Originally published September 17, 2018
If you’re reading this, chances are high that either you or someone you know personally has been affected by Lyme disease. With the CDC reporting over 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease annually (and this number is suspected to be grossly underreported), it reminds me more and more of the autism epidemic: when I was school age, I didn’t know anyone who had autism. There was no one in our entire school who was diagnosed with it. Now, there’s not a person in the last couple of years that I’ve met who doesn’t know or have a child with an autism diagnosis. This is not the case of better diagnosis (as many want to believe) … there are thousands of children who now have autism who would not have had autism had they been born fifty years ago.
The same is true with Lyme. It is on target to become the next epidemic of our time – and sadly, one that is being ignored as well.
When a diagnosis or condition is ignored, it often is left up to the patient (or their parents/family) to search out their own treatment options. These are often found in the holistic world of medicine, as mainstream medicine commonly ignores a Lyme diagnosis past a week or two of antibiotics (if you are fortunate to test positive in your blood for Lyme, which the majority of patients with Lyme are unable to do) and thus a patient is left on their own to determine the best course of treatment. Misdiagnoses are common, leaving a person open to incorrect treatments, many of which can cause additional harm or allow the bacteria to continue to multiply and destroy the immune system and various organs, tissues, and joints.
I was diagnosed with IBS and anxiety and was offered medication for both, when I really should have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and the co-infections babesia, bartonella, protomyxzoa, mycoplasma, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, reactivated Epstein Barr Virus and high levels of HHV6.
Thankfully for me, it was only about six months between when I became very ill and my initial Lyme diagnosis (although I unknowingly had Lyme for several years prior to that). My rapid diagnosis was due to the fact that I was already familiar with the world of holistic medicine thanks to having a son diagnosed with autism several years before that. Without his earlier diagnosis, I don’t know that I would be diagnosed at this point, which is a scary thought. However, that is reality for thousands of undiagnosed people around the world who are suffering daily and are told it’s “all in their head”.
LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS
When I first suspected that I could have Lyme disease, I researched available treatment options. As a GAPS Practitioner, I had in the past consulted with several clients who had received long-term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease, which had been very tough (even devastating) on their digestive systems. What was worse, while they were on the antibiotics, their symptoms improved, but once they stopped them, their symptoms returned.
I didn’t think that this was the correct option for me, as my digestive system was already a mess thanks to the bacteria and protozoa infecting it, and I wanted something that would BUILD UP my body instead of tearing it down. So, I searched for a practitioner who would treat Lyme and co-infections naturally. (You can read more of my story here).
After I finished up what treatments she offered, I was feeling much better (a.k.a. I didn’t feel like I was dying anymore) but I still wasn’t 100% better … also, after being completely off any treatment for a few months, I had a major flare up again and took weeks to recover from it. This was when I decided to look into additional options that I could do at home, as I recognized treating something this intelligent that had been in my body this long would take a lot of time and effort.
I am blessed to have friends who not only are super smart but also are willing to share (thank you to all of you!!!!) I had one friend mail me the book Healing Lyme by Stephen Buhner, which outlined his herbal protocol for treating Lyme Disease (he also has several other books that target many of the co-infections that can accompany Lyme). Other friends recommended Rife treatments (which I had done with the Lyme doctor I saw earlier), and one of my friends recommended a particular brand of Rife machine that had worked for them (scroll down for more information about Rife). We purchased this machine, and I have been using it daily for the last year.
None of this was cheap. I won’t lie and say that it was. However, healing autism wasn’t cheap either, and getting our son back was worth every single penny we ever spent. I would love to say that someday all of these services and treatments will be covered by insurance, but I’m not holding my breath. However, I truly do believe that in the future, sicknesses like Lyme and autism will be a thing of the past: that is what I hold out my hope for! – Isaiah 33:24
So, let’s jump in and talk about what my typical day looks like at the moment. Disclaimer: I am not advocating any course of treatment or supplements. I am not a medical doctor; as always, it is recommended that you consult with your health care practitioner before starting any new health regimen. I am simply sharing the protocol I follow for educational purposes.
UPON WAKING:
• Every day I plan to wake up at 7 a.m. Right now, my adrenals are kind-of a mess, so often this can look more like 8 or 9 a.m. and if I need it because of being up with insomnia, even later. (Thanks to a new puppy, though, this last week I have been “enjoying” waking up daily between 4 and 6am!) Developing a good sleep routine and a set time to go to bed and wake is very important for healing. At least nine hours of sleep at night right now seems to be my optimal number … finding the optimal amount of sleep for your body (and getting it!) is key.
