Herbal Blog | Lyme Compass

BIDENS

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 18:22:52 -0400

BIDENS, Bidens Pilosa

Bidens is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a well known to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, carminative, hepato-protective and hypotensive activities. Like Lemon Balm, it is most medicinal when used fresh. The plant looses much of its medicinal properties as it dries. Some say it best extracted in alcohol vs water or glycerite extracts.

Bidens is used by many to calm irritating bladder symptoms like pain with urination, urgency to go as well as alleviate vaginal infections. It has helped many with any kind of inflamed mucous membranes including colds, flus, sinus and respiratory infections of any sort. Many use it to soothe sore throats from a persistent cough or infection. Many are using this herb to treat various Mycoplasma infections.

Anytime there is irritation anywhere in the GI tract, Bidens can be helpful and soothing. Bidens has out performed penicillin, methicillin, tetracycline, and other antibiotics for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in research studies.

LION’S MANE

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:42:37 -0400

#44, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus

Lion’s mane is an amazing fungi. It is a delicious edible mushroom with amazing neurogenic properties. It is sometimes called bearded tooth mushroom or bearded hedgehog. In Japan, it’s known as yamabushitake, which means “mountain priest mushroom. I am in awe of Lion’s Mane’s medicinal properties. It is well known for its ability to regenerate nerves and increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Lion’s Mane’s ability to increase remyelination is being studied in MS (multiple sclerosis). Lion’s Mane helps improve cognitive function. It is immunosupportive, anti -inflammatory, and an antioxidant. It helps many improve digestive function. Many find it helpful in managing anxiety and depression.

I have linked many research article below as well as well as Nyshar’s informative Lion’s Mane video.

Here is how I make Lion’s Mane extract for my family:

Here’s a direct link to the folks we buy our mushrooms from: http://maylandmushrooms.com

Here’s a great video from Nyishar (who has an excellent YouTube channel on medicinal fungi)

DETOXING METHODS

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:30:46 -0500

These are some ways we detox from Lyme Disease toxins.

*This is not medical advice! ~This is how my family manages detoxing.

Not mentioned in the video below is our habit of eating organic foods. I can’t believe I forgot to mention beloved dandelion. Dandelion greens are great in salads and we love dandelion root tea. Juicing (lots parsley & celery juice) as well as intermittent fasting are wonderful aids in our detox process. Only the adults in our home use internment fasting! All of our medical team feels fasting is not appropriate for children. With my boys constant need to fuel up I’m not going to push that!

Some people find pectin to be a great toxin binder. Some people use Earthing to assit detox. The Earthing concept is basically to go outside on a clean unpolluted ground barefoot, be conductive to the Earth's natural frequency energy. When I was bed bound we slept on an Earthing sheet. It was hard for me to feel at ease outside in nature after getting sick with Lyme and living in a tick infested environment. After we moved away from Mendocino County, CA to the mountains of Western North Carolina where we could be in nature again without having 20 ticks crawling on us at any given moment I realized how nature starved I was. It’s a funny thought because I lived on 40 acres of rolling hills outside of Willits, CA but I could hardly enjoy it. Being able to sit next to a wildflower lined creek or river or lay in a meadow without constantly tick checking has been profoundly healing for our family.

ASHWAGANDHA

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:23:45 -0400

#43- Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera

We’re coming to the end of the 2018 growing season here in Western NC. We've just got the Ashwagandha and Red Sage to harvest and process. We're still bringing in lots of Tulsi and the second round of Milky Oats but autumn is certainly in the air and frosts are predicted next week.

We’ve been growing Ashwagandha since 2002. This year the plants were munched on hard by the insects and our cool wet rainy summer didn’t help the plants to thrive. Even though the plants are not in their ultimate prime, it would be a shame not share the many beneficial properties of Ashwagandha. We love this plant so much!

Ashawagandha is also known as Indian Ginseng. One thing I didn’t mention in the video is that many people claim that Ashawagandha helps increase their libido. It makes sense that a healthy libido is an expression of increased energy and vitality.

