaged joints. Supplements can also help with reducing symptoms and promoting collagen healing.

Strategy #3: Supplements for reducing collagen damage
Anton added magnesium and vitamin E to his daily supplements. In one rat study, rats fed a diet supplemented with magnesium and vitamin E for ten days had a decreased amount of ciprofloxacin induced joint cartilage lesions[11]. He also received customized liposomal remedies to protect against cipro damage.

Strategy #4: Liposomal nutrients for reducing inflammation
Anton was given a liposomal remedy of glutathione and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which provided substantial protection against ciprofloxacin in one lab study[12]. Glutathione is a compound produced in the body, that helps to reduce inflammation and toxicity[13]. In addition to supplements, herbs can also help to reduce inflammation in patients damaged by cipro.

Strategy #5: Liposomal herbs for reducing serum levels of cipro, lowering inflammation, and restoring collagen
Anton was also given a liposomal herbal combination to stop the spreading of his symptoms, reducing inflammation, and to promote healing of damaged collagen. His herbs included Chinese dandelion, sanguisorbia, red root, sophora root, scutellaria, angelica root, astragalus root, and rehmannia root.

In one rat study, Chinese dandelion, Chinese name: Pu Gong Ying lowered the maximum plasma concentration of cipro by 73%[14], and sanguisorbia, Chinese name: Di Yu lowered the maximum plasma concentration by 94%[15]. In a rat study, a compound called Tanshinone IIA found in red root, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Chinese name: Dan Shen reduced MMP-2 levels[16]. Matrine which is a compound found in sophora root, Chinese name: Ku Shen also reduced MMP-2 in another rat study[17]. Wogonin is found in scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese name: Huang Qin and was found in a lab study to reduce MMP-2[18]. A compound called SBD.4 found in angelica root increased Type-I collagen in a human dermal fibroblast study[19]. In another lab study, astragalus root, Chinese name: Huang Qi combined with rehmannia root, Chinese name: Sheng Di Huang upregulated the expression of Type I and Type III collagen[20]. A combination of treatment and remedies can be effective at overcoming the damage caused by ciprofloxacin.

Using a combination of remedies and treatments can help you to reduce inflammation and promote healing in cipro damaged joints
Just like sanding smooth the warped areas and refinishing the table top, the proper combination of treatments, anti-inflammatory, and collagen healing remedies can help to counteract the damage caused by cipro. Cupping and bloodletting, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, supplements, and liposomal remedies helped Anton to clear inflammation, reduce stiffness and pain, and rapidly promote healing of damaged collagen in his tendons and joints. In a few treatments, the redness, swelling, and pain was gone from his joints. 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 helped to relieve damage from cipro treatment? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday October 6th at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation from cipro, Bartonella, toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, 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

[1] Menon A, Pettinari L, Martinelli C, Colombo G, Portinaro N, Dalle-Donne I, d’Agostino MC, Gagliano N. New insights in extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen turnover related pathways in cultured human tenocytes after ciprofloxacin administration. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2013 Aug 11;3(3):122-31. eCollection 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24367771

[2] Kawtharani F, Masrouha KZ, Afeiche N. Bilateral Achilles Tendon Ruptures Associated with Ciprofloxacin Use in the Setting of Minimal Change Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2014 Sep 1. pii: S1067-2516(14)00323-8. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2014.07.005. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25189336

[3] Tsai WC, Hsu CC, Chen CP, Chang HN, Wong AM, Lin MS, Pang JH. Ciprofloxacin up-regulates tendon cells to express matrix metalloproteinase-2 with degradation of type I collagen. J Orthop Res. 2011 Jan;29(1):67-73. doi: 10.1002/jor.21196. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602464

[4] G. K. Kim, The Risk of Fluoroquinolone-induced Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: What Does The Clinician Need To Know? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Apr 2010; 3(4): 49–54. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921747/

[5] Owens RC Jr, Donskey CJ, Gaynes RP, Loo VG, Muto CA. Antimicrobial-associated risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2008 Jan 15;46 Suppl 1:S19-31. doi: 10.1086/521859. https://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/46/Supplement_1/S19.full

[6] FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires label changes to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/019537s082,020780s040lbl.pdf

[7] K. Pfister, D. Mazur, J. Vormann, and R. Stahlmann, Diminished Ciprofloxacin-Induced Chondrotoxicity by Supplementation with Magnesium and Vitamin E in Immature Rats. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. Mar 2007; 51(3): 1022–1027. Published online Jan 8, 2007. doi:  10.1128/AAC.01175-06. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1803142/

[8] V. Talla and P.R. Veerareddy. Oxidative Stress Induced by Fluoroquinolones on Treatment for Complicated Urinary Tract Infections in Indian Patients. J Young Pharm. 2011 Oct-Dec; 3(4): 304–309. doi:  10.4103/0975-1483.90242 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249743/

[9] Zhang CQ, Liang TJ, Zhang W. Effects of drug cupping therapy on immune function in chronic asthmatic bronchitis patients during protracted period. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Nov; 26(11) pp. 984-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17186726

[10] Dong P, Zhang Y, Gu J, Wu W, Li M, Yang J, Zhang L, Lu J, Mu J, Chen L, Li S, Wang J, Liu Y.. Wogonin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, inhibits the mobility and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells by inducing the expression of maspin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 11;137(3):1373-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Aug 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21855619

[11] K. Pfister, D. Mazur, J. Vormann, and R. Stahlmann, Diminished Ciprofloxacin-Induced Chondrotoxicity by Supplementation with Magnesium and Vitamin E in Immature Rats. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. Mar 2007; 51(3): 1022–1027. Published online Jan 8, 2007. doi:  10.1128/AAC.01175-06. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1803142/

[12] M. Goswami, S. H. Mangoli, and N. Jawali. Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Action of Ciprofloxacin against Escherichia coli. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. Mar 2006; 50(3): 949–954. doi:  10.1128/AAC.50.3.949-954.2006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1426460/

