According to the CDC, over 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year in America. This bacterial illness is spread through the bite of infected deer ticks and can leave you feeling achy and fatigued for a long time.

The normal course of treatment for Lyme’s is a round of doxycycline, cefuroxime, or amoxicillin. But if you can’t take antibiotics, or if you’re still experiencing symptoms after treatment, it might be time to give holistic remedies a try.

Keep reading to learn about the symptoms to watch for and a Lyme disease natural treatment that you can make at home.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease can’t be officially diagnosed without a physical exam and blood test, but there are a few early symptoms that should prompt you to see your doctor.

Whether you remember being bitten by a tick or not, keep an eye out for a rash that resembles a bullseye, bruise, or solid red splotch. It will likely be warm to the touch, won’t hurt or itch, and may disappear on its own after a few weeks.

The next stage of the illness is known as Early Disseminated Lyme disease, which begins a few weeks after the tick bite. During this stage, as the bacteria spreads throughout your system, you may feel like you have the flu. Symptoms include fever and chills, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and headaches, fatigue, and vision changes.

If Lyme’s isn’t treated by this point, it can progress into the Late Disseminated stage. This stage is associated with serious symptoms including:

  • severe headaches
  • arthritis
  • irregular heartbeat
  • encephalopathy (brain disorders)
  • short-term memory loss
  • difficulty concentrating and mental “fogginess”
  • numbness in the extremities

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, don’t try to treat them at home. Even though death from Lyme’s disease is rare, it’s vital to contact your doctor right away.

Lyme Disease Natural Treatment at Home

Antibiotics are the typical course of treatment for Lyme disease, but you can bolster their effectiveness with holistic remedies. This natural treatment for Lyme disease can be made with ingredients you already have at home.

Research has shown that these common herbs and spices are effective at killing the bacteria that causes Lymes:

  • Garlic bulbs
  • Allspice
  • Cinnamon
  • Thyme leaves
  • Eucalyptus
  • Cumin Seeds

The most effective way to consume these medicinal plants is through essential oils because their active compounds appear in a higher concentration than is found in nature.

But you may also see results by adding larger amounts of these herbs and spices into your diet. Try chopping up raw garlic bulbs to add to a salad, drinking cinnamon bark or eucalyptus tea, and using allspice, thyme and cumin to flavor your cooked meats and vegetables.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

This Lyme Disease natural treatment can help with your symptoms, but the best remedy is preventing tick bites in the first place. Make sure to wear long pants and sleeves in the woods, keep your yard clear of underbrush, use insect repellent, and check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after going outside.

For more home remedies and tips on staying healthy this summer, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!