Lyme DiseaseAs Lyme disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop weeks, months, or even years later. These may include severe headaches, arthritis-like joint pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, shortness of breath or chest pain, brain fog, mood changes, insomnia, heart palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat. Lyme Disease has been raising a significant health concern globally, with over 476,000 new cases reported in 2023 in the United States alone. This marks a 12% increase from the previous year. What about the prevalence of chronic Lyme disease — the number of people who remain sick over time? The number of people living with the disease increases over time based on the percentage of those who contract the disease and stay sick.
BiofilmsOne of the challenges in treating Lyme disease is the ability of the common Lyme disease bacteria Borrelia to form biofilms. Biofilms are not unique to borrelia, it also contains various types of bacteria. Biofilm formation occurs when microorganisms attach themselves to a surface and create a colony. Biofilms are structures produced by microorganisms such as parasites, candida, and unhealthy bacteria for protection. They are a sticky film that covers the microorganisms, which prevents the immune system from penetrating through the structure and eliminating them. A biofilm is like a barrier against the immune system and antibiotics, antimicrobial, and antifungal agents. Biofilms are often found in candida infection, parasite overload, Lyme disease, and much more. Once pathogens colonize and begin to form biofilm, they become harder to detect and destroy; especially the longer they present. Not only do biofilms shield the pathogen from your immune system, but they also accelerate the growth and distribution of pathogens throughout the GI tract and provide an environment for new pathogens to attach and multiply. Because biofilms protect the bacteria, they are often more resistant to traditional antibiotic and antimicrobial treatments, making them a serious health risk. Some studies suggested that overuse of antibiotics can induce biofilm formation. Most people with chronic sinus infections have a bacterial biofilm in their nasal passages. The most common biofilm is the plaque in your teeth. Did you know that catheters have a surface that is conducive for biofilms to form? There are more than one million reported cases of catheter-associated urinary tract infections each year, many of which are related to biofilm-associated bacteria. Your oral health plays an important role in your gut health because it is the entrance to your digestive tract. Here are some natural remedies to improve your oral health.

In Lyme disease, biofilms bacteria produce and cover themselves in a layer of sugar slime called mucopolysaccharides. To create structure, the bacteria use a protein found in the blood called fibrinogen, which they use to create a fibrin protein skeleton. Because the fibrin provides the structure, the bacteria in biofilms can protect themselves under their outer protein coverings. In biofilms, bacteria use efflux pumps to remove antibiotics and create antibiotic resistance.

Within the Lyme disease biofilms, the bacteria establish highly organized structures and functions. For instance, they have tubes to take in nutrients. They also communicate with one another by using various chemical messengers, excrete waste through channels, and perform other complex activities to promote the longevity of the community. Let’s look into some natural remedies to break down these nasty biofilms.

Some natural biofilm disruptors include the following:

Biofilm Disruptors
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Berberine
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Activated Charcoal
  • Cranberry
  • Propolis
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Black seed oil
  • Neem
  • Andrographis
  • Boswellia
  • Rosemary
  • Cloves
  • Eucalyptus

Other biofilm disruptors include NAC, quercetin, colloidal silver, zeolite, manganese, zinc, Ozone therapy, etc. Monolaurin in coconut oil shows promising antimicrobial activity and it can be a potential biofilm treatment. Published research suggested one of the most impressive potential health benefits of curcumin is acting as a biofilm buster against the formation of biofilms that can lead to serious diseases. Some enzymes help break down biofilm too, such as Trypsin, Serratiopeptidase, and Nattokinase.

Butyric Acid

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid and its ionically charged form is known as butyrate. It plays a vital role in the breakdown of biofilms. Your gut beneficial bacteria produce butyric acid from fiber, therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy and fiber-rich diet to boost healthy bacteria and butyrate levels in your gut. The production of butyrate by healthy gut bacteria is just one incredible mechanism your body develops to protect itself. Phosphatidylcholine also plays a role in the elimination of biofilms. It can interact with biofilm structures, disrupt the integrity of the biofilm and detach the film from the pathogens that hide in it. Both butyrate and phosphatidylcholine can regulate biofilm signaling and gene expression, which can disrupt biofilms on a genetic level, interrupt communication pathways, and eliminate the formation of biofilms in the first place.

Here are some ancient remedies to strengthen your digestive health and eliminate pathogens in your digestive tract.

lyme disease digestive symptomsChinese skullcap is a medicinal herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. This perennial plant has violet-blue and tube-shaped flowers with two lips. The root of the plant is used medicinally. The herb’s Chinese name is called Huang Qin, which means ‘the golden herb’. The root of the plant has a yellow color, hence its name “the golden herb”. Chinese Skullcap is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are several slightly different types of skullcap, which all belong to the Scutellaria genus. The most common types of medicinal herbs are the American and Chinese skullcap varieties. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is native to North America. It has small and tubular blue flowers. Some varieties can also display different colors. Chinese skullcaps (Scutellaria baicalensis) are commonly found in Asia and Russia. The major bioactive compounds in Chinese skullcap include flavonoids such as scutellarin and wogonin, bitter iridoids including catalpol, tannins, and volatile oils. Chinese Skullcap has 75 different chemical compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and essential oils. The herb provides many medical benefits including neuroprotector, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective properties.

Benefits of Chinese SkullcapChinese skullcap is commonly used for treating Lyme disease. It has also been used for cancer prevention, cognitive function, and liver health.
In Traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese Skullcap is often used to treat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and liver cancer. Skullcap also displays the potential to promote sleep quality as a soothing and relaxing herb.

