Prevention and Treatment Options for Tickborne Disease
Prevention and Treatment Options for Tickborne Disease
It’s that time of year! Tickborne diseases—including Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), babesiosis (Babesia microti), anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis—are increasingly prevalent, especially in wooded and grassy areas of North America and Europe. Although antibiotics are the primary treatment, many patients experience ongoing symptoms post-treatment, prompting interest in herbal therapies and integrative approaches.
Prevention: Essential Strategies to Avoid Tickborne Diseases
The best defense against tickborne diseases is prevention. Here are some evidence-based measures to reduce the risk of tick bites:
1. Avoid Tick Habitats
Stay on clear trails and avoid tall grass, leaf litter, and dense vegetation.
Ticks are most active in warm, humid months (spring to early fall).
2. Use Effective Repellents
Apply EPA-registered repellents like:
DEET (20–30%)
Picaridin
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD-based, plant-derived)
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide that kills ticks on contact.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Long sleeves and pants; tuck pants into socks.
Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
Here's a company headquartered in Greensboro: https://www.insectshield.com/collections/shop-insect-shield
4. Perform Tick Checks
Check your body, scalp, behind ears, and armpits after outdoor activity.
Don’t forget to check pets, gear, and children.
5. Shower Soon After Being Outdoors
Showering within two hours reduces the risk of tick attachment.
Helps wash off unattached ticks.
6. Perform Proper Tick Removal
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting or crushing the tick.
Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and water.
7. Yard and Environmental Management
Keep grass short and clear brush from paths.
Create a tick-safe zone: wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.
8. Pet Protection
Use vet-approved tick preventatives for dogs and outdoor animals.
Regularly check pets after they’ve been outside.
Standard Treatment for Tick Bites:
If bitten by a tick, there is risk of transmission of bacteria. The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/treatment/index.html) recommends a single dose of doxycycline, while ILADS (https://www.ilads.org/patient-care/ilads-treatment-guidelines/) recommends a longer course.
Herbal Treatments:
Herbal medicine has long been used to treat infectious diseases. Today, modern research supports the use of many botanicals for their multiple beneficial properties:
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
Biofilm disruption capabilities
Immune-regulating effects
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
These characteristics are highly valuable in treating the multi-pathogen, immune-disruptive, and inflammatory nature of tickborne illnesses. Antibiotics such as doxycycline are still the primary treatment for acute tickborne illness, but herbal remedies can be a very helpful adjunct.
Here are some beneficial herbal treatments:
1. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
Antibacterial, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory.
Study: Feng et al. (2020) found Cryptolepis highly effective against Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia in vitro.
2. Andrographis paniculata
Modulates immune response and inhibits microbial growth.
Study: Akbar (2011) noted its antimicrobial and antiviral effects in Phytotherapy Research.
3. Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
Contains resveratrol with antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.
Study: Wang et al. (2021) confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties in Molecules.
4. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Enhances immune function and DNA repair.
Study: Mur et al. (2002) demonstrated its anti-inflammatory activity in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
5. Sida acuta
Active against Babesia and Bartonella.
Study: Zhang et al. (2020) showed potent activity against Bartonella henselae in Antibiotics.
6. Alchornea cordifolia
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Study: Ajaiyeoba et al. (2003) documented antimicrobial activity in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
A favorite product of Dr. Hilts for Lyme treatment which combines many of the above is Tick Immune Support by Zenmen Health (https://zenmenhealth.com/products/tick-immune-support-supplement?srsltid=AfmBOoo295TaGuaOyq0KIfnhd9PybYZTdQJbYimiTqBg-v-r-2Jw8J2P).
An Integrative Treatment Strategy
For those already infected, a multi-layered approach is best. Herbal therapies can be incorporated into treatment regimens that include:
Prescription antibiotics
Nutritional support (e.g., vitamin D, omega-3s)
Detoxification strategies
Stress and sleep management
By targeting the pathogens, supporting the immune system, and reducing inflammation, herbal medicine can offer long-term relief—especially for those with persistent symptoms.
Conclusion
When used alongside conventional treatments and essential preventive strategies, botanicals such as those mentioned above can help address the challenges of chronic Lyme disease and co-infections. Scientific studies continue to validate the use of herbs like Cryptolepis, Andrographis, and Sida acuta, offering renewed hope for those dealing with these complex conditions.
References
Feng, J., et al. (2020). Evaluation of Herbal Extracts for Activity Against Borrelia burgdorferi. Frontiers in Medicine.
Willcox, M., et al. (2004). Traditional Medicinal Plants for Malaria Treatment. Phytotherapy Research.
Akbar, S. (2011). Andrographis paniculata: A Review of Pharmacological Activities. Phytotherapy Research.
Wang, P., et al. (2021). Pharmacological Effects of Resveratrol. Molecules.
Mur, E., et al. (2002). Effect of Cat's Claw on DNA Repair. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). Herbal Activities Against Bartonella henselae. Antibiotics.
Ajaiyeoba, E. O., et al. (2003). Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Alchornea cordifolia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
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