posted
I'm going to western NY (south of Buffalo) in a few weeks and to northern Minnesota later this summer. We have ticks where I live, but it's easy to avoid them because they are only by the rivers where there is more vegetation.
I will try to stay out of infested areas and take precautions in NY and MN, but in case I get bitten or find a tick on me, I want to have the right stuff on hand to make sure I don't get any sicker.
Do I need a bottle of doxycycline with me? I wouldn't want to rely on local medical care to give me the right meds. I'm sure my Lyme MD would write me a prescription before I go.
I have some minocycline on hand, but I'm not sure if that would be the right drug for a new bite.
I'm going to check Buhner's book for herbal remedies--I know he has some recommendations for new exposures. Astragalus is one, I believe, but that's not supposed to be good for people with chronic Lyme. Is there something better?
Thanks for any ideas. Just thinking ahead here.
Nutmeg
Posts: 386 | From WA state | Registered: May 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'd follow your lyme MD's advice.
Herbs can be taken as somewhat of an preventative - maybe even repellant in some cases for mosquitoes.
However, if I saw an actual bite, I would what a good antibiotic along with supportive supplement. I would not go unless a good and steady stream of a good herb was already on board, though. Here are some thoughts:
* Homeopathic of LEDUM - for immediate use, even out in the woods. Not enough to rely upon for full treatment but it's the first line before you can take other measures. Carry LEDUM in your pocket with tick removal kit.
* Oil of Oregano gel caps; Rosemary is good, too.
* Allicin/garlic. I would take allicin (garlic) but that will make everyone avoid you - unless - everyone takes it. It would ward off mosquitoes. The mosquito really is the state bird of MN. That's no joke. So, allicin might be just the ticket.
You might also consider mosquito hoods (or whatever they are called), which would also help with ticks.
* Andrographis, too, can be good. It's the best thing I've ever used. However, it does not come without some stomach irritation so you'd have to get used to it. Taken with food is best. After a while, my stomach did fine with no food.
For me, Andrographis greatly decreases inflammation and that translates to frequent urination and, sometimes, urgency with that. You may react differently but you'd want to try it out at home first.
Andrographis makes me more tired but after the first week that lessens for most people.
* Astragalus is not for chronic lyme, that's true (except as small part of an overall formula). However, if you have a new bite or possible new infection, along with other things for a balanced approach (mostly something to calm adrenals so that astragalus would not over stimulate you), it can be very helpful.
* Doxy. Remember that doxycycline requires one to take drastic measures to avoid the sun. Even from through a window, a doxy burn can be very serious.
* Mino. If you take minocycline, be sure to take B-6, NAC and other liver support to help offset possible vertigo and nausea. Some do find with it; other experience staggering ear effects. More about that here:
Specific for LYME patients - lots of details about ears and what can help:
Coptis - many articles with this in the text -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
Some white or light-colored clothing, including a couple pair long socks, repellant good for ticks, a good-Q tweezer, pref. w/ a small magifier attached... and common sense. Tick checks atleast daily, esp. after coming in from outdoors. And... oh, yeah... 4 weeks worth of "doxy" & some sunscreen... just in case. Remember to save any tick if found on you for evaluation later, if need be.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Along 'Kete-tracker's advice on saving the tick, some ticks can actually chew through a freezer bag. Find a strong tiny tube or container for your tick-kit.
Put a few blades of grass in with it. I think (not sure, though) that the longer it can stay alive, the better for testing but you'd sure not want any air holes that it could crawl through.
- Also to consider in your choice is that some Rx and some supplements can cover various infections. Doxy may be best as it covers ehrlichia, too. Not sure if mino. does.
For anyone with you, if they are without a spleen (result of an accident or surgery), if bitten, they are at greater risk. Untreated babesia in a person without a spleen can be fatal, so prompt medical care would be key. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
i asked this in general but no one responded so i thought i would add it to this thread.
i read about a very good repellant made from tomatos. i also read about something that you can spray on clothes that works really well.
its not deet but its not natural either. you apply it to a set of clothes that you basicaly use only when you are hiking etc.
i lost the paper that i scribbled this information down. hopeing someone else new about it and could pass it on. i tried google but couldn't find it that way either.
i want to garden and really need to find something that doesn't smell or is toxic.
maybe this infor could help nutmeg too! thanks so much folks
Posts: 161 | From sonoma county | Registered: May 2009
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posted
The spray for clothes is permethrin. One brand is called Repel and I get it at WalMart.
Posts: 819 | From East Coast | Registered: Apr 2009
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
There are several brands of lemon eucalyptus insect repellent. Cutter and Repel are available at Amazon, and the reviews are interesting.
I have not tried this, but thought you might want to check into it.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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