This may be the one of the last 2018 season garden videos, but I have plans to make you guys a detox video and show you what supplements I do buy to help stay in balance…

RED ROOT

Sun, 23 Sep 2018 21:37:23 -0400

#42- RED ROOT, Ceanothus americanus

Ceanothus americanus is a perennial bush that grows about 3’ tall. It gets white flowers that bloom May-June in Western NC. It grows from Texas on eastward. There are may different Ceanothus species throughout North America and many have medicinal uses. Ceanothus americanus is a well known lymphatic mover. It has been used to treat chronic or acute infections where the swelling of the spleen and swollen lymph nodes are present. Red root has become a staple in the treatment of Bartnolla and helps the body clean up from the damage done from Babesia. It is not recommended for long term use, but you can switch it out with gentle lymph movers and return to its use again after a break.

Other suggestions to keep the lymphs moving:

Eat your spring greens; dandelion, cleavers, chickweed, etc.
Dry brush
Sauna therapies
Wear loose clothing
Deep breathing
Exercise ~I know this is hard for many people with Lyme but even gentle movement can help move the Lymphs and swimming is great exercise and gentle on the body

ASTRAGALUS

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 00:29:34 -0400

Blog #41- ASTRAGALUS, Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus is a well known immune tonic. The roots of the plant are used. It can take several years for the plant to grow enough root stock to be able to harvest. Depending on conditions it can take 3-5 years before one can harvest. The roots are harvested in the fall. The roots can be thinly sliced and dried for later use. It makes a lovely tea and is wonderful to add in bone broth or soup stock. The plant prefers well drained soil. Astragalus does not like it’s roots damp. It is easy to grow. It can grow 4-5” tall. It produces delicate yellow flowers from midsummer through late autumn and forms a small pea like seed pod. Astragalus is in the legume family. It fixes nitrogen into the soil and can make a long term cover crop.

Astragalus is one of those herbs that I don’t think to tincture. It is one that I think of as food. I sometimes cook rice or quinoa in Astragalus decoction. If you do choose to tincture it, many find that a combined alcohol and water extraction makes the best medicine. Some people make a strong decoction and stabilize it with alcohol, so it is shelf stable at 25-30% alcohol. Astragalus can help strengthen the digestive system and nourish the respiratory system. In the video, I find myself questioning the claims that Astragalus is the ultimate herb for Lyme. For many, it is indeed very helpful, but Lyme treatment is not a one size fits all approach.

MOTHERWORT

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 13:13:23 -0400

#40, MOTHERWORT, Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort is a perennial in the mint family. It blooms in late summer. The blossoms are tinctured fresh or dried and capsulated into medicine. Some folks enjoy Motherwort tea, but I find it too bitter for my liking. Its bitter nature does help strengthen digestion.

Motherwort has been a very helpful herb for me. I think parenthood is hard even for those abundantly blessed with all the support and money they wish. I often feel rather alone in the challenge of having Lyme disease and caring for children who have it also. I have little family support besides my husband. My family and my husband’s family are not physically present in our children’s lives. They will give a call or send a card once in a while, but there’s no one to call to come over when there are great joys or sorrows at hand. There is no family gathered around my children to sing them happy birthday. I see people who have a loving supportive family as the richest people in the world! Sometimes I imagine that I have a Mama to call to come help when everyone is herxing or pain levels are high. I think that must be the most wonderful feeling in the world, to have someone who loves you and wants to help and support you. I’m trying to be that kind of parent for my own children.

GREATER CELANDINE

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:23:54 -0400

#39 GREATER CELANDINE, Chelidonium majus

My husband, Jem, has had Lyme since childhood. He had some serious neurological complications from it. His word forming and speech were really impaired. Most people thought he was really shy and often didn’t understand that he really couldn't come up with the words to speak. We’ve been treating for decades. He’s tried everything under the sun, allopathic and natural.

Last year, he finally did the DNA Connexions urine test. We learned that he was harboring Ehrlichia, a co-infection that we never thought to treat because ehe never before tested positive for it. We were treating from an angle of Babesia and Bartonella but completely missed Ehrlichia. Jem began herbal treatment which included Greater Celandine. My husband is not cured but oh my goodness the difference is immense. Sometimes pulling back those layers of co-infections are so vital to be able to move forward in treatment.

