Herbal Treatment of Lyme Disease

Artemisinin (Artemisia annua) Common names: Sweetbefore last frost. Self sows and will never go away
annie, Sweet wormwood (English), Qing-haoonce established. Part used: Aerial parts, primarily the
(Chinese). Family: Asteraceae Habitat: The plant isupper third of the plant, which is highest in artemisinin
native to china, western Asia, and southeast Europe.content. Medicinal actions of artemisinin: Antimalarial,
An emerging invasive plant species, it is naturalized inantiparasitical, antitumor, antiviral, calcium antagonist,
the United States, especially in Lyme endemic areas.immunomodulator, plasmodicide, schizonticide,
Loves waste areas-roadsides, fallow fields, neglectedantispirochetal. Broadly active against
gardens, especially in eastern North America. Thedermatophytes-fungi that cause infection in hair, skin,
plant is stronger and more aromatic when grown inand nails. The whole herb has a much broader range
poor, dry soil. Collection: The plants grow 4-6 feet tallof actions than artemisinin, the isolated constituent.
with a typical, attractive weedy look. They bloom inFunctions in Lyme disease: Primarily for the treatment
late summer. The aerial parts should be harvestedof babesia coinfections. Possesses mild antiendotoxin
just before flowering. The top third of the plant iseffects that can help in reducing Herxheimer
strongest in artemisinin content. Cultivation: Easilyreactions. Some clinical evidence exists for the plant
from seed. Sow outdoors in fall or from seed indoorspossibly being effective against borrelia organisms.