How These Four Herbs Protect the Liver Against Harmful Lyme Toxins

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 toxinsJust 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.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-- Natural Cures

Herbal Medicine and CFS

Herbal medicine is a useful tool in the management of CFS.  However, while herbal medicines are useful, it is important to note that they will not start to work instantly.  To completely resolve the symptoms of CFS, it may take as little as four to six weeks or as long as twelve to eighteen months, depending on the severity of the CFS and any other health issues that the person is suffering from.  Some herbs that are helpful with CFS include:

• Echinacea – this herb helps to protect cells during infection and it stops bacteria and viruses from entering the cells.  It is useful for strengthening the immune system.
• Licorice – is an antiviral herb that is useful in the chronic phase of CFS.  Licorice root also supports the endocrine system.
• Lomatium
• Astralgus – enhances the immune function and it is good for cold and flu symptoms.  It strengthens the production of white blood cells which are needed by the body in order to fight off infection and inflammation.
• Gingko Biloba – improves circulation and brain function.
• Chinese Ginseng – helps the body to fight stress and it also increases energy.  As well, it fights off viral infections and supports the immune system.
• Siberian Ginseng – increases the body’s resistance to stress, fatigue, and disease.  It also helps to improve mental alertness and is a powerful antioxidant.
• Goldenseal – is useful for helping to control infection.
• Milk Thistle – protects the liver.
• Pau D’arco – is helping for treating infections of candida.
• St John’s Wort – has antiviral properties and is also helpful for depression.
• Skullcap/Valerian Root – improves sleep, as insomnia is another problem that is associated with CFS.
• Ashwaganda – is a tonic that can improve strength, stamina, vigour and sexual energy.
• Cat’s Claw – is anti-inflammatory and also helps to promote the immune system.
• Kava Kava – is calming and helps ease the anxiety that is often associated with CFS.
• Olive Leaf – is both antifungal and antiviral.

Homoeopathy and CFS

There are many homoeopathic remedies  that are useful in the management of CFS.  You will need to consult a practitioner to find the best remedy for you but some remedies that are useful include:

• Kali phos – is helpful for fatigue that is accompanied by trembling caused by stress or overexertion.  
• Arsenicum album - is helpful for exhaustion that is accompanied by anxiety, as well as a constant feeling of cold with joint and muscle pain.
• Nux vomica – is helpful for fatigue that is caused by lack of sleep, overwork or fatigue.
• Argentum nitricum – is helpful for a person that feels fear, has anxiety, and is secretive.
• Phosphoricum acidum – is helpful for those that feel emotionally or physically drained, or apathetic.
• Picricum acidum – is helpful for those that feel dreadful even after slight exertion, especially mental exertion.
• Silicea – is helpful for headaches and exhaustion that is caused by overwork.
• Zincum metallicum – is helpful if you are forgetful and tend to repeat things.

Acupressure for CFS

Acupressure can help to improve your physical condition as well as helping you cope with the tired, weak feeling associated with CFS.  Some useful acupressure points are:

• CV6 (Sea of Energy) – this is located three finger widths below the bellybutton and pressing on this point can alleviate dizziness and confusion as well as help you to feel better overall.
• Gallbladder 20 and 21 – help to bring energy from the head and keep it circulating throughout the body.  Pressing on these points can relieve fatigue and depression, as well as helping the immune system.
• Gallbladder 41 – helps to regulate the function of the hormones.
• Back bladder points – all of the points on the back bladder help to relax and tone the nervous system.
• Kidney 3 – regulates kidney function (in TCM, a general feeling of a lack of energy is associated with an imbalance in kidney function).
• Large intestine 4, 10, and 11 – pressing on these points stimulates the large intestine so that toxins are properly disposed of.
• Liver 3 – pressing on this point relaxes the nervous system.
• Pericardium 6 – helps to relax the chest and the mind.
• Spleen 6 – helps to strengthen the blood.
• Stomach 36 – helps to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

Bach Flower Remedies

Bach flower remedies are especially good for treating the emotional aspects of CFS.  Aspen is a good remedy if you are feeling fearful but you cannot explain why you are feeling that way.  Holly is helpful for relieving anger and mood swings.  Hornbeam can help to relieve fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion.  Impatiens is good for calming impatience, tension, nervousness, and irritability.  Finally, mimulus is good for those people that are shy and timid.

Exercise and CFS

Exercise is one of the most important things in the management and treatment of CFS.  This is because people that suffer from the condition do not exercise because they feel weak, and like they continually need to rest.  This rest leads to muscle wastage which results in a person feeling even more tired.  In time, this becomes a vicious cycle and exercise helps to break this cycle.  Gentle exercise leads to stronger muscles which leads to increased performance, so that people feel less tired and so that they are able to do more.  Exercise also releases endorphins in the brain, making us feel better emotionally.  It does not matter what type of exercise you choose as long as it is gentle and can be started slowly at first.  It is important to build up the amount of exercise that you do as too much exercise too soon can actually be counterproductive.