He used Greater Celandine tincture for 3 months. His ability to think and communicate was improved tremendously. Greater Celandine isn’t an herb that is recommended for long term use, but its short term use was very effective for Jem. It inspired us to grow a patch here on the farm.

SPILANTHES

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 14:44:06 -0400

#38- SPILANTHES, Acmella oleracea

Spilanthes is an annual plant in WNC. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is very easy to grow. It is known, as Jambu throughout Asia and South America. The flowering tips have mild numbing and pain-relieving properties, earning the plant the common name of “toothache plant”. Spilanthes has been used to help relieve side effects from cancer treatments such as dry mouth, loss or changes in taste sensation, gum irritation, and helps to stimulate appetite.

Spilanthes has anti-microbial, anti-malarial , anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a mild diuretic. If you are using a pharmaceutical diuretic for blood pressure or for swelling please check with your doctor before including Spilanthes in your protocol. As always, I recommend speaking with your health professional about including any new herbs.

I do feel that Spilanthes has great potential in supporting those with Lyme and Babesia.

Here’s my youngest son with a handful of Tulsi and a basket full of Spilanthes:

SIDA

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 12:34:37 -0400

#37- SIDA, Sida cordifolia, rhombifolia and acuta

Sida is perennial in the mallow family. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousand of years. I was introduced to this herb via Stephen Buhner’s writings. Stephen explains hot water vinegar Sida extractions in the second addition of Herbal Antibiotics

Buhner speaks of 95% alcohol extraction in his co-infections books:

Sida has been considered an invasive species in the gulf coast states where it grows exceedingly well. It is often referred to as “Sweet Tea” in that region. Many actually plant Sida as deer fodder for hunting. The plant is naturally high in protein. My husband and I joke that at least the deer in the gulf are getting some Lyme treatment. Southern Habitats sells Sida acuta plants for gardeners and hunters.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Sida cordifolia, often referred to as, Bala. It is often made into an oil and applied to the skin or spine or used in food. In Ayurveda, the whole plant is used, including the root.

I am currently using the leaf and stem. I find the leaf extremely mild tasting and literally could have a salad of Sida leaves. It’s one of those lovely medicine foods that doesn’t curl up your face from strong tastes. It’s rather mucilaginous, especially the stem. I make tea from the leaves which again is extremely mild tasting. I’m having so much fun experimenting with this plant and just started 35 new seedlings which are thriving. Germination is extremely quick and the plants grow fast. Currently, organic Sida species are rather hard to find from herb suppliers. I’ve been told it’s currently selling for $50.00 a pound dried. Folks, this is so easy to grow! StrictlyMedicinalseeds.com sells Bala, Sida cordifolia seeds.

TULSI

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 19:11:51 -0400

#36 -TULSI, Ocimum tenuiflorum

Tulsi, also known as ‘The Queen of Herbs,’ is an amazing Ayurvedic antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic herb. Tulsi has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousand of years. It is well known for its use in helping to balance hormones, relieve anxiety, nourish the adrenals, help balance blood sugar and it is used for promoting eye and respiratory health.

Alongside helping to protect us from environmental toxins, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and pesticides Tulsi also appears to help protect the body from radiation poisoning and can help treat damage from radiation treatments.

We drink a lot of Tulsi tea. It’s actually my 11 year old son’s favorite tea. I make him a 1/2 gallon everyday and keep it in the fridge for him. We love to put Tulsi leaves in stir fry, pesto, eggs, curries, rice dishes, on fish and meats, etc. We cut back the flowers and leaves in July. This helps the plants to bush out more. In late September we do a big harvest and dry the leaves for winter teas. I do freeze the fresh chopped leaves to add in a handful of leaves to savory dishes.

DAN SHEN- RED SAGE

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 22:24:47 -0400

#35-DAN SHEN - RED SAGE , Salvia miltiorrhiza

Dan Shen is such a pretty perennial plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. I was first introduced to this herb by my acupuncturist many many moons ago and it popped up again while I was studying Stephen Buhner’s wisdom filled Lyme Co-infection books.

This will be my first year making tincture with homegrown Dan Shen. I will follow Stephen’s instructions and wait to harvest the roots until after the first hard frost. We’ll dry it in the green house so it gets light and warmth and then tincture it up. I really encourage all of you to read Stephen’s books. He is an herbal genius!