[13] Rahman I. Inflammation and the regulation of glutathione level in lung epithelial cells. Antioxid Redox Signal. 1999 Winter;1(4):425-47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11233143

[14] Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 179. https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Medical-Herbology-Pharmacology-John/dp/0974063509

[15] Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., p. 569. https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Medical-Herbology-Pharmacology-John/dp/0974063509

[16] Jiang P, Li C, Xiang Z, Jiao B. Tanshinone IIA reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting iNOS, MMP‑2 and NF‑κBp65 transcription and translation in the temporal lobes of rat models of Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Med Rep. 2014 Aug;10(2):689-94. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2254. Epub 2014 May 20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24859152

[17] Zhang S, Kan QC, Xu Y, Zhang GX, Zhu L. Inhibitory effect of matrine on blood-brain barrier disruption for the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;2013:736085. doi: 10.1155/2013/736085. Epub 2013 Sep 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24194630

[18] Dong P, Zhang Y, Gu J, Wu W, Li M, Yang J, Zhang L, Lu J, Mu J, Chen L, Li S, Wang J, Liu Y. Wogonin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, inhibits the mobility and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells by inducing the expression of maspin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 11;137(3):1373-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Aug 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21855619

[19] Zhao H, Deneau J, Che GO, Li S, Vagnini F, Azadi P, Sonon R, Ramjit R, Lee SM, Bojanowski K. Angelica sinensis isolate SBD.4: composition, gene expression profiling, mechanism of action and effect on wounds, in rats and humans. Eur J Dermatol. 2012 Jan-Feb;22(1):58-67. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2011.1599. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22146555

[20] Zhang Q, Fong CC, Yu WK, Chen Y, Wei F, Koon CM, Lau KM, Leung PC, Lau CB, Fung KP, Yang M. Herbal formula Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae Radix exerted wound healing effect on human skin fibroblast cell line Hs27 via the activation of transformation growth factor (TGF-β) pathway and promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Phytomedicine. 2012 Dec 15;20(1):9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.006. Epub 2012 Oct 17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23083814

Image courtesy of David40226543 on Wikimedia Commons

 

How These Six Techniques Help You to Overcome a Neurological Bartonella Infection

hikarate kids

For people with Bartonella that have tremors, anxiety, or memory loss
by Greg Lee

When I first started studying karate, I was taught the basics including: punching, kicking, blocking, and different stances. When I fought against more experienced students, I scored much lower in karate competitions. Later, I learned combinations of techniques like: block – punch; feint – sweep front leg – kick; or block – wrist grab – shoulder throw – pin. These combinations proved to be more effective at getting higher scores at competitions.

How is advanced karate fighting similar to treating neurological bartonella?

Similar to fighting a karate student that knows many attacks, Bartonella has multiple techniques for fighting, evading, and controlling the immune system
There are at least seventeen species of Bartonella that have been found to infect humans¹, with B. henselae and B. quintana being the most commonly diagnosed in my practice. People can contract it from insect bites (ticks, fleas, lice, flies, and mites), scratches or bites from infected animals, blood transfusion, from mother to unborn child in utero², and organ transplants³. This germ employs multiple techniques to evade, fight, and take over parts of the immune system. It uses bacterial adhesions to bind to the extracellular matrix parts of cells, endothelial cells, and collagen⁴. Bartonella uses effector proteins to take over cellular immune function to enable the bacteria to enter and hide inside cells⁵. Another technique which enables this bacteria to survive inside cells longer is it’s ability to manipulate cellular signals which prevent cell death⁶. It has been found to infect endothelial cells⁷, lymph tissue⁸, liver cells⁹, the spleen¹⁰, heart tissue, lungs¹¹, breast tissue¹², eye tissue, and the central nervous system¹³.

Bartonella stimulates the immune system to produce Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), which is a potentiator of VEGF, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) to help it spread through it’s host¹⁴. Bartonella also triggers the production of inflammatory compounds called cytokines which include: Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), and Interferon gamma (IFNγ)¹⁵. This germ has a hardened shell around it which is also called a gram-negative bacteria. Bartonella can produce unpleasant neurological symptoms.

Bartonella can lead to troubling symptoms in the nervous system
This infection can lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms including: headaches, vision loss, meningitis¹⁶, migraines, fatigue, memory loss, disorientation, insomnia, poor coordination, debilitating depression, disorientation, seizures, ataxia, tremors, ischemic stroke, cerebral arteritis, transverse myelitis, radiculitis, grand mal seizures, epilepsia partialis continua, status epilepticus, coma, and fatal encephalitis. Antibiotic treatment can help relieve symptoms, however it is not effective at eliminating the infection¹⁷. Antibiotic resistant strains have been found in several Bartonella species to quinolones¹⁸, rifampin¹⁹, macrolides²⁰, fluoroquinolones²¹, and gentamicin²². In some cases, this infection can resolve itself with out medications²³.

What else can help you to fight a central nervous system (CNS), inflammation producing, drug-resistant, intracellular, immune system manipulating Bartonella infection?

Six techniques for overcoming a neurological Bartonella infection
In order to overcome a central nervous system Bartonella infection, here are six methods that have helped reduce many neurological Bartonella symptoms including memory loss, brain fog, tremors, and inflammation. These techniques and remedies help you to counteract the different ways that Bartonella attacks, evades, and controls your immune system. Given the intracellular nature of this infection, these medicines and treatments are specific designed to penetrate inside cells and into the nervous system to rid infection and inflammation.