Nutrition and CFS

Nutrition is an essential part in the management of CFS.  If you suffer from CFS, you should avoid sugar and sweet foods, as these cause the blood sugar to raise and drop dramatically.  An unstable blood sugar level leads to fatigue.  If there are any foods that you are allergic or intolerant to, be sure to eliminate these from your diet.  Remember to drink plenty of water each day to help flush toxins from the body.
Eating essential fatty acids such as those present in cold water fish, nut and seed oils (such as flaxseed oil) help to strengthen the immune system.  Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.  These are high in fibre which alleviates constipation, a factor in fatigue.  It is interesting to note that 60 percent of people that suffer from CFS also suffer from candidiasis.  To help with this, eliminate all forms of sugar, and take probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria.
B vitamins are depleted in stressful situations, so it is worthwhile considering taking a supplement or eating more foods that are rich in these vitamins.  Vitamin C is helpful for immune system, while vitamin A is necessary for the production of antibodies that help to fight off viral infections.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that stops vitamin A from being destroyed by oxygen and it helps to improve the supply of oxygen to the body’s cells.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for CFS

TCM uses a combination of acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion and lifestyle changes in helping to manage CFS.  The emphasis is on strengthening and protecting the immune system and also on conserving and generating energy.  TCM suggests that the immune system can be improved by working on the way that the body makes energy from protein sources.  In CFS, the immune system may be using as much as 60 percent of an energy storage compound in the body called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).  ATP manufactures protein to make immune antibodies and when the immune system is using all of the ATP, there is little energy left for the rest of the body, leaving you feeling very tired.  If this is the case, then acupuncture is used on the points that relate to autoimmunity and also the meridians in the body.
Herbal formulas that are useful in managing CFS include bu zhong yi qi wan, xiao chai hu wan, and astralgus ten formula.

Herbal Remedies for Lyme Disease

• Weakened immunity is usually the reason behind chronic Lyme disease. Hence, remedies are generally focused on the pain relieving part, and specifically on immunity enhancement.

  Lyme disease is generally treated with antibiotics. If this disease is diagnosed in its early stages, it responds very well to treatment (14-30 days). To relieve joint pain and stiffness, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. However, if left untreated Lyme disease may spread to the joints, heart or nervous system.
  
  Natural and alternative treatments have had great success in reducing the symptoms of Lyme disease. Treatments such as herbal remedies are safe and effective to use without the harsh side effects of prescription drugs. Two well known African herbs such as Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) and Agathosma Betulina (also known as buchu) supports the immune system, act as a natural convalescent, supportive tonic and diuretic.
  
  Other herbal ingredients such as Mentha Piperita, Solidago Virgaurea (also known as Goldenrod) and Viscum Album promote the body’s natural flow of bile, helps to fight infection, and support healthy circulation.
  

  • Hypoxis rooperi (extract of African Potato) is traditionally used as a natural supportive tonic. Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help to support the immune system. Research has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group of volunteers demonstrated positive effects on the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity.
  • Boswellia serrata is an extract of resin from a tall tree found in India. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. Modern science has verified its excellent benefits for joint health. With regular use, blood supply to the joints is also maintained, keeping soft tissue nourished and viable. Recent research into Boswellia is at the forefront of developments in the field of natural joint health and studies suggest that this natural substance can help to support the health and integrity of cartilage in the joints.
  • Agathosma betulina (buchu) has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South Africa for many centuries. The leaves of buchu contain 1.0 – 3.5% volatile oils as well as flavonoids - compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects. Buchu supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of toxins by maintaining routine secretion of retained water. Research suggests that the natural action of buchu is due to the volatile oils, of which the primary component is monoterpene disophenol.
  • Harpagophytum procumbens ('Sengaparile,' 'Devil's Claw' or 'Duiwelsklou') is known for the claw-like shape of its fruit. For thousands of years, the Khoisan people of the Kalahari Desert (in Southern Africa) have used Devil's Claw to support healthy joints as well as for a digestive tonic. Clinical  studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Devil's Claw in supporting joint health. In a study by Brady et al, (1981), serum cholesterol and uric acid levels were shown to be reduced after treatment with Devil's Claw. Scientific studies have also indicated that it is also an effective immune system tonic.
  • Schizandra sinesis is a powerful ingredient which originated in China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to maintain healthy energy levels, and as a general systemic tonic to support feelings of health, vitality and well-being. Schizandra is also respected for its effect on liver health and studies show that this herb can help to support healthy cardiovascular, liver, and kidney functions. 
  • Propolis is well-known for its effects of this bee product on immune system health.
  • Glucosamine is naturally manufactured in the body and scientists know that this simple substance is found in relatively high concentrations in the joints and connective tissues, where its function is to repair cartilage and maintain joint mobility. Although we know that the body can manufacture small amounts of glucosamine, this is not generally sufficient to sustain joint health, which makes supplementation very important. As a supplement,Glucosamine sulphate is derived from the shells of shellfish, crabs and oysters where it is found in high concentrations. Glucosamine is approved for the support of joint health in more than 70 countries around the world and has been the subject of many clinical studies which attest to its benefits. Because glucosamine is naturally occurring in the body it is generally very safe and well tolerated without side effects

  
  

  
  

  Some experts believe that dietary and supplemental forms of omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in walnuts and flaxseeds, may prove helpful as part of your treatment for Lyme. Gamma-linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, and borage oil; alpha-linolenic acid is found in flaxseed oil and other oils. Try and eat foods rich an omega-3 fatty acids (such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts). Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and limiting foods with omega-6 fatty acids (found, for example, in egg yolks, meats, and cooking oils including corn, safflower, and cottonseed,) is generally known as a good practice.
• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
• Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.

• Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results. Eat two or three small tubs of bio-yoghurt.
• Grapefruit seed extract (Citrus paradisi), 100 mg capsule or 5 - 10 drops (in favorite beverage) three times daily, for antibacterial or antifungal activity and immunity.
• Vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg one to three times daily, as an antioxidant, and for immune support. Increase intake of vitamin C source rich seed oils, avocados, oily fish must be increased. Most of these foods also contain omega-3 fatty acids known to dilate blood vessels thus reduces the chances of you getting spasms.
• Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant, immune, and muscular support. CoQ10 is found primarily in fish and meat. Other sources of this useful compound include soya beans, potatoes, spinach and offal.
• Alpha-lipoic acid, 25 - 50 mg twice daily, for antioxidant support.

Enzymes for Dissolving Biofilms, Lyme Disease

How Enzymes for Dissolving Biofilms Can Increase Pain and Herbs That Can Relieve It

For people with recurring Lyme disease pains due to breaking up biofilms
By Greg Lee

Remember the Greek myth of Pandora? Pandora was given a jar, which was changed from a jar into a box in a later version, and told to never open it. Her curiosity got the best of her and she opened and released the evils inside the jar. The evils were then able to spread across the earth causing trouble, pain, and destruction. The only thing left in the jar was hope, which she was able to release by opening the jar a second time.

How is the myth of Pandora similar to using enzymes to dissolve Lyme disease biofilms?

Similar to opening Pandora’s jar, taking enzyme supplements for breaking up biofilms can release hidden pains
At a recent seminar, medical practitioners were shown how earthworm enzymes are able to break up slimy biofilms and uncover hidden Lyme disease bacteria. A biofilm is a protective slime that bacteria and other germs encase themselves in to avoid being killed. These special enzymes dissolve protective biofilms and enable medications, herbs, and the immune system to more effectively kill hidden germs. Not only do these enzymes cut through biofilms, but they release the germs hidden within.

When biofilms are dissolved, they release hidden germs and painful toxins
After taking these enzymes, patients have reported feeling more toxic. This toxic feeling has been compared to a Herxheimer reaction. A Herxheimer reaction is described as a release of toxins that occurs when bacteria are killed. As these enzymes dissolve protective biofilms, the underlying germs get killed off by medications, herbs, treatments, or the immune system, which releases more toxins. This increase in toxins can lead to greater pain, fatigue, and mental confusion. Not only do these enzymes dissolve biofilms, they also dissolve coagulated blood deposits.

These enzymes also dissolve coagulated deposits that block oxygen flow into tissues
When a person has a trauma that breaks blood vessels, the circulation system produces a substance called fibrin to stop the bleeding. Fibrin plugs the damage in blood vessels and helps to form a blood clot. Excess fibrin circulates in the blood stream and ends up being deposited on the inside of your blood vessels. These deposits are like a plaque that can slow down or prevent oxygen and nutrients from getting into your tissues.  These fibrin deposits are also referred to as coagulated blood. When enzymes dissolve these coagulated blood deposits, then your cells benefit from more oxygen and nutrients. However, there is also a downside to dissolving coagulated blood.

Dissolving coagulated blood deposits can cause bruising and bring up painful emotions
At elevated doses, some people report bruising when taking these enzymes. Chinese herbal medicine describes how emotions, thoughts, and memories can be stored in coagulated blood deposits. Another side effect of taking these enzymes is that some people have reported feeling bouts of anxiety, experiencing painful memories, or being troubled by deeply negative thoughts. These uncomfortable experiences have recurred for weeks or months in a few people. How can Chinese medicine help people with these uncomfortable thoughts and emotions?

Fortunately, there are herbs that can help to relieve painful emotions
In Chinese herbal medicine, there is a group of herbs classified as “calm the spirit.” These herbs help to heal the source of painful emotions and troubling thoughts.

Herb #1) Oyster shell, Chinese name: Mu Li¹
The properties of this herb are salty, cool, and and astringent. Crushed or powdered, oyster shell is used to treat dizziness, vertigo, palpitations, insomnia, irritability, short temper, restlessness, and tinnitus. It is also used to treat convulsions, muscle twitches, lumps, and palpable masses like scrophula and goiter. It is also highly effective for stopping sweating, uterine bleeding, and vaginal discharge. Oyster shell is alkaline which is used to treat stomach acidity, reflux, heartburn, ulcers, and stomach pain. Oyster shell is also used to settle and calm the spirit.

There are no documented herb drug interactions at the time of publication. This herb is contraindicated in people with shellfish allergies.

2) Radix Polygalae, Chinese name: Yuan Zhi²
The properties of this herb are acrid, bitter, slightly warm. Polygala is used to pacify the heart and calm the spirit. It strengthens the heart and is used to treat restlessness, palpitations, palpitations with anxiety, insomnia, excessive dreaming, and nocturnal emissions. Polygala also treats mental and emotional disorientation, forgetfulness, memory loss, the inability to concentrate, seizures, delirium, mania, stupor, and hearing loss. This herb also expels phlegm, and treats coughing with white sputum, bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory disorders. It is also used for boils, abscesses, sores, swollen or painful breasts.

This herb is to be used with caution in patients with gastritis, peptic or duodenal ulcers. It is also to be used with caution in pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions. Water and alcohol extracts of this herb have an inhibitory effect on diplococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia), bacillus dysenteriae (dysentery), Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis (tuberculosis). In one study, this herb reduced the impairment on learning and memory caused by ethanol. Polygala has a diuretic effect and concurrent use with diuretics like chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Burmex), and torsemide (Demadex) may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes.

