Summary

Lyme disease (the name comes from the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut where the disease was first identified in 1975) is a bacterial infection of the bacterium borrelia burgdorferi (also know as spirochete) which is carried by ticks from deer or mice to humans.  The infection has now been found in North America and also in Europe. 

Early symptoms of the infection may not be noticed or if noticed resemble flu symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, and muscle pain.  A “bulls eye” rash may occur at the spot of the tick bite.  Antibiotics at this early stage will likely provide complete recovery. 

If not treated properly other symptoms may occur over time and persist disrupting a normal active life.  These later symptoms and complications may include chronic problems including arthritic type pain with inflammation of the joints.  There may also be brain or nervous system chronic problems including difficulty with memory, concentration, and vision.  Also reports have included symptoms such as widespread itching and mood changes.

Even after the bacterial infection has been arrested some report continued symptoms.  This has been labeled post-Lyme disease syndrome.  Extended symptoms are most commonly arthritic or heart related.

The Lyme disease tick:

The infected tick is commonly in wooded or grassy rural areas and most dangerous for transmittal in the spring, summer, to early fall season.  You must be bitten by a tick carrying the bacterium (not all ticks are carriers) and have it attached to your body to get Lyme disease.  Use common sense procedures to avoid ticks if you are in suspected areas:

·  Use an insect repellent

·  Wear long sleeve shirt

·  Wear high boots, tuck pants into socks

·  Check for ticks (light colored clothing make them easier to spot)

Deer ticks are small, especially in the nymph stage, so they may go undetected so watch for these signs.  The area of the bite usually will redden with the "bulls eye" pattern within 3 to 30 days.  Flu like symptoms will occur.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  frankincense, lemongrass, OnGuard, oregano

Essential oils based products: GX Assist, Life Long Vitality supplements, PB Assist

Also consider: lavender, melaleuca, sandalwood

Suggested protocols:

There are multiple phases of Lyme disease:

·  During the initial infectious stage (immediately after the tick bite) the use of an antibiotic protocols will be effective and if started early enough will eliminate further complications.

·  If the initial phase went undetected or untreated and some period of time passed before being diagnosed then the antibiotic protocols should be coupled with cleansing protocols and must be extended over a longer period of time. 

·  If the infection is arrested but symptoms continue (post-Lyme disease syndrome) then the antibiotics and cleanses may not be necessary but Candida should be considered while addressing the symptoms.

Nutritional foundation

In all cases the Life Long Vitality supplements should be used.  Double the recommended use of EOMega from 4 capsules per day to 8 for those considered to be in the second phase as described above.

Antibiotic protocol

Put the following in a 00 capsule:

·   12 drops OnGuard

·   6 drops oregano

·   2 drops frankincense

One capsule per day or 14 days, rest 14 days and repeat.  During the 14 rest days apply 2 drops of  lemongrass and 1 drop of oregano on each foot before bedtime.

With the antibiotic procedure be aware of the possibility of Herxheimer reaction and if rashes or other symptoms occur reduce the daily dosage while continuing the procedure.  Remember that just the presence of a tick does not mean someone has Lyme disease.  Most do no start an antibiotic protocol unless the symptoms appear.

Cleanse (detoxify)

Use the full 15 day GX Assist/PB Assist procedure 3 times:

·   GX Assist (30 softgels taken 3 times a day over 10 days)

·   followed by PB Assist (15 beadlets taken 3 times a day over 5 days)

·   rest 10 days. 

·   repeat 2 more times. 

Other cleanses are described elsewhere and should be considered including doTERRA Zendocrine for detoxifying the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin.

Again be aware of the Herxheimer reaction and if rashes or other symptoms occur cut the daily dosage while continuing the procedure.  Return to full dosage as Herxheimer reactions subside.

Supplements/Antibiotics/Cleanse sequence

·   If multiple protocols are necessary consider the following:  The Life Long Vitality supplements can be taken along with the antibiotic and cleansing procedures.

·   If the antibiotic and cleansing procedures are both needed it is prudent to sequence them starting with the antibiotic protocol, a 14 day rest, and then the cleanse.  

Candida possibility

Be aware if heavy antibiotic treatment has occurred there is a possibility of the body's immune system being weakened and an overgrowth of Candida happening.  If this appears to be the case follow the procedures recommended to help with Candida.

