Artemisinin For Lyme Disease Treatment Protocol

Artemisinin is a supplement that is being used as a naturopathic treatment of lyme disease.

Lyme is caused by the spirochaetes bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by an infected deer tick.

Only about 50-80 percent of people with Lyme Disease develop a skin infection rash called erythema migrans that looks like a bull’s-eye.

The standard treatment is with antibiotics.

The disease is named after Old Lyme, Connecticut in the USA where several cases occurred in 1975. Any forest, garden or park where ticks may be is a potential place of infection.

Co-infections are also possible. These include: Babesia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, mycoplasma, and the viruses of Epstein-Barr and HHV-6 (human herpes-6).

Artemisinin is a natural plant extract from Artemisia Annua that has several immune boosting properties. It is used to treat malaria and has shown promising anti-cancer effects. When using Artemisinin for lyme disease, it is typical to combine this supplement with other herbs and drugs.

Speak to your doctor or a qualified naturopath for more information.

Artemisinin, known as Quin Hao, sweet wormwood or sweet annie, is derived from the top leaves of the Artemisia Annua plant.

It is used to treat damp-heat, fever and malaria. It is listed as an anti-spirochete based on laboratory studies.

This supplement helps to regulate the immune system, and to treat the autoimmune attack against connective tissue in patients with lupus.

Many experts in the field believe that the borrelia pathogen assaults the B-lymphocytes, responsible for making antibodies. Artemisisin is thought to also inhibit the calcium transporter in the parasite.

The typical dosage recommended for Lyme disease is one artemisinin capsule taken three times per day, 1 hour away from prescription medications and other natural supplements. This treatment is usually continued for 4 months to make sure there is no re-occurrences of symptoms and to help build up the immune system and regain stamina.

Chitosan (shells of crustaceans, not to be taken if allergic to shellfish) is also recommended to combat the Herxheimer reactions, (caused from the death of harmful microorganisms). It also helps assist the body by providing dietary fiber, hydrates and increases the stool bulk. Essential fatty acid supplements and fat soluble nutrients like Vitamins A, D, E and K should be taken one hour away from Chitosan and artemisinin.

It is advised to also drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day. The typical dosage for Chitosan is 2 capsules taken 1/2 hour before one meal per day to start. This dosage schedule is followed for 2-3 days to confirm tolerance, and then increased as needed.

Traditional Treatments for Lyme Disease

In Tradition Chinese Medicine, (TCM), Lyme disease is considered a Gu Syndrome condition. Gu describes conditions of entrenched parasitism that cause extreme stagnation and mental and physical decay.

Detoxification, eliminating the pathogen, rebuilding the immune system, and resolving the pain, fatigue and neurological symptoms are the focus of the treatment.

Herbs are taken three times a day for a ten week period. The Lyme bacteria lifecycle is believed to be about six weeks. An anti-spirochete mixture is used to eliminate the parasite and to fortify the body but not the pathogen.

The Anti-Spirochete Mixture in (equal parts):

• Tu Fu Ling Smilax Glabra
• Ching-hao or Qing Hao Herba Artemisiae Annuae
• Lian Qiao Fructus Forsythia
• Hu-chang or Hu Zhang Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
• Chuan Xin Lian Herba Andrographis
• Ren Dong Teng Caulis Lonicerae

Made using from dried herb decoctions, a daily dosage of 15-18 grams of the mixture is recommended. It is taken three times per day. This is a usual recommendation for the treatment of infections.

It is also recommended to eliminate cow dairy, wheat and refined sugar which are believed to feed the Lyme parasite. Adding more lean animal protein, seaweeds and raw and cooked greens to the diet is also advised. Alcohol or caffeine should not be used.

Burning Ru Xiang (Frankincense Resin) every evening before bed is also beneficial. This is used to promote qi and blood movement and to help stop pain, promote healing and generate flesh in debilitating conditions.

Acupuncture is also used to help detoxify the body, help with the pain and inflammation and to improve the range of motion. About 60 percent of people with Lyme disease develop joint pain and stiffness. Wet cupping can also be used to quickly drain toxins to increase energy and mental clarity.

Artemisinin Side Effect Warnings

This supplement has caused rashes, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. People with diabetes, pregnant women and post partum women with anemia should not take this supplement.

It should also not be taken with anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-seizure medication or calcium channel blockers, or taken together with the herbs Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Radix Angelicae sinensis or Radix rehmanniae.

High doses of Artemisinin can be toxic to the body. Speak to your doctor for recommendations regarded dosage and safe use for the treatment of lyme disease.

The use of Artemisinin for Lyme Disease has shown beneficial results. Diet and treating the co-infections and accompanying symptoms of this disease can help eliminate it from the body. Artemisinin is an important anti-spirochete herb that also treats fever and helps fortify the immune system without strengthening the pathogen.