For people that are struggling with an antibiotic resistant Klebsiella infection
by Greg Lee

When I was a kid, I used to watch Saturday afternoon monster movies on TV. Many of these monsters were often normal reptiles that mutated into huge creatures because of scientific experiments, nuclear fallout, or toxic chemicals. Towering above cities, they would squash buildings, scare citizens, and get attacked by the military. Attacking them with missiles, bombs, and tanks merely aggravated these monsters into destroying more buildings. All efforts appeared to fail to stop these hulking monsters.

How are unstoppable movie monsters similar to a drug resistant Klebsiella infection?

Unfortunately unstoppable monsters don’t have to be huge to cause big problems
A small bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae is infecting and claiming lives of sick patients at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)¹. Despite the best efforts to isolate patients and eliminate all environmental sources, this germ is still being spread to more patients. The latest strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has shown tremendous antibiotic resistance. Even experimental antibiotics have failed to stop this infection from taking more lives. Unfortunately, this infection can protect itself by making a slimy shield.

Klebsiella has the ability to produce slimy biofilms to protect itself²
Drug resistance infections can protect themselves against antibiotics by making shields of slime called biofilms³. Some researchers estimate that biofilms can increase drug resistance a thousand fold⁴. Within biofilms, germs can acquire drug resistance by swapping genes with other organisms or sampling antibiotics and developing resistance⁵. In one patient, Klebsiella appeared to develop antibiotic resistance in about a week⁶. In immune compromised patients, overcoming Klebsiella drug resistant infections and biofilms can be the difference between life and death.

What else besides antibiotics can help patients overcome a drug resistant Klebsiella infection?

Concentrated food and herb extracts are effective at fighting drug resistant Klebsiella infections⁷
In one study, aqueous extracts of lemon and clove leaf were 90% effective against Klebsiella⁸. In another study, Salvia officinalis, L. essential oil was 100% effective against Klebsiella⁹. Essential oil of oregano also inhibits Klebsiella¹⁰. Garlic oil is also effective against drug resistant Klebsiella¹¹. Many of these herbs and essential oils have been used safely and effectively in patients with chronic infections. When fighting drug resistant infections, not only do you need effective anti-Klebsiella medicines, you also need to have an effective anti-biofilm strategy.

Combining natural anti-Klebsiella remedies with anti-biofilm medicines will increase the likelihood of overcome drug resistant infections
Infections have been shown to be able to produce or hide within biofilms to protect themselves against antibiotic treatment¹². For over twelve years, we have treated patients diagnosed with Lyme disease biofilms and other tick borne infections. We have also helped several patients to treat drug resistant infections like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), atovaquone resistant Babesia, and multiple drug resistant Candida. Anti-biofilm herbs and supplements have helped these patients to reduce the severity of symptoms and diminished their recurrence. Given that different infections produce biofilms with different compositions¹³, here are some suggested remedies that may help cut through drug resistant Klebsiella biofilms.

Anti-biofilm strategy #1: Use herbs for cutting through biofilms
A high school student wins second place in the 2007 – 2008 Siemens National Science Competition with her discovery that an ancient herb called Terminalia Chebula, Chinese name: He Zi, cuts through biofilms and kills Pseudomonas aeruginosa¹⁴. One research study shows that compounds in the herb Andrographis paniculata have anti-biofilm properties¹⁵. A topical garlic ointment inhibits biofilms in a burn healing study¹⁶. Patients that apply minced raw garlic mixed with olive oil and Vaseline or Unpetroleum to the bottoms of their feet also report significant reductions in symptoms of fatigue and brain fog. Not only herbs help to breakdown biofilms, but also essential oils.

Anti-biofilm strategy #2: Use essential oils for dissolving biofilms
Essential oils contain solvents called phenols which may enable them to cut through biofilms. Given their ability to disseminate rapidly through tissues, essential oils can target biofilms anywhere in the body. Essential oils are also among most potent of anti-infectious agents against viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.

Eucalyptus essential oil has been effective against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans biofilms¹⁷. Peppermint¹⁸, clove bud¹⁹ and tea tree²⁰ essential oils are also effective against Candida biofilms. Lemongrass essential oil is effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms²¹. Eucalyptus, peppermint, clove bud, tea tree, and lemongrass essential oils have been used safely and effectively both topically and internally in Lyme disease patients diagnosed with biofilm colonies. Interrupting how bacteria and other germs communicate also helps to inhibit biofilms from forming.