1. Technique #1: Liposomal anti-Bartonella and anti-inflammatory remedies
When anti-Bartonella and anti-inflammatory remedies are processed into a microscopic particle and then surrounded with a lipid, this is called a liposome²⁴. Compared to their non-liposomal equivalents, liposomal remedies are more effective at penetrating inside endothelial cells²⁵, the liver²⁶, the brain, the spleen, bone marrow, blood cells²⁷, and the nervous system²⁸. Anti-Bartonella herbs include houttuynia, Chinese name Yu Xing Cao, isatis root and Chinese name Ban Lan Gen²⁹ that are combined with anti-inflammatory herbs including polygonum cuspidatum, Chinese name Hu Zhang³⁰, reishi mushroom, Chinese name Ling Zhi³¹, agaricus mushroom, Chinese name Ji Song Rong³², rehmannia root, Chinese name Shu Di Huang³³, scutellaria baicalensis, Chinese name Huang Qin³⁴, rhodiola, Chinese name Hong Jing Tian³⁵, and polygala tenufolia, Chinese name Yuan Zhi³⁶ have a dramatic effect on reducing neurological symptoms in patients diagnosed with Bartonella. In multiple lab, animal, and clinical studies, these herbs help to reduce proinflammatory cytokines in the nervous system. In addition to herbs, minute electrical currents help to reduce inflammation, toxicity and infection.

2. Technique #2: Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses millionth of an ampere electrical currents to reduce bacterial infections, toxicity, and inflammation³⁷. Frequencies for attacking Bartonella, toxins, inflammation, and promoting healing are combined with frequencies to target locations where this bacteria likes to hide. These frequencies target organs like the brain, liver, spleen, and the heart. This method can also direct anti-bacterial frequencies into tissues where Bartonella infections reside including the blood vessels, blood cells, lymphatic tissue, eye tissues, and bone marrow. Frequencies are also directed to kill and detoxify intracellular infections. Homeopathic remedies can also help to target a Bartonella infection.

3. Technique #3: Anti-Bartonella homeopathic remedies
A Bartonella Series Remedy use multiple strength homeopathic medicines to target different hiding places in the body. In order to minimize Herxheimer reactions, a patient will start with the lowest strength remedy. Over the course of a month, they will take increasing strength remedies to target deeper and deeper levels where Bartonella is hiding in the body. Many patients experience mild to moderate toxic die-off Herxheimer reactions with increasing strength remedies. Pulling inflammatory compounds quickly out of the body also reduces or eliminates Bartonella toxic die-off reactions.

4. Technique #4: Cupping and bloodletting detoxification
Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia and the Middle East. Suction cups are placed on the back of the head and neck to draw out toxins from the nervous system. Next, the cups are removed and needles are inserted to make very small holes to draw out the toxins. The needles are removed and the cups are placed back on. In each cup, a small quantity of fluid is drawn out of the body. In cupping studies, the extracted blood has been found to be high in toxins³⁸ and inflammatory compounds³⁹. Patients diagnosed with Bartonella report greater focus, clarity, and multitasking ability after receiving cupping and bloodletting. Low light therapy is also helpful for relieving neurological Bartonella symptoms.

5. Technique #5: Low light therapy neurological healing and detoxification
In rodent and neuronal studies, 670 nm near infrared low light therapy dramatically improved healing in rat brain cells after traumatic brain injury⁴⁰ and increased energy metabolism in neurons inactivated by toxins⁴¹.  Patients diagnosed with Bartonella report a marked decrease in anxiety, brain fog, and memory recall problems after receiving two minutes of 670 nm low light therapy on their head. In addition to light therapy, moxabustion is also effective at reducing neurological symptoms.

6. Technique #6: Ultrapure moxabustion for neurological detoxification
Ultrapure moxabustion uses a specific part of common plant called artemisia argyii, also known as mugwort or moxa, Chinese name: Ai Ye. Only the underside hairs of the leaves are used to make ultra pure moxa. In artemisia plant studies, the highest concentration of active compounds is found in the leaves⁴². When ultra pure moxa is rolled into tiny threads and burned on different areas of the head, patients diagnosed with neuro Bartonella report a dramatic improvement in their mental clarity, emotional stability, and multitasking ability. Many treatments and natural remedies can dramatically help people with neurological Bartonella to reduce persistent inflammation and neurological symptoms.

A highly targeted combination of remedies and treatments can help you to overcome a neurological Bartonella infection
Just like learning effective fighting combinations that help you win karate competitions, the proper combination of liposomal anti-Bartonella and anti-inflammatory remedies, homeopathic remedies, microcurrent, cupping and bloodletting, light therapy, and moxabustion helps you to overcome a neurological Bartonella infection. 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 helped to relieve neurological Bartonella symptoms? Tell us about it.

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

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13. Pinto Jr VL, Curi AL, Pinto Ada S, Nunes EP, Teixeira Mde L, Rozental T, Favacho AR, Castro EL, Bóia MN. Cat scratch disease complicated with aseptic meningitis and neuroretinitis. Braz J Infect Dis. 2008 Apr;12(2):158-60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18641856

14. Resto-Ruiz SI, Schmiederer M, Sweger D, Newton C, Klein TW, Friedman H, Anderson BE. Induction of a potential paracrine angiogenic loop between human THP-1 macrophages and human microvascular endothelial cells during Bartonella henselae infection. Infect Immun. 2002 Aug;70(8):4564-70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12117969

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17. Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG, Nicholson WL, Cherry NA, Woods CW. Bartonella sp. bacteremia in patients with neurological and neurocognitive dysfunction. J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Sep;46(9):2856-61. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00832-08. Epub 2008 Jul 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2546763/

18. del Valle LJ, Flores L, Vargas M, García-de-la-Guarda R, Quispe RL, Ibañez ZB, Alvarado D, Ramírez P, Ruiz J. Bartonella bacilliformis, endemic pathogen of the Andean region, is intrinsically resistant to quinolones. Int J Infect Dis. 2010 Jun;14(6):e506-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.07.025. Epub 2009 Dec 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19969497

19. Biswas S, Raoult D, Rolain JM. Molecular characterisation of resistance to rifampin in Bartonella quintana. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009 Dec;15 Suppl 2:100-1. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02179.x. Epub 2009 Dec 24. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02179.x/full

