Chronic Lyme disease is a serious health crisis and can significantly derail your health. So, what can be done to help? Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacteria behind chronic Lyme disease. It can be challenging to beat without the right tools.

Though you may not notice symptoms when you are initially infected, the symptoms can compound later on. When people become overburdened with other chronic infections, stress, or toxicity, the symptoms of chronic Lyme disease can surface. (1)

Chronic Lyme disease can lead to brain fog, fatigue, inflammation, pain, and a weak immune system. It can also generate harmful free radicals, disrupt the mitochondria, and overwhelm detox pathways. (2, 3)

But you can help get your health back on track with the aid of potent herbs from nature — like cat’s claw bark, milk thistle seed, wormwood, and many others. These herbs work together to support the immune system and detoxification. Plus, these herbs could help reduce the pathogen load.

Tackling Lyme Disease

The goal of healthcare practitioners is to help address the root causes of chronic illness and what is holding them back from their wellness efforts.

Here’s an overview of 21 herbs to help you tackle chronic Lyme disease.

Artemisia Annua

Artemisia annua also goes by the name sweet Annie plant or sweet wormwood. That’s because it’s often used for parasitic worms, including Schistosoma such as S. mansoni. (4, 5)

The herb is also used for malaria, which is caused by the parasite Plasmodium. In addition, sweet wormwood has antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii and babesia. The latter is a Lyme coinfection. (4)

Artemisinin is the compound in Artemisia annua that has these antiparasitic effects. It also has powerful actions against the Lyme bacteria — including cyst forms. The cysts (also called round bodies) are tougher to kill than the spirochete (spiral) form. (6)

When tested in a lab, artemisinin left only 24% of borrelia cysts alive after one week. In contrast, drugs like ciprofloxacin and doxycycline were less effective. They left 28–49% of the Lyme cysts alive. (7) 

In addition, Artemisia annua contains dozens of different antioxidants. Individuals need that defense. Borrelia infection can lead to significant oxidative stress as the immune system fights back. (3, 4)

Astragalus Root

The root of Astragalus membranaceus or astragalus is probably best known for its ability to stimulate the immune system. This is important when you are fighting an infection like Lyme disease. (8)

Also remember, Lyme can generate significant inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxins. Fortunately, astragalus root could help with each of those challenges. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties. (9)

The ability of astragalus to support the immune system comes from phytochemicals. These include two classes of phytochemicals called flavonoids and saponins. (9)

Interestingly, some flavonoids, saponins, and other phytochemicals have been shown to break up biofilm. This protective covering allows borrelia and other microbes to hide from the immune system and antibiotics. 

Astragalus phytochemicals haven’t specifically been tested against borrelia biofilm. However, some flavonoids and saponins from other sources have been found to disrupt the biofilm of Candida albicans and several pathogenic bacteria. (10, 11, 12, 13)

Black Walnut Green Hulls

The shells of black walnuts — known by scientists as Juglans nigra — are surrounded by a green hull. These hulls are rich in phytochemicals. That includes ones with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. (14)

A lab study found that extracts of black walnut hulls kill borrelia bacteria. This included the biofilm, cyst, and spirochete. Several other natural compounds and antibiotics failed to kill the biofilm and cyst forms, which are more resistant. (15) 

An antioxidant and antibacterial compound in black walnut hulls is juglone. This phytochemical has antiparasitic and antifungal effects. That includes action against the yeast candida. (16, 17)

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum or boneset also goes by the nicknames feverwort and sweating plant. In North America, it’s been used by Native Americans for fevers and to induce sweating to promote healing. In Europe, the herb has been used for fevers and colds. (18)

Lab and animal studies show that bonesets contains plant compounds that are: (18, 19, 20)

  • Antibacterial 
  • Anticancer
  • Anti-inflammatory 
  • Anti-malaria
  • Antioxidant 

Boneset may also have antiviral effects. In a lab study, boneset extract inhibited the influenza A virus from attaching to a host cell. That’s important because Lyme disease dampens the immune defenses. So, herbal support against seasonal viruses is helpful. (21) 

Buckthorn Bark

Dried buckthorn bark or Frangula alnus has traditionally been used as a laxative. Good elimination or drainage is vital for eliminating toxins, including those generated when killing Borrelia. (22)

But the benefits of buckthorn bark go beyond helping you have bowel movements.