Anti-biofilm strategy #3: Use herbs and essential oils for disrupting Quorum Sensing communication
Bacteria use chemical signals to collaborate in order to form biofilms through a process called Quorum Sensing (QS). Many foods, herbs, and essential oils have been shown to inhibit Quorum Sensing, and are referred to as QS inhibitors. Rose, geranium, lavender and rosemary essential oils are potent QS inhibitors against E. coli²². Clove bud, followed by cinnamon, lavender and peppermint are effective QS inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa²³.

The following Chinese herbs have QS inhibiting properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Prunus armeniaca, Prunella vulgaris, Nelumbo nucifera, Panax notoginseng root, Panax notoginseng flower, Punica granatum, Areca catechu, and Imperata cylindrical²⁴. The proper combination of herbs and essential oils can help sick patients to overcome a drug resistant Klebsiella infection.

The right combination of essential oils and herbs can help you to overcome a drug-resistant Klebsiella infection
Towards the end of a scary monster movie, the rampaging monster is usually outwitted or another helpful creature appears to stop the rampage. Through using a combination of anti-Klebsiella and anti-biofilm herbs and essential oils, you have more options for cutting through biofilm shields and stopping a drug-resistant Klebsiella superbug. Since many of these natural remedies come with cautions on their use, work with a herbalist knowledgeable in using anti-microbial essential oils to develop a proper, safe, and effective strategy for your condition.

>> Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday October 1st at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for stopping co-infections and Lyme disease. https://goodbyelyme.com/events/get_rid_lyme

1.Vastag, Brian and L. Sun. “NIH Superbug Claims 7th Victim.” Washington Post. 14 Sept. 2012. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nih-superbug-claims-7th-victim/2012/09/14/09b3742e-fe9b-11e1-b153-218509a954e1_story.html
2. Wu M-C, Lin T-L, Hsieh P-F, Yang H-C, Wang J-T (2011) Isolation of Genes Involved in Biofilm Formation of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Causing Pyogenic Liver Abscess. PLoS ONE 6(8): e23500. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0023500 https://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0023500
3. Høiby N, Bjarnsholt T, Givskov M, Molin S, Ciofu O. Antibiotic resistance of bacterial biofilms. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2010 Apr;35(4):322-32. Epub 2010 Feb 10.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20149602
4. Stewart PS, Costerton JW (July 2001). Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in biofilms. Lancet 358 (9276): 135–8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05321-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11463434
5. Lee, Greg. Disrupting Biofilms to Stop Recurring Lyme Disease Symptoms. E-report. 2010 June. https://goodbyelyme.com/products.
6. Vastag, p1.
7. Warnke PH, Becker ST, Podschun R, Sivananthan S, Springer IN, Russo PA, Wiltfang J, Fickenscher H, Sherry E. The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009 Oct;37(7):392-7. Epub 2009 May 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19473851
8. Sharmeen, R., Hossain, M., Rahman, M., Foysal, M., Miah, M.. In-vitro antibacterial activity of herbal aqueous extract against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella sp. isolated from human clinical samples. International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, North America, 1, May. 2012. https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/ICPJ/article/view/10534.
9. Pereira RS, Sumita TC, Furlan MR, Jorge AO, Ueno M. Antibacterial activity of essential oils on microorganisms isolated from urinary tract infection. Rev Saude Publica. 2004 Apr;38(2):326-8. Epub 2004 Apr 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15122392
10. Chaudhry, N.M., A. Sabahat and T. Perween, 2007. Antibacterial effects of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Against Gram negative Bacilli.  Pak. J. Bot., 39(2): 609-613. www.pakbs.org/pjbot/PDFs/39(2)/PJB39(2)609.pdf
11. Shyh-ming Tsaoa and M. Yin. In vitro activity of garlic oil and four diallyl sulphides against antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. (2001) 47 (5): 665-670. doi: 10.1093/jac/47.5.665 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11328781
12. Sapi E, Kaur N, Anyanwu S, Luecke DF, Datar A, Patel S, Rossi M, Stricker RB. Evaluation of in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility of different morphological forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. Infect Drug Resist. 2011;4:97-113. Epub 2011 May 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21753890
13. Domenech M, García E, Prieto A, Moscoso M. Insight into the composition of the intercellular matrix of Streptococcus pneumoniae biofilms. Environ Microbiol. 2012 Jul 30. doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02853.x. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22913814
14. Gadvini, Madhavi. Engineering a Novel-Inhibitor of Biofilm Encapsulated Pathogens. Siemens National Science Competition 2007-2008. https://www.synapticdigitalvideo.com/siemens/2006/webcasts/sc2006_vodw_madhavi_gavini.html
15. Jiang X, Yu P, Jiang J, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Yang Z, Tian Z, Wright SC, Larrick JW, Wang Y. Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial activities of andrographolide analogues. Eur J Med Chem. 2009 Jul;44(7):2936-43. Epub 2008 Dec 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19152987
16. Nidadavolu P, Amor W, Tran PL, Dertien J, Colmer-Hamood JA, Hamood AN. Garlic ointment inhibits biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens from burn wounds. J Med Microbiol. 2012 May;61(Pt 5):662-71. Epub 2012 Feb 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22301617
17. Hendry ER, Worthington T, Conway BR, Lambert PA. Antimicrobial efficacy of eucalyptus oil and 1,8-cineole alone and in combination with chlorhexidine digluconate against microorganisms grown in planktonic and biofilm cultures. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 Dec;64(6):1219-25. Epub 2009 Oct 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19837714
18. Agarwal V, Lal P, Pruthi V. Prevention of Candida albicans biofilm by plant oils. Mycopathologia. 2008 Jan;165(1):13-9. Epub 2007 Oct 30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17968673
19. Khan MS, Ahmad I. Biofilm inhibition by Cymbopogon citratus and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils in the strains of Candida albicans. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Mar 27;140(2):416-23. Epub 2012 Feb 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22326355
20. Ramage G, Milligan S, Lappin DF, Sherry L, Sweeney P, Williams C, Bagg J, Culshaw S. Antifungal, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory properties of tea tree oil and its derivative components: potential role in management of oral candidosis in cancer patients. Front Microbiol. 2012;3:220. Epub 2012 Jun 18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22719736
21. Adukwu EC, Allen SC, Phillips CA. The anti-biofilm activity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) essential oils against five strains of Staphylococcus aureus. J Appl Microbiol. 2012 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05418.x. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22862808
22. Szabó MA, Varga GZ, Hohmann J, Schelz Z, Szegedi E, Amaral L, Molnár J. Inhibition of quorum-sensing signals by essential oils. Phytother Res. 2010 May;24(5):782-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19827025
23. Khan MS, Zahin M, Hasan S, Husain FM, Ahmad I. Inhibition of quorum sensing regulated bacterial functions by plant essential oils with special reference to clove oil. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009 Sep;49(3):354-60. Epub 2009 Jul 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19627477
24. Koh KH, Tham FY. Screening of traditional Chinese medicinal plants for quorum-sensing inhibitors activity. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2011 Apr;44(2):144-8. Epub 2011 Jan 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21439518