3) Reishi mushroom / Ganoderma, Chinese name: Ling Zhi³
The properties of this herb are sweet and neutral. Reishi mushroom nourishes the heart and calms the spirit. strengthens the heart and spleen, and stops coughing and wheezing. This herb treats insomnia, forgetfulness, fatigue, listlessness, diabetes, and poor appetite. It also treats coughing caused by cold, profuse sputum, rapid breathing, and chronic asthma. Reishi also replenishes energy and blood. It is helpful with weak digestion, loose stools, fatigue, dizziness, and low back soreness.

This herb has been shown to enhance the immune system by increasing monocytes, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes. It also increases the production of Interleukin-12 (IL-12). In different Lyme disease studies, IL-12 increased arthritis in one mouse study and decreased arthritis in another mammal study. It contains ganoderic acid which help fight auto-immune diseases, inhibit histamine release, improve oxygen utilization, improve liver functions, are potent antioxidant free-radical scavengers, and supports neurological healing.

Reishi has a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. It inhibits the growth of E. coli, B. dysentery, Pseudonomas spp. pneumococci, streptococci type A, and staphylococci. There are no documented herb drug interactions at the time of publication.

Combining one or more of these herbs can help reduce or eliminate painful emotions that come up when biofilms get dissolved.

The right herbs can help relieve the pains uncovered by enzymes used for dissolving biofilms
Just like opening Pandora’s Jar, enzymes for dissolving biofilms can lead to increased pain for people with Lyme disease. Not only can these enzymes release toxins under biofilms, they can also bring up painful emotions that are hidden in coagulated blood deposits. Just like Pandora opening her jar a second time to let hope out, there are calm spirit herbs that can help to relieve painful emotions. Consult with a Lyme literate herbalist to help reduce or eliminate the pains released when dissolving biofilms. The right combination of herbs can help soothe troubled emotions and neutralize painful toxins.

1. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 797 – 799.
2. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 766 – 767.
3. Chen, John K., and Tina T. Chen. 2004. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc., pp. 770 – 771.

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How to Quickly Clear Out Lyme Disease Toxins

How to Quickly Clear Out Lyme Disease Toxins From Your Patients

 By Greg Lee / Two Frogs Healing Center

Have you heard stories of ships that would get lost in a dense fog? Before the invention of radar, ships relied upon sailors to look out and avoid dangerous conditions. Lighthouses would also warn about coastline hazards. A dense fog would cause these ships to become blind to hazards in their path. They could end up straying off course or sailing into rocks that would damage or sink the ship. 

How is a ship lost in the fog just like a person with Lyme disease toxins in their brain?

Just like a ship lost in the fog, people get confused and lost in their cloud of Lyme disease toxins
Lyme bacteria produce nerve toxins that are similar to the Clostridium botulinum (botulism) C2 toxin¹. The C2 toxin can induce hypotension (low blood pressure), an increase in intestinal secretion, an increase how capillaries let nutrients or cells flow in and out, and bleeding in the lungs². These toxins are able to move through the blood stream and through tissues because they are the same size as a water molecule. When they enter the brain, they can interfere with memory recall, finding the right words, and being able to speak clearly. Lyme bacteria also release different toxins when they are killed by antibiotics or the immune system.

Lyme bacteria release endotoxins when they are killed
The dead remains of Lyme bacteria contain a different toxin called endotoxins³. When antibiotics, anti-Lyme medicines, or treatments kill Lyme bacteria, a flood of toxins gets released which is called a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or herx for short. This combination of different Lyme toxins can leave you feeling like you caught the flu, or feeling pains wandering around your body. Unfortunately, these toxins can produce a diverse combination of symptoms that can show up anywhere in the body. This wide range of symptoms makes accurate diagnosis and treatment much more difficult. Not only do Lyme bacteria produce toxins, so do other tick infections, also known as co-infections.

Co-infections such as babesia also produces toxic symptoms
Babesia is another infection that infected ticks can transmit through their bite. This infection is a protozoa that produces symptoms similar to malaria: sweats, fever and chills, shortness of breath, brain fog, and headaches. According to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's research, toxins from tick-borne pathogens such as Babesia microti may cause chronic illness⁴. Unfortunately, the specific types of babesia toxins have not been identified. Due to the similarity to a similarity in symptoms, Babesia toxins are hypothesized to be similar in nature to it's cousin malaria. Malaria has a toxin that is similar to endotoxins⁵ and another that is a glycolipid that's a big mouthful called glycosylphosphatidylinositol⁶. Other tick infections also produce Herxheimer toxic die-off reactions.

Patients treated for a Bartonella infection have toxic die-off reactions, too
Bartonella is another tick borne infection that can be transmitted by tick bites, and through bites and scratches of infected animals. This infection can produces symptoms of burning pain, electrical zapping sensations, brain fog, or streak like rashes. One of the unusual signs of a Bartonella die-off reaction is a sudden increase in feelings of anxiety or a panic attack. These symptoms are known to increase when patients take antibiotics which implies that toxins are being released by the dead bacteria. The specific types of Bartonella toxins have yet to be identified.