Pain, Comfort, Immune System

For those in the second phase of Lyme disease or suffering from post-Lyme disease syndrome using the AromaTouch Technique often will provide comfort, relief of pain and help build the immune system.

Experiences and Testimonials of others

Grace - I am hoping you can help me find the best oils to help my young cousin who is suffering terribly with Lyme Disease.  Her joints and her bones ache so much.  All this pain keeps her awake too!   Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pat - I have quite a few protocols regarding Lyme disease that I have compiled:

·    Start her on the Life Long Vitality supplements as soon as possible. It might put her into detoxification and if so have her take less for a while till she can build up to the full recommended dosage. Others also suggest increasing the EO Mega capsule dose from 2 gel caps to 4.

·    I would also suggest the GX Assist (10 days) with the PB Assist (5 days), wait 10 days and repeat.

·    Dr. Hill also suggested an antibiotic in a capsule.  This is 12 drops of OnGuard, 6 drops of oregano, 2 drops of frankincense. Take the capsule for two weeks, once a day, then let the oils continue their burn out for two weeks without taking the capsules. Then do the capsules again with the same protocol.

·    Here are two other important oils for you to have on hand; DigestZen and Lemongrass.

 

Annie - Has anyone had any experience with oils and Lyme Disease? 

Jan in Florida - Funny you should ask.....I supposedly still have it in my blood. I was the 6th person to get it in the state of NM. I had to take antibiotics every 6 weeks for 6 months. Then because of all the antibiotics, I developed Candida. I had lots of joint pain and underlying flu like symptoms all the time. I was very sick. I started the rotation diet, and did that for two years, cutting out all sweets, all red sauce, bread...etc. When I started taking using essential oils 11 years ago my body started to clear itself of the toxins. Then when I started the doTERRA Life Long Wellness supplement last year I noticed a big improvement. When I don't take them, (like I forget sometimes) I notice a big difference! I have also used several oils internally, frankincense, lavender, oregano, and melaleuca in a capsule. I don't have much of the symptoms any more. Taking the Life Long Wellness supplements seems to be the key. Hope this helps.

 

Cheryl - I have a student who suffers from Crohn’s and now has contracted Lyme’s.  He is on a 2 month regimen of nasty antibiotics which is really causing the Crohn’s to flare.  Can someone send me some information on oils and Crohn’s as well as Lyme’s?  

Jan -I was diagnosed with borderline Lyme’s disease and also had to do the nasty antibiotic regime 15 years ago. It caused a lot of problems until I finished the antibiotic course. I started a Candida regime after I got off the antibiotics. There are several oils that helped me they included thyme, oregano, clove, On Guard, and anything citrus. Also, I started the doTERRA wellness pack and their Probiotics product.

With the oils I usually put just one drop of each in a 16 ounce glass bottle and drink from it all day long, alternating the oils one at a time. Oregano is kind of nasty by itself, but with a little wild orange and a teaspoon of agave, it is not too bad. Hope this helps a little. I no longer have any traces of the Lyme’s disease in my system, and my doctor now wonders if they misdiagnosed me...LOL! The power of the oils... Love doTERRA! 

 

 

JRW - I have a brother in law who was recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I don't remember all the details, but I believe he has 5 of the 6 strains found in the U.S.  Are there any oils that can help him?

Pat - Yes, the AromaTouch Technique would be wonderful for him. Some have suggested the cancer protocol for others with Lyme disease. This has been positive for them.  Some have also used the GX and PB taken as directed waited 10 days and repeated three times. No matter what protocol you use, he needs to start the Life Long Wellness supplements as soon as possible.

Cristi - My situation with Lyme sounds VERY similar to his. I had it for more than 10 years before I was diagnosed and it took its toll on my body. I will have consequences as a result for the rest of my life. I have been on LLW since January. I did the PB and GX assist protocol 3 times. Maybe I need to do it again because if I'm being completely honest, I haven't noticed a difference. Lyme Disease is a difficult disease to have and I empathize so very much.

 

Judi - I have an 80 year old mother-in-law who has just been diagnosed with Lyme's disease.  Does anyone know which oils/supplements might be helpful?

Au - I would get her on the Life Long Wellness supplements asap, also others have mentioned an antibiotic formula.  I think it was:

·    12 drops OnGuard, 6 drops oregano, 2 drops frankincense.  I would start taking gel caps of that 3 times daily.