20. Biswas S, Raoult D, Rolain JM. Molecular characterization of resistance to macrolides in Bartonella henselae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006 Sep;50(9):3192-3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1563522/

21. Angelakis E, Raoult D, Rolain JM. Molecular characterization of resistance to fluoroquinolones in Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 Jun;63(6):1288-9. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkp133. Epub 2009 Apr 15. https://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2009/04/15/jac.dkp133.full

22. Biswas S, Raoult D, Rolain JM. Molecular mechanism of gentamicin resistance in Bartonella henselae. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009 Dec;15 Suppl 2:98-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02178.x. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02178.x/pdf

23. Rolain JM, Brouqui P, Koehler JE, Maguina C, Dolan MJ, Raoult D. Recommendations for treatment of human infections caused by Bartonella species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2004 Jun;48(6):1921-33. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15155180

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25. Ohara M, Ohyama Y Deno S, Takemoto N, Iwata H. Introduction of antioxidant-loaded liposomes into endothelial cell surfaces through DNA hybridization. Bioorg Med Chem. 2014 Jan 1;22(1):350-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.11.023. Epub 2013 Nov 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24345482.

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Image courtesy of Jjskarate on Wikimedia Commons

Why Chronic Depression Can Be Aggravated By a Hidden Toxoplasmosis Infection

miners

For people diagnosed with Lyme disease that feel stuck in a dark pit of hopelessness and depression
by Greg Lee

Imagine you are part of a rescue team that is working to rescue miners that are trapped in a mine collapse. You are your colleagues are racing against time to rescue the survivors before their air runs out. Using sensitive listening technology, you determined there are sounds which indicate possible survivors. Your rescue team works diligently, quickly, and safely to clear a path through blocked tunnels while reinforcing walls to prevent further collapse.

How is being trapped in an underground mine similar to hopelessness and depression in a person diagnosed with Lyme disease?

Just like being trapped in an underground mine, people with Lyme disease can feel hopeless and deeply depressed
Over a two year period, Fred went to several different Lyme literate specialists. He took medications for treating Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, biofilms, viruses, and Candida. He also took antidepressants, sleep medications, allergy medications, and steroids. Despite years of medications, he still suffered with insomnia, disabling joint pain, and fatigue. However, the emotional mood swings were the most difficult to endure.

Fred would often feel like he was at the bottom of a dark emotional pit
After struggling with the same symptoms for years, he felt afraid he would never get better. Medications for Babesia dramatically increased his anxiety and hopelessness. He tried saunas, IV magnesium, and lymphatic drainage to get rid of toxins which reduced his symptoms temporarily. However, the depression and hopelessness persisted. In desperation, he went to an alternative Lyme practitioner and got a big surprise.

Fred tested positive for a protozoa infection called Toxoplasmosis
Results from an electrodermal scan that checked for over four hundred possible infections showed toxoplasmosis as the biggest stressor on his system. Symptoms of a toxoplasmosis infection include: flu-like symptoms with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more. Severe toxoplasmosis, can cause damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs. Severe cases can develop from an acute toxoplasma infection or a latent infection that is being reactivated. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk. Occasionally, healthy people may have eye damage from toxoplasmosis which can include reduced vision, blurred vision, pain (often with bright light), redness of the eye, and sometimes tearing. A small percentage of infected newborns may have serious eye or brain damage at birth. Most have no symptoms at birth, and may develop symptoms later in life¹. Anti-malarial medications are effective at killing off toxoplasmosis.

Anti-toxoplasmosis medications can have dramatic side-effects
Anti-malarial medications like Mepron (atovaquone) which are used for treatment of toxoplasmosis can produce side-effects of erythema rashes, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, insomnia, fever, and liver function test abnormalities². Other anti-malarial remedies, Deraprim (pyrimethamine) and artemisinin are also used to treat toxoplasmosis. Unfortunately, Mepron³, Deraprim, and artemisinin resistant strains of toxoplasmosis are common. Drug resistance genes have also been transferred from malaria parasites to toxoplasma protozoa in lab experiments. Toxoplasmosis can dramatically affect brain chemistry and a person’s emotions.

Toxoplasmosis has been correlated with depression and suicide
Toxoplasmosis is estimated to infect a third of all humans on earth and is increasing. This infection has been linked with depression, violent suicides, and schizophrenia. Over 60 million people, which is around 22% of the population in the United States, are carriers of it. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted by eating infected food, drinking contaminated water, organ transplant, blood transfusion, passed from an infected mother to an unborn child, or possibly from ticks. In different animal studies, this infection can stimulate the production of inflammatory compounds called cytokines including: interferon (IFN-gamma), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha¹, IL-1, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)¹¹. Some of these cytokines can penetrate into the brain and can change a person’s mood. The cytokines IL-6 and TNF have been linked to a depletion of tryptophan and seritonin which may produce increased levels of anxiety, impulsiveness, and rapid changes in emotion¹².

What else besides medications can help to relieve dark depression and hopelessness caused by toxoplasmosis?

These five strategies help to reduce depression caused by a drug-resistant toxoplasmosis infection
These five strategies can help to reduce the anxiety, depression, and muscle pains from a toxoplasmosis infection. These strategies have demonstrated in lab and animal experiments the ability to inhibit toxoplasmosis and the inflammatory compounds that can affect mood swings. These strategies can be used simultaneously to promote a rapid shift in physical and emotional discomfort.

Strategy #1: Liposomal Anti-toxoplasmosis Remedies
Liposomes are very small particles which have a medication or a natural remedy in the center are surrounded by a fat called a lipid. Liposomal medications have been shown to more effective at fighting other protozoa infections¹³. Liposomal herbal remedies may be an effective alternative for reducing symptoms caused by drug-resistant toxoplasmosis. Fred received a liposomal mixture containing myrrh¹, sophora¹, artemisia¹, harmine which is an extract of syrian rue¹, astragalus and scutellaria¹ which helped to reduce emotional mood swings and muscle aches and pains.

