What Herbs Really Work for Natural Medicine?
Seven of the 18 herbs reviewed showed evidence of in-vitro [lab] activity against B. burgdorferi.
These compounds included:
(1) cat’s claw
(2) cryptolepis,
(3) Chinese skullcap,
(4) Japanese knotweed,
(5) sweet wormwood,
(6) thyme, and
(7) oil of oregano.
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With the exception of oil of oregano these compounds also have anti-inflammatory activity.
In vivo data [in real bodies] and clinical trials are lacking.
Clinicians should be cautious as many of the identified compounds have drug interactions and additive effects that could lead to increased risks for bleeding, hypotension, and hypoglycemia.
Conclusions: Many of the herbs that alternative and integrative practitioners use to treat Lyme disease have anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to patients’ perceptions of symptomatic improvement. Some herbs have limited demonstrated anti-borrelial activity in vitro, but in vivo data and clinical trial data are lacking.
Further research is required to determine the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of these herbs for this patient population.
Thompson A, Hynicka LM, Shere-Wolfe KD. A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2023 Mar;22(1):30-38. PMID: 37101730; PMCID: PMC10124234.