·    Also get on a cleanse, a master cleanse, or organic raw food cleanse.

·    If you can give her a "raindrop" type of application using doTerra oils (AromaTouch Technique), that would be very beneficial.

 

CPS - I had someone ask me about Lyme Disease and essential oils.  

Rob – Here are suggestions I have found:

·    First, I would begin the Wellness Trio right away.  The Eomega’s will especially be important and I would up the dose to 3000-4000 mg daily.

·    Next I would use the Candida blend, but adjust the ratio’s.  I would put 6 drops of oregano, 5 drops of melaleuca and 3 drops of frankincense in 00 capsules.  I would take 6-8 of these per day at 2-3 hour intervals.  You might want to adjust these amounts based on your Herxing.

With this cleansing blend, you will definitely have some die-off and to a certain extent the frequency that you use the oregano pills will determine your hexhiemer reaction.

I would never go more than two weeks straight with the capsules. After a maximum of two weeks take two weeks off here you would simply apply 2 drops of  lemongrass and 1 drop of oregano on each foot before bed time.  Use this protocol for 2 weeks before returning to the 00 capsules.

·    Third, I would do the 5 day PB Assist every month.

·    Finally take or use 1-2 tablespoons of VCO in your diet daily.  Either in a smoothie, on wheat toast, in a dressing, or for cooking.

The protocol might require several weeks or a few months, but I would think you’ll find it far more effective than OTC antibiotics.

Susan - Thanks so much for the info on Lyme Disease.  An acquaintance of ours  was diagnosed with it, and is willing to try the oils, since the doctor hasn't helped him.  But can you tell me what "hexhiemer" is, and also what the 1 to 2 Tablespoons of "VCO" is?

Rob - Hexhiemer or Herxing is the bacteria die off or detoxing that you go through as your body tries to fight off the infection.  The side effects are not usually comfortable, but are usually an indication that your body is fighting and killing off sprio's (lyme bacteria). Your friend will know what herxing is.

VCO is "virgin coconut oil".  It is different from the also good fractionated cocounut oil.  But if you buy and use a good organic virgin coconut oil, it's properties alone are highly anti-bacterial, so when combined with quality essential oils, the results are synergistic and the combination can be highly effective.  VCO is likely only in the health food stores, or health food sections.  It is about $15 a quart and it is solid and pure white at 70 degrees or lower.

Jan - Fractionated coconut oil is regular coconut oil with most of the saturated fats removed. Saturated fats cause oils to go rancid so that's why FCO needs no refrigeration. Wikipedia explains it well.

Protocols folks recommend for children

 

 

Diet and Nutritional complements to essential oils

 

What Science & Research are saying

Acaricidal Effect of Essential Oils from Lippia graveolens (Lamiales: Verbenaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), and Allium sativum (Liliales: Liliaceae) Against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Journal of Medical Entomology 48(4):822-827. 2011   Martinez-Velazquez, R. Rosario-Cruz, G. Castillo-Herrera, J. M. Flores-Fernandez, A. H. Alvarez, and E. Lugo-Cervantes

ABSTRACT

Acaricidal effects of three essential oils extracted from Mexican oregano leaves (Lippia graveolens Kunth), rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.) on 10-d-old Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) tick larvae were evaluated by using the larval packet test bioassay. Serial dilutions of the three essential oils were tested from a starting concentration of 20 to 1.25%. Results showed that both Mexican oregano and garlic essential oils had very similar activity, producing high mortality (90–100%) in all tested concentrations on 10-d-old R. microplus tick larvae. Rosemary essential oil produced >85% larval mortality at the higher concentrations (10 and 20%), but the effect decreased noticeably to 40% at an oil concentration of 5%, and mortality was absent at 2.5 and 1.25% of the essential oil concentration. Chemical composition of the essential oils was elucidated by gas chromatographymass spectrometry analyses. Mexican oregano essential oil included thymol (24.59%), carvacrol (24.54%), p-cymene (13.6%), and γ-terpinene (7.43%) as its main compounds, whereas rosemary essential oil was rich in α-pinene (31.07%), verbenone (15.26%), and 1,8-cineol (14.2%), and garlic essential oil was rich in diallyl trisulfide (33.57%), diallyl disulfide (30.93%), and methyl allyl trisulfide (11.28%). These results suggest that Mexican oregano and garlic essential oils merit further investigation as components of alternative approaches for R. microplus tick control.