Liposomal medications have also been shown to target tissues in the brain more effectively in animal studies¹. Other herbs were added to the liposomal mixture to help reduce brain inflammation caused by IL-6 or TNF included: licorice², cordyceps mushroom²¹, and coptis²². In addition to liposomal herbs, probiotics can help protect against toxoplasmosis.

Strategy #2: Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are the healthy bacteria in the gut which help to digest food, train the immune system, and resist pathogens²³. In one rat study, a combination of Bifidobacterium animalis and fructooligosaccharides enabled rats to survive a toxoplasmosis infection. All the rats who didn’t receive the probiotic perished². Fructooligosaccharide is a sweetener that feeds probiotic bacteria, also known as a prebiotic. Supplements can also help fight a toxoplasmosis infection.

Strategy #3: Supplements
In animal and lab studies, several supplements have enhanced the immune response to toxoplasmosis including: zinc, melatonin², lactoferrin inhibits the development of intracellular parasites², and silver nanoparticles alone or combined with chitosan decreased the mean number of parasites in the liver and spleen². Fred was given a silver nanoparticle solution to take sublingually every day to promote penetration into his nervous system. This silver solution was also imprinted with electrical frequencies that have anti-toxoplasmosis properties. He reported die off reactions in the first several weeks of taking the remedy. Microcurrent treatment can also help with reducing parasites and brain inflammation.

Strategy #4: Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses very low power, millionth of an amp, electrical currents to reduce single cell parasites and their toxins². In addition, frequencies can also be used to reduce inflammation in many different areas of the brain including the forebrain where the amygdala, thalamus, and hippocampus are. These structures are associated with emotional changes, depression, and anxiety. Fred’s anxiety decreased significantly after receiving Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatments. Laser delivered remedies can also relieve recurring toxoplasmosis emotions.

Strategy #5: Laser Delivered Anti-toxoplasmosis Remedies
Shining a 660 nm laser through a glass vial containing a homeopathic toxoplasmosis remedy or essential oil into the ear or into painful muscles can relieve persistent symptoms². Fred felt an immediate shift in his muscle aches with the laser delivered homeopathic toxoplasmosis remedy. Shinning the laser through a vial of myrrh essential oil into the ear and next clove essential oil helped to relieve brain fog and feelings of dissociation. “My brain feels normal!” remarked Fred. A combination of multiple anti-toxoplasmosis remedies and treatments can help dramatically reduce anxiety, depression, and painful muscles aches.

Employing multiple strategies for reducing toxoplasmosis and brain inflammation helps to relieve painful emotions
Similar to rescuing a group of trapped miners, a combination of liposomal herbs, probiotics, supplements, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, and laser delivered remedies can help relieve the underlying inflammation and debilitating emotions produced by a drug resistant toxoplasmosis infection. These strategies helped Fred to reduce his anxiety and depression by over 80%. Since several of these strategies require specialized training and may produce Herxheimer reactions, work with a Lyme literate acupuncturist to develop a safe and effective strategy for relieving persistent toxoplasmosis anxiety, depression, and muscle pains.

– Greg

P.S. Do you have experiences where toxoplasmosis treatments or remedies helped to relieve chronic anxiety or depression? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday July 7th at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, drug resistant arthritis, managing weight issues caused by toxins, reducing brain overwhelm, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, brucellosis, bartonella, Babesia, mold, parasites, abnormal fatigue, inflammation, and pain. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

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18. Yang X, Huang B, Chen J, Huang S, Zheng H, Lun ZR, Shen J, Wang Y, Lu F. In vitro effects of aqueous extracts of Astragalus membranaceus and Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI on Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res. 2012 Jun;110(6):2221-7. doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2752-2. Epub 2011 Dec 17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19389400

19. Huang YB, Tsai MJ, Wu PC, Tsai YH, Wu YH, Fang JY. Elastic liposomes as carriers for oral delivery and the brain distribution of (+)-catechin. J Drug Target. 2011 Sep;19(8):709-18. doi: 10.3109/1061186X.2010.551402. Epub 2011 Feb 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21303222

20. Okuma Y, Liu K, Wake H, Liu R, Nishimura Y, Hui Z, Teshigawara K, Haruma J, Yamamoto Y, Yamamoto H, Date I, Takahashi HK, Mori S, Nishibori M. Glycyrrhizin inhibits traumatic brain injury by reducing HMGB1-RAGE interaction. Neuropharmacology. 2014 May 20;85C:18-26. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.05.007. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24859607

21. Shin S, Lee S, Kwon J, Moon S, Lee S, Lee CK, Cho K, Ha NJ, Kim K. Cordycepin Suppresses Expression of Diabetes Regulating Genes by Inhibition of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammation in Macrophages. Immune Netw. 2009 Jun;9(3):98-105. doi: 10.4110/in.2009.9.3.98. Epub 2009 Jun 30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20107539

22. Choi YY, Kim MH, Cho IH, Kim JH, Hong J, Lee TH, Yang WM. Inhibitory effect of Coptis chinensis on inflammation in LPS-induced endotoxemia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Sep 16;149(2):506-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.07.008. Epub 2013 Jul 18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23871807

23. Shoaie S, Nielsen J. Elucidating the interactions between the human gut microbiota and its host through metabolic modeling. Front Genet. 2014 Apr 22;5:86. eCollection 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24795748

24. Ribeiro CM, Costa VM, Gomes MI, Golim MA, Modolo JR, Langoni H. Effects of synbiotic-based Bifidobacterium animalis in female rats experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2011 Mar;34(2):111-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2010.03.002. Epub 2010 Apr 20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20409588

25. Baltaci AK, Bediz CS, Mogulkoc R, Kurtoglu E, Pekel A. Effect of zinc and melatonin supplementation on cellular immunity in rats with toxoplasmosis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2003 Winter;96(1-3):237-45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14716103