Some people are missing the proper genes to get rid of these toxins
There is a part of your immune system called HLA-DR⁷ (Human Leukocyte Antigen) that scavenges up foreign substances like toxins. Unfortunately, some people are lacking the genes which enables them to scavenge Lyme bacteria and co-infection toxins. As a result, these toxins continue to accumulate and circulate throughout the bloodstream and eventually get filtered through the liver. These toxins get then dumped from the liver into the bile which flows into the small intestine. Unfortunately, these toxins have a nasty habit of getting reabsorbed in the intestines and recirculating back into the blood stream. People who are lacking these genes get much sicker because they are being poisoned by the same toxins over and over again.

How can people who lack these genes get these toxins out?

There are three strategies for helping the immune system to eliminate toxins effectively

1. The first way to eliminate toxins is to bind them up
When toxins are in the small intestines, they can easily pass through the intestinal walls back into the blood stream. If the toxins are bound to another substance before they can be re-absorbed, then they will be passed out through the stool. Cholestyramine is a synthetic resin that is prescribed by Lyme literate doctors to bind to toxins. Toxins have a negative charge which binds to the positive charge of Cholestyramine. 

Chinese nut galls or Galla Chinensis⁸ (Chinese name: wu bei zi) and Terminalia Chebula⁸ or Haritaki (Chinese name: he zi) are used in a similar fashion to Cholestyramine in Chinese herbal medicine. These herbs have a strong affinity for binding to substances. So, it is recommended to take Galla Chinensis two hours away from other herbs and medications. Terminalia Chebula can be added to other herbs without the two hour restriction.

2. The second strategy is to eliminate toxins is to neutralize them
When Lyme bacteria are killed, they release endotoxins. There are several herbs that have stopped endotoxin shock in animal studies. When given to Lyme disease patients, they reduce herxheimer symptoms. These herbs include: 
Forsythia Suspensa⁹ (Chinese name lian qiao)
Scutellaria Baicalensis⁹ (Chinese name: huang qin)
Taraxacum Officinale⁹ / Dandelion (Chinese name: pu gong ying)
Viola Yedoensis⁹ (Chinese name: zi hua di ding)

3. The third strategy is to draw toxins out of the body directly
The treatment of applying suction cups to the body helps to draw toxins out of the body¹⁰. In order to remove these toxins from the body, the suction cups are removed from the body. Using three edged acupuncture needles, three small holes are made on the skin where the cups were placed. Then the suction cups are replaced over the needling site to draw the toxins out of the blood and the lymph. Fluids that are drawn into the cup that are darker in color than blood, or have a very viscous quality is believed to be a sign of toxins¹¹.

Using these three strategies, you can get Lyme disease toxins out of the body
Just like the wind that blows dense fog away, these three strategies will help you to draw Lyme disease and co-infection toxins out of the nervous system. These methods have improved short-term memory recall, the ability to multitask, and facial recognition. These methods are extremely useful if a person is lacking the genes to eliminate toxins. Consult with a Lyme literate Chinese medicine practitioner to see which of these methods are best for your condition.

1. Cartwright, M.J., S.E. Martin, and S.T. Donta. 1999. A novel neurotoxin (Bbtox1) of Borrelia burgdorferi. Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. May. Chicago.
2. Aktories K. et al. Botulinum C2 toxin ADP-ribosylates actin. Nature. 1986 Jul 24-30;322(6077), pp 390-2.
3. Fumarola D, Munno I, Marcuccio C, Miragliotta G. Endotoxin-like activity associated with Lyme disease Borrelia. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg A. 1986 Dec;263(1-2) pp.142-5.
4. Shoemaker, R. "Welcome to ChronicNeurotoxins, Inc. Home Page," http://www.chronicneurotoxins.com/.
5. H N Caro, et al. Structural Similarities Among Malaria Toxins Insulin Second Messengers, and Bacterial Endotoxin. Infect Immun. 1996 August; 64( 8 ) pp. 3438-3441.
6. P. Perlmann and M. Troye-Blomberg, Editors, Malaria Immunology, Karger, Basel, Switzerland (2002), p. 332.
7. Shoemaker, R., and Schmidt, P., Mold Warriors, Fighting America's Hidden Health Threat, Gateway Press, Baltimore, MD (2005) pp. 61-66.
8. Chen, J. Private email. Herbs for binding to mycotoxins? 2010 Mar 3
9. Dharmanda S. "Lonicera and Forsythia: Representatives of the "Floating" Toxin-Cleaning Herbs,"http://www.itmonline.org/arts/lonicera.htm
10. Schockert T. Observations on cupping. High toxin concentration in blood from cupping. MMW Fortschr Med. 2009 Jun 4;151(23):20.
11. Kuwahara, T K. Toyohari Handbook of Meridian Therapy: Shiraku Therapy (Japanese Specialized Blood Letting). (1997) 8(1) p. 3. 

Warm regards,

Greg

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TCM and Acupuncture

I am honored to dedicate today's post to the real healer , Dr. Lai San Leung. I had the best experience of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with Lai San. During each treatment I felt so much care and understanding, and received very pleasurable acupuncture experience. Herbs I was prescribed were perfect for me! I felt a major shift in my health after each treatment.
Thank you Lai San!
If you live in New York city, I would highly recommend to see Dr. Lai San Leung for any of your health issues. After first session you will be hooked :)

Lai San Leung is a Nationally Certified and New York State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), and holds a Masters of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine NYC. She is a Nationally Board Certified Herbalist and is board certified in Oriental Medicine (Diplomate Oriental Medicine - Dipl. OM) by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

She is also trained in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture RenewalTM and is a member of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA).