• When I wake up, I generally do some gentle stretches to loosen up. “Stretching and strengthening exercise program to help improve range of motion as well as strengthen the muscles that assist in supporting weakened surrounding joints.” (Here is an example of some exercises you can do in the morning to get loosened up and get your lymph moving: https://www.tiredoflyme.com/4-simple-morning-exercises-for-those-with-chronic-lyme-disease-that-can-make-you-feel-better.html)
• Our body detoxes as night while we sleep, and it can continue this process until 10 every morning. Eating before this time can slow down this detoxification process, so if possible, try to hold off eating breakfast until later in the morning. Drink plenty of water upon waking, and you can add in this yummy detox tea:
MORNING DETOX TEA:
1 cup heated water (I use a teakettle)
2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
Juice from half a lemon
1 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon
Dash of cayenne
Raw honey to taste
Stir all ingredients together and enjoy!
• Before breakfast would also be the time to add in any homeopathic detox supplements like those from DesBio. (I really like their Detox Series). Currently I am not using these, as I am taking other supplements to promote drainage and detox as recommended by my naturopath, but I really experienced good results when I was using the DesBio series in the past. DesBio products are only available via a practitioner, so please contact me if you are interested in learning more about these and I can help you.
• Prior to breakfast, I also try to do some gentle exercise every day, such as going for a walk outside, gentle muscle building, rebounding, or Pilates. This is a work in progress for me, as I don’t always have the energy to do so, but I know that continuing to work on making this a better routine will only add to the strength and energy I have. So, if this is something that you struggle with too, keep working on it! The key is starting slow and doing something gentle that you enjoy and that you’ll stick with. When it comes to Lyme disease and exercise, we are NOT talking “no pain no gain!” If it causes you pain or stresses your body out, slow down or try something different. There are even different exercise routines that you can do from bed!
SUPPLEMENTS WITH BREAKFAST:
Yay!! We finally made it to breakfast (lol)! So now let’s talk about what that looks like.
For breakfast, I generally like to have some eggs over easy cooked in ghee with sea salt and a side of fermented veggies (I also add in fresh garden veggies in season). Breakfast can really look like anything you want it to: but make sure it contains plenty of protein and stay away from loads of sugar. (In general, you want to avoid sugar and things like gluten, as they feed Lyme and they feed inflammation).
Here are the supplements I currently take with breakfast (and why I take them):
• Allerzyme or Essentialzyme (1 capsule/tablet) – These are digestive enzymes from Young Living; initially I was taking Essentialzyme (it contains Betaine HCl) which was super helpful, but I recently switched over to Allerzyme as my body seems to prefer it at the moment. Listening to your body is important when it comes to supplementation! What was right yesterday may not be right for you tomorrow.
• Digestive bitters (a few splashes) – I take Urban Moonshine digestive bitters and add them to the glass of herbal tinctures that I take with my meals. Bitters are herbs that promote digestive juices such as stomach acid, bile and enzymes to break down food and assist in the absorption of nutrients.
• Ningxia Red (2-4 oz. in mineral water) – This is a powerhouse supplement in liquid form from Young Living, loaded with antioxidants and immune boosting ingredients. I take it mainly for energy, supporting detox, and overall wellness. (I drink this before eating)
• Elderberry syrup (one large spoon daily) – We start taking elderberry syrup in the fall and continue through late spring. It’s wonderful for the immune system and is especially powerful against viruses. I make up my own syrup (saves $$ plus it tastes way better than store-bought syrup, if I do say so myself!) … you can find the recipe here.
• Fermented cod liver oil/high fat butter oil (1/2 tsp or so) – This is another supplement that we start taking in the fall and continue through late spring. It is loaded with nutrition that helps to boost our immune system plus it supplies natural vitamin D, an essential nutrient in the dark winter months when we are not getting as much from the sun. We get our cod liver oil from Green Pastures. (If you would like to know the reason why we prefer this brand, feel free to send me a message!)
• “Red drink” – Using an empty Ningxia Red bottle (see notes above about Ningxia Red), I fill it with filtered water, 1 tsp. Sulfurzyme (a supplement also from Young Living that combines MSM with wolfberry – Google the benefits of MSM, as there are many!), and 1-2 oz. of Ningxia Red. Then I drink this mixture throughout the day. I drink this for detox benefits especially, and I notice a decrease in swelling when I do. This is something new I’ve added to my protocol in the last few weeks.
