For decades, Lyme disease has been a growing and often misunderstood threat, with fervent debate regarding its origins. We’ll politely sidestep the tantalizing rabbit hole, suggesting its origins might be closer to a certain bioweapons lab on Plum Island, and we’ll just go with the widespread belief that it’s caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites. Regardless of the actual origin, its symptoms can range from fatigue and joint pain to severe neurological issues, creating a complex chronic condition for many.
While conventional antibiotic therapy is the essential first-line treatment, especially in the acute phase, many patients continue to struggle with persistent symptoms. This has led the Lyme community—patients and progressive practitioners alike—to explore integrative medicine, which combines the best of conventional and complementary approaches.
Within this model, herbal remedies have emerged from the realm of traditional medicine into the spotlight of scientific inquiry, offering powerful supportive options to help manage symptoms, support the immune system, and potentially keep the persistent bacteria in check.
Why Consider Herbal Protocols for Lyme?
The rationale for using herbs is multi-faceted:
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Multi-Target Action: Unlike single-purpose antibiotics, many herbs contain a complex mix of compounds that can work synergistically. They may exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and detox-supporting properties simultaneously.
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Biofilm Disruption: Borrelia can form protective biofilms, making it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate. Promising research, including studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins, has found that certain herbal extracts can disrupt these biofilms, potentially making pathogens more vulnerable.
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Managing Chronic Symptoms: For those with persistent symptoms, herbs can provide significant relief for inflammation, neurological pain, and fatigue, improving quality of life.
The Evidence-Based Herbal Toolkit for Lyme Support
The following herbs are among the most respected and researched in the context of Lyme disease. They are often used in combination, as seen in well-known protocols such as the Buhner Protocol and the Zhang Protocol.
1. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
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Primary Role: Immune Modulation & Anti-inflammatory
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The Science: A cornerstone of the Buhner protocol, Cat’s Claw is prized for its ability to modulate an overactive immune system and reduce inflammation. It is not a direct antibiotic but helps the body manage the inflammatory response triggered by the infection.
2. Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
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Primary Role: Antibacterial & Anti-inflammatory
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The Science: This is often considered one of the most essential herbs for Lyme. Research, including a landmark 2020 study published in the Journal Frontiers in Medicine, found that extracts from Japanese Knotweed (among others) showed significant activity against persistent Borrelia burgdorferi forms, even outperforming some standard antibiotics in lab settings. It’s also rich in resveratrol, a potent anti-inflammatory.
3. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
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Primary Role: Immune Support & Neurological Symptoms
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The Science: Andrographis is a powerful immune stimulant and is particularly valued for addressing neurological symptoms like brain fog, nerve pain, and headaches. It helps reduce inflammation in the nervous system and supports the body’s innate defense mechanisms.
4. Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
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Primary Role: Neuroprotective & Anti-inflammatory
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The Science: This herb is excellent for calming “neurological fire”—addressing anxiety, irritability, and insomnia that can accompany Lyme. It protects nerve cells and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in studies.
5. Cistus Incanus
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Primary Role: Antibacterial & Biofilm Disruptor
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The Science: Popular in Europe, Cistus Incanus is a powerful antioxidant. Recent German studies have highlighted its potent ability to prevent biofilm formation and its general antimicrobial activity, making it a valuable supportive agent.
6. Garlic (Allium sativum)
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Primary Role: Antimicrobial & Detox Support
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The Science: The compound allicin in garlic is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. It supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways, particularly the liver, which is crucial for processing the toxins released when pathogens die off (a Herxheimer reaction).
Critical Considerations Before You Begin
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Diagnosis is Key: There is no substitute for a proper diagnosis from a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Self-treating without confirmation of Lyme or co-infections can be dangerous.
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Work with a Professional: Herbal medicine is powerful. Consult with a qualified medical herbalist, naturopathic doctor, or integrative MD experienced in treating Lyme disease. They can create a personalized protocol, manage dosages, and monitor for interactions with other medications.
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The Herxheimer Reaction: As herbs (or antibiotics) begin to kill bacteria, a “die-off” reaction can temporarily worsen symptoms. A skilled practitioner can help you manage this through detox support and dosage adjustments.
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Quality Matters: Use high-quality, ethically sourced herbs from reputable suppliers to ensure potency and purity.
The Bottom Line: A Synergistic Approach
The landscape of Lyme disease treatment is evolving. Herbal remedies are no longer just “alternative” hope; they are becoming validated, supportive tools in a comprehensive care plan. When used wisely under professional guidance, they can empower patients to better manage their symptoms, support their body’s healing processes, and improve their overall quality of life on the road to recovery.
Editor’s Note: This article was initially published in 2021 and has been updated in 2025.