Lai San Leung maintains a special focus on autoimmune disorders, digestion issues and pain management, as well as women’s and men’s reproductive health. She participated in ongoing acupuncture clinical trials funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and also interned at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. She also studied with world-renowned Japanese acupuncturist, Kiiko Matsumoto.

Her philosophy towards health and the connection between mind and body is firmly rooted in the Five Pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She believes that a healer's role is not just to remedy the present discomfort of a patient, but to set him or her on a path towards a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. She is happy to offer her patients Traditional Chinese Medicinal perspectives on diet, exercise, and attaining a high quality of life.

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LYME DISEASE: Treatment with Chinese Herbs

by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

Lyme disease is the result of a spirochetal infection (Boerrelia burgdorferi) transmitted to humans by deer ticks (mainly Ixodes scapularis, though a relative, I. pacificus is the carrier in the Western U.S.). The infection sometimes results in a serious disease pattern, most often characterized by progressively worsening arthralgia, though a central nervous system disorder or even a heart disorder may arise (1, 2, 3, 10). The disease is named for the town (Old Lyme, Connecticut) where, in 1975, a number of children presenting symptoms similar to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were eventually found to have acquired this Boerrelia infection.

The occurrence of Lyme disease is regional, being dependent on:

the distribution of the ticks that carry the bacteria (prevalent in forested areas in temperate climates, such as northern U.S. and northern Europe);
the presence of this particular bacteria in the ticks. The bacteria is carried by animals, particularly mice and deer, that are bitten by the tick; in the endemic area, only about 15-30% of ticks are infected; and
exposure of the human population to the ticks, which generally requires living in or venturing into areas where the ticks can be directly encountered.
Contact with a tick does not necessarily mean the disease will be experienced. In fact, it is estimated that only 1-3% of tick bites result in Lyme disease. While the region where infection is a somewhat likely possibility is expanding, the primary distribution still remains limited. As of 1995, it was reported that Boerrelia infections in the U.S. occurred mainly in 8 states of the northeastern U.S. and one Midwest state (Wisconsin). Retrospective studies indicate that there were probably a few cases of this disease many decades earlier, with cases appearing in Massachusetts and Wisconsin in the 1960s, and in northern Europe as early as the 1920s. There is some evidence to suggest cases of this or a very similar disease in Germany-a country that was heavily forested and full of deer-in the 1880s. The reason for the sudden epidemic of the disease during the past 25 years has been the change in land use and lifestyle that occurred, such as new growth of forests in abandoned farm land and movement of city dwellers into the forested countryside, either for recreation or for a new place to live. For those who are at risk for acquiring the infection, a vaccine against Boerrelia burgdorferi has been approved by the FDA and is now readily available.

There is no reference to Lyme disease in the Chinese literature and there may be none for some time, as most of China's forests have been eliminated. There are other spirochetal infections that have been addressed by Chinese physicians and by Chinese researchers conducting clinical trials or laboratory tests of infection-inhibiting properties. The relevant organism most often studied in China is Leptospira, which causes the disease called leptospirosis. This organism is carried by a wide range of animals, and is not uncommon in animals raised for food. In China, it has long been common practice for each family to keep animals, such as pigs and chickens, in and around their homes, so exposure has been possible for a large portion of the population. The bacterium can enter the body through the skin, usually from contact with animal urine. A small outbreak occurred at Fort Bragg in the U.S. in 1942, and the disease was nicknamed Fort Bragg Fever. Its cause was traced to swimming in ponds and streams that had been contaminated by livestock urine. Fewer than 200 cases occur in the U.S. each year, mostly in the warm southeastern states.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEWS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS AND ITS TREATMENT
The Leptospira infection causes fever and chills, headache, and muscle ache (especially in the shoulders). These symptoms match the Shang Han disease described in the ancient text Shang Han Lun. In fact, the initial course of leptospirosis follows a pattern, over a period of several days, that is somewhat like that described in the ancient text. In the advanced stage, leptospirosis can cause liver disease (with jaundice) or a severe form of meningitis; the symptoms of some cases of advanced Shang Han disease are similar. According to proponents of the general application of the Shang Han Lun as a guide to treatment of disease, the formulas recommended in that text could be used for modern diseases with similar symptom presentation. Accordingly, early stage of spirochetal infection, such as Lyme disease and Fort Bragg fever, might be treated by the same formulas used in the Shang Han Lun (see: A modern view of the Shang Han Lun).

Modern understanding of these infectious diseases may help reflect on the development of Chinese concepts of disease causation and treatment. Shang Han disease occurred most frequently in winter, the time of year when animals were brought into the house, thereby increasing opportunity for exposure to pathogens; thus, exposure of people to cold may not have been the reason that some diseases were observed to occur during the cold season. Similarly, the summer heat syndrome, which often produces digestive system disturbances, may not be the direct result of exposures of humans to the damp, hot climate, but exposure to pathogens that grow in that climate and infect the food and water supplies (see the articles: The six qi and six yin and Pill Curing and Huoxiang Zhengqi Pian).