• ComforTone, ICP, and Detoxzyme – I will be starting a colon cleanse the end of September as outlined in the book “Inner Transformations Using Essential Oils”. I was planning to start it this last week, but as I was starting some other new supplements from my naturopath, I thought it better to wait until my body was feeling a bit more stable. Gut health is KEY to overall health, regardless of your diagnosis, and I would highly recommend checking out this book! (If you click on the title, it will take you to the Amazon link – just fyi, I do not receive any compensation for this)
• Apo-INFEKT (30 drops in water) – This is a new herbal/homeopathic supplement that I started at the recommendation of my naturopath. The level of “biotoxins” in my body is very high (a.k.a. I don’t detox well) so he recommended this product to help support drainage in my body.
• Chlorophyll (1 capsule) – This is another recommended product to assist with detox and removal of toxins from my body. I will be starting this once I increase the dose of Apo-INFEKT.
• Candicid Forte (2 capsules) – I will be starting this October 1st after I’ve cleared some of the junk out that’s been hanging out in my body. I was able to clear out a lot of my Candida overgrowth last spring when I was initially doing treatment, but as Candida is a crazy opportunist, it’s decided to come back as I work through treatment. Something to stay on top of, especially if you notice a lot of digestive issues!
• Omega Woman (2 capsules) – Taking a quality fish oil supplement is important for supplying essential fatty acids; this brand also adds evening primrose oil, which supplies GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and can be especially helpful for women’s issues such as PMS (but also is supportive of heart health and circulation)
• Whole Food Multivitamin/Multi-mineral (1 capsule) – I generally am not big on multi-vitamins, but when you are recovering from Lyme disease, you can often benefit from the added nutrients. I currently am taking a multi that was recommended by my initial Lyme practitioner, one that is based on whole foods and one that I don’t react negatively to (which is saying a lot!) I have not found that this brand is available online, but if you are interested in the name, please reach out to me.
• Multigreens (2 capsules) – Per Young Living website, this is a “nutritious chlorophyll formula designed to boost vitality by working with the glandular, nervous, and circulatory systems.” It is made with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, barley grass, bee pollen, eleuthero, Pacific kelp, and essential oils. Because I love whole food supplements and because I need assistance in all those body systems, this is one that I take every day. My body loves it!
• NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) (1 tablet) – NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine, which is used by the body to make glutathione, one of our key antioxidants. NAC can also be helpful for breaking down biofilms that Lyme can hide in. Stephen Buhner recommends it for its strong protective effects against neurotoxicity throughout the CNS (central nervous system) and how it can correct neurotoxic effects in the brain. (Healing Lyme, Second Edition, page 407) (His recommended dose for brain involvement in Lyme: 2000mg 2x daily)
• Phosphatidylserine (1 capsule) – This is another supplement recommended by Stephen Buhner. It can help with memory/cognitive dysfunction, trouble finding words, and brain fog. (His recommended dose: 100mg 3x daily) He also states it can help with bolting awake in the middle of the night.
• Gingko biloba (1 capsule) – Another one recommended by Buhner for cognitive dysfunction and memory; his recommended dose is 150mg 2x daily.
• B Complex (1 capsule) – B vitamins are super important for supporting multiple functions in the body including detox. Most (if not all) Lyme patients benefit from B vitamin supplementation, especially those with a known MTHFR mutation (consult with your health care practitioner if this applies to you). When supplementing, it is important to take a B vitamin COMPLEX versus just one B vitamin (for example, just taking B9) as the B vitamins work together and when we only supplement one vitamin, we can deplete the body of another. When we take a B complex, our body will take what it needs and excrete the rest. I have been very sensitive to B vitamin supplementation in the past (as in, they turn me into a crazy person) so I was very happy to find this brand that I tolerate well. B vitamins (in supplements as well as in bee pollen and kombucha) are one of the ways I have energy to get through my day. I also recommend Super B by Young Living.
• Milk thistle (1 capsule) – Another Buhner recommended supplement; for liver and detox support.
• Black cumin seed oil (1 capsule) – This is an amazing oil that I highly recommend researching the benefits of! I take it to help boost the immune system, decrease inflammation, and support the joints. (It also has benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol)
• BioPlasma (4 pellets) – This provides a combination of the essential 12 mineral cell salts that supports cellular health and function. It is helpful for fixing mineral imbalances in the body. I’ve also found them extremely helpful during flare-ups and fevers for reducing aches and the overall “icky” feeling. In acute conditions, I take 4 pellets every 15 minutes (as directed on the bottle). Otherwise, I take 4 pellets daily for maintenance. This is also excellent for dental health.
• BIND (1 capsule away from other supplements) – This is another new supplement that I will be starting to help with detox. Binders are important to take during Lyme treatment to help “mop up” all released toxins and junk that is floating around in your body and lymphatic system. This is something that I had gotten away from somewhat and could be the cause of some of my recent symptoms. This supplement contains: apple fiber, activated charcoal, humic acid/fulvic acid, cascara sagrada, dandelion root, cinquefoil, flax, and Bacillus coagulans.