Phytochemicals — including polyphenols — in buckthorn bark have strong antioxidant activity. This could help protect cells from free radical damage. Buckthorn bark also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. (22)

Flavonoids and saponins are two classes of polyphenols in buckthorn bark. As mentioned previously, these types of plant compounds may help disrupt biofilm where harmful bacteria like borrelia commonly hide. (11, 13, 23)

Cat’s Claw Bark

Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine that’s native to tropical rainforests. Its common name, cat’s claw, comes from the plant’s claw-like thorns. It’s also known as the “life-giving vine of Peru.” (24) 

Phytochemicals in a cat’s claw bark may help regulate immune function and proper responses. The herb also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. (25, 26, 27)

Chronic Lyme disease can inflame the nervous system and joints. A cat’s claw bark may help with this. When people with rheumatoid arthritis took an extract of ca at’s claw for six months, they had a significant reduction in joint pain, compared to a placebo. (28, 29, 30)

Also, lab tests have found that cat’s claw extracts suppress the production of molecules that generate inflammation. (27)

Cranesbill Root

You may be more familiar with the first part of the cranesbill root’s scientific name, Geranium maculatum. In traditional medicine, various Geranium species have been used for coughs, diarrhea, fever, and rashes. (31) 

In addition, some Geranium species are effective against certain bacteria, protozoan parasites, and viruses. (31)

Some of the antiparasitic activity of cranesbill root may come from phytochemicals called tannins. Animal research has found that tannins help fight parasitic roundworms. The tannins may also bolster resistance to parasites. (32, 33)

Parasites could play a role in Lyme disease because Borrelia bacteria can hide inside parasites. So, you can’t beat borrelia if they don’t remove the parasites that harbor it. (34)

The tannins in cranesbill root are also potent antioxidants. Those could have a protective effect as you combat Lyme disease. (35)

Devil’s Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens, or devil’s claw, is native to the southern part of Africa. 

Traditionally, the herb has been used for allergies, indigestion, liver and kidney issues, and pain. (36) 

In some countries, devil’s claw is also commonly used to help with arthritis. As mentioned earlier, Lyme disease can lead to joint inflammation and pain, especially in your knees. Knee arthritis may occur in up to 90% of people with Lyme disease. (37) 

Human research supports the ability of devil’s claw to help relieve joint pain. When people with arthritis received devil’s claw extract for two months, they had a 37% drop in scores for knee pain. (36)

Lab research suggests that extracts of the herb may help turn off the genes that promote inflammation. (38) 

Eleuthero Root

Eleuthero root is sometimes called Siberian ginseng. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it should be called eleuthero because it’s not a true ginseng. Scientifically, the herb is known as Eleutherococcus senticosus or Acanthopanax senticosus. (39)

Regardless of what it’s called, eleuthero root is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to TCM, the herb calms the mind, increases energy, supports the kidneys, and strengthens the spleen. (40, 41) 

Research suggests eleuthero root may help with general pain and inflammation, which are common issues in Lyme disease. Animal and lab studies suggest that phytochemicals in the herb have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. (42) 

Eleuthero root may also help get stagnant toxins, such as from borrelia, moving through the lymphatic system. If your lymphatic system is backed up, they can get edema or swelling. When healthy women with leg edema took the herb, they had a significant reduction in swelling within a few hours, compared to the control group. (43) 

Lastly, similar to some other herbs in this list, eleuthero root may have a balancing effect on the immune system to help it respond appropriately. (42)

Essiac Blend

It’s believed that the Ojibwa tribe in Canada created this combination of four herbs known as Essiac. It contains burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel leaves, and slippery elm bark. Essiac is a popular alternative cancer therapy. (43) 

The Essiac blend may have potent antioxidant effects. One lab study found that it effectively quenched highly reactive hydroxyl free radicals. Essiac helped prevent free radical damage to cellular DNA. (43) 

In addition, lab research suggests Essiac may help regulate or normalize immune responses. That could be important in Lyme disease, as the condition may lead to autoimmunity over the long term. (44, 45)

Hawthorn Berry/Leaf

Hawthorn is a shrub known scientifically as Crataegus monogyna or C. laevigata, which is closely related. It’s often grown for its ruby-red berries, which are made into jam. But this herb offers a lot more than a tasty spread for toast. (46)

Both hawthorn berries and leaves are rich in phytochemicals, including ones with antioxidant properties that could protect the heart. In fact, one of the best-studied uses of the plant is for cardiovascular problems. These include heart failure, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. (46) 