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For people with persistent lung problems or arthritis due to a Chlamydia co-infection
by Greg Lee

Have you ever accidentally brought home dented cans from the grocery store? As a kid, I remember being told to never get them because the dents could mean the food is spoiled inside. I really learned my lesson after opening a dented can of tomato sauce that contained yucky foul-smelling brown-red glop.

How is a can of spoiled tomato sauce just like a lurking Chlamydia pneumonia co-infection?

Similar to spoiled tomato sauce hiding inside a dented can, Chlamydia can lurk inside ticks
Chlamydia pneumonia is a bacteria that can be transmitted through an infected tick¹ or from an infected person through inhaling contaminated droplets. This infection is a major cause of pneumonia. Once inside a human host, C. pneumonia is taken up by cells in an endosome pouch to destroy the bacteria through phagocytosis. Unfortunately, it begins to replicate within the endosome. C. pneumoniae can infect elderly, disabled, and healthy adults. What are the symptoms of a Chlamydia pneumonia infection?

Chlamydia can create symptoms similar to Lyme disease
Some people with C. pneumonia may not have any symptoms at all. This infection can also create symptoms of asthma and pneumonia in the respiratory system. 60% of Lyme disease patients have tested positive for C. pneumonia at Infectolab in Germany². It can also present symptoms similar to Lyme disease including fatigue, meningitis, encephalitis, arthritis, and myocarditis. C. pneumonia has also been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer³ and atherosclerosis⁴, It has been found in the cerebral spinal fluid of Multiple Sclerosis patients⁵ and in patients with Alzheimer’s⁶. Unfortunately, patients with C. pneumonia can experience recurring symptoms despite prolonged antibiotic treatment⁷.

Chlamydia can be difficult to eliminate completely with antibiotics
Patients diagnosed with C. pneumonia are prescribed antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, or levofloxacin. Unfortunately, relapsing Chlamydia symptoms may be due to an insufficient dose or too short a duration of antibiotics⁸. Another reason why this infection can persist is because C. pneumonia can acquire drug resistance through gene transfer⁹ and it can hide under biofilms¹⁰.

What else can help you to stop a relapsing Chlamydia infection?