The book Modern Study and Application of Materia Medica (4) provides information about herbs reputed to inhibit Leptospira based on laboratory testing (herb extract applied to cultured bacteria causing them to die) and, in some cases, clinical evaluation (herbs administered to infected patients resulting in clearance of symptoms). The following list of leptospira-inhibiting herbs was culled from the Chinese medical literature:

Isatis leaf Smilax
Isatis root Gardenia
Andrographis Hu-chang
Coptis Chien-li-kuang
Scute Verbena
Phellodendron Sanguisorba
Forsythia Ching-hao
Most of these herbs treat a condition described as damp-heat; many of the herbs have broad-spectrum antibiotic and antiviral properties. The book Thousand Formulas and Thousand Herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (5), no doubt relying on the same source material, listed the first nine ingredients of the above list as inhibitors of Leptospira; this text also presents five traditional formulas suggested for treating leptospirosis, divided by syndrome:

Exogenous pathogen invading the qi phase (this corresponds to the initial disease symptoms, which may include a flu-like pattern): Yin Qiao San (Lonicera and Forsythia Formula).
Summer heat and damp heat misting the three burners (for treatment of skin manifestations of the disease, such as rashes): Sanshi San (Three Stone Powder, made with calamine, gypsum, and red kaolin; this is applied topically).
Acute jaundice (this is the manifestation of leptospirosis as liver disease): Ermiao San (Red Atractylodes and Phellodendron Powder; this is a general formula for damp-heat).
Summer heat injuring the lung: Xin Jia Xiangru Yin (Modification of Elsholtzia Combination; the base formula contains elscholtzia, dolichos, and magnolia bark; a common addition is coptis).
Heat invading the pericardium with liver wind moving internally (this is the manifestation of leptospirosis as meningitis): Zhengan Xifeng Tang plus Angong Niuhuang Wan (Decoction to Subdue Internal Wind plus Pill of Ox Gallstone to Pacify the Palace).
All of the recommended formulas treat a heat syndrome, and include herbs that alleviate damp-heat, though they include few herbs from the list of those that have thus far been shown to inhibit the subject organism in laboratory and clinical tests. The herbal therapies may alleviate symptoms without curing the spirochetal infection, while it is the cure of the disease, defined by freedom from the bacteria, that is the goal of most Western patients and their physicians.

CLINICAL EVALUATIONS
There was considerable clinical research into treatment of leptospirosis in China during the early 1970s (9). It was reported that tablets prepared from equal amounts of the extracts of scute, lonicera, and forsythia, administered three times daily in large amounts were useful for treating mild and moderate cases of the disease. Andrographis extract, in the form of an injection or tablets of the crude extract or of the isolated lactones, was reported to effectively treat leptospirosis. In one evaluation, 31 of 35 cases were said to be cured by the andrographis lactones (mainly diterpene lactones, which are also found in the anticancer herb rabdosia).

More recently, Deng Shifa reported on efforts at prevention and treatment of leptospirosis (6, 7). He administered a decoction prepared from fresh, rather than dried, herbs, using ching-hao, houttuynia, eclipta, imperata, mentha, lonicera stem, humulus (lucao), and rhubarb. This formula only includes one herb, ching-hao, from the list of individual herbs above. The drink was consumed 4-6 times per day (that is, at intervals of 2-4 hours), and it was reported that recovery from symptoms occurred, on average, in about 11 days. The results obtained with the Chinese herbs were similar to those obtained with penicillin, based on cure rate, which was 97%. The same herb formula, with rhubarb deleted, was said to help prevent leptospirosis.

Another spirochete, Treponema, gives rise to two diseases, syphilis (from T. pallidum) and yaws (from T. pertenue). Since these diseases are easily controlled by modern antibiotic therapy, there is little mention of herbal remedies in the literature. Smilax (tufuling), an herb for damp-heat that is included in the list of anti-leptospira herbs, is still prominently mentioned for this application (4, 8). In Western herbal practice, a species of Smilax, known popularly as sarsaparilla, was used for treatment of syphilis. This repeated reference to the herb in clinical use supports the idea that smilax may have a reliable inhibitory effect for spirochetal infections. Treponemes have been isolated from the blood of patients with Lyme disease, suggesting that the ticks may harbor both types of spirochetes.

TCM ANALYSIS OF LYME DISEASE
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) analysis of a new disease, such as Lyme disease, depends on the disease manifestations and the analysis of other diseases that have some characteristics in common with it. The salient features are these:

the tick introduces the pathogen into the blood stream directly;
the infection typically yields a blotchy red rash, often in a "bull's eye" pattern of red skin coloration and swelling, about 3-20 days after the tick bite;
there may be flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat, nausea, fatigue, swollen glands, stiff neck, aching muscles; and
if unresolved there may be recurrences of fever and, usually after several months, arthralgia, usually in the knees, with swelling and hot feeling.
It is estimated that 25-50% of those infected do not get the rash or flu-like symptoms, and that about half of those who experience the rash go on to experience arthralgia. The disease may be interpreted in TCM terms most simply as a heat pathogen entering the blood, which can reside as a "hidden toxin" in some individuals, manifesting disease symptoms later, after some factor activates it.

As an example of traditional prescribing that might be appropriate to Lyme disease, a formula recommended for a heat toxin entering the blood and producing eruption of macules (11) is Lonicera and Gypsum Combination (Liangxue Baidu Tang; Cool Blood and Defeat Toxin Decoction). It contains forsythia, gardenia, scute, and coptis, which are included in the list of anti-leptispirosa herbs, along with gypsum, talc, lonicera, anemarrhena, carthamus, moutan, raw rehmannia, scrophularia, and imperata (the original formula also included horns of antelope and rhino).

