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Diseases

Lyme disease — can nature offer hope where antibiotics fail?

Sources: 9 · Article: 11 064 characters

It mentions cat’s claw, prepared as an infusion by boiling 5–6 g of the herb in water.

  • It also recommends common teasel as an alcoholic extract or tincture, taken three times a day.
  • It also mentions wormwood and echinacea as extracts or tinctures, and echinacea for topical use as well.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

An alternative method of treating Lyme disease was described as using preparations of mineral, animal, and plant origin.

„I am continuing the series of articles on Lyme disease, from https://rozanski.li/?p=479 and https://rozanski.li/?p=480. Alongside antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease, there is an alternative method of treating the illness using preparations of mineral, animal, and plant origin.”Kontynuuję cykl artykułów dotyczących boreliozy, ze strony https://rozanski.li/?p=479 i https://rozanski.li/?p=480) Obok antybiotykoterapii boreliozy istnieje alternatywna metoda leczenia tej choroby, przy pomocy preparatów pochodzenia mineralnego, zwierzęcego i roślinnego.
Borelioza – Borreliosis – fitoterapia cz. III i trochę narzekania
Henryk Różański

Cat’s claw is prepared as an infusion by boiling 5–6 g of the herb for five minutes in 220 ml of water.

„Boil about 5–6 g of the herb for 5 minutes in 220 ml of water, leave to stand for 30 minutes, then strain. Drink in 2 doses. Modern forms of vilcacora are also available commercially, but pay attention to the product’s quality, origin, and active ingredient content.”Około 5-6 g surowca należy gotować przez 5 minut w 220 ml wody, odstawić na 30 minut, przecedzić. Wypić w 2 dawkach. W handlu są również nowoczesne formy vilcacory, należy jednak zwrócić uwagą na jakość produktu, jego pochodzenie i zawartość składników czynnych.
Borelioza – Borreliosis – fitoterapia cz. III i trochę narzekania
Henryk Różański

Teasel extract is prepared by pouring hot vodka over fresh root or leaves, then taking 10 ml three times a day.

„Teasel extract – Intractum Dipsaci: Pour 300 ml of hot 40% alcohol (vodka) over 100 g of fresh, ground root or leaves and leave for 2 weeks. Strain. Take 10 ml 3 times a day. At the same time, wash the skin lesions. Teasel tincture – Tinctura Dipsaci: Pour 300 g of 40% alcohol over 100 g of dried, crushed root or leaves. Macerate for 2 weeks. Filter.”Intrakt ze szczeciowy – Intractum Dipsaci: 100 g korzenia lub liści świeżych i zmielonych zalać 300 ml gorącego alkoholu 40% (wódka), odstawić na 2 tygodnie. Przecedzić. Zażywać 3 razy dziennie po 10 ml. Zmiany skórne przemywać równocześnie. Nalewka szczciowa – Tinctura Dipsaci: 100 g suchego korzenia lub liści rozdrobnionych zalać 300 g alkoholu 40%, macerować 2 tygodnie Przefiltrować.
Borelioza – Borreliosis – fitoterapia cz. III i trochę narzekania
Henryk Różański

Teasel tincture is described as a preparation made from dried root or leaves, taken in 10 ml doses three times a day.

„At the same time, wash the skin lesions. Teasel tincture – Tinctura Dipsaci: Pour 300 g of 40% alcohol over 100 g of dried, crushed root or leaves. Macerate for 2 weeks. Filter. Take 10 ml 3 times a day. Use to wash skin lesions.”Zmiany skórne przemywać równocześnie. Nalewka szczciowa – Tinctura Dipsaci: 100 g suchego korzenia lub liści rozdrobnionych zalać 300 g alkoholu 40%, macerować 2 tygodnie Przefiltrować. Zażywać 3 razy dziennie po 10 ml. Stosować do przemywania zmian skórnych.
Borelioza – Borreliosis – fitoterapia cz. III i trochę narzekania
Henryk Różański

Echinacea is described as a tincture or extract taken in 5 ml doses three times a day, and also as a topical treatment for skin lesions.

„Echinacea extract – Intractum Echinaceae – or tincture – Tinctura Echinaceae, preferably prepared at home with vodka or commercially available but standardized, using 1 part herb to 3 parts alcohol: take 5 ml 3 times a day, or take 1 glass a day in dry red wine. When echinacea extract is taken in wine, resveratrol also has an anti-inflammatory, strengthening, and immune-stimulating effect. Echinacea glycosides themselves have antibiotic properties. So echinacea does not act solely as an immune stimulant. If Lyme disease is accompanied by skin lesions (rashes), I recommend applying an ointment containing echinacea extract to the skin, or an alcohol-oil extract made from echinacea root or herb.”Intrakt z jeżówki – Intractum Echinaceae lub nalewka – Tinctura Echinaceae, najlepiej sporządzona samodzielnie na wódce lub gotowa, ale standaryzowana, 1 część surowca na 3 części alkoholu – dawka 5 ml 3 razy dziennie lub na winie czerwonym wytrawnym – 1 kieliszek dziennie. W przypadku wyciągu z jeżówki na winie działa dodatkowo przeciwzapalnie, wzmacniająco, immunostymulująco rezweratrol. Same glikozydy jeżówki mają właściwości antybiotyczne. Zatem jeżówka nie będzie działała wyłącznie immunostymulująco. Jeśli boreliozie towarzyszą zmiany skórne (wypryski) polecam stosować na skórę maść z wyciągiem z jeżówki lub wyciąg alkoholowo-olejowy z korzenia, albo ziela jeżówki.
Borelioza – Borreliosis – fitoterapia, cz. IV

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 19.