26. Dzitko K, Dziadek B, Dziadek J, Długońska H. Toxoplasma gondii: inhibition of the intracellular growth by human lactoferrin. Pol J Microbiol. 2007;56(1):25-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17419186

27. Gaafar MR, Mady RF, Diab RG, Shalaby TI. Chitosan and silver nanoparticles: Promising anti-toxoplasma agents.Exp Parasitol. 2014 May 19. pii: S0014-4894(14)00119-2. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.05.005. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24852215

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

29. Cowden, L. Change the Terrain To Resolve Disease. 2012 Physician’s Round Table. January 28th, 2012. Tampa, FL.

How These Five Methods Help to Relieve Drug Resistant Lyme Disease Arthritis

microphone

For people with Lyme disease and persistent joint pains that don’t improve with antibiotics
by Greg Lee

Have you ever heard about the fancy devices that spies use to listen in on conversations? In Washington, DC, there is a Spy Museum where they have on display normal looking gadgets that were modified to carry miniature cameras and microphones. Even an artificial cherry was used to hide a small microphone for listening to conversations over drinks.

How is a hidden microphone similar to Lyme disease arthritis?

Just like a microphone that is hiding inside a normal object, Lyme bacteria like to burrow inside joints
Borrelia bacteria have been found by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in synovial joint fluid taken from arthritic Lyme patients¹. They have also been detected in collagen found in ligaments and tendons, which makes the bacteria invisible to the immune system². Unfortunately, collagen and cartilage have a lower amount of blood vessels, which can lead to insufficient levels of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines getting into joint tissues. As a result, Lyme patients can have persistent or recurring symptoms of arthritis joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation despite multiple medications³.

Despite multiple rounds of oral antibiotics, Audrey had recurring knee inflammation
Her rheumatoid arthritis factor test came back negative. She lives in a Lyme disease endemic area. After insisting on a Lyme test, Audrey got a positive western blot test. Under treatment with a Lyme literate physician, she was prescribed multiple rounds of antibiotics for Lyme and co-infections, antibiofilm remedies, and other medications which helped reduce the pain and stiffness in her joints. Despite these medications, her knee would swell up repeatedly and require draining. She decided to try other treatments to relieve her joint discomfort.

Physical therapy helped to relieve her joint inflammation
Audrey found that her knee inflammation reduced with Strain and Counterstrain treatment and craniosacral therapy from her physical therapist. She also found relief with infrared saunas and taking anti-inflammatory supplements like fish oil and baby aspirin. After several months of pursuing multiple treatments and taking many medications, she felt that something was still missing in getting to the root of her joint problems.

What else besides medications and hands-on treatment can help to relieve persistent joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation?

Fortunately, there are multiple methods that are effective at reducing stubborn Lyme disease joint pain and inflammation
These methods can help to reduce the toxins and inflammatory compounds that contribute to recurring joint pain and inflammation. They can also quickly relieve stiffness, aches, and frozen joints. These methods can be used simultaneously to promote rapid healing.

Method #1: Cupping and bloodletting
Cupping and bloodletting has been used continuously for thousands of years in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. It has been used effectively for treating rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. When suction cups were placed near Andrea’s inflamed joints, she experienced some relief of pain, stiffness, and swelling in her knee. Next, acupuncture needling were use to poke small holes under the suction cup to allow small quantities of blood and lymphatic fluids to be sucked into the cup. She noticed a dramatic reduction in the swelling and discomfort in her joint. In other studies, cupping extracted blood and fluids have been found to have a high amount of toxins and inflammatory compounds. Not only cupping and bloodletting, but also moxabustion is extremely effective at relieving joint discomfort.

Method #2: Moxabustion
Used for thousands of years in Asia, moxabustion is a treatment that uses finely ground artemisia argyii or artemisia vulgaris that is burned on tender skin points around symptomatic joints. Also, “moxa heated needles” use moxa that is burned on top of inserted needles to deliver heat into arthritic areas. Moxa has been used for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis¹. Burning small thread of ultra pure artemisia argyii on Andrea’s tender skin points was highly effective at reducing and eliminating joint pains within seconds. Moxa heated needle treatments using artemisia vulgaris also helped to quickly relieve deep joint discomfort. Frequency Specific Microcurrent is also effective at reducing inflammation and toxicity in painful joints.

Method #3: Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses very low power, millionth of an amp, electrical currents to reduce toxins and inflammation inside joints. Andrea’s microcurrent treatment used two electrical lead applied above and below her symptomatic joints. The first current used specific electrical frequencies to: reduce inflammation, neutralize toxins, treat arthritis, and to promote healing. The second set of frequencies used to target different specific joints like her hips, knees, hands and feet. It was also used to direct healing into specific tissues including cartilage, joint capsules, collagen, ligaments, and tendons¹¹. Laser delivered homeopathic remedies can also relieve stubborn joint problems.

Method #4: Laser Delivered Homeopathic Remedies
Shining a 980 nm laser through a glass vial containing a homeopathic remedy into a symptomatic joint can relieve persistent pain and inflammation¹². Despite all of her treatments and medications, one of her knee joints still had persistent inflammation and aches. Using the laser with two homeopathic remedies: first with Gc Protein Macrophage Activation Factor (GcMAF) and then Epstein Barr Virus remedy, Andrea experienced a deep warming inside her knee which intensified after ten minutes. Soon afterward, she remarked that her knee felt much cooler and more mobile. Liposomal anti-toxin and anti-inflammatory remedies also help to reduce joint pains.

