Links
Herbs used with Lyme & co-infections
The focus here is Western herbalism.
-under construction-
Educational links on Western Herbalism
Herbal reference sources (compendiums)
Cat's Claw
Neem
Pop up links- just close window when done reading
There is a an older tradition of treating Syphilis with Traditional Chinese herbal Medicine (TCM). It fits into the category of "summer heat". It should have an effect on Lyme. All U.S. TCM practitioners I spoke with are not at all familiar with this treatment. In order to find someone knowledgeable and experienced in this you may have to find a more mature TCM practitioner who is originally from China, or someone exceptional in the US.
DR Zhang is a well known practitioner who has done a lot of research on both Lyme and Hepatitis. His treatment is a mixture of Chinese and Western herbal medicine. It may not be as effective to just take the prepackaged stuff he sells online. A custom herbal treatment should be more appropriate.
There are some very interesting new modern Chinese studies on pubmed (medline) dealing with traditional herbs using a more Western point of view, but some of the translations into English are truly awful. This area must be a translator's nightmare as it not only involves translation of language, but also very different medical systems and a strict English "publishing" dialect. Of interest; a specially prepared IV allicin (garlic) is now being used in China to fight some infections with success. It would be interesting to see how each system influences the other over the next 50 years.
Since the ability of most herbs to cross the blood brain barrier is completely unknown, and no herbs with strong antibiotic properties are known to cross the bbb, herbs are NOT recommended to be taken alone. Herbs are usually taken alongside antibiotics. Herbs may also be used to build the immune system in preparation for cure or remission.
Many people start individual herbs with very low doses and build up gradually- watching for side effects and drug interactions. Included here are a few references to interactions. Check them out. Be aware that many of these references have a bias and not all are well documented.
Herbalism is tricky business. Check out some of the educational links on the practice of Western Herbalism. If you don't have any familiarity with herbs- an herbalist is a must. This stuff is complicated. Ask around and get several good recommendations. Most acupuncturists (in California at least) have taken herbology, however, they may be better at acupuncture. If an herbalist starts foaming at the mouth at the mention of antibiotics- dump her/him. Conventional medicine is stressful enough- you don't need this in an alternative setting as well.
Herbs here may not be specifically for the treatment of Lyme- some are used in for co-infections.
http://seasilver.threadnet.com/Preventorium/herbcont.htm Excellent !!
http://www.planetherbs.com/articles/Bentley%20contraindications.htm
Please cross reference anything you see anywhere. Some resources are better than others, and all can make mistakes or are inaccurate at times. Especially cross reference doses and check for side effects/drug interactions. Remember, herbs are drugs too. Respect them.
Information on herbs that is published by someone trained in conventional western medicine is not the same as information by someone trained in herbs or chemistry. They are very different. A license in one field does not mean knowledge in another. Unless it was written before penicillin.
http://www.botanical.com/ Online version of the classic western herbal reference written by Mrs. Maude Grieve, published in 1931. Searchable.
http://www.herbaltransitions.com/MateriaMedica.html
Herbal Materia Medica - Indices
From the book: Herbal Medicine From the Heart
of the Earth. ©1999 by Sharol Tilgner, ND.
http://www.healthy.net/clinic/therapy/herbal/herbic/herbs/index.asp
http://www.umd.umich.edu/cgi-bin/herb Native American Ethnobotany Database, University of Michigan, Dearborn
King's
American Dispensary by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd,
Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898. See smaller links at top of page for other online
dispensaries and herbalists notes.
http://www.herbmed.org/help.asp Herb Med. Indexes studies on pub med on herbs. Most information accurate, but not necessarily updated.
Here is their search engine;
http://www.herbmed.org/index.asp
"Q: Are the research resources quality evaluated?
A: No, they are categorized. To quality evaluate research information by performing a systematic review or meta-analysis requires a lot of time and resources and is quickly outdated by new information. HerbMed® uses categories of evidence and information, so that users can choose the most relevant and useful for their particular needs, and so that the database will be as comprehensive and current as possible. "
http://www.wisetouch.com/deepimmune.html
http://www.compassionateacupuncture.com/Immune%20System%20Enhancement.htm Good Explanation of Immune system
Educational links on Western Herbalism (in general)
http://www.swsbm.com/homepage/ Herbalist Micheal Moore
http://www.dr-zhang.com/ld/Guide/7.htm Dr. Zhang
http://www.planetherbs.com/ Micheal Tierra
Individual herbs
Artemesia annua VERY ROUGH NOTES HERE- PLEASE CHECK OUT THE LINKS in the text (quing hao, ching hao, jing hao (extract-quinghaosu, artemisinin, artemether, etc.) Used for Babesia and Malaria. Has potential to be used for other things. Here are my rough notes, quotes and links to more info on A.annua, artemisinin, artemether etc. This is a very different herb from Artemesia absinthium. Has shown effectiveness with Giardia, Maleria and Cryptosporidium (sp?). Anti-protozoal, antibacterial, and supposedly anti-yeast. Some of the links here are very detailed.
http://www.subud-health.org/page37-malariaindepth.html
http://www.dr-zhang.com/ld/Guide/7.htm Dr. Zhang
Names: Astragalus membranaceus, Milk-vetch root, huang qi
Increases production of red blood cells. Can help stimulate pituitary gland.