• I also take Super C tablets from Young Living most days. I like that it contains a whole food source of vitamin C, which is a major part of my Lyme protocol. I also add whole food forms of Vitamin C (such as camu camu and rose hips powder) to my smoothie at lunchtime.
So that’s my morning mouthful that comes with breakfast! (Are y’all still with me?)
While I am eating my breakfast, I have the tea kettle going again to brew me a cup of “coffee” (a.k.a. dandelion root, chicory root, and my Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract blend of cocoa and medicinal mushrooms), to which I add an ice cube of my “creamer”, which is coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, sea salt, and maple syrup, frozen for ease of use. I also use some of this water for my herbal tinctures.
When you’re taking tinctures daily (or multiple times daily), the alcohol content can add up, which isn’t beneficial for your liver. So what I’ve found helpful is to add my tinctures to boiling water and then let them set out at room temp for a while, allowing the alcohol to evaporate off, before consuming them. So I prep all this while I’m eating breakfast.
BUHNER HERBAL TINCTURES:
These are the tinctures that I take twice a day. You can take them three times a day (the preferred method) but I am good if I can get them in twice. Do what you can!
I highly recommend purchasing Stephen Buhner’s book Healing Lyme – Second Edition. The beginning goes into great depth on what the Lyme bacteria does in the body and how the herbs work to counteract this; it’s a TON of in-depth science that may not be right for everyone (unless you’re a science geek – where are my peeps?). However, the core protocol is explained in detail starting in chapter 8 (page 209) and is a very important read for anyone planning to start the protocol. Please don’t skip reading this and just rely on my notes here or any other protocol posted online! This book is invaluable.
• Japanese knotweed (goal dose: 1/2 to 1 tsp 3x daily) – This is one of the most important herbs in the protocol. Per Stephen Buhner, Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) can cross the blood brain barrier and exert actions on the central nervous system, protecting the brain from inflammatory damage, microbial endotoxins, and bacterial infections. He states: “After more than a decade of use, we have found this one herbs to be foundational for stopping the damage that Borrelia [Lyme] cause, especially in the nervous system.” It also helps to tighten the junctions between cells, thus helping to seal up a leaky blood brain barrier and any junctions affected by Lyme.
• Red sage (dan shen) (goal dose: 1 tsp. 3x daily) – This is also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza and along with Chinese skullcap is important for cytokine remodulation, a.k.a. fixing the immune system storm that Lyme has created, which allows it to evade detection in the body.
• Chinese skullcap (goal dose: 1/2 tsp. 3x daily) – Also known as Scutellaria baicalensis. See above. Chinese skullcap can also help with sleep and insomnia.
• Cat’s claw (goal dose: 1/2 tsp. 3x daily) – Uncaria tomentosa bark. Helps with immune remodulation (calming down an overactive immune system but also enhancing how the immune system works) and inflammation. It is known to enhance a specific type of natural killer cell (CD 57) which is deficient in Lyme disease. It also helps to heal leaky gut and is antiprotozoal (may be helpful for babesia).
• Cordyceps (goal dose: 1/2 to 1 tsp. 3x daily) – This is a medicinal mushroom that helps with immunomodulation and resistance to stress; it protects the mitochondria (energy producers in our cells) and helps with fatigue. It can also be effective against bartonella and mycoplasma.
• Siberian ginseng (goal dose: 1/2 tsp. 3x daily) – Eleutherococcus senticosus. It has long been used as an adaptogen in Chinese medicine to strengthen the body’s energy. It can reduce stress on the body, supports a healthy immune system, helps the liver to detoxify, relieves chronic fatigue, and enhances mood and cognition. Stephen Buhner states that it can help with difficulty in overcoming Lyme disease.
• Chinese cat’s claw (goal dose: ½ to 1 tsp. 3x daily) – Uncaria rhynchophylla. Notice: this is not the same as Cat’s claw mentioned above. Stephen Buhner recommends this species of cat’s claw specifically for neuroborreliosis, or neurological Lyme Disease.
• Kudzu (goal dose: ¼ to ½ tsp. 3x daily) – Pueria lobata root. This is helpful for brain and nervous system symptoms and is recommended as part of Buhner’s protocol for neuroborreliosis. Kudzu can also be helpful for digestive concerns.
