Natural/Homeopathic Vs. Antibiotic Treatment

A very common question when faced with a Lyme diagnosis is how do you treat it?  People often have reservations when it comes to taking antibiotics for prolonged periods of time.  Antibiotics can destroy gut flora, disrupt the micro biome in your body, are hard on the liver, and some classes of antibiotics can lead to an increased risk of tendon rupture.  Also, I have heard several stories of people starting with antibiotics and getting nowhere so in frustration they jump ship to herbals.  Some see improvement some don't.


Here are some things to consider about herbals.  The FDA does NOT regulate herbs or supplements nor  does it control statements made by these companies (as long as they don't claim to cure something).  There is little to no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of herbals in the treatment of various diseases especially Lyme.  Since herbs and supplements are not FDA regulated it is not known what kind of harm these products may cause you.  The common logic I see naturalist use is that, "well its from the earth so it has to be good for you".  However, there is nothing natural about consuming copious amounts of highly concentrated herbs extracted from different parts of the world. It is well known that certain vitamins in high amounts are toxic for your body.  So what are the implication of all these herbs that naturopaths are prescribing?  The truth is they don't even known because they haven't been tested!  If you really want to fallow a natural approach to the letter of the law then you would only consume products in your immediate environment that are in their natural unaltered form. 


There are various other factors that should influence how you treat Lyme such as age and stage of infection.  If an adult or child has been recently infected with Lyme I believe you are taking a HUGE risk by NOT taking antibiotics.  Most people that are treated with antibiotics for early Lyme are cured and never have problems down the road.  Why would you want to risk a proven approach (antibiotics), with an unknown (herbals)?   (As an aside, when I first contracted Lyme I didn't know I was infected.  Through a good diet and exercise my immune system was able to suppress the infection only to have it resurface years later and now it has been very difficult to treat.  I believe children are at an increased risk of this happening because their immune systems are so strong.  Resolution of symptoms does not necessarily mean thier infection is gone.)  For those suffering from late stage Lyme and who have been on antibiotics for years I can understand the frustration and wanting to jump ship to herbals.  In my opinion it is not a bad idea to try something new if you are seeing no results.  This could mean taking herbals and using adjunctive therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment. 


So taking these points into consideration which approach is the best?  Both!  Although there is no definitive research that shows herbals work for Lyme there is a lot of anecdotal evidence.  Similarly, there is both scientific and anecdotal evidence that antibiotics work for all stages of Lyme.  My guess is that if you are reading this you have Lyme and know how difficult it can be to treat.  My personal philosophy is that using all the tools you have available to you will only increase the probability of you finding something that leads to recovery or cure.                            


Personally, I have used banderol, samento, Mineral Miracle Solution, Colloidal Silver, Lymogen, Microgen, Borellogen, cats claw, ATP support, Stamina R, ciprofloxacin (oral), rifampin (oral), biaxin (oral), tinidizole (oral), Zithromax (oral), IM rocephin, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT).  I have found that the right combination of antibiotics and HBOT have been the most effective.  Herbals have done nothing in regards to symptoms improvement or  infection resolution as proven by lab work.  Still, following my philosophy, I continue to look for other herbal treatments.  As always your results may vary, but I would encourage anyone to take as many treatment approaches as you possibly can.