Lyme Disease Study Presents Stevia as a Potential Treatment

The bacteria that causes Lyme, Borrelia burgdorferi, is tricky to manage. Antibiotics are used to treat it, but according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they only work for 80-90% of cases. The other 10-20% develop into chronic Lyme, as the bacteria is able to change form and hide in the body. Conventional medicine is still divided as to whether Chronic Lyme actually exists, so it makes sense that they can only offer management solutions instead of actual treatment. Patients increasingly find themselves turning to alternative medicine. A recent study suggests there is yet another treatment available in the alternative arsenal: stevia.

Conventional medicine is still divided as to whether Chronic Lyme actually exists, so it makes sense that they can only offer management solutions instead of actual treatment. Patients increasingly find themselves turning to alternative medicine. A recent study suggests there is yet another treatment available in the alternative arsenal: stevia.

Will the Real Stevia Stand Up?

Stevia is a naturally sweet herb that is more than 100 times sweeter than sugar, but unlike sugar, it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. Originally from South America, stevia has been around for more than 1,500 years, but it hasn’t gained public popularity until recently. Stevia is incredibly concentrated and doesn’t feed Candida in the body the way other sweeteners do.

The best form of any food, nutritionally, is in its natural state. The pure stevia leaf, whether fresh, dried, or in a tincture, is the best way to use the plant along with all of its flavonoids, sterols, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. But not all stevia is created equal. Many of the widely available stevia powders are bleached and altered with other chemicals and additives like erythritol and dextrose.

It’s the Little Things in Life

The phytonutrients in stevia are powerful. A new study from researchers at the University of New Haven found that stevia leaf extract is more effective at dealing with Lyme disease in all of its forms than any of the currently used antibiotics. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is a spiral-shaped bacteria, and the common antibiotics used like doxycycline, cefoperazone, and daptomycin can be effective in dealing with the bacteria in that form. Unfortunately, Borrelia burgdorferi can morph into a dormant round body under unfavorable conditions, and in this form, antibiotics are more likely to miss it. In fact, antibiotics increased the bacteria in its dormant form.

Is Stevia is a Better Idea than Antibiotics?

Stevia and antibiotics were both effective against the Borrelia burgdorferi is its spiral form. Stevia reduced the bacteria in its dormant form, whereas the antibiotics increased its resistance to the next antibiotic treatment and may have even helped it to multiple. Antibiotics, even when they work as intended, damage to the body. They suppress the immune system and kill off good bacteria, effectively ridding the body of its natural defenses. Is there really any question as to which treatment is better?

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Can Stevia Cure Chronic Lyme Disease?

A new study published in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology reveals a discovery with the potential to end late stage or chronic Lyme disease.

According to the CDC, Lyme disease is estimated to infect 300,000 Americans per year. While 80-90% of the cases are considered resolved with antibiotic treatment, 10-20% of patients develop the chronic form, a persistent, and sometimes devastating illness that can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and the nervous system.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are antibiotics proven to eliminate the spirochetal form of this bacteria, but Borrelia burgdorferi can be found in morphological forms. It exists as spirochetes, spheroplast (or L-form), round bodies, and biofilms. It changes into the dormant round body form under unfavorable conditions and is believed to hide in a biofilm form. When conditions become favorable, it can return to its spirochete form.

Stevia leaf extract contains a number of phytonutrients that are known antimicrobial agents. In this lab study, the antimicrobial effect of stevia extracts was compared to doxycycline, cefoperazone, daptomycin and to combinations of these antibiotics, which had been found to be effective against Borrelia persisters (persistent forms).

The stevia leaf extract was found to be effective against all known forms of the bacteria in the lab tests. It is important to note that four different extracts were tested. One was chosen due to its effectiveness, which was believed to be a result of its growing conditions and the agricultural practices used.

The extract was compared to the three antibiotics and combinations of the antibiotics. The stevia extract alone was able to eliminate the spirochetes and persisters as well as the three antibiotics in combination.

