Julie Mitchell
What is the role of herbal medicine in the treatment of Lyme disease within clinical practice
Abstract
Lyme disease is a multi-system, multi-stage systemic infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), often transmitted via tick bite. The disease represents a burgeoning public health threat throughout the world and is considered the fastest growing vector-borne disease or zoonosis. Although evidence of infection is found throughout the world, this report will focus on the United States. Conventional medicine has conflicting theories as to transmission of Bb, clinical manifestations, recommended duration of antibiotic treatment, and testing viability, resulting in acrimonious and confusing consequences that negatively impact the people infected with Lyme borreliosis and for the medical community that helps to manage their disease. New treatment strategies are required to improve their prognosis.
Through exploration of experiences and thought processes into treatment for Lyme disease, this study looks to discover the progression of how Lyme disease is understood, how the infected person is viewed, where and why within the spectrum of the condition, if herbs are an appropriate choice of treatment. It moves the question out of the realm of the laboratory and into the clinic, to the front-lines of treating Lyme disease.
The study is guided by qualitative research principles with data gathered in individual interviews from six practitioners, including two medical doctors, two naturopathic doctors and two herbalists. Description of the exploration emerges from the accounts of interviewed participants through a process of inductive interpretation based on phenomenological principles.
Practitioners embrace the concept of treating the individual versus treating the disease. Lyme disease presents numerous obstacles to cure within the spectrum of health. In this study the practitioner’s approach is seen as promoting the innate healing power of the individual. Herbs are considered as salutary resources to enhance movement toward the health end of the health/illness continuum described in Antonovsky’s Salutogenesis theory.
