Homeopathic and Alternative Treatments for Lyme Disease
By Wendy Pollock DC, CCH
yme disease is a vector-borne disease transmitted from one host to another. In Lyme disease, small black-legged ticks (called deer ticks on the east coast) bearing the Borrelia burgdorferi organism infects the host’s bloodstream. The dis- ease was named for Lyme, Connecticut, the town where it was fi rst diagnosed in 1975 following an outbreak of arthritis-like symptoms. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector- borne illness in the United States. In 2012, it was the 7th most common Nationally Notifi able disease. Deer Tick populations have skyrocketed with climate change, increases in deer popula- tion with fewer predators for deer in populated areas, as well as many smaller animals now carrying black legged ticks. Symptoms run from mild lethargy to severe arthritis and incapacitating mental dysfunction. Research has found that tests for Lyme are not highly reliable and antibiotics are only partially effective; up to 35 percent of those infected will not respond to treatment or will relapse. This article addresses alternative treat- ment of this epidemic disease for which allopathic medicine is only partially effective.
L Homeopathy
Homeopathy literally means “similar suffering” and comes from the Greek ‘homeos’ (alike) and ‘pathos’ (disease). The principles of homeopathy are simple, safe, and practical; “like cures like.” That is to say that a substance capable of caus- ing disease or illness in large, can bring about cure in small, diluted doses. The entire picture of the disease symptoms in the patient should be as similar as possible to the entire picture of the disease symptoms in the medicine. These are ideas fi rst voiced by Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The body should only be treated with a single substance at a time, so that one can know how the medicine is acting or not acting. Multiple substances can interact with one another in unknown ways. If the situation becomes worse or better, one cannot know which
28 Essential Living Maine ~ July/August 2014
substance helped or which caused more trouble. The least dose possible should be given in order to prompt the natural healing response of the organism. In this way, the natural ability to heal and repair is able to assume its role over the diseased state. Ho- meopathic consultation that upholds Hahnemann’s principles is known as classical homeopathy. Classical homeopathy can be used for acute and chronic conditions. It is safe, effective, and supportive of long-term gains in health and vitality, and in cases where cure of disease is not possible, homeopathy is known to provide support and relief for symptoms.
How Does Homeopathy Help Lyme Disease? The homeopathic remedy Ledum Palustre is known for bites,
stings, and wounds with swelling and purple discoloration, as well as for rheumatism with migrating joint pains. The effects of Ledum mainly are in fi brous joint tissues; this joint pain is markedly improved by cold applications. The Ledum picture also contains symptoms of mental confusion, with dullness and diffi culty concentrating. In short, Ledum matches well the symp- tom picture of Lyme disease, so it is a good choice for tick bite injuries. Must a person have all the symptoms of Ledum to use it? No, in the event of a tick bite, the general picture of Ledum is a close match to what may develop, so it can be used in low po- tency (30c, 2 doses, 12 hours apart). Mark the spot around the site where you removed the tick so you can observe the area of the bite for changes. Ledum is available from your homeopath, at your coop or local health food store. All homeopaths agree that it is best to be under the care of a homeopath that would suggest the optimum homeopathic remedy for the situation at hand. In the event that is not possible, use Ledum for your tick bite and follow up with your homeopath shortly.
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