• CSA (1/4 to ½ tsp. 3-4x daily) ** taken for a maximum of 60 days – This is a combination of Cryptolepsis sanguinolenta, Sida acuta, and Alchornea cordifolia that is recommended by Stephen Buhner for treatment of babesia. (The CSA blend that I take is from Sage Consulting and Apothecary, where I get most of my Buhner herbs)
• Bidens pilosa (goal dose: ½ tsp 3x daily) – This is a recommended Buhner herb for treating babesia. It is also helpful for inflammation and is a strong and reliable immune modulator.
• Rhodiola (goal dose: ¼ tsp 3x daily) – Per Buhner protocol, can be helpful for adrenal and thyroid fatigue. It offers antidepressant properties, enhances cardiovascular function, and protects nerve and brain tissue.
In addition to the above herbs, I also add the following tinctures to my combination, for assisting with detox and additional properties:
• Burbur/pinella (by NutraMedix; 20 drops twice a day) – assists with detox and is especially helpful at preventing/relieving “die off” symptoms (also known as a Herxheimer reaction).
• Parsley (10 drops twice a day) – Also very helpful for detox. I previously purchased this from NutraMedix but currently make my own tincture.
• Stevia (currently at 5 drops twice a day but can increase) – Some research has shown that stevia may help to break up biofilms surrounding Lyme disease. While this may/may not be true (there is much debate), it doesn’t hurt to add it to my tincture regimen. I previously purchased this from NutraMedix but made my own tincture this summer. And at any rate, beneficial for Lyme or not, it definitely helps to make that combination of herbs easier to swallow!
• Lemon balm (currently at 10 drops twice a day) – This is my homemade tincture. Lemon balm, also known as melissa, has many benefits!
Ok phew, now we’ve finished up with the breakfast routine!! Well, almost. I also add in some essential oils.
MORNING ESSENTIAL OILS:
• Endoflex – applied over the thyroid and adrenals
• Juvaflex – applied over the lymphatic points, liver, spleen, swollen nodes
• Frankincense/sacred frankincense – 1-2 drops on the forehead, temples, crown, back of neck
• Valor – on wrists
• Ginger, fennel, lemongrass, spearmint – layered on abdomen for digestive support; I also often use the blend DiGize
• Other oils: I am not as faithful about using these oils but they also can be very helpful – juniper (for kidney support), Melissa, and also oregano, helichrysum, clove, thyme, cinnamon, cassia
• And of course, no daily routine would be complete without starting up the diffuser! During the day, I tend to rotate what I’m diffusing depending on the day (and the weather). Today I am diffusing kunzea essential oil because I love the many layers of its scent and how it makes me feel.
What I love about healing naturally is that the herbs and oils that I use are from plants. Plants are food. Food is the most powerful medicine. Here are some of the foods that I try to incorporate into my diet on a regular basis.
BENEFICIAL FOODS:
• Raw veggies and alkalizing foods, leafy greens (this is the core of the Wahl’s protocol, initially designed for treating Multiple Sclerosis but also very helpful in the case of Lyme disease, especially neurological Lyme)
• Green tea (for EGCG); this is something highly recommended by Stephen Buhner and he states that one of the easiest ways to get EGCG is to just drink green tea.
• Bone broth – a gut healing, collagen-loaded powerhouse of nutrition (I also drink meat stock, which is cooked for a much shorter time than bone broth and is actually better for gut healing).
• Maca powder – nourishing for the adrenals and one of the things that really helps me with energy; I add this to my lunchtime smoothie
• Ginger root – there are many benefits of ginger that you can research, but I love how it’s soothing to the gut and helps with digestive concerns
• Raw fermented foods (raw goat milk yogurt, coconut yogurt, kraut, kimchi, kefir, kvass) – There is nothing like restoring beneficial bacteria to your gut to help support your overall health and well-being; plus, fermenting makes the nutrients in the food more readily assimilated and digestible by the body
• Berries – the ideal source of sweetness in the diet, both for nutrition and the low glycemic index
• Papaya and pineapple – for beneficial digestive enzymes
• Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms – if you aren’t familiar with all the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, I would highly recommend that you research them! In fact, I am so in love with medicinal mushrooms right now I will likely do a post on them in the future and all their goodness.
While I drink my morning tea, I like to find somewhere quiet and spend some time reading the Bible. This is the best way to start my day!
So, after all that (no, it’s not bedtime yet!) I will hop in the shower. There are a couple of things to support detox that I do before/while in the shower if I have time (and remember!):
• Oil pulling – while this is best done first thing in the morning, anytime that you can fit it in works better than not doing it at all; I like to oil pull while I’m in the shower, as that generally lasts 10-15 minutes and is the ideal time for me to do it. Oil pulling is basically placing a spoon of oil in your mouth (I like to alternate between coconut oil and sesame oil) and swishing it around, especially in front between the teeth and gums. Oil pulling helps to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth, pulls oil-soluble toxins from your body, and reduces inflammation.
