Treating Lyme Disease with Artemisinin

When you think of common modern diseases, what comes to mind? Probably conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Although these conditions are most certainly plaguing the Western world, it’s still important to be aware of those conditions which aren’t as common. Although some conditions are not spoke of often, they are still very serious in terms of their potential effects.

Lyme disease first received its name in 1975, after several cases broke out in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Wherever you may be exposed to ticks, you are at a potential risk for infection. Caused by the bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi, this infection is transferred to humans through infected ticks.

Of those who develop Lyme disease, only around 50 to 80 percent develop a skin infection. Typically, individuals are treated with antibiotics, but in some cases, symptoms can be severe. In order to reduce one’s reliance on potentially harmful pharmaceutical antibiotics, the use of artemisinin is being explored.

This natural plant extract can boost immune function and can help fight off infections. It has been used to treat malaria and is now being studied for its potential anti-cancer effects. While taking this supplement for Lyme disease, it’s common to combine artemisinin with other herbs and drugs.

Artemisinin and Lyme Disease

Artemisinin, also known as Quin Hao, sweet annie, or sweet wormwood, is derived from the Artemisia Annua plant. Used to treat damp-heat, malaria, and fever, it offers numerous health-boosting benefits. Helping to regulate and strengthen the immune system, artemisinin can be used to treat autoimmune conditions which attack tissues, such as those with lupus.

It’s believed that the bacteria which causes Lyme disease, directly affects B-lymphocytes which are responsible for making antibodies. Artemisinin is believed to inhibit calcium transported to the parasite. If you become infected, the typical dosage is one artemisinin capsule, taken three times daily.

If taking in conjunction with other herbs or drugs, it should be taken at least an hour before or after any other dose. This treatment generally lasts four months, ensuring that the infection does not re-occur. Also, this treatment helps strengthen immune function so that individuals can regain their physical strength.

When harmful microorganisms die, they produce Herxheimer reactions, increasing detoxification reactions in the body. By taking chitosan, which are the shells of crustaceans, you not only combat these by-products but also increase stool bulk.

Taken one hour away from both chitosan and artemisinin, essential fatty acid supplements and fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin A, D, E, and K, should all be taken. It’s also advised that individuals drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily. The typical dose is two capsules, consumed 1/2 hour before one meal daily. Follow this schedule for 2-3 days in order to confirm tolerance, increasing dosing if needed.

How is Lyme Disease Traditionally Treated?

Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes plenty of natural herbs and other natural remedies. Lyme disease is referred to as a Gu syndrome, describing a condition in which a parasite causes mental and physical decay. In traditional treatment, the main goal is to rebuild immune function, reduce pain, target fatigue, eliminate pathogens, and enhance overall well-being.

Generally, herbs are taken three times daily, over the course of a ten week period. The lifecycle of Lyme bacteria is believed to be around six weeks. A specific anti-spirochete mixture will be created, eliminating the parasite while strengthening the body and weakening the pathogen. Made from a combination of dried herbs, including Tu Fu Ling, Qing Hao, Ren Dong, and Hu-chang, daily doses are around 15-18 grams. This mixture is often taken three times daily.

If you are suffering from Lyme disease, it’s also recommended that you eliminate refined sugar, wheat, and cow dairy as it’s believed that Lyme parasites feed on these foods. Consume more lean protein, raw and cooked greens, as well as seaweeds.

Eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet and burn Frankincense resin each evening before bed. This will increase the promotion of qi and circulation, aiding in pain and more rapid healing. Approximately 60 percent of those with Lyme disease will develop joint pain and stiffness. To detoxify the body, acupuncture is also used, reducing pain and inflammation.

Other Benefits of Artemisinin

Not only will this supplement aid in symptoms of Lyme disease, but it also offers antiseptic, carminative, ammenagogue, and diaphoretic effects. It can also be used as a bitter tonic, targeting digestion and liver function. This is why individuals suffering from jaundice or hepatitis benefit from this treatment.

For those that suffer from reproductive disorders, artemisinin can assist you. It’s believed that this supplement helps to increase fertility within the womb. Based on its emmenagogue effects, it decreases bleeding in prolonged menstrual cycles and menstrual pain. In traditional medicine, artemisinin is also used to treat summer fever and blood deficiencies. It used to treat inflammation of the blood vessels which often results in purpuric rashes.

Are There Any Side Effects?

In some cases, artemisinin has caused stomach pain, nausea, rashes, and diarrhea. For those who are diabetic, pregnant, or anemic, please refrain from taking this supplement. For pregnant women, this is especially true during the first trimester. Please do not take with antiviral, anti-fungal, or calcium channel blockers.

This supplement should never be taken with grapefruit juice. In some cases, individuals may experience a drop in blood sugar and blood pressure. Some herbs may also interact with this supplement. In high doses, artemisinin may be toxic. To protect yourself, please speak with you doctor for dosing recommendations.