Post 141  

Lyme Disease, MS, and Related Nerve Issues

Although this Post is particular to Lyme, it also can be applicable to those with MS, nerve diseases, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia.

Lyme-MS;  Research shows Multiple Sclerosis is actually Lyme Disease.  If you suspect you have Lyme Disease or have been diagnosed with MS, confirm your diagnosis with a reputable lab.  

It is now widely believed that Multiple Sclerosis is actually Lyme Disease.  Symptoms are the same for either diagnosis once the invading spirochetes cross the blood brain barrier and set up residence in brain tissue.

The symptoms are often treated with prednisone or other steroids. The result of this treatment drives the spirochetes deep into muscle tissue where they may remain hidden.  When blood tests are given, the test may also come up negative for Lyme Disease because the spirochetes are undetected, resulting in a diagnosis for Multiple Sclerosis.

When naturally pursuing remedy for Lyme Disease, it is important to acknowledge their will be healing crisis resulting from die-off of the spirochetes. Many people have tried to eradicate the spirochetes but when being too ill to continue, simply stop treatment.  Managing the spirochete die-off is required in order to pursue a natural treatment. This process, referred to as a healing crisis, is defined as a detox-cleansing reaction where you feel worse before you feel better.  Technically it is known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, or Herx.  Do your research on Herx so that you will be able to manage your treatment successfully.

The only recommended lab in the United States for determining whether you have Lyme Disease is IGENX.  If you believe you have Lyme Disease, or have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and believe you need an accurate diagnosis for any reason, including to rule out MS, this lab is known to be reliable.

Go to;   www.igenex.com

Once you have established that you have Lyme Disease or believe that a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis is actually a misdiagnosis, you can begin remedy through many natural options.  The following material contains various remedies you can undergo.  However, if you are under the care of physician, and taking various medications, you will want to check with your pharmacist for contradictions. One can counteract the other and you can lose the benefits of both.  So be sure to check with your doctor before making changes in your treatment.

There are many recommended products.  My two most favorite are essential oils and medicinal mushrooms.  There are also remedies you may need on occasion but not continuous, such as the Herbal Antibiotic Formula. Everything costs money and especially during times of great illness, this is even more difficult.  So if you have to choose products based on affordability, these two would likely be your best option.  All of the following if affordable would however, be recommended.

Essential Oils

These products are like what I refer to as “God’s Drugs”.  The molecules are so small, and the oils are so concentrated, that when used ongoing, can yield amazing benefits.  When using essential oils, both externally and internally, it is important to alter your formula every 30 days in order to keep the benefits working.  So you will need two products, alternating every other month ongoing.

External Application of Essential Oils

The undiluted oils are applied to the bottom of the feet, and tip of the big toe.  When used on other areas of the body, dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, or other.  The dilution can be as weak as 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops of carrier and as strong as 30% carrier to 70% essential oil.  It all varies depending upon your skin sensitivity and the type of oil used.  Such as, lavender oil can applied directly to most people’s skin without any irritation.  Clove or cinnamon however, will irritate the skin and leave it red and inflamed.  Use oils diluted and apply to areas most effected, including the back of the scull, on the bone behind the ear, forehead, and anywhere of particular specific pain.  Essential oils have a 2-3 hour window of effectiveness, so you can apply your product every 2-3 hours.

Internal Application of Essential Oils

Warnings on products not to take essential oils internally, are there as a disclaimer because of the FDA requirements found on most supplements.  There are however some oils that should never be taken internally;  such as rosewood, wintergreen, tea tree, patouli, and others.  Some oils are used ONLY externally.  Any essential oil on the GRAS Safe List can be taken internally.  For a complete list and detailed information;

Search this;  GRAS List for Essential Oils or

Go here (cut and paste to your browser);    http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=182.20

One drop can be taken by putting it into 4 oz. of a seed milk, like almond milk, and consumed.  There are many opinions on how many drops to take and how many times each day to take them.  The average is 1-5 drops, 2-3 times daily, after a full meal.  If taking MORE THAN 1 drop, put the drops into a “00” empty capsule.  Because these oils are so strong, they will inflame your throat and GI tract if you do not use a capsule.  One drop will not be a problem when diluted as described.  When filling empty capsules, place your number of drops you wish to take, into a “00” capsule and then add some edible carrier oil to fill the capsule.  Put the capsule back together and take it after you have eaten. Do not pre-load capsules ahead of time unless keeping them in the freezer.  The oils at room temperature will degrade the capsule and your product will be ruined.  To preload capsules with assemble with essential oil + some carrier oil to fill the capsule, and then place them into the freezer.  When doing this, they do not usually degrade. If you burp up the oils you have taken, either reduce your number of drops, take after eating a larger meal, or work through a period of adjustment.  Just as when people take fish oil after a meal, you may initially burp-up the product.  This could be annoying, but should not be uncomfortable.  If in doubt, take less product and always take with food. Do some research online on what others are taking who are successful.  The internet is a wealth of information.

