A Brief History of Lyme

Ticks that normally feast on deer are the ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The condition was named after the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut (nice to name a disease after your town, don’t you think?), where Lyme disease was first identified. Some believe the continual encroaching of real estate developments into wildlife habitats is to blame for these new types of diseases. But if you are an outdoor lover, don’t fret—you can use herbs as tick repellents to help prevent a bite in the first place To help fight off infections of any sort, use parthenium, golden seal, yarrow, and a pinch of capsicum as a catalyst. Echinacea and garlic are also well-known infection fighters; take garlic before going out for prevention.
To detoxify after being bit, take four to six capsules of activated charcoal to help stop the spread of poison in the blood. Wash them down with two teaspoons of liquid chlorophyll in a large glass of water. If you are bitten by any questionable bug, take antioxidant vitamins, grape seed or pine bark extract, lots of vitamin C, Oregon grape, and any adaptogenic herbs you might have on hand (such as suma), to help your body cope with the stressful side effects of infection.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by spiral bacteria that is carried by ticks. A tick bite spreads the disease, which is characterized by a skin rash, aching muscles and joints, headaches, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and if not treated right away, may lead to arthritis, and sometimes even inflammation of the brain or heart.
Symptoms vary per person, and, unfortunately, many times symptoms appear weeks after the actual tick bite has healed. Usually this disease is treated with antibiotics. If a tick has bitten you, watch your bite for a rash that resembles a bull’s eye radiating out from the bite. This bull’s eye appears as a red circular spot and can expand in size to 20 inches in diameter. If you see this rash appear, head for the doctors to get it checked.

The Bigger Picture of Lupus

Because lupus is a disease of the immune system, it will be helpful to alleviate extra stress in your life while you recover. Stress can suppress your immunity, and this includes the physical stress of digesting solid foods. An herbal supplement can help take the energy out of digestion by supplying the enzymes necessary to break down cooked foods. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements may prove useful to feed the structural system, and antioxidants can supply your body with what it needs to help protect your cells from free radical damage. Of course, you will need to do some investigating to find out what may have triggered your lupus and what may be aggravating the problem. Here are my suggestions:

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is also a condition in which the body is attacking itself, although not at such an advanced level as is experienced with lupus.
• Parasites/fungus: Many herbalists believe this can be the core issue causing lupus. Do some research on parasites in humans, and ask your doctor to test you for any and all possible parasite infections.
• Dental work: Speak to your holistic dentist regarding any dental work that you suspect could have an influence on your immune system.
• Breast implants: Consider problems with a silicone leak if you have breast implants.
• Environmental causes: Think about exactly when your symptoms started. Try to remember what changed in your environment up to two years before your symptoms started. This will give you clues to seeking an answer. If you suspect environmental allergies