Stephen writes that Dan Shen has some fat soluble chemical compounds that can only be lipid extracted. Therefore some boil the roots in whole milk, but I’d like to experiment with making a coconut oil decoction.

In the video I mentioned how Stephen indicated the use of Dan Shen for Sepsis. Folks, Sepsis is SERIOUS!!! Get your butts to the hospital if you suspect Sepsis!!!! If Sepsis is something that you have dealt with or deal with regularly consider having a conversation with your doctor about trying Dan Shen as a preventative.

MEDICINE GUMMIES

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 22:29:32 -0400

#34- MEDICINE GUMMIES

I thought I’d show you how I hide strong tasting tincture in gelatin gummies. This method makes it rather easy to take those strong tasting herbs.

I take 1 cup of juice, heat it on the stove and slowly whisk in 4 TBSP of grass fed gelatin. I whisk it until all the gelatin is dissolved then I pour it into a glass pyrex measuring cup.

I then pour the mixture into my silicone molds. There are tons of these on Amazon. I have boys so dinosaurs and legos won over, but you can get unicorns or bears or what not… just look up “ silicone candy mold” and you’ll have tons to choose from.

Then I drop my tincture dose into the mold with the gelatin goo, like I show in the video below…

***My kids like super chewy gummies, but if you like them softer use only 3 Tbsp of gelatin per one cup of juice instead. My kids think just the juice is not sweet enough on its own and we infuse stevia in the juice, but you can add in 2-3 Tbsp of maple syrup, birch xylitol, or sugar instead. I would advise making your first batch of gummies without adding your medicines. Play with the recipe and get it down to where your kids really love them before you add your precious tinctures to them.

JIAOGULAN

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 16:24:15 -0400

#33- JIAOGULAN, Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Known as the “Herb of immortality", Jiaogulan, is thought of as a powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs help mitigate the stress responses in the body. They can help balance hormones, the adrenals, blood pressure and blood sugar. They can help increase physical endurance and mental focus as well as balance our moods. Jiaogulan has all these wonderful adaptogen properties and it is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti fungal. It boosts the immune system, protects and strengthens the nervous system. It is a nitric oxide regulator. Jiaogulan stimulates the production of the antioxidant glutathione. It can help our body detox toxins and it is protective of the liver. I think you’re getting the point of why many have referred to it as “The Herb of Immortality”. It is important to note that while many do refer to Jiaogulan as “Poor Man’s Ginseng” there are other plants that have been given that same common name and that’s why Latin names are so important! Codonopsis pilosula has also been coined with the common name “Poor Man’s Ginseng”. Jiaogulan is so incredibly easy to grow. It will trellis up your deck or make a lovely cascading houseplant.

MILKY OATS

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:31:33 -0400

#32- MILKY OAT (OATSTRAW) - Avena spp

How I love my milky oats! Everyone should sow their wild oats! 😉
The video below pretty much says it all but I didn’t mention that many folks use oat teas and infusions to soothe skin abruptions. Remember how your Grandma had you take an oatmeal bath when you got poison ivy or chickenpox?

I told you it was hard to keep the boys out of the oats!

In the video above I mentioned my hubby’s work. If you want to check out what he does go to: www.jemklein.com

*The statements made in the video and on this page are not approved by the FDA. LymeCompass.net is NOT offering medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard or read on this website.

ST. JOHN'S WORT

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 23:29:57 -0400

#31- ST. JOHN’S WORT, Hypericum perforatum

So you guys know that I’m not a doctor and I am always reminding you guys to check with your health care provider about including new herbs or supplements in your protocols. I mean it! I especially mean it when it comes to Lyme treatment and depression. Lyme and depression should not be navigated alone. They are complicated situations that benefit greatly from an educated, clear, healthy mind to help you figure out how to navigate the next step. So, when I tell you in the video that I’m using St. John’s Wort to increase my low Serotonin levels. I want to be very clear that I’m doing this with the help of a doctor that can think clearly and help me figure out dosing and when to cut back, etc… Please do not navigate depression by yourself!!!!! Or Lyme for that matter!