It’s estimated that chronic Lyme disease leads to carditis in up to 10% of cases. That can result in heart palpitations or the feeling that the heart is beating too fast or hard. It can also cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. (47) 

Human studies suggest that hawthorn may help reduce heart palpitations and difficulty breathing. It may also promote blood flow. (48) 

Horsetail Plant

Equisetum arvense or horsetail is considered one of the oldest species of plants on earth. In Europe, horsetail has a long history of use for treating inflammatory disorders. Animal research supports this use, including that it may reduce arthritis-related inflammation. (49)

Studies also suggest that horsetail may: (49)

  • Act as a diuretic (to protect the kidneys and urinary tract)
  • Protect the liver
  • Provide antioxidant defense

In addition, a lab test of horsetail essential oil suggests it has potent antimicrobial properties. The herb oil had strong effects against all seven harmful bacteria and fungi tested in the study, including Candida albicans. (50)

An animal study suggests horsetail may also have pain-reducing effects. When rodents were given horsetail extract, it lowered their pain in a dose-dependent manner. In other words, the more of the herbal extract they were given, the less pain they felt. (51)

Japanese Knotweed Root

Japanese knotweed root is known scientifically as either Fallopia japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum. It’s considered a troublesome weed in some parts of Australia, Europe, and North America. But labeling this botanical problem overlooks its potent health benefits. (52)

Japanese knotweed root is rich in a phytochemical called resveratrol. This highly researched compound may have powerful anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. (53, 54) 

Resveratrol might also help with Lyme disease. Lab tests suggest that resveratrol helps kill borrelia spirochetes, which are the active form of Lyme bacteria. The compound also helped kill borrelia in its more resistant cyst form. (15)  

Resveratrol may also help to calm inflammation by increasing regulatory T cells. These immune cells help keep the immune system in balance. That shifts you away from autoimmune diseases, which they are at increased risk for with chronic Lyme disease. In one study, resveratrol boosted regulatory T cells by 47%. (54, 55)

Milk Thistle Seed

Silybum marianum or milk thistle seed contains a group of plant compounds called silymarin. Studies suggest silymarin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. (56)

For more than 2,000 years, milk thistle seed has been used to protect the liver. This may be due in part to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (57)

Today, lab and animal studies also indicate that milk thistle seed and silymarin could support liver health. Studies of people with liver diseases suggest the herb may help reduce liver inflammation and oxidative damage. (57, 58)

Liver protection is important in chronic Lyme disease, which can cause liver inflammation. babesia — a common Lyme coinfection and parasite — can also damage the liver. In fact, babesia is one cause of liver failure. (59, 60, 61, 62) 

Nettle Leaf

Urtica dioica, commonly known as nettle, is popular in herbal medicine worldwide. The leaves are high in nutrients and phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols. Yet, some people consider the herb a weed. But this “weed” can actually purify the soil, helping remove heavy metals. (63, 64)

Nettle leaf could also support health. The phytochemicals in the herb may have anti-inflammatory effects in the joints with human studies, suggesting the herb may help with joint pain in arthritis. As you know, joint pain is often a problem in Lyme disease. (63, 65)

 

In addition, the herb could support the immune system. Animal research suggests that nettle helps fend off bacterial infections. And lab studies suggest nettle has antimicrobial activity against a variety of harmful bacteria and candida. (63, 66, 67) 

Studies also suggest that nettle may help with an enlarged prostate, bladder infections, seasonal allergies, and skin rashes. (63, 68)

Pau D’Arco Bark

Pau d’arco bark, also known as taheebo, comes from the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree. This tall tree is adorned with pink flowers and is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. In traditional medicine like Ayurveda, some of the herb’s uses have included arthritis, fever, and pain. (69)

Lab and animal research supports the use of pau d’arco bark for arthritis. When rodents were given an extract of the herb, it significantly reduced arthritis symptoms. It also reduced their blood levels of inflammatory markers. (70)

Remember, in chronic Lyme disease, inflammation can get stuck in the “on” position. That can worsen pain, such as in the joints, and may lead to autoimmune issues. 