• Dry brushing – I do this right before showering. Dry brushing not only helps to exfoliate the skin, but it helps your body to detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. It also helps to stimulate the nervous system, which really helps to wake you up! This is a good article explaining the basics and how-to’s of dry brushing: https://wellnessmama.com/26717/dry-brushing-skin/
Ok, by now it’s lunchtime (that is, after I fit in a few hours of homeschooling in …). For lunch, I often like to make up a smoothie, to pack it full of nutrition.
SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS:
• Cordyceps and medicinal mushrooms – Because as you’ve already read above, they’re kind-of a big deal!
• Ashwagandha powder (1/2 tsp) – helpful for reducing cortisol and supporting adrenal function
• Camu camu/rose hips powder – I love getting my vitamins from whole food sources as much as possible, and these are both loaded with Vitamin C. On the Buhner protocol, he recommends between 1,000-3,000mg of Vitamin C daily.
• Collagen (1 Tbs.) – Recommended in the core Buhner protocol for rebuilding the gut as well as repairing all the collagen destroyed by Lyme bacteria. Lyme have an affinity for collagen in the body. I prefer collagen from Vital Proteins and also use gelatin from them as well as Great Lakes.
• Bee pollen (1 tsp) – I love to sprinkle this on top of my smoothies!! (Yes, I likely have more than a tsp. daily!) While it tastes delicious, it is also loaded with benefits (score!) It is a complete protein, rich in vitamins (like B vits), minerals, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants.
• Maca powder – I discussed maca a bit above. This is one powder that I absolutely love and make sure to always add it in my smoothie.
• Spirulina/moringa powder – Healthy greens! Spirulina is also a complete plant source of amino acids.
• Marshmallow root (1 Tbs) – This is one I often forget to take but really should get better about! It is very soothing for the digestive system and can be helpful in the case of leaky gut.
LUNCH SUPPLEMENTS:
• Allerzyme or Essentialzyme (one capsule)
• Digestive Bitters
• Dessicated liver (2-4 capsules) – I just can’t get enough liver in my diet although it is super beneficial (still working on that flavor!) so I take liver capsules from Vital Proteins.
• Milk thistle
DINNER SUPPLEMENTS:
• Allerzyme or Essentialzyme (one capsule)
• Digestive Bitters (with herbs)
• Omega Woman (2 capsules)
• ComforTone, ICP, Detoxzyme
• Apo-INFEKT (30 drops in water)
• Chlorophyll (up to 2 capsules)
• Candicid Forte (1 capsule)
• Multigreens (2 capsules)
• Whole Food Multivitamin/mineral (1 capsule)
• NAC (1 tablet)
• Black cumin seed oil (1 capsule)
• Milk thistle (1 capsule)
• Phosphatidylserine (1 capsule)
• BIND (1 capsule) ** take away from other supplements!
*** I will then also take my evening dose of all the herbal tinctures that I mentioned above, as well as my burbur/pinella, parsley, stevia, and lemon balm tinctures.
Holy moly, after all this (and whatever else went on that day, like working, mom-ing, and wife-ing …) it’s time for ME!
However, even my “me time” is all about self-care and healing. Every once in a while I just break free and do whatever because I’m sick to death of everything being about healing (and then I usually make popcorn and binge-watch Netflix for an evening), but I know that I can’t get away with it very often. I’m learning that being forced to take care of myself is important and to not view it as a chore, but as a blessing. So, if that’s you and you’re feeling anxious or unhappy about all that you can’t do because of everything else that’s been thrown on you thanks to your health: SLOW DOWN and take care of YOU! Find a way to heal yourself in a way that makes you happy to do it. You are worth it!
WHAT MY EVENING LOOKS LIKE:
• I try to be done with work and have the kids in bed by 8 or 8:30 p.m.
• If I have Rife treatments or detox work to do, I try to do something enjoyable while I do it: like watch Fixer Upper, read a book, rest, etc.
• If I’m going to take an ImmuPro tablet, I take ¼ to ½ a tablet now. ImmuPro is an excellent supplement for promoting good sleep at night, plus it’s loaded with my favorite: medicinal mushrooms!! However, if I take ImmuPro closer to my actual bedtime, I wake up feeling groggy (Remember, I’m sensitive to supplements). So on the nights I plan to take it, I take it early.
• Every other night (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), I do an IonCleanse Footbath for 60 minutes. This helps to remove toxins from my body and encourages my body’s own detox pathways to open up. Plus, it helps promote parasympathetic dominance in my body (“rest and digest”) versus what state it’s usually in (sympathetic dominance, also known as “fight or flight”). This has been one of the most important things in my healing to date. (If you would like to learn more about IonCleanse, you can visit their website here – if you decide to purchase one, please make sure to mention that you heard about them from me!)