Okay now that I’ve said that… I’d like to introduce you to St. John’s Wort. A lovely summer time herb that is named after St. John, who was said to be born on June 24th. St. John’s Wort flowers are blooming around that time of year. The little yellow flowers and leaves have this amazing red pigment in them.

PARSLEY

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:47:25 -0400

#30- PARSLEY, Petroselinum Spp

Parsley is not just a garnish it is an amazing powerhouse of nutrients and a great detox herb. It is nourishing to the kidneys, the urinary tract, and spleen. It can help protect the brain and DNA. I do go on a bit of a DNA tangent in the video below… You’ve been forewarned 😉.

What I didn’t mention is the video is that Parsley also inhibits the secretion of histamine. It is packed full with antioxidants that have disease fighting benefits. Parsley also has anti-fungal properties. Parsley’s detox qualities can help the liver function better and in turn improve hormone balance. It’s an amazing superfood!

Click here for Parsley recipes…Oh, and here too

Articles on Parsley:

Dr. Axe’s review of Parsley’s health benefits

23 Wonderful Parsley Health Benefits

Research:

Parsley: a review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activities

Parsley and celery carry crucial component for fight against breast cancer, study suggests

Plant compound found in spices, herbs increases brain connections

STEVIA

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:07:16 -0400

#29- STEVIA, Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia is a very sweet tasting herb that is native to Brazil. It grows well here in WNC but dies back in the winter. It is a perennial here and will return again in the Spring. It can be grown inside as a houseplant. We nibble on a handful of fresh leaves daily.

Our family utilizes stevia in homemade lemonade, herbal teas, jellos, smoothies, ice creams, pies, chocolate milks, etc. My kids get to have many of our society’s dessert treats, they just get them in the form of stevia sweetened.

Besides its use in Lyme, stevia has been a great ally for diabetics. It has been used in oral health to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

I mentioned Dr. Eva Sapi’s stevia research. Eva tells a little about here personal lyme experience and how that stirred her research career. Eva is well known for her work and discoveries in Lyme biofilms.

Stevia recipes:

https://traditionalcookingschool.com/food-preparation/stevia-sweetened-desserts/

Research:

Effectiveness of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against the Various Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Vitro

REISHI

Sat, 09 Jun 2018 21:41:31 -0400

#28- REISHI- Ganoderma Lucidum

Years ago, when I told a Chinese friend that I had Lyme and that was I seeing specialists and was taking all these medicines and supplements she lovingly responded by sending me Ling zhi mushrooms (Reishi) in the mail. I didn’t know exactly how to prepare them. I drank the tea but it was hard to down it even with A LOT of honey in it. It’s funny how life unfolds and how we sometimes come full circle back to something. It’s not that Reishi is the one and only thing that has helped me get better. How I wish it were that easy! It’s been a mainstay in my family's treatment for a while now.

When my family and I left Mendocino County, CA and headed to the southeast we had no idea that we would soon be blessed by the abundant Reishi here. I am so grateful to have medicine growing outside my door that I have a relationship with. It has been amazing to witness the drastic reduction of inflammation and histamine response while taking reishi. My husband had Lyme really effect his digestion. His food choices became extremely limited. Since using reishi daily he’s been able to eat so many more foods and even reintroduced dairy without any allergic reactions or sensitivities. We’re so grateful!

CILANTRO

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:33:09 -0400

#27- Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro is not just a culinary herb it has so many amazing medical benefits (as do most culinary herbs). Cilantro is carminative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It is a great anti-oxidant, improves sleep and anxiety. It is brain and heart protective. It can help calm histamine response. It balances blood sugars, pulls toxins and metals from the body, and protects the urinary tract to name a few!

We put Cilantro on everything! We mix it in all kinds of salads, pile it high on tacos (or taco salad), We make sauces, slushies and salad dressings with it. No guacamole would be complete without a generous handful of cilantro. Our salsa is always green because of the very high cilantro content. You can mix it in with your meats, soups, etc…

Here are just a few Cilantro recipes ….. ~Oh and 91 more !

Research:

Anti-anxiety activity of Coriandrum sativum assessed using different experimental anxiety models

Dosing with Chlorella/Cilantro for Neurotoxin Elimination