Scientists have found several anti-inflammatory compounds in pau d’arco, including one called beta-lapachone. This compound may even help with nerve inflammation. Lyme disease can lead to nerve inflammation and issues like difficulty concentrating. (71, 72, 73)

Animal and lab studies also suggest pau d’arco may help combat some bacterial and fungal infections. This may be due in part to beta-apache and a related compound called lapachol. These phytochemicals may also help fight parasites, including helminths and leishmania. (74, 75, 76, 77, 78)

Teasel Root

Dipsacus asperoides is commonly known as teasel root. It has traditionally been used for back and knee pain, bruises, and liver conditions. One way the herb may help is by reducing inflammation. (79)  

In a lab study, immune cells called macrophages were exposed to an inflammatory toxin. Teasel root extract inhibited the macrophages from releasing certain inflammatory compounds. (80) 

Lowering inflammation could also help with joint pain, a common problem in Lyme disease. Animal research suggests that teasel root may help reduce inflammatory compounds that cause arthritic joint pain. It may also improve joint health. (81) 

Most importantly, teasel root may be directly effective against borrelia spirochetes. In a lab study, scientists tested a specific teasel root extract from Dipsacus sylvestris (a species closely related to D. asperoides). It inhibited around 95% of the spirochetes within four days. (15, 82)

Turmeric

Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric, is a popular spice also known for its health benefits. This botanical has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These benefits are primarily attributed to curcumin, a phytochemical in turmeric. (83)

Several human studies confirm turmeric’s benefits in arthritis. They show that turmeric helps improve physical joint function and reduce joint pain. This evidence is also supported by blood tests. People who took turmeric had a drop in inflammatory markers in their blood. (83)

Turmeric may also help you purge parasites. When rodents were given turmeric for four weeks, they had a 49% drop in Schistosoma mansoni worms. These parasites can infect the bladder, intestines, and liver. (84, 85)

The rodent study also found that turmeric helped restore the health of liver cells damaged by parasitic worms. Scientists think this is because of turmeric’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. (84)

White Willow Bark

Medicinal use of Salix alba, commonly known as white willow bark, dates back to ancient times. The herb has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for fever, inflammation, and pain, common issues in chronic Lyme disease. (86)  

White willow bark contains a compound called salicin, which is similar to aspirin. However, the amount of salicin in white willow bark is not enough to account for its pain-reducing qualities. Scientists believe a combination of salicin and other phytochemicals in the bark helps lower pain. (87) 

Lab research shows that white willow bark extract prevents immune cells from releasing inflammatory compounds, such as when they are triggered by toxins. (88) 

And a one-month study of people with low back pain found the herb helpful. When people took a high dose of white willow bark extract, 39% of them had complete relief of their back pain. There was little change in the placebo group. (89)

Wormood

Artemisia absinthium or wormwood is related to the herb A. annua or sweet wormwood. A. absinthium smells like sage and has traditionally been used to help with digestive disorders. (90) 

Research supports wormwood’s ability to relieve gut inflammation. When people with Crohn’s disease took wormwood alongside their standard medicine, 80% of them went into remission within six weeks. But only 20% of people in the placebo group (on standard therapy) achieved remission. (90)

Wormwood may also be a potent tool to help eradicate certain parasites. Since parasites can carry borrelia inside them, if you don’t purge the parasites, they could reinfect you with Lyme disease. 

Both animal and lab research suggests wormwood extract may be as effective against Hymenolepsi nana — a common intestinal tapeworm — as the drug praziquantel. Though that drug has a high cure rate for tapeworms, the critters are developing resistance to it. So scientists are turning to alternatives like wormwood. (91) 

Yellow Dock Root

Rumex crispus or yellow dock root is used in herbal medicine to promote liver function and as a laxative. As you know, the liver is vital for detoxification, including toxins generated in Lyme disease. (92)

Similar to a few other herbs in this list, Yellow Dock also contains plant compounds that may be biofilm busters. Breaking up biofilm helps to expose sneaky borrelia bacteria to the immune system.

Specifically, yellow dock contains a phytochemical called napodin. Lab studies suggest napodin inhibits Candida albicans and some bacterial pathogens from generating biofilm. One way it may do this is by suppressing the expression of microbial genes involved in making biofilm. (93)

Animal studies and lab research also suggest that the napodin in yellow dock combats Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite that causes malaria. (94)

A Better Way Forward Against Chronic Lyme

Chronic Lyme disease can shift your health off track. But many natural herbs could help change that. No less than 21 different botanicals — including Japanese knotweed root, nettle leaf, and wormwood — could support your journey through Lyme disease.

Each herb offers unique properties and acts synergistically with the others to help:

  • Break up biofilm
  • Combat Lyme bacteria
  • Decrease viral load
  • Fight free radical damage
  • Lower inflammation
  • Reduce joint pain
  • Regulate immune system
  • Purge parasites
  • Support detoxification