In July, after months of feeling exhausted, in pain, and mentally drained, I was FINALLY diagnosed with Lymes Disease. I was beginning to think I was crazy, with doctors telling me everything was fine, when I knew it wasn’t. By the time I was diagnosed, my Vitamin D levels were almost non-existent, and I was so depressed I could barely function.
I am now feeling a million times better, although not 100%, and thought that I would share my story of recovery, in the hopes that it will help someone else. I am a professional singer, not a doctor, but through my struggles I have learned a lot, so I thought I would list some of the herbal supplements I have taken along the journey.
Below are some of the symptoms you may experience when infected:
Early Symptoms:
-Fatigue
-Body Chills
-Fever (with Muscle/Joint pain)
-Headaches
-Swollen Lymph Nodes
After about 2 months you may experience:
-Arthritis
-Neck Stiffness or Facial Palsy
-Shooting pains
-Heart Palpitations
-Dizziness
Months or years later symptoms may consist of:
-Concentration and memory problems
-Possible cognitive defects
-Tingling or numbness in the feet and hands
I was diagnosed very late, and the doctor thinks I have probably had it for years. Like me, many people don’t get a Bullseye mark, so they never know they are sick until much later. I had many of these symptoms, but never realized what was happening, as it came on slowly, and I was living in China for the last year, getting a massage every other day, which helped reduce symptoms. Dr. Rind, an Integrated Doctor in Washington, DC, has been helping with my recovery.
Not only are my lymes disease symptoms reduced, but I am also feeling vocally stronger than ever. I had no idea how much it affected my stamina, vocal strength and breath support. I am SO GRATEFUL to have been diagnosed with Lymes, as I have learned so much about myself in the process.
Herbal treatments for treating Lyme are listed below. You don’t have to take all of them, but it’s just a good list. I will star the ones that worked for me.
Eleuthro (Siberian Ginseng): * For energy/ adrenal support. Buy liquid extract, and take 1 tsp 3 times a day for 1-2 months. Then discontinue 2 weeks, repeat if needed, or go to weaker strength. (I never took more than 15 drops at a time, or it was too much for me).
Cats Claw (also called Samento): * Good for late stage Lymes. Take 500 mg -3 times a day- and increase dose by 1 capsule a week until taking 2000mg. No need to take high dose if low dose works.
Resveratrol 200: * Immune enhancer. 1-2 tablets- 3 times daily. This is the healthy version of grapes/wine. I still take it, but twice a day. You will know what works for you.
Sarsparilla: Helps with die off reactions. This is the rapid release of toxins that can occur when large numbers of microbes all die at once from antimicrobial therapy. 1 capsule 3-4 times a day while die off is occurring should help you.
Stephania: Helps reduce visual symptoms of Lyme 1/2 teaspoon 3 times daily.
American Indian Tea: * This helps support the immune system and comes with brewing instructions. It tastes a bit bitter, but does help with energy when you are trying to recover.
Vitamin D: * Check with your doctor, but a symptom of Lymes Disease is that your vit D levels can get extremely low. Mine were almost nonexistent. You should take at least 5000 U of Vitamin D a day (fish oil derived is best).
Solanyx: * It’s a mushroom immune booster complex that can be taken for a week if ill, or cut the dose in half and it lasts 2 weeks to help knock out a more chronic illness.
Adrenal Rebuilder: * This helps to detoxify and rebuild your adrenal glands, which will help you have more energy. (Smells horrible, however).
Mini-trampoline: * Just jumping on a trampoline (gently) for up to 15 min a day will help produce tissue movement in the body, to stimulate Lymphatic drainage. You will see large improvements with this little exercise. (And no, jumping in place on a hard surface doesn’t work the same way).
Banderol: * Helps kill Lyme in various forms. Especially supportive of Cats Claw. Take twice daily, 30 min before breakfast and supper. Start with 1 drop twice daily, and add a drop until your dose reaches 30 drops twice daily.
Teasel Root: *From what I can understand, this herb pushes the bad bacteria from the joints into the blood system, so your body can fight it. It makes me very TIRED, but does seem to do something, as I noticed a huge difference when I began taking Banderol and Teasel root. Not as many aches and pains.
Steam/Infrared Sauna: * I also go to a Korean spa once a week to detox my body through infrared sauna, steam, and different hot rooms.
Good luck with your journey. Again, I am not a doctor, but this is what worked for me, and I know many people are struggling with this disease just like I did/do.