FYI – This article is a bit misleading. Most people (75% with Chronic) with Lyme disease have several coinfections that are harder to treat than Lyme itself. Antibiotics are required in many cases of Lyme – (such as if borrelia has gotten into the brain – if you want to even have a chance of touching it in that location). The herbals are very effective, but don’t perfuse intracellular tissue and don’t get to places in the body that some antibiotics can. Herbals have the benefit of not promoting resistance, and having other mechanisms such as being biofilm disrupters, immune modulators, adaptogens, etc. Probiotics help curb the overuse of antibiotics, and rotating antibiotics prevents resistance in Lyme and the stealth infections. Also, most of the resistance problem with antibiotics is due to agricultural uses and misuse in hospital settings. I have a world class Lyme doctor and it has taken me 5 years so far to get 90% better. I could not have done so without antibiotics AND herbals. If someone just has Lyme and catches it relatively early, herbals can be surprisingly good. My doctor would still prescribe Doxy for 3 months to prevent Lyme from becoming chronic, as that can be a devastating condition that isn’t worth the risk of not taking antibiotics to prevent along with the herbals. Herbals are necessary for anyone treating Lyme, but it is dangerous and misleading to say it’s the only way and that antibiotics should be avoided. You’ll find that the sickest patients will almost always require antibiotics to get better. You’ll also find that anyone with the coinfections – mycoplasma, bartonella, or babesia, will ALWAYS require antibiotics to even have a chance of getting better. 75% of all Lyme patients have complex cytokine/immune responses with multiple coinfections. Dr. Richard Horowitz calls this – MSIDS or Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome. I appreciate the trend towards herbal, but I also feel this information could harm more people than it could help if chronic Lyme patients are the ones reading this, or if people turn chronic because they weren’t at a stage where herbals alone are enough. I avoided antibiotics and attempted herbal treatments for 1 year which delayed my treatment and made things much worse. This viewpoint can harm some people as much as it can help.
Just because something works in a petri dish, doesn’t mean you can get it where you need it in the body to be helpful/effective. We’ve learned this with herbals and antibiotics. There are lists of agents that work in petri dishes and are incredible, but you can’t get to certain niches in the body and thus multiple therapeutics have to be combined.
These infections (Lyme, Bartonella, Mycoplasma, Babesia) have been turned into stealth bioweapons, and a cocktail of them is the norm nowadays. Also, the strain of Lyme matters. Some strains are pretty weak and respond beautifully to herbals. Others are incredibly nasty and require everything you can throw at them. Just thoughts from a very informed/experienced patient with a lot of experience and a world class integrative Lyme Doctor.
Hello, could you share the doctor that helped you with your chronic Lyme /
thanks
My daughter had Lyme disease. these protocols of herbs, coffee enemas, infra red sauna is all good. But she got treated at LymeStop.com (magnetic therapy to reset the immune system) WORKED!!!! Please spread the word….
My daughter was diagnosed through CranioBiotic Technique (CBT) from our chiropractor using magnets, infections sites throughout the body and her own immune response. She was 18 and had suffered for YEARS until it got to the point she could no longer function. (Literally curled up in a ball in the dark) She had severe neurological Lyme. Was infected (Mosquitoes also spread Lyme!! Proven) probably around the age of 6 and it eventually robbed her of her personality, interest in life, physical health and LIVING. She began CBT treatments for her 17 co-infections of the Lyme until we could get her in to LymeStop treatment. She had her initial 3 day treatment with magnets, light therapy, and massive herbal supplements–NO DRUGS. The Lyme had been leeching her body of all her vitamins and minerals, taking it for herself. We did a 3 month follow-up to check to make sure her own immune system had locked in on the infections. The hardest to eradicate and lock on to was Epstein Barr! Now, it is a year and seven months after initial diagnosis. It is a LONG road, but she goes two steps forward and one step back. She is in cosmetology school, putting in 40 hours a week. She is getting therapy for depression and anxiety yet and working on her stamina and other issues, but she has gained back her personality and most of her health! This is a MARATHON, not a race. I thank GOD for these people who are using this LymeStop treatment! NO antibiotics–because if my daughter would have taken those first, her journey to wellness would have been much more difficult and time consuming. Now my husband is on his own journey with Lyme. He has so many of the same symptoms our daughter had and wouldn’t admit he could have it as he was fully functioning, but deteriorating. Convinced him to have CBT and he has 14 co-infections with his Lyme. We have LymeStop in November. Please spread the word–LYMESTOP WORKS!! My daughter will need no further treatment after just 2 visits. Her immune system is doing all the work–she just needs TIME and a healthy lifestyle. Our own immune systems, with support from God’s natural world, can do so much more than what we are being told. Medicine just needs to get out of the way.