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?id=1268 SHORT "The polysaccharides in Astragalus have been shown to intensify phagocytosis of reticulo-endothelial systems, stimulate pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. [...] The conclusion being drawn by most western herbalist's is that Astragalus is an ideal remedy for anyone who might be immuno-compromised in any way. "
http://www.dr-zhang.com/ld/Guide/7.htm Dr. Zhang
http://www.laredosnews.com/medicineman_04.htm VERY GOOD.
http://abarefootdoctor.com/Drugs.htm discussion of controversy surrounding Chaparral;
"According to the FDA report, in two cases, individuals consistently using chaparral for several weeks experienced jaundice and abdominal pain. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) discussed the cases in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (October 30, 1992). These individuals recovered after ceasing use of chaparral, as was the case (reported in November) with a third individual who suffered similar problems. A fourth patient, with pre-existing liver disease, is believed to have suffered from use of chaparral. He experienced liver and kidney failure after taking unknown quantities of the herb. FDA cautions those with underlying liver disease could suffer from severe problems (potentially fatal) from consuming the herb.
Most herb companies dropped sale of the herb in 1993. Yet, by 1996, the situation had changed. No clear evidence of liver toxicity could be found in using chaparral and further examination of the medical records of the individuals suggested that each of them likely had other causes of liver inflammation present. At this time, herb suppliers remain divided on the subject, with some returning the product to market and others holding off. "
Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription and replication by DNA sequence-selective plant lignans Gnabre JN, Brady JN, Clanton DJ, Ito Y, Dittmer J, Bates RB, Huang RC.Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
"A plant lignan, 3'-O-methyl nordihydroguaiaretic acid (3'-O-methyl NDGA, denoted Malachi 4:5-6 or Mal.4; molecular weigth 316), was isolated from Larrea tridentata and found to be able to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat-regulated transactivation in vivo, induce protection of lymphoblastoid CEM-SS cells from HIV (strain IIIB) killing, and suppress the replication of five HIV-1 strains (WM, MN, VS, JR-CSF, and IIIB) in mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, all in a dose-dependent manner. Mal.4 inhibits both basal transcription and Tat-regulated transactivation in vitro. The target of Mal.4 has been localized to nucleotides -87 to -40 of the HIV long terminal repeat. Mal.4 directly and specifically interferes with the binding of Sp1 to Sp1 sites in the HIV long terminal repeat. By inhibiting proviral expression, Mal.4 may be able to interrupt the life cycles of both wild-type and reverse transcriptase or protease mutant viruses in HIV-infected patients.PMID: 7479972 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] "
Isolation of anti-HIV-1 lignans from Larrea tridentata by counter-current chromatography another HIV study
Effect of alcoholic extracts of wild plants on the inhibition of growth of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium poae moulds Tequida-Meneses M, Cortez-Rocha M, Rosas-Burgos EC, Lopez-Sandoval S, Corrales-Maldonado C. Departamento de Investigacion y Posgrado en Alimentos, Universidad de Sonora, Unidad Centro, Apartado postal 1658, 83000-Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. mtequida@guayacan.uson.mxFungicidal activity of wild plants Larrea tridentata, Karwinskia humboldtiana, Ricinus communis, Eucalyptus globulus, Ambrosia ambrosioides, Nicotiana glauca, Ambrosia confertiflora, Datura discolor, Baccharis glutinosa, Proboscidea parviflora, Solanum rostratum, Jatropha cinerea, Salpianthus macrodonthus y Sarcostemma cynanchoides was evaluated against the moulds species Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Fusarium poae y Fusarium moniliforme moulds species. Alcoholic extracts 6% (w/v) were prepared using six grams of dried plant powders (leaves and stems) and alcohol (70% ethanol or 70% methanol). A spore suspension (1x10(6); ufc/ml) of each mould was prepared by adding saline solution (0.85%) and 0.1% tween 80. The extracts were mixed with Czapeck yeast agar (CYA) at 45-50 degrees C in 1:10 relation on Petri dishes. Triplicate Petri dishes of each treatment and for each mould were centrally inoculated and three Petri dishes were used without treatment as controls. The inoculated dishes and controls were incubated at 25 +/- 2 degrees C for eight days. The incubated dishes were examined each 48 h and after the colony diameter (radial growth) was measured. Two mould species were controlled by L. tridentata, B. glutinosa and P. parviflora. Extracts of L. tridentata in methanol or ethanol at 41.5-100% inhibited all six species of moulds. PMID: 12828509 [PubMed]
Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/codonopsis.html"Some researchers theorize that codonopsis may benefit patients undergoing AIDS treatment or chemotherapy, as it reduces the side-effects of toxic drugs by increasing red and white blood cell counts."