The biofilm form of the bacteria is the most antibiotic-resistant form. The stevia extract was very effective. The individual antibiotics, however, increased the biofilm rather than eliminating it.

In long-term culture studies with persister cells, stevia extract was more effective than the three-drug combination. Doxycycline and cefoperazone were both ineffective.

The study calls for further investigation and clinical trials. This is a promising start given the earlier studies with stevia did not reveal any ill effects from its use, while showing its ability to lower high blood pressure and reduce blood glucose in type II diabetics.

Borrelia burgdorferi is not the only bacteria stevia may be used to fight. In the future, it may be used to treat E. coli, Salmonella and a number of other pathogens.

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Eleven Essential Oils That Help Fight Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a shockingly common condition that infects more than 200,000 people in the U.S. each year. Out of all the people who suffer from Lyme disease symptoms, only 20% are correctly diagnosed, according to research. More and more people are mistakenly identified with other health conditions and do not receive the proper treatment.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by ticks. It is an inflammatory illness that has symptoms like headaches, rashes, chills, and fever. When left untreated, the condition may worsen to develop cardiac symptoms, neurological conditions, and arthritis. Lyme disease can be a life-changing illness.

At present, there is still no medical treatment available for the full treatment of Lyme disease. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat Lyme disease during its early stages. Treatment for chronic Lyme disease (when symptoms last for more than six months) is yet to be discovered. In many parts of the world, essential oils are being used to cure this illness naturally.

Essential Oils To Help Fight Lyme Disease

Essential oils are pure extracts from natural substances and materials like plants, roots, and other liquids. Since they do not contain artificial ingredients that usually carry toxins and harmful substances, essential oils have been used to treat various chronic and sensitive illnesses. These wonders of nature have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Their use would not have continued if they were not so effective.

  • Clove Oil – One of the strongest and most potent antimicrobial substance that is extracted primarily for dentistry purposes, clove oil is both an analgesic and an antiseptic. It also has a very high capacity in terms of oxygen radical absorbance and is capable of fighting borrelia and bartonella infections.
  • Thyme, Marjoram, Oregano – All of which are antibacterial and also used for different infections, thyme, marjoram, and oregano are effective against Lyme disease.
  • Frankincense – A muscle relaxant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulant in one, Frankincense is one of the most popular essential oils used for curing Lyme disease. Basically, it reduces the inflammation of the affected parts and contributes to the control and regulation of immune-system reactions. Mixing it with 2 drops of oregano and coconut oil for topical application on the feet during the day is an innovative way to continue your treatment without bothering others with the smell. Internally, take 2 drops of this essential oil each day, which you can combine with clove, lemongrass, and helichrysum for better results.
  • Cinnamon – This aromatic oil is not only good for relaxing the mood, it is also a powerful antimicrobial substance that cures Lyme disease.
  • Tea Tree Oil – This essential oil is known to be very effective in liquefying and removing biofilms, the thin film of bacteria that settles on a surface. It is a very good antibacterial that works hand-in-hand with clove to deliver the best treatment outcomes.
  • Rosemary, Lavender, Rose, Geranium – These lovely and aromatic plants, when extracted as essential oils, are known for their ability to stop the infectious borrelia from communicating with each other. Therefore, they are helpful in preventing relapse or reactivity in the long run.

Endless Possibilities With Natural Essential Oils

Essential oils can either be ingested (one to 3 drops every day) or applied on the surface of the skin generously. Since they are known to be concentrated substances essential oils should be carefully handled. A few drops can be very strong. Improper use can cause serious health problems.

As a side note, please make sure you are using an essential oil brand that is truly 100% pure and organic, free of any kind of synthetics.

Nevertheless, since essential oils are purely natural, they do not bear side effects that, as a whole, worsen the situation instead of helping the patient recover. To learn more about essential oils, subscribe to our email updates to get 2 free audiobooks on essential oils and a 9-day free essential oil eCourse.

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