Research on the natural compound betulin shows that it inhibits Chlamydia
Betulin is a natual triterpene compound that has shown to inhibit intracellular Chlamydia in one in vitro study¹¹. This compound protects plants against bacteria and viruses¹² and is found in several medicinal herbs. Patients that have been diagnosed with recurring C. pneumonia symptoms have found that these herbs with betulin help to significantly reduce their chronic symptoms of fatigue, arthritis, inflammation, and asthmatic shortness of breath.

Herb #1: Ligustrum seed, Chinese name: Nu zhen zi¹⁴
The properties of this herb are sweet, bitter, and cool. This herb is used to strengthen the liver, kidneys, and vital essence or jing. Ligustrum seed contains betulin¹⁵ which inhibits C. pneumonia. It has been used to treat dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, premature gray hair, and soreness and weakness of the low back and knees. This herb is suitable for use over a long period of time and is very safe.

Ligustrum seed is very well suited for symptoms of dryness and excess internal heat. These include menopause, irritability, tidal fever, hot flashes, thirst, night sweats, mood swings, bones that feel like they are being steamed. This herb helps with eye problems like diminished vision, blurred vision, and dry eyes.

In research studies, this herb increases white blood cells especially those called neutrophils. In mice studies, it increases the production of blood. This herb has been used to reduce plasma glucose levels in diabetes studies and has been used to treat diabetes mellitius. It also reduces plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rabbit studies. In other mouse studies, Ligustrum seed reduces inflammation, swelling, and permeability of vessels. This herb lowers elevated liver enzyme levels and prevents liver damage.

Ligustrum seed has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli. This herb is contraindicated for patients with internal cold symptoms in the stomach which can be characterized by diarrhea. Since this herb lowers plasma glucose levels, it should be used with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications like tolbutamide, glipizide, and glyburide, as it may have a synergistic effect resulting in hypoglycemia.

Herb #2: Lotus rhizome node, Chinese name: Ou jie¹⁶
The properties of this herb are sweet, astringent, and neutral. This herb has been used in Chinese food recipes for centuries. This herb contains betulin which is effective at inhibiting C. pneumonia¹⁷. It is used to stop bleeding disorders, restrain blood leakage, and disperse blood stasis (hypercoagulation). The raw herb clears heat and cools the blood. The charred version of this herb is used to treat bleeding disorders along with symptoms of internal coldness.

Lotus rhizome node has been used to treat symptoms of coughing up blood (hemoptysis), vomiting of blood (hematemesis), nose bleeds (epistaxis), blood in the urine (hematuria), and blood in the stools (hematochezia). Clinical research has shown that Lotus rhizome node is effective at treating bleeding hemorrhoids, bleeding from the eyes, and nasal polyps.

Herb #3: Chaga mushroom, Chinese name: Bai Hua Rong
Chaga mushroom purifies the blood and relieves pain. Used medicinally for over five hundred years in Russia, this fungi contains betulin and betulinic acid¹⁸ which inhibit C. pneumonia. It has over two hundred different compounds that have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, cytotoxic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia properties^19,20.

Chaga has also been burned topically on the skin to treat arthritis inflammation²¹ similar to moxabustion in Chinese medicine. In research studies on animals, chaga has been effective in reducing several kinds of cancers: lung²², colon²³, Hodgkin’s lymphoma²⁴, and carcinoma²⁵. It inhibits HIV²⁶ and in other studies, chaga scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress²⁷.

How do you know if these herbs are helping to stop your Chlamydia infection?

Patients report a significant reduction of Chlamydia symptoms
After taking one or more of the herbs listed above with anti-biofilm, toxin clearing and immune modulating herbs, several Lyme patients co-infected with Chlamydia have reported decreased joint pain, increased energy, increased breathing capacity, and greater mental clarity in as little as a few weeks. The right combination of herbs can help reduce stubborn Chlamydia symptoms.

The right herbs can help you to stop a lurking Chlamydia infection
Just like throwing out the dented cans of food from your pantry, the proper combination of herbs can help you to eliminate a lurking Chlamydia infection. Since some of these herbs come with cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist to develop a proper, safe, and effective herbal strategy for your condition.