• On “off nights” when I don’t do the IonCleanse footbath, I take a detox bath using Epsom salts, magnesium flakes, or dead sea salt along with essential oils. This is a great time to read a book and have some “me time” while calling it healing! We are also looking into getting a sauna this fall, so that I can add that into my detox line-up. Can’t wait!
• While I’m detoxing or Rifing away, I also make up a cup of turmeric tea to drink. Turmeric is amazing for inflammation (Google away on this one!) and I’ve noticed a huge help in how warm my extremities are and how my joints feel after drinking it. I alternate between Gaia Golden Milk tea and a turmeric chai tea from Mountain Rose Herbs (which I add gingerbread collagen creamer to from Vital Proteins).
BEDTIME SUPPLEMENTS:
Finally, it’s time for bed again!! I don’t take many supplements at bedtime, just a couple key ones:
• Probiotic – remember, caring for your gut is KEY with any disease! Hippocrates stated centuries ago that, “all disease begins in the gut”. I tend to rotate the probiotics that I take, but currently I am taking Life9 by Young Living.
• L-theanine (2 capsules) – This is a wonderful amino acid supplement that can be very helpful if you’re dealing with anxiety, especially when it wakes you at night. Between this and a supplement I took initially for adrenal support, they were a life saver when I used to wake with panic and night sweats before I had a diagnosis and treatment.
• Trace Minerals Research Ionic Magnesium (2 droppers) – Minerals (and magnesium) are extremely important for everyone, but especially for people who are going through a lot of detox and treatment. Detox baths with Epsom salts/magnesium flakes as well as using magnesium oil topically can also be helpful ways to get extra magnesium in your body.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
• At night, I like to diffuse calming oils. Right now, my favorite blend is: 3 drops Northern Lights black spruce, 2 drops cypress, 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops Eucalyptus globulus, and 1 drop frankincense. It makes me feel mellow and happy immediately.
• JuvaFlex – lymphatic points and swollen nodes
• Sacred frankincense – back of neck and temples
• ImmuPower – down spine
• Bergamot and thyme – on the feet and top of head
• Cedarwood and lavender – massage into scalp; excellent for sleep and also great for hair growth
• German chamomile – over the gallbladder/liver and across the ribs on both sides
• Tranquil and Valor – on the wrists; balancing and calming
HERE ARE A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS:
• Raindrop Technique – this can be especially helpful for supporting persons with Lyme disease; I currently do not tolerate having this done as I’m still working on reducing my bacterial load; however, I know several people who swear by how helpful it has been for them as they are recovering
• Emotional release – I write this and smile because I am SUCH an emotional stuffer – and emotional stuffing is not good!! Life in general throws a lot at us that can cause us to have emotional turmoil; and then there’s Lyme and everything that it brings. Working on emotional release, whether that’s with a practitioner or through techniques using essential oils like AFT, is super important to healing. Look into it!
• Acupuncture – This is something that has been on my radar for months and I just need to go and do it!
• Exercise and time in nature daily – Staying as active as possible cannot be overemphasized! Also, we were not created to be on our computer or our phones daily while sitting indoors. Fresh air EVERY DAY is a must! Put down that phone and #getoutdoors
• Grounding and earthing – if I’m outside (unless I have to go in “public”) I am barefoot and in contact with the earth; this has been shown to have numerous benefits, including decreasing inflammation, increasing restful sleep, and reducing pain
• 9 hours of sleep every night. Discussed this one earlier. Needs to be repeated.
• Castor oil packs and enemas as needed. These can be super helpful for detox. If your bowels aren’t moving, you need to get them moving! You can make up a castor oil pack on your own using castor oil, flannel (I use an old towel), and a plastic ziplock bag cut open so that it lays flat. Pour 1/2 cup of castor oil on the flannel/old towel. Place another towel down on your bed before lying down (to protect your sheets from any oil drips). Place the castor oil pack on your abdomen, cover it with the plastic ziplock bag, and then apply a warmed heating pad on medium (or I use a hot water bottle) over top. Rest comfortably for at least 30 minutes. When you are done, you can place the flannel/old towel in a bag or container in the fridge and reuse multiple times. (I also add JuvaFlex essential oil blend over my liver and DiGize over the abdomen prior to applying the castor oil pack)
• Infrared mat – I have one that I love! It is especially helpful when I’m having spinal pain and stiffness. There are nights that I’ve slept on it, especially in the winter when I’m chilled to the bone and can’t warm up. Internal chills lead to anxiety, which is no good, so this is truly a life-saver. Note: when starting out, work up slowly on how long you use the mat. The mat will slightly elevate your body temperature, which can make Lyme unhappy, and can lead to flares and/or herx reactions. So go slow!
