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Natural Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by ticks called spirochete. When they bite your skin, they emit infectious bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, fever and joint swelling. Lyme disease can be picked up from animals or in wooded areas, but is not contagious between people. Although Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics, there are natural treatments you can try, with the consent of a health professional.

  1. Symptoms

    • Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose at first, because its symptoms resemble that of the flu. If you have Lyme disease, you will likely experience a bull's-eye-shaped red rash, fatigue, neck stiffness and painful red spots in addition to flu-like symptoms. According to nativeremedies.com, if Lyme disease is left untreated for months or even years, more serious side effects may develop. These may include heart disease, arthritis in your hips or knees, and nervous system abnormalities.

    Herbal Remedies

    • Herbal remedies do not carry the repercussions that prescription antibiotics can. Rooperi and Hypoxis are two African herbs that can treat Lyme disease by boosting your immune system. They also can be used as diuretics, and can help improve your symptoms.

      Goldenrod, Viscum Album and Mentha Piperita help treat Lyme disease by fighting off bacterial infection and supporting blood circulation. Look for these herbs at health food stores and take as directed.

    Other Natural Remedies

    • Foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers and strawberries, can relieve and reduce Lyme disease symptoms. Garlic, a natural antibiotic, can help rid your body of Lyme disease.

      If you experience joint pain as a result of Lyme disease, apply water compresses to the afflicted area. Use warm water for dull pain and cool water for sharp pain. Leave the compress on for up to 20 minutes at a time and wait for four hours in between each application.

    Prevention

    • Although Lyme disease is treatable, your best defense against it is to take preventative measures. According to nativeremedies.com, spirochete ticks are most common during late spring and early summer in wooded areas. They are more prevalent in the northeast and midwest regions of the United States.

      If your area is more prone to these ticks, be sure to wear protective clothing outdoors, such as pants and long-sleeved shirts. Use insect repellant, and check your skin for ticks when you go indoors. If you find a tick, slowly pull it out of your skin with tweezers. According to mothernature.com, Lyme disease may be prevented if an infected tick is removed within 36 hours.

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