Method #5: Liposomal Anti-inflammatory Remedies
Liposomes are remedies that are processed into very small particles and are surrounded by a fat called a lipid. Liposomal medications are more effective at penetrating into joints¹³. Liposomal remedies have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis¹, inflammatory arthritis¹, and osteoarthritis¹. Andrea found that liposomal glutathione was very effective at relieving joint swelling and stiffness. Andrea also took a customized combination of liposomal essential oils of lavender, frankincense, and nutmeg that helped to reduce her joint symptoms. A combination of multiple anti-inflammatory treatments and remedies can help dramatically reduce painful joints in Lyme disease patients

Combining multiple methods for detoxifying and reducing pain and inflammation helps to relieve persistent joint discomfort
Just like discovering a spy’s hidden microphone, a combination of cupping and bloodletting, moxabustion, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, laser delivered homeopathics, and liposomal remedies helps get at the underlying factors in drug resistant Lyme disease arthritis. These methods helped Andrea to reduce her joint pain from a subjective rating of 8 out of 10 to 1 out of 10. Since several of these methods may produce Herxheimer reactions, work with a Lyme literate acupuncturist to develop a safe and effective strategy for relieving your persistent Lyme disease joint inflammation and pain.

– Greg

P.S. Do you have experiences where treatments or remedies helped to relieve drug resistant Lyme arthritis? Tell us about it.

 

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday June 2nd at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for drug resistant arthritis, managing weight issues caused by toxins, reducing brain overwhelm, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, brucellosis, bartonella, Babesia, Lyme disease, mold, parasites, abnormal fatigue, inflammation, and pain. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

 

1. Jones KL, McHugh GA, Glickstein LJ, Steere AC. Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi genotypes in patients with Lyme arthritis: High frequency of ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer type 1 strains in antibiotic-refractory arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Jul;60(7):2174-82. doi: 10.1002/art.24812. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19565522

2. Stricker RB. Counterpoint: long-term antibiotic therapy improves persistent symptoms associated with lyme disease. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Jul 15;45(2):149-57. Epub 2007 Jun 5. https://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/45/2/149.full

3. Ross JJ, Hu LT. Bacterial and Lyme Arthritis. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2004 Oct;6(5):380-387. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15461889

4. Wong CK, Gidali A, Harris V. Deformity or dysfunction? Osteopathic manipulation of the idiopathic cavus foot: A clinical suggestion. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Feb;5(1):27-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21509155

5. Ahmed SM, Madbouly NH, Maklad SS, Abu-Shady EA. Immunomodulatory effects of blood letting cupping therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Egypt J Immunol. 2005;12(2):39-51. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17977209

6. Zhang SJ, Liu JP, He KQ. Treatment of acute gouty arthritis by blood-letting cupping plus herbal medicine. J Tradit Chin Med. 2010 Mar;30(1):18-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20397456

7. Schockert T. [Observations on cupping. High toxin concentration in blood from cupping]. MMW Fortschr Med. 2009 Jun 4;151(23):20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19591347

8. Zhang CQ, Liang TJ, Zhang W. Effects of drug cupping therapy on immune function in chronic asthmatic bronchitis patients during protracted period. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Nov; 26(11) pp. 984-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17186726

9. Yu D, Xie HW, Zhang B, Wen HJ, Chen RX. [Observation on clinical effects of moxibustion stimulation of different sensitive status acupoints for knee osteoarthritis]. [Article in Chinese] Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2013 Dec;38(6):497-501. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24579366

10. Xie XX, Lei QH. [Observation on therapeutic effect of the spreading moxibustion on rheumatoid arthritis]. [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2008 Oct;28(10):730-2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18972729

11. Frequency Specific Microcurrent Advanced Summary Protocols. https://www.frequencyspecific.com/faq.php#protocol

12. Cowden, L. Change the Terrain To Resolve Disease. 2012 Physician’s Round Table. January 28th, 2012. Tampa, FL.

13. Alhariri M, Azghani A, Omri A. Liposomal antibiotics for the treatment of infectious diseases. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2013 Nov;10(11):1515-32. doi: 10.1517/17425247.2013.822860. Epub 2013 Jul 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23886421

14. Kapoor B, Singh SK, Gulati M, Gupta R, Vaidya Y. Application of liposomes in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: quo vadis. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014 Feb 4;2014:978351. doi: 10.1155/2014/978351. eCollection 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24688450

15. Quan L, Zhang Y, Crielaard BJ, Dusad A, Lele SM, Rijcken CJ, Metselaar JM, Kostková H, Etrych T, Ulbrich K, Kiessling F, Mikuls TR, Hennink WE, Storm G, Lammers T, Wang D. Nanomedicines for inflammatory arthritis: head-to-head comparison of glucocorticoid-containing polymers, micelles, and liposomes. ACS Nano. 2014 Jan 28;8(1):458-66. doi: 10.1021/nn4048205. Epub 2013 Dec 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24341611

16. Cho H, Stuart JM, Magid R, Danila DC, Hunsaker T, Pinkhassik E, Hasty KA. Theranostic immunoliposomes for osteoarthritis. Nanomedicine. 2014 Apr;10(3):619-27. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.09.004. Epub 2013 Oct 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24096032

 

Natural Ways to Protect Your Family Against Ticks with Lyme disease and Co-infections

climbing

For people and families that live or work in tick infested areas
by Greg Lee

When my daughter was under one year old, she loved to climb up as high as she could. In order to prevent her from getting to the top of the stairs, we installed baby gates. She would try climbing over the gate, pushing through, and pulling to open it. No matter how hard she tried, she was unable to get past the safety gate.

How is a climbing baby similar to deer ticks that emerge in the springtime?

Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease and co-infections are emerging in the spring looking to feed
Just like a baby that like to climb, ticks will climb up high onto anything, grass, trees, and buildings, so they can latch on to their next host. In the spring and summer months, very small nymph deer ticks, about the size of an asterisk “*”, emerge to feed. Because of their size, they are difficult to see and feel. Nymph deer ticks are also the main vector for transmitting Lyme disease¹. Chemical pest repellents help to protect you from ticks.