As a single oil, frankincense oil is excellent for symptom relief when placing 1-3 drops under your tongue, especially when going to bed for the evening.

These oils have been found to be beneficial in various combinations;

• Lemon
• Thyme
• Rosemary (do not use this oil if you have seizures)
• Clove
• Lemon sage
• Frankincense
• Oregano
• Lemongrass
• Blend No. 1 available at Organica
• Blend No. 2 available at Organica

If you see a massage therapist regularly, you may find that preparing your own body butter or massage oil for your treatment, can be beneficial. If you are making this product, choose the oils which are “skin-friendly” and not irritating.  Using less oil in your finished product, or by diluting it further, will usually solve this problem. The product should be compatible with your massage therapist.  All carrier oils are not the same.  Some are too slippery, some too dragging.  Before spending money on making a product, speak with your massage therapist for guidance on what they prefer you use as the carrier.

Medicinal Mushrooms

The important thing about mushrooms is that they are purposeful scrubbers. They show up when the earth has work to do and clean-up and balance is needed. The same is true when we ingest them, so long as they are organic.  Mushrooms naturally are built to absorb radiation, heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides.  They are modulators.  If your immune system is running too high (autoimmune) or too low (cancer, many illnesses), medicinal mushrooms will help to bring your body back into harmony. Medicinal mushrooms will clean up your system and help to remove heavy metals, toxins, and radiation.  They are a perfect supplement to take while undergoing radiation treatments for this reason.  These fungi are rich in beta glucans and polysaccharides which are anticancer and beneficial to anyone with a gastrointestinal illness.

Medicinal Mushrooms have the broadest spectrum of possible healing benefits.  They also are most effective when combined with two or more types. Here is a list of issues that Medicinal Mushrooms can affect;

1. Anti-cancer
2. Anti-tumor
3. Auto-immune corrective
4. Depressed immune system corrective
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Anti-bacterial
7. Anti-candida (yes- good fungi overwhelm bad fungi and clear the system)
8. Anti-oxidant
9. Anti-viral
10. Cholesterol-reducing
11. High blood pressure-reducing
12. Blood Sugar modulating
13. Nerve repair
14. Kidney tonic
15. Liver tonic
16. Tonic for sexual function
17. Respiratory tonic
18. Tonic for reducing the negative effects of stress on the body

Medicinal Mushrooms can be mixed with herbs if preferred or simply added into a bottle of water or tea.  Shake thoroughly and drink between meals in the morning and during the afternoon.  There are some mushrooms that are better than others for you to choose from.  The best options for anyone with Lyme Disease includes the following;

• Lion’s Mane– this is the only mushroom found to repair nerves.  Expect a couple of months before noticing a substantial difference.  Pair this mushroom with other nutrients for the synergy that plants provide when compounds are combined.
• Reishi– particular to the immune system.  It is more effective when combined with Vitamin C.  These can be combined together in a powder form
• Cordyceps– overwhelms “bad” fungi and parasites
• Chaga– systemic restorative, broad spectrum
• Maitake—immune modulating, system restorative

Naturopathy for Individual Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Because Lyme Disease is so multi-faceted, focusing on specific issues can be helpful.  Take a supplemental base and then add to this base, the specific individual nutrients to focus on your symptoms. The following is a comprehensive list of supplements for specific symptoms.

Inflammation Mediation

• Herbs; turmeric, ginger root, Ceylon cinnamon, fenugreek
• Enzymes; proteolytic enzymes, serrapeptase, bromelain (also found in pineapple), papaya
  • Proteolytic- total systemic cleaner
  • Serrapeptase- cleans veins and arteries, digests inflammation including nerves
  • Bromelain- digests inflammation, reduces pain or swelling
  • Papaya- digests protein in the stomach, reduces swelling
• Fatty Acids—4-6 grams daily of any combination of the following
  • Fish oil (small fish only- such as anchovy, sardine, mackerel, krill)
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Chia seed
  • Evening primrose oil

Anti-Parasite

• Cordyceps
• Clove
• Wormwood
• Black Walnut Hulls
• Gentian
• Epazote
• L-ornithine- 500 mg at bedtime with water reduces ammonia from parasite die-off

Anti-Fungal

• Cordyceps
• Caprylic acid
• Coconut oil, water, milk
• Pau d arco
• Garlic
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Olive leaf

Anti-Microbial

• Goldenseal root
• Vitamin C
• Chaga
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Cat’s claw inner bark
• Herbal Antibiotic Formula (goldenseal root, barberry root, echinacea purpurea root, echinacea angustifolia root)
• Colloidal silver

