Spring has finally sprung here in the Berkshires! While I enjoy all seasons, spring is my favorite - such a joy to watch nature unfold. These recent sunny, warmer days have dried up some of the water March and April dumped on us. Exploring the woods, hiking, and mountain biking bring me such joy except for when I get Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) which I recently had for the 3rd or 4th time that I know of. And, May just happens to be National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. For those of you that have had Lyme or other tick borne diseases, you understand how awful they can be; and, for some, chronic Lyme is debilitating. Ticks can also transmit other diseases including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, bartonella, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne relapsing fever. This month I'll be focusing on tips to minimize the chance of getting a tick bite and what to do when you do find one engorged. |
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Recipe of the Month Insect-Repelling Pesto A Swedish military study (prospective, randomized, double-blind) found that eating the equivalent of 1 clove of garlic per day (a pill with 1200 mg Allium sativum) significantly reduced tick bites (20%) when compared to a placebo. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrate that garlic as well as other herbs and medicinal plants (oregano, thyme, cinnamon, cumin, allspice) are promising for treating Lyme and chronic Lyme infections. This dairy-free pesto includes spring green garlic that contains lots of allicin (sulfur compound that is an antioxidant). Find it at a local cooperative market, farm market, or a friend's garden. | | |
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Tick Bite Prevention Strategies Clothing: wear light-colored clothing (it's easier to spot ticks), long sleeves and pants. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. Treat clothing with repellants (see below). Hiking: stay in the center of the trail and avoid brushing up against foliage. Yard: avoid sitting around in leaf piles, tall grassy/bushy areas, and ground covers. Consider a garlic yard and garden spray. There are several brands available; check with your local garden center. Pets: Your loving pets can bring ticks into the home and onto you. Protect them using natural tick sprays such as this one by Wondercide or others provided by your veterinarian. Before you pet comes inside, do a tick check. Remove clothes and shower after being outdoors: remove clothing in laundry room and put in the wash immediately. Do a tick check and shower to rinse off any unattached ticks. Vacuum: Regular vacuuming, house cleaning, and changing/washing bed linens reduce the risk of indoor ticks finding you and latching on. |
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Tick Repellents Permethrin: Treating your clothing with Permethrin has been shown in studies to be 100% effective against deer ticks (the ones that carry Borrelia burgdorferi) and repels mosquitoes, flies, spiders, chiggers, and fleas. There are many products on the market, Insect Shield is one I like. Do NOT use on skin. Natural Botanicals are less toxic than permethrin, Deet, and other repellents. Several studies have shown catnip is as effective as Deet in repelling ticks and mosquitos. My favorites are the lotion and sprays from the Duggan Sisters called Life Stings. I use the lotion on bare arms/legs/neck and the spray for clothing and shoes. It has a pleasant, but not overpowering odor. | | |
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Tick Removal I find the easiest way to remove ticks from myself and pets is to use a tick removal tool (link below). I keep one in my handbag, hiking pack, and first aid kit. You can also use fine-pointed tweezers. Directions and video here. | | |
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Tick Bites and Lyme or other Tick Diseases If you've been bitten by a tick, keep an eye out for any new symptoms. While the red bull's eye rash (called erythema migrans) is a tell-tale sign that can appear 3-30 days after being bitten, many people do not get a rash (I never have). Signs and symptoms include: fever, chills severe headaches and neck stiffness (this is what I experience) muscle and/or joint aches swollen joints, especially in the knees swollen lymph nodes heart palpitations episodes of dizziness and/or shortness of breath nerve pain shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet facial palsy
Call your doctor to discuss your testing and treatment options. Lyme disease is typically treated with a 2-week course of antibiotics. However, Lyme can be tricky to eradicate; just as the name implies, Borrelia, likes to bore into and hide throughout the body causing symptoms weeks, months, or years later. I utilize dietary and herbal strategies to support the body during antibiotic use and for several weeks after. |
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Need help with Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases? Reach out for a private consult here. Please share this newsletter with your friends and family. Be well and thrive, |
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References: McHugh CP. Garlic as a tick repellent. JAMA. 2001 Jan 3;285(1):41, 42. PMID: 11150100. Stjernberg L, Berglund J. Garlic as an insect repellent. JAMA. 2000 Aug 16;284(7):831. doi: 10.1001/jama.284.7.831. PMID: 10938169. Feng J, Shi W, Miklossy J, Tauxe GM, McMeniman CJ, Zhang Y. Identification of Essential Oils with Strong Activity against Stationary Phase Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibiotics. 2018; 7(4):89. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics7040089 This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. If you have any healthcare-related questions regarding your specific health conditions and/or treatment, please contact your physician. You should always seek medical care and medical advice of your physician and/or mental health provider regarding your specific health issues, emotional health, medications, and supplements. |
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