Permethrin, DEET, Picaridin, and IR3535 can help to repel ticks
DEET and IR3535 are repellents that can be applied to the skin for repelling ticks. Permethrin is recommended to be applied to clothing only. Unfortunately, in rare cases DEET dermal exposure has led to symptoms in adults and children ranging from skin irritation, lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures,  convulsions, and death². IR3535 has a low toxicity and is said to be a minimal or nonexistent health risk.  Permethrin is classified as a weak carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is highly toxic to fish, cats, and aquatic invertebrates. It is classified as a restricted use pesticide³. Most studies report Permethrin as having a low toxicity in humans. Short-term side effects in sensitive individuals include eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, and may include breathing problems. Signs and symptoms of poisoning following very high exposure include abnormal facial sensation, dizziness, salivation, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritability to sound and touch. Pulmonary edema, seizures, and fasiculations may occur in more severe cases. Picaridin is classified as slightly toxic and is not likely to be a carcinogen based on dermal exposure. There are also natural repellents that help your to keep ticks away.

Natural essential oils can also help repel ticks
Essential oils of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, geranium, and peppermint oils are used in commercial insect repellents. Lemon eucalyptus was effective at reducing the numbers of tick bites by 34% against the European castor bean tick, which carries Lyme and co-infections. Citronellol, a major compound in citronella essential oil, geraniol from lily of the valley, and eugenol from clove oil demonstrated pronounced effects at repelling the castor bean tick.  In one study, geranium essential oil at 103 mcg/cm² repelled more than 90% of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) nymphs.

In other nymph tick studies on the species Ixodes scapularis (deer tick) and on lone star ticks, these obscure essential oils were effective at repelling ticks: amyris (827 mcg oil/cm²), Cupressus funebris wood (deer tick EC(100) 10.3 mcg oil cm², lone star EC(95) 42.6 mcg oil cm²), Juniperus communis (deer tick EC(90) 10.3 mcg oil cm², lone star EC(95) 50.8 mcg oil cm²), and Juniper chinensis (deer tick EC(73) 10.3 mcg oil cm², lone star EC(95) 91.7 mcg oil cm²)¹. Hydrogenated nepetalactones found in the essential oil of catmint were effective at repelling deer tick nymphs¹¹. The essential oil of catnip, a relative of catmint, contains 12 – 84% nepetalactones¹². As a topical repellent, light sesame, coconut, peanut, and olive oil, which offer partial (20-30%) UV protection¹³ can be mixed with tick repelling oils to apply to the skin. Essential oils can also be used to kill emerging nymph ticks.

Essential oils and their compounds are also effective at killing ticks
Incense cedar heartwood, western juniper and Port-Orford-cedar essential oils were effective a killing deer tick nymphs¹. Nootkatone, a compound in grapefruit essential oil, was effective at killing nymph ticks: I. scapularis (deer tick) 50% lethal concentration (LC50) 0.16 mcg cm² and 90% lethal concentration (LC90) 0.54 mcg cm², A. americanum (lone star) LC50 0.35 mcg cm² and 90% lethal concentration LC90 1.0 mcg cm², D. Variabilis (wood tick) LC50 0.23 mcg cm² and LC90 0.64 mcg cm²,  and R. sanguineus (brown dog tick) 0.19 mcg/cm², and LC90 0.48 mcg/cm²¹. Nootkatone is found at concentrations of 0.1 – 0.8% in grapefruit essential oil¹. Nootkatone from Alaskan yellow cedar was also effective a very low concentrations of LC50 0.0029% at killing nymph deer ticks¹. When encapsulated in lignan and sprayed as a pest control, nootkatone at 0.56% was 100% effective for eight weeks¹. Unfortunately, nootkatone is very expensive. Natural desiccants and insecticide soaps are also effective at killing ticks.

Soaps and desiccants are effective at killing ticks on landscaping materials
Diatomaceus earth and Dri-die were 10-41% effective at killing ticks. Silica-based desiccant Drione and Safer’s insecticidal soap (SIS) treatments were 91-100% effective at killing ticks on landscape materials, which both contain pyrethrins¹. Drione and Safer’s soap provided short-term reduction in deer tick nymph populations for about a week². IC2, which is a combination of Bifenthrin mixed with 10% rosemary oil, sprayed with water was highly effective against adult and nymph ticks²¹. Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid insecticide which is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Tick killing compounds can be sprayed easily around your home.

Anti-tick compounds can be sprayed around your home with spreaders and sprayers
A spreader can be used to spread powdered desiccants like diatomaceus earth or boric acid. A pressure washer or hose sprayer can be used to spread essential oils dissolved in a little alcohol, liquid desiccants, or insect soaps. With a little preparation, the right repellents and tick killers can protect your home and your family from infected ticks.

A combination of the right tick killing strategies and repellents help keep ticks away
Just like setting up protective barriers to keep a child safe, using anti-tick compounds can help keep ticks away from your home. Topical repellents can also help protect you from ticks when you are out and about. Some of these chemicals have cautions on their use, so follow their directions carefully. Natural essential oils, desiccants, and soaps provide a less toxic repellent or tick killer for chemically sensitive people and animals.

– Greg

P.S. Do you have experiences where repellents or tick killing treatments helped to protect you and your family against ticks? Tell us about it.

 

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture: Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday June 2nd at 6pm to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for managing weight issues caused by toxins, reducing brain overwhelm, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, brucellosis, bartonella, Babesia, Lyme disease, mold, parasites, abnormal fatigue, inflammation, and pain. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

 

 

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https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/deet/health-effects.html

3. Environmental Protection Agency. Permethrin Facts (Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Fact Sheet).
https://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/permethrin_fs.htm

4. Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Maryland Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene. Permethrin Fact Sheet.https://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/permethrin.aspx
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21. Rand PW, Lacombe EH, Elias SP, Lubelczyk CB, St Amand T, Smith RP Jr. Trial of a minimal-risk botanical compound to control the vector tick of Lyme disease. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):695-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20695287

Image courtesy of Jarekt of Wikimedia Commons