TREATMENT OPTIONS IN THE WEST
Medical studies suggest that if the Boerrelia infection can be treated soon after it occurs with antibiotics, there is strong likelihood of it being eliminated quickly and completely. The current medical treatment for Lyme disease is a course of therapy using doxycycline, amoxicillin, penicillin, or erythromycin. These are taken orally except in severe cases in which they may be administered intravenously instead. Many of those who become infected spontaneously recover within days or months even without antibiotics (no doubt, the bacteria eventually succumbs to the immune system). For those who have the infection for months prior to treatment without improvement, antibiotics may need to be administered for several months before the infection finally resolves, and some cases may entirely escape cure with this therapy due to the characteristics of the bacteria (ability to avoid the immune system by antigenic changes on its surface and ability to avoid antibiotic inhibition by infiltrating areas of the body, such as the joints, that have lower levels of exposure to the drug).

The absence of direct clinical evaluation of Chinese herbs in relation to Lyme disease means that there is some difficulty recommending that this method be used in lieu of the currently accepted course of antibiotics. Some individuals may wish to attempt to increase the chances of success with antibiotics or even shorten the duration of treatment with antibiotics by combining a Chinese herbal treatment, and a few individuals may wish to try using Chinese herbs alone, saving the antibiotic therapy as a back-up. One would apply herbs that are reputed to inhibit other spirochetes (since these should have an excellent chance of inhibiting this one), as well as any herbs that might treat the specific symptoms or the patient's constitution.

The Seven Forests herb formula tablet Isatis 6 provides isatis leaf, hu-chang, and andrographis from the list of herbs given above, and the Seven Forests formula Forsythia 18 provides forsythia, gardenia, scute, phellodendron, and coptis, which are also on that list. Together, these formulas may provide the bacterial inhibition that is sought from Chinese herbs in a convenient form of administration (suggested dosage would be 3-5 tablets of each formula, three times daily). As with treatment of any infection, the intended application is a high dosage for a few days or weeks. Since the formulas fall into the category of clearing heat, persons with symptoms and signs indicating a constitutional cold syndrome would probably do better to have a personalized formula made (e.g., extract granules), combining the desired anti-bacterial ingredients (which have a cold nature) with herbs for addressing the constitutional imbalance.

The single herb ching-hao may be of interest in treating this disease. This is an herb for damp-heat that is one of the most effective herbal agents for treating malaria, another parasitic disease (though a very different pathogen) introduced directly into the blood stream by an insect (mosquito). It was included in the formula recommended by Deng Shifa for treatment and prevention of leptospirosis. Aside from being listed as an anti-spirochete based on laboratory evaluation, this herb also helps regulate the immune system in cases of autoimmune disorders. For example, it is found useful in treating the autoimmune attack against connective tissue (mainly skin and joints) in patients with lupus (9). The arthralgia experienced by persons with advanced Lyme disease may involve some autoimmune component (at this time, it is unclear whether persistence of the bacteria is solely responsible for persisting symptoms or if there is an induced autoimmune process that contributes to the symptoms).

Further, if the symptoms of arthralgia have already developed, then herbs traditionally used for that purpose would also be administered (selection of ingredients would depend on symptom presentation and constitutional factors). Lonicera stem, included in the treatment for leptospirosis described by Deng Shifen, may be of interest, as it is used like lonicera flower as an anti-toxin agent, but is considered a specific treatment for arthralgia.

Based on the analysis that has been presented here, for patients willing to take a decoction or dried decoction, the following is proposed as a base formula that may be modified, if deemed necessary, for individual needs:

Anti-Spirochete Mixture
(equal parts)
Smilax
Ching-hao
Forsythia
Hu-chang
Andrographis
Lonicera stem

When using a decoction, the dosage of individual herbs should be 12-15 grams for a one day dose. Using dried decoctions, a daily dosage of 15-18 grams of the mixture would be appropriate. Three times per day dosing is a usual recommendation for the treatment of infections.

REFERENCES
Biddle W, A Field Guide to the Germs, 1995 Henry Holt and Co., Inc., New York.
Karlen A, Man and Microbes, 1995 G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York.
Lane K (executive editor), Merck Manual of Medical Information, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA.
Dong Zhi Lin and Yu Shu Fang, Modern Study and Application of Materia Medica, 1990 China Ocean Press, Beijing.
Huang Bingshan and Wang Yuxia, Thousand Formulas and Thousand Herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine, vol. 1, 1993 Heilongjiang Education Press, Harbin.
Deng Shifa, Preliminary study on the prevention and treatment of leptospirosis with traditional Chinese medicine, Lianing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1985; 9(5): 15-17.
Deng Shifa and Sheng Rixin, Treatment of leptospirosis with Qixian Drink, Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1991; 26(7): 293-294.
Hong-Yen Hsu, et al., Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide, 1986 Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA.
Hson-Mou Chang and Paul Pui-Hay But (eds.), Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, (2 vols.), 1986 World Scientific, Singapore.
Robbins SL, Cotran RS, and Kumar V, Pathologic Basis of Disease, Third Edition, 1984 W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.
Hsu HY and Wang SY, The Theory of Feverish Diseases and Its Clinical Applications, 1985 Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA.
June 1999