I was 70 yrs old and woke up one morning with 106 fever, aches, stiff neck, headache, you name it. I WAS SICK! I thought I had meningitis! I hadn’t been sick in 40 years. I was stumped and very concerned. Since I didn’t know what it was I began to treat the symptoms. Figured it was viral or bacterial so I drank silver. Knew I was inflamed so I was taking spoonfuls of turmeric. Took a gram of Vit. C a day. And some other herbs. Started to feel better in 4 days then my knees swole like grapefruits, I began to throw up, couldn’t think, felt like chronic fatigue set in. My adenoids got horribly infected. Every day was a different disease. Finally called my daughter and told her what was happening. My son in law heard and yelled “Mom, you have Rocky Mt. Spotted fever or Lymes disease!” Bingo, I knew it was Lymes. I’m an herbalist and was in the woods constantly foraging. I’d been bitten dozens of times but my immune system kept me going. But I was suffering a perfect storm. Death of a spouse, loss of my home of 37yrs. and stressed by other factors. I got a friend to dig me some knotweed roots. Dried some and made a tincture. Took 15 “00” capsules a day and in 1 month I was good. (dried herb worked better, kept throwing up the tincture.)I had lost 25lb. and went to hell and back but the wild foraged knotweed killed it! Four years later and have not had a tinge of the disease. Recently went to a Dr. for a physical for a job and told her the story. She didn’t believe it. She said “Mind if I test you for Lymes?” I said “Be my guest” Health dept. called 2 weeks later and told me I tested positive for Lymes and needed to come in for treatment. I said “Nah, I’m good.” God’s pharmacy has never (never!) failed me in 50 years, 5 kids and 7 grandkids. “Beloved ABOVE ALL THINGS, I would that thou wouldst prosper and be in good health… even as thy soul prospers.” 3 John 2
Excellent, highly informative information, with detailed accuracy about Lyme disease misconceptions. Alternative treatments and their sources are a welcoming and necessary tool to consider, often life-saving, because they offer hope and often work well with minimum risk in spite of
fear-mongering which is a distortion of truth! Thank you very much for this great information. Please let us know where these herbal remedies can be purchased. May God richly bless you!
Please respond via my email. Thanks.
my late husband, JACK GORDON, AMES, IOWA died 11.13.2014.
his 1st brain autopsy done by dr. alan macdonald found the following:
neuro borreliosis/chronic lyme disease,
LEWY body dementia causing his visual/violent hallucinations like robin williams suffered from.
jack’s brain was the 1st in world to be discovered with these 2 diseases!
plus a cluster of 24 filarial nematode parasitic worms having lyme inside of them!
alan promised me he would write this up and publish in a medical journal with me as 1st co-author of it. he failed to do this as promised.
so i had 2nd brain autopsy done by univ. of minn. dr. marna ericson found:
lyme disease and 2nd tick-borne disease, bartonella aka cat scratch disease, 2 species. she too did NOT publish as we discussed.
jack was NEVER DIAGNOSED with any of these diseases while alive!!
i was misdiagnosed for 35 yrs. by 40-50+ drs!
so since neither of them published, may 2021, i donated jack’s brain to NDRI, national disease research interchange who works with BIO LAB RESEARCH CENTER IN CALIFORNIA on lyme disease research.
they will use his brain for future research by scientists/researcers.
so there are MORE that die from lyme/co-infections than what you stated above.
it does NOT take 36 hrs. to transmit the infection! 3 tick-bprne disease can reach the brain in 5, 10, and 15 minutes of being bitten: powassan virus, rocky mtn. spotted fever, and lyme fog on 3rd one!
so i wanted to correct and clafify these glaring errors to a tick-borne widow and patient.
“A tick has to be present on the skin for at least 36 hours to transmit the infection.”
In my experience this is a false statement. I have been ill with chronic Lyme for 14 years, and the tick that bit me did not attach to my hip and feed on me. In fact studies have shown that bacteria and viruses can be on their hypostome and can transmit disease in as little as 15 minutes which is exactly what happened to me.
Lyme Disease is a medical diagnosis.
It is really toxic metals and dental problems.
Dentist do not diagnose and treat pulpitits or pulp necrosis or dead teeth.
They only want to do xrays. They ignore dead teeth.
Do an Endo Cold Test on all your teeth.
Do a self test using an ice cube.
I was incorrectly diagnosed with LD.
My teeth were all dead from Lead poisoning.
My brother was infected with Lyme about 40 years ago in Canada, developing the bulls-eye lesion around a tick bite site. He was not then diagnosed and was finally diagnosed in 2018. Initial herbal treatments and use of a Rife machine did not help greatly, but new information regarding the use of Antabuse (disulfiram) started to appear. He was put onto a quarter tablet daily, raised every 2 weeks by a quarter tablet more, and finally when he was on one and a quarter tabs per day, he reacted at this time with a major Herxheimer event, become psychotic twice for a few hours on different days. The treatment was stopped at this point and he recovered well and appears to now be free from the disease. The Herxheimer reaction was caused by the breakdown products of the dead Borrelia organisms in his brain, which then precipitated the psychosis.. I just stayed with him when he was in his psychotic state and assured him that the psychosis was just a temporary thing that was a response to his overcoming of the Borrelia. He hasn’t manifested any psychosis since..
If I had Lyme’s Disease, I would go to my medical doctor and listened to their device before going to a naturalpathic doctor or herbalist because some herbal medicine can be harmful and cause liver, kidney, or brain damage. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider to know which is the best treatment for you.