Blood Parasites

• Wormwood
• Sweet wormwood
• Yarrow
• Sarsaparilla
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• L-ornithine- 500 mg at bedtime with water reduces ammonia from parasite die-off

Herxheimer Detoxification “Herx”

• Magnesium
• Epsom Salt bath
• Glutathione- must be taken as a precursor supplement because glutathione needs to made by your body.  As a supplement it is not effective. A Glutathione precursor supplement is a formulation of multiple amino acids which helps your body to produce it
• Lemon and lime juice in water
• Sarsaparilla & yarrow tea
• Liver Cleanse herbs (herbs such as milk thistle seed, burdock root, dandelion root, artichoke, etc)
• Kidney Cleanse herbs (herbs such as uva ursi, juniper berry, hibiscus flower, butcher’s broom, horse chestnuts, etc)
• Lymph Cleanse herbs (herbs such as cleaver’s, yarrow, sarsaparilla, etc.)
• Schisandra berry
• L-ornithine- 500 mg at bedtime with water reduces ammonia from parasite die-off

Pain Relief

• Anti-inflammatory powder or capsules (ginger root, Ceylon cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric)
• Organic Sulfur or MSM (organic sulfur is 99.9%, MSM 34% sulfur)
• Enzymes- taken between meals with water and tea
• Kratom—red strain varieties
• Jamaican Dogwood
• White Willow Bark
• Frankincense oil under tongue
• Coconut oil (1 teaspoon with meals)

Nerve Pain & Repair

• ALC (acetyl-l-carnitine)
• Monolaurin
• Lion’s mane
• Chaga
• Serrapeptase
• Bromelain
• Frankincense essential oil- under tongue and on bottom of the feet
• Magnesium
• Magnesium spray onto areas of pain
• Epsom salt bath
• Anti-inflammatory formula
• Lemon balm

Hormone Regulators & Precursors

• Pregnenolone
• DHEA
• Maca

Depression

• Mucuna Seed (l-dopa food source)
• Rhodiola (serotonin)
• 5htp
• GABA
• Magnesium
• Fish oil
• Kratom – green, white strains, or maeng da blends, Bali
• Tyrosine
• L-theanine
• Green tea

Body Tonic- overall strengthening

• Adaptogen herbs
• Panax ginseng root
• Siberian ginseng
• Epazote
• Chaga
• Reishi
• Maitake
• Lion’s mane
• Cordyceps
• Cat’s claw
• Ginger root
• Ashwagandha root
• Astragalus root

Muscle Cramps & Spasms

• Magnesium
• Magnesium spray
• Vitamin E
• Fatty acids
• Malic acid (also found in green apples)
• Potassium (best taken regularly as found under Potassium Broth, Post 96 & 47)

Insomnia, More Restful Sleep

• Magnesium
• Magnesium spray
• GABA
• Sleep- herbal capsules
• Valerian root
• Kava root extract
• Penibut (limited use)
• Kratom- Red Trifecta, Mexican Flag, all Red singles & blends)
• 5htp
• Melatonin
• Sleepy Flowers Tea
• Passion Flower & Leaf (use with kava root for staying asleep longer)
• Lemon balm
• L-theanine
• L-ornithine- 500 mg at bedtime with water reduces ammonia from parasite die-off

Low Energy

• Glutathione precursor supplement
• Lugol’s iodine
• Tyrosine
• CoQ10
• Resveratrol
• B100 or B50
• L-carnitine
• Maeng Da kratom blends

Related Issues

• Chronic viral infections—medicinal mushrooms ongoing, colloidal silver, manuka honey, vitamin C, Herbal Antibiotic formula, vitamin C, astragalus root, Organic 8 Greens, Super Fruit concentrates, anti-viral herb formulas, coconut oil
• Heavy Metals- food grade bentonite clay (1 tablespoon in water daily), bugleweed, filtered water (we recommend Berkey Water System), heavy metal herbal formula
• Mold exposure– Cordyceps, herbal antibiotic formula
• Gastrointestinal infections and imbalances—probiotics, digestive enzymes, colostrum, collagen protein (type 1, 2, and 3 blends), potassium broth, predigested protein liquid, caprylic acid, psyllium husk, yogurt (make your own for best quality and highest probiotic content- see Post 2), agaricus blazei mushroom, lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, maitake, green tea, oatmeal, bone broth (see Post 7, 26, & 65)
• Essential Oils- used externally and internally. A blend is best, alternating every 30 days, rotating between formulas;  we have both a No. 1 and No. 2 already prepared for your convenient use.  Frankincense is excellent for brain communication and reducing pain. If you had to pick two oils, choose the blend No. 1 or 2, and also take extra frankincense. The individual list of oils is also provided in this material.