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

1. Facco F, Grazi G, Bonassi S, Magnani M, Di Pietro P. Chlamydial and rickettsial transmission through tick bite in children. Lancet. 1992 Apr 18;339(8799):992-3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1348825
2. Schwarzbach, A. Diagnostic and Therapeutical Strategies in Lyme Disease and Multiple Infections by Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. Physicians Roundtable Conference. Tampa, Fl. Jan 2012.
3. Zhan P, Suo LJ, Qian Q, Shen XK, Qiu LX, Yu LK, Song Y. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer. 2011 Mar;47(5):742-7. Epub 2010 Dec 29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21194924
4. Mussa FF, Chai H, Wang X, Yao Q, Lumsden AB, Chen C. Chlamydia pneumoniae and vascular disease: an update. J Vasc Surg. 2006 Jun;43(6):1301-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16765261
5. Stratton CW, Wheldon DB. Multiple sclerosis: an infectious syndrome involving Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Trends Microbiol. 2006 Nov;14(11):474-9. Epub 2006 Sep 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16996738
6. Frykholm BO. On the question of infectious aetiologies for multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and the chronic fatigue syndrome and their treatment with antibiotics. Med Hypotheses. 2009 Jun;72(6):736-9. Epub 2009 Mar 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19269110
7. Kutlin A, Roblin PM, Hammerschlag MR. Effect of prolonged treatment with azithromycin, clarithromycin, or levofloxacin on Chlamydia pneumoniae in a continuous-infection Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002 Feb;46(2):409-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11796350
8. Kutlin, 409.
9. Sandoz KM, Rockey DD. Antibiotic resistance in Chlamydiae. Future Microbiol. 2010 Sep;5(9): 1427-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20860486
10. Persson GR, Imfeld T. Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Ther Umsch. 2008 Feb;65(2):121-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18517068
11. Salin O, Alakurtti S, Pohjala L, Siiskonen A, Maass V, Maass M, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Vuorela P. Inhibitory effect of the natural product betulin and its derivatives against the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae. Biochem Pharmacol. 2010 Oct 15;80(8):1141-51. Epub 2010 Jul 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20615390
12. Bajaj YPS (ed) Biotechnology in agriculture and forestry. Medicinal and aromatic plants VI. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, p. 193.
13. Rogers, R. The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America. North Atlantic Books, 2012. p. 233.
14. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 962 – 963.
15. Huang X, Yin Z, Ye W, Shen W. Chemical constituents from fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2010 Apr;35(7):861-4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20575386
16. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 585 – 586.
17. Chaudhuri PK, Singh D. A new triterpenoid from the rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera. Nat Prod Res. 2012 Apr 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22512662
18. Inonotus obliquus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inonotus_obliquus
19. Lee IK, Yun BS. Styrylpyrone-class compounds from medicinal fungi Phellinus and Inonotus spp., and their medicinal importance. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 2011 May;64(5):349-59. Epub 2011 Feb 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21304532
20. Inonotus obliquus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inonotus_obliquus
21. Rogers, 241.
22. Zhong XH, Wang LB, Sun DZ. Effects of inotodiol extracts from inonotus obliquus on proliferation cycle and apoptotic gene of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Chin J Integr Med. 2011 Mar;17(3):218-23. Epub 2011 Feb 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21359924
23. Lemieszek MK, Langner E, Kaczor J, Kandefer-Szerszeń M, Sanecka B, Mazurkiewicz W, Rzeski W. Anticancer effects of fraction isolated from fruiting bodies of Chaga medicinal mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (Pers.:Fr.) Pilát (Aphyllophoromycetideae): in vitro studies. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(2):131-43. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22135889
24. Rogers, 249.
25. Rogers, 255.
26. Bori ID, Hung HY, Qian K, Chen CH, Morris-Natschke SL, Lee KH. Anti-AIDS agents 88. Anti-HIV conjugates of betulin and betulinic acid with AZT prepared via click chemistry. Tetrahedron Lett. 2012 Apr 11;53(15):1987-1989. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22711941
27. Najafzadeh M, Reynolds PD, Baumgartner A, Jerwood D, Anderson D. Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Biofactors. 2007;31(3-4):191-200. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18997282

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Thanks,

Greg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image credit Jopparn from Wikimedia Commons.

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

by Greg Lee / Two Frogs Healing Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image credit Jopparn from Wikimedia Commons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Greg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday February 6th at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for stopping painful Lyme disease Herxheimer symptoms.

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

* Monopoly is copyrighted by Hasbro

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can herbs help to neutralize Lyme toxins?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are three additional herbs that have demonstrated anti-malarial and/or anti-Babesia properties
In lab and animal experiments, these herbs have anti-malarial and anti-babesial properties. They have reduced symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, and headaches in patients diagnosed with Babesia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next step: Come to our evening lecture:  Getting Rid of Lyme Disease in Frederick, Maryland on Monday December 5th at 6pm to learn more about natural methods for eliminating Lyme disease and Babesia symptoms of headaches, fatigue, sweats, and shortness of breath.

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