It contains large amounts of flavonoids such as scutellarin and baicalin, both of which have an impact on the sleep-wake cycles and sleep quality. Skullcap protects against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that Oroxylin A – an antioxidant present in the roots of Chinese skullcap prevents the development of brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Chinese skullcap has antibacterial and antiviral properties, particularly the active compound baicalin in it. Studies have reported that baicalin can inhibit the replication of HIV-1 cells, which makes the herb a very potent antiviral remedy against certain viruses. Chinese Skullcap has long been used to treat respiratory infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and fight against infections.

Here are some amazing health benefits of Chinese Skullcap:

  • Helps treat Lyme disease.
  • Improves sleep quality.
  • Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
  • Relieves asthma and fights against respiratory infections.
  • Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  • Prevents cognitive decline and protects the brain against Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Boosts immunity and prevents cancers.

Skullcap

There are many ways to consume skullcap, you can make tea from the dried herb. However, extracts and tinctures are the most popular forms because it is easy to incorporate the herb into your daily routine.

Skullcap is generally safe to consume, but there are some side effects to consider and most of these symptoms are rare, mild, and not severe. Some side effects of skullcap include nausea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and fever. Skullcap is not recommended for women during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is no safety data for these populations.

Japanese KnotweedJapanese knotweed is well-known as an invasive weed; however, it is native to Japan, North China, Taiwan, and Korea. Other common names for Japanese knotweed include bushy knotweed, Mexican bamboo, Chinese knotweed, Hu Zhang, and Hojang. This plant means to “remove pain”, which is why it is called “Itadori” in Japan. Japanese knotweed has been used as a spring vegetable for centuries in Asian cultures and it is highly praised because of its high content of one particular chemical -resveratrol. The roots of the plant contain a much higher level of resveratrol than the leaves and stems. Japanese knotweed is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating various health conditions and it has been used for treating Lyme disease in Western herbal medicine. The most important health benefits of the herb include treating cognitive disorders, improving heart health, relieving gastrointestinal issues, lowering high blood pressure, reducing cancer risk, improving insulin sensitivity, and many other health benefits. There are over 60 known plant compounds in Japanese knotweed, including resveratrol, emodin, catechin, gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin.

Many people are suffering from Lyme disease these days, Typical late Lyme disease symptoms are arthritis and joint swelling. Emodin is one of the Japanese knotweed’s active chemical compounds that can effectively fight against Borrelia and stop the bacteria’s growth. Japanese knotweed also helps to improve blood flow throughout the body, which is effective for the treatment of Lyme disease because pathogens are often hiding behind the biofilms in these areas of the body. The important features of Japanese knotweed on Lyme disease are its cytokine modulation and neuroprotective and regeneration effects. Japanese knotweed can specifically help treat Lyme disease by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, reducing autoimmune reactions, providing anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity, protecting endothelial integrity, acting as an anti-biofilm agent, and strengthening immune function.

Studies have shown that Japanese knotweed helps improve cognitive function by decreasing oxidative stress and supporting brain health. Resveratrol in Japanese knotweed can decrease neuro-inflammation, restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, improve neuromuscular coordination, and enhance learning and memory, specifically long-term memory.

ResveratrolThe chemical compounds in Japanese Knotweed including resveratrol, 5,7-dimethoxyphthalide, catechin, and emodin exhibit potent antiviral activity against HIV and inhibit the growth and replication of the influenza viruses. Resveratrol suppresses the replication of viruses; it also reduces the tissue inflammatory reactions. Japanese Knotweed has been known to help with bronchitis, coughs, gingivitis, sore mouth, sore throat, lung disease, etc.

Emodin is a natural compound in Japanese knotweed roots that serves as a natural laxative. As a result, Japanese knotweed–derived emodin has become an over-the-counter remedy for constipation. Emodin can also help relieve bloating, cramps, and other mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Here are some amazing health benefits of Japanese Knotweed:

  • Helps treat Lyme disease.
  • Improves cognitive function and supports brain health.
  • Reduces pain and inflammation.
  • Lowers high blood pressure.
  • Improves insulin sensitivity.
  • Provides antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
  • Relieves respiratory infections such as cough, bronchitis, and sore throat.
  • Reduces gastrointestinal issues including bloating and constipation.

You can harvest Japanese knotweed and make a healthy meal with the plant. The plant tastes similar to rhubarb.

Clinical evidence on the dosing guidelines of Japanese knotweed is lacking. One study used an oral extract of 200 mg over 6 weeks. The preparation was standardized to contain resveratrol 40 mg. Do not use it in pregnancy because it is listed as an abortifacient in the Traditional Chinese Medicine texts.

A dietary approach is always the first defense when it comes to your gut health and immunity. Here are more simple and effective remedies for digestive health.

Lucy offers a variety of healing modalities including TCM, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, energy healing, and intuitive readings including medical palm reading, medical Vedic Astrology reading especially related to emotional traumas and chronic health challenges, etc., please check her service here

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About the author: Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu

As a Holistic Health Practitioner, Registered Dietitian, TCM Practitioner, Energy Healer, Master Hypnotist, Reiki Master, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, Author and Speaker, Lucy Liu, the founder of optimalhealthsolutions.ca, has gained a good reputation in holistic health after many years of serving patients and clients as a holistic health practitioner. Lucy has developed a unique and comprehensive approach, which combines Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, and Alternative Medicine together, to help others achieve optimal health by creating harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, and maintain long-term success for healthy lifestyle changes.
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Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms. The early symptoms of Lyme disease typically begin within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and may include: fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, etc.