In a small study, adding Pycnogenol to standard care was associated with fewer symptoms after six months than standard care alone.

Aim of the study: The aim of this pilot supplement registry study was to investigate the efficacy of the anti-inflammatory supplement Pycnogenol® in subjects with history of Lyme disease and persistent symptoms with no active bacteria present (Stage 2 and 3 of Lyme disease), on the reduction of inflammation and the relieve of the main symptoms. There is currently no specific treatment for this condition.

Results: Forty subjects with history of Lyme Disease and persistent symptoms completed the study: 20 in the Pycnogenol® group, 20 in the control group. No side effects from the supplementation were observed. The tolerability was optimal as no supplemented subject had to stop management and compliance was optimal with 97% of the Pycnogenol® capsules correctly used. The two groups were comparable for sex, age distribution and for their main clinical findings and signs/symptoms at inclusion. During the study, corticosteroids at low dose were used on demand in 10% of subjects using Pycnogenol® and significantly more, in 45% of the control patients (P<0.05). After 6 months, the number of patients experiencing symptoms was significantly lower in the Pycnogenol® group compared to the control group across all symptoms (P<0.05). After 6 months, the intensity of all symptoms in the Pycnogenol® group, was significantly lower, according to the scores in comparison with the control group (P<0.05).

Supplementary management of chronic Lyme disease with Pycnogenol®. · Minerva Med 2025
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyclinical study in people

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a laboratory study, seven plant extracts showed activity against non-growing forms of Borrelia burgdorferi.

Aim of the study: Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US and Europe. Although the current recommended Lyme antibiotic treatment is effective for the majority of Lyme disease patients, about 10-20% of patients continue to suffer from persisting symptoms.

Results: burgdorferi stationary phase cells as many spirochetes were visible after 21-day subculture. Further studies are needed to identify the active constituents of the effective botanicals and evaluate their combinations for more effective eradication of B. burgdorferi in vitro and in vivo. The implications of these findings for improving treatment of persistent Lyme disease are discussed.

Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity Against Growing and Non-growing Forms of B. burgdorferi. · Front Med (Lausanne) 2020
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Bay Area Lyme Foundation, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a laboratory study, extracts from two plantain species inhibited Borrelia burgdorferi, and the most effective reduced bacterial viability to 15%.

Aim of the study: Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, is the most widespread vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, using targeted antibiotic therapy is often an ineffective cure.

Results: burgdorferi inhibiting activity of the extracts was tested on stationary-phase B. burgdorferi culture and its biofilm fraction. All extracts showed antibacterial activity, with the most effective lowering the residual bacterial viability down to 15%. Moreover, the extracts prepared from the leaves of each plant additionally demonstrated biofilm inhibiting properties, reducing its formation by 30%.

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities. · Int J Mol Sci 2024
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Estonian Center of Analytical Chemistry (ECAC), Estonian Research Council (TT4), Estonian Research Council
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

The review indicates that several natural compounds showed activity against Borrelia, but does not prove that they are effective treatments in humans.

Aim of the study: Naturally occurring substances have been used for centuries to fight against various pathogens. They serve as a source for new chemical entities or provide options to already existing therapeutics.

Results: While there is an increasing interest in studying antimicrobial properties of naturally derived agents, little is known about their effects against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative pathogens of Lyme disease. A better understanding of this aspect could advance knowledge about pathophysiology of these bacteria and help improve the efficacy of current approaches against Lyme disease. Here, we review all naturally occurring substances scientifically evaluated to date, including plant extracts, their metabolites, and micronutrients, against vegetative (spirochetes) and latent (rounded bodies, biofilm) forms of Borrelia sp. This summary reveals the potent anti-borreliae activity of several of these natural compounds indicating their potential in enhancing the efficacy of current treatments for Lyme disease, and offering new options to already existing therapeutic regiments.

The anti-borreliae efficacy of phytochemicals and micronutrients: an update. · Ther Adv Infect Dis 2016
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Perspectives and opinion materials

The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„About a month later, her Lyme blood testing was completely negative. A physician reported to me similar experiences with a series of Lyme patients, who showed no positive clinical response after an extended number of vitamin C infusions, then had a dramatic, abrupt clinical resolution of their condition, very much as described above. Final Notes Vitamin C is truly Nature's gift to health and healing. Virtually all medical conditions are associated with increased oxidative stress, and the relief, or at least partial relief, of this oxidative stress with the vigorous administration of vitamin C and other quality antioxidants, will always help.”About a month later, her Lyme blood testing was completely negative. A physician reported to me similar experiences with a series of Lyme patients, who showed no positive clinical response after an extended number of vitamin C infusions, then had a dramatic, abrupt clinical resolution of their condition, very much as described above. Final Notes Vitamin C is truly Nature's gift to health and healing. Virtually all medical conditions are associated with increased oxidative stress, and the relief, or at least partial relief, of this oxidative stress with the vigorous administration of vitamin C and other quality antioxidants, will always help.
The Clinical Impact of Vitamin C: My Personal Experiences as a Physician
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„(2004) Borrelia burgdorferi persists in the brain in chronic Lyme neuroborreliosis and may be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 6:639-649. PMID: 15665404 216.”(2004) Borrelia burgdorferi persists in the brain in chronic Lyme neuroborreliosis and may be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 6:639-649. PMID: 15665404 216.
Root Canals Cause Breast Cancer-Frequently
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Flies had eaten the tips of his ears; he had Lyme Disease and multiple skin lesions. The shelter had a veterinarian who treated the immediate issues and neutered him.”Flies had eaten the tips of his ears; he had Lyme Disease and multiple skin lesions. The shelter had a veterinarian who treated the immediate issues and neutered him.
Degenerative Myelopathy Successfully Treated with Thiamine

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