EXTRA SUPPLEMENTS:
• L-ornithine – this supplement can be very helpful for reducing elevated levels of ammonia in the body related to Lyme
• Zeolites – one of the better binders for ammonia (and metals too)
• Sarsaparilla – binds endotoxins and forces them out the GI tract
• Also consider molybdenum and activated charcoal to assist with detox and die-off
• CBD oil – this has been a life-saver for many with Lyme disease, for pain, neuro symptoms, sleep, and more; for me, it triggered what appeared to be seizure activity, so I currently haven’t explored it further; however, that doesn’t mean it isn’t something to keep on your list of possible supplements
EASY TO DIGEST FOODS:
My flare ups always include gut issues, so I’ve compiled a list of foods that help me ease back into eating again after going through a flare:
• Broth
• Ginger tea
• Mineral water (this has really helped so much!!)
• Coconut water
• Herbal tea
• Egg drop soup
• Banana, mashed
• Applesauce
• Baked or boiled potato
• Pumpkin/squash
• Avocado
• Soft scrambled eggs
• Steamed chicken
• Jello (homemade with juice and gelatin)
• Probiotic foods
SOME MORE DETOX IDEAS:
• Alkalime – this is a supplement from Young Living that I view as a natural alternative to the Gold Bond/Alka-Seltzer that everyone recommends for die-off in the Lyme community
• Bentonite clay
• Coffee enemas
• Filtered water – drinking enough water daily, as simple as that sounds, cannot be overemphasized; adding lemon to your water is an added detox bonus
• Juicing – a wonderful way to help cleanse your liver and assist with detox; my favorite blend is carrot, celery, and ginger; it can be really helpful with headaches/migraines too
• Lymph massage
• Deep breathing
• Positive thinking – another simple thing, but oh SO important to healing!
• Quercetin
• Rife – detox programs
• Sleep
• Tea
• Walking – walking is one of the best ways to get your lymphatic system moving
• Pilates and stretching
• No refined sugar!
So, we’re almost to the end of my (very long) day! As I’m getting ready for bed (which ideally should be between 10-11 p.m.) I set up my Rife machine, which will be running programs for me the entire night as I sleep.
A Rife machine (also called a Rife frequency generator) utilizes technology first introduced by Royal Raymond Rife in the early 1900s. He believed that each disease or condition has its own electromagnetic frequency, and that by producing an impulse of the same frequency that the diseased cells could be killed or disabled. Rife technology was something that I utilized during treatments with my first Lyme doctor, and while it is considered controversial, I noticed an immediate positive change after using it. So I purchased a machine to use at home (so that I could do treatments daily instead of driving 9 hours round-trip to get them).
The brand of machine that I use is called True Rife, and I am only beginning to discover all of the capabilities. There are several overnight programs that can be run for Lyme disease and co-infections, and also several that I use for detox. The company is very helpful as far as helping you to choose the right program, and there is a Facebook support group that I am part of that can also answer questions. It took me a while with my Lyme brain to figure it all out (fear of electrocution slowed me down a bit!), but I’m glad that I made the leap.
Most of my overnight programs run in 7-8 hours, so it’s another good way to make sure that I’m in bed for long enough to run the program … and to get enough sleep!
So this has been a sample of my day in treating Lyme Disease! While it may look overwhelming on paper, I assure you that once you do it a few times, it actually doesn’t take a lot of time. Supplements are organized once a week into a pill dispenser for ease of access throughout the week. All my herbal tinctures are lined up in the cupboard, ready to go. Eating well is something that we do as a family, so I don’t have to worry about making multiple meals. Things like maca and bee pollen are good for the kids too!
If all of this seems beyond what you can do, find just a couple of things that you can start with, and go from there. For the sake of being open and honest, most of my days do not include each and every thing on this list. This is a PLAN for me, and I do the best that I can at keeping up with it. There are days when I am in the middle of a flare when I do absolutely nothing from my usual routine, and that’s ok! Taking things a day at a time and not stressing out is important to healing, and being gentle with yourself is vital.
I truly hope that this has been helpful to you! My routine changes from time to time, so I will likely post updates in the months to come. You can also visit me on Instagram as I have broken down my daily routine into an easy-to-follow “InstaStory” complete with pictures of all supplements. I welcome any and all questions and comments on anything that you have read on my website here or on social media!
“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”
– Tori Amos
Best wishes for much healing!
~ Alicia