Lyme Disease: Alternative Therapies and Treatments

The many alternative therapies and treatments for Lyme disease belie a despiration of traditional western medicine which gives up on Lyme disease patients in various unsettling ways. Many have gone from incapacitated to happy and functional using combinations of these alternative therapy modalities. There are more than these, but this list can get you started.

1. Certain herbs like Japanese knotweed, cat’s claw, and Andrographis can have antimicrobial and immune stimulating properties that may help combat Lyme disease bacteria.
2. Laboratory studies suggest that andrographis may have antibacterial properties against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease.
3. Garlic has been in use for its antimicrobial properties and potential to support immune function and some studies suggest garlic may have activity against Borrelia burgdorferi.
4. Some homeopathic treatments like Ledum and Borrelia nosodes are thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and boost the immune system.
5. Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles and it may help regulate the immune system and alleviate symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
6. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which helps increase oxygen levels in the body and potentially enhances immune function to help fight Lyme disease.
7. In bee venom therapy, the anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties of bee venom are believed to aid in reducing Lyme disease symptoms.
8. Rife machines which emit electromagnetic energy at certain frequencies are believed to kill Lyme bacteria and improve overall health.
9. Methods such as colonics, and detox diets aim to eliminate toxins from the body, potentially reducing Lyme symptom severity.
10. Supplementing with beneficial probiotic bacteria strains may help restore gut health and support a stronger immune system.
11. Some essential oils like oregano, clove, and lavender are believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight Lyme bacteria.
12. Low-dose naltrexone, a medication, is thought to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with Lyme disease symptoms.
13. IV vitamin C therapy is high-dose vitamin C administered intravenously which is believed to strengthen the immune system and have antimicrobial effects which may benefit Lyme patients.
14. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant which may help support mitochondrial function, boost energy levels, and aid in the healing process for Lyme patients.
15. Practices like meditation, yoga, and biofeedback can help reduce stress, enhance immune function, and promote overall well-being for Lyme patients.
16. Hyperthermia therapy, raising the body’s temperature through treatments such as infrared saunas or whole-body hyperthermia may help kill Lyme bacteria and improve symptoms.
17. Some Lyme patients report symptom relief through the use of medical marijuana products, which can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep.
18. Some nutritional supplements like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium are commonly used to support immune function and overall health of Lyme patients.
19. Magnet therapy, or applying magnets to affected areas is believed to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and potentially aid in pain relief of Lyme patients.
20. Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Indian medicine techniques, including herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle modifications, focus on restoring balance and strengthening the body and may help Lyme patients.
21. Energy healing practices like Reiki and therapeutic touch aim to balance the body’s energy fields and promote healing and these have helped some Lyme patients.
22. Chiropractic care, adjustments and spinal manipulation, may help improve nervous system function, enhance immune response, and alleviate symptoms of Lyme patients.
23. Cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy, is thought to stimulate healing at the cellular level and reduce inflammation.
24. Colloidal silver is a broad spectrum antimicrobial solution which may help inhibit the growth of Lyme bacteria and support immune function.
25. Supplemental oxygen can help increase oxygen saturation levels in the blood, potentially aiding in immune system function.
26. Practicing Qigong to balance the body’s energy systems and facilite healing provides symptom relief for Lyme patients.
27. Sauna Therapy for Lyme disease considers that the optimal growth temperature for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, is around 33-35 degrees Celsius (91-95 degrees Fahrenheit) and reproduction is greatly reduced at higher temperatures. Contradictory claim: Borrelia thrives at the body temperature of a human host, typically around 37°C (98.6°F). This temperature provides optimal conditions for the bacteria to replicate.