"Modern Researches:
Dangshen can enhance immunity and adaptive ability including ability of resisting high and low temperature. "http://earthnotes.tripod.com/astragalus.htm
http://www.e2121.com/herb_db/viewherb.php3?viewid=518
"[...] Dangshen has the effects of resisting ulcer and injury of gastric mucosa, regulating gastrointestinal movement, strengthening myocardial contraction, dilating peripheral vesseels and improving the circulation of blood in the brain, the lower limbs and the internal organs.Dangshen has an obvious effect of elevating blood pressure on hemorrhagic shock of rabbits. Its water extract has obviously inhibiting and depolymerizing effect on platelet aggregation, which is valuable for preventing and treating coronary heart disease and preventing thrombosis.
It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, and stimulating the immune system. Research has shown that it increases haemoglobin and red blood cell levels and lowers the blood pressure. It also helps increase endurance to stress and promotes alertness.
It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous and used as a tonic food. The dried root is decocted with other herbs and used to treat a wide range of ailments.
The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried."
http://www.dr-zhang.com/ld/Guide/7.htm
Dr. Zhang
You can find a lot about Olive Leaf by doing a quick search on the internet. Most sources will say the same things. It is used mostly for it's antiviral properties and it has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties as well.
http://content.intramedicine.com/IHP/monographs/monthly-profHerb.asp?objID=100175
"Pharmacology
Olive leaf extract has been reported to be an effective antimicrobial agent against a variety of pathogens, including Salmonella typhi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus (including penicillin-resistant strains); and Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli, causal agents of intestinal or respiratory tract infections in humans.(9) The authors concluded that olive leaf could be considered a potentially effective antimicrobial agent for the treatment of intestinal or respiratory tract infections. The component usually associated with olive leaf's antimicrobial properties is oleuropein.(10, 11) Oleuropein has also been reported to directly stimulate macrophage activation in laboratory studies.(12)
Olive leaf extract has reported antiviral activity, reportedly caused by the constituent calcium elenolate, a derivative of elenolic acid.(13, 14) Some viruses inhibited by calcium elenolate in vitro include rhinovirus, myxoviruses, Herpes simplex type I, Herpes simplex type II, Herpes zoster, Encephalomyocarditis, Polio 1, 2, and 3, two strains of leukemia virus, many strains of influenza and para-influenza viruses.(15, 16, 17) The mechanism of action of the antiviral activity is reported to include:(18)An ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses.
An ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses or by preventing virus shedding, budding, or assembly at the cell membrane.
Ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.
In the case of retroviruses, it is able to neutralize the production of reverse transcriptase and protease.
Stimulation of phagocytosis.
As an antifungal and antiviral agent, olive leaf extract is currently used as a supportive agent in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Anecdotally, a European product containing 20% oleuropein has been reported effective in CFS and fibromyalgia.An olive leaf extract was reported in a laboratory study to have vasodilating effects, seemingly independent of vascular endothelial integrity.(19) Traditional uses support olive leaf and olive oil in cardiovascular disease prevention.(20, 21) Oleuropein, an antioxidant, has been reported to decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.(22) Oxidized LDL is the most damaging form of cholesterol and can initiate damage to arterial tissues, thereby promoting atherosclerosis. Olive leaf has been reported to inhibit platelet aggregation and production of thromboxane A2 (a stimulator of platelet aggregation with vasodilatory effects).(23) Also of interest, is a recent study reporting that olive leaf extract inhibited both angiotensin converting enzymes.(24)
Studies in laboratory animals have reported hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of olive leaf.(25, 26) The active constituent was reported to be oleuropein, with a proposed mechanism of action of potentiation of glucose-induced insulin release, and an increase in peripheral blood glucose uptake.
As stated, olive leaf has antioxidant properties associated with oleuropein. Also, caffeic acid was reported to have antioxidant activity through the scavenging of superoxide anion.(27) Olive leaf has been reported to have anti-complement in vitro, and is a proposed mechanism for its anti-inflammatory effects.(28) "