Botanicals for Lyme Disease Flashcards
Which herb is commonly used in Lyme disease protocols for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties?
A) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
B) Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
C) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
D) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
D) Uncaria tomentosa (Correct Answer)
Explanation: Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) is frequently used in Lyme disease for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects, helping manage infection-induced inflammation.
Incorrect Options:
A) Astragalus membranaceus - Known for immune-boosting properties, especially in chronic infections. However, it may exacerbate symptoms in those with autoimmune conditions due to immune stimulation.
B) Curcuma longa - Primarily used for inflammation reduction, particularly in joint and muscle pain. Though beneficial, it’s not as targeted for Lyme’s immune modulation.
C) Glycyrrhiza glabra - Useful for adrenal support and immune function but is typically used for respiratory infections and stress rather than direct Lyme treatment.
Which of the following herbs is known for its antimicrobial action specifically against Borrelia bacteria, the primary pathogen in Lyme disease?
A) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
B) Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
C) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
D) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
A) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris) - Correct
Explanation: Teasel root has specific antimicrobial effects against Borrelia.
Incorrect Options:
B) Peppermint - Primarily used for digestive issues and headaches; limited effect against Borrelia.
C) Chinese Skullcap - Known for neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory properties but not specifically antimicrobial against Borrelia.
D) Echinacea - Boosts general immunity, lacks specificity against Lyme.
This herb contains berberine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial effects and is often used to support digestive health in patients with Lyme disease:
A) Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
B) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
C) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
D) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
A) Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) - Correct
Explanation: Barberry contains berberine, an antimicrobial compound that can support gut health and manage infections.
Incorrect Options:
B) Green Tea - High in antioxidants but not directly antimicrobial against Lyme.
C) Valerian - Mainly a nervine, used for sleep and anxiety, not for antimicrobial purposes.
D) Lavender - Primarily used for calming and sleep support, not for antimicrobial action.
Which of these herbs is known for its potential effect against the cyst form of Borrelia and is frequently used for its potent antimicrobial effects?
A) Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua)
B) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
C) Garlic (Allium sativum)
D) Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
C) Garlic (Allium sativum) - Correct
Explanation: Garlic has strong antimicrobial effects, beneficial in managing Lyme infections, including Borrelia cyst forms.
Incorrect Options:
A) Sweet Wormwood - Known for its effectiveness against malaria and parasites, less effective against Lyme.
B) Japanese Knotweed - Anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive, not directly antimicrobial.
D) Rhodiola - Primarily supports stress and fatigue, not antimicrobial.
Which adaptogenic herb is often recommended to help manage fatigue associated with Lyme disease, as it supports adrenal function and the body’s response to stress?
A) Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
B) Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
C) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
D) Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
A) Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - Correct
Explanation: Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen that reduces fatigue and supports the body’s stress response.
Incorrect Options:
B) Schisandra - Adaptogen focused on liver support and mental clarity rather than fatigue.
C) St. John’s Wort - Supports mood and nerve pain, not specifically for Lyme fatigue.
D) Turmeric - Anti-inflammatory, useful for pain but not for adrenal support.
Japanese knotweed is commonly used in Lyme protocols for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties. What is the botanical name of this herb?
A) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
B) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
C) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
D) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
C) Polygonum cuspidatum (Correct Answer)
o Explanation: Also known as Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, making it ideal for Lyme support.
o Incorrect Options:
A) Dipsacus sylvestris - Helpful for immune support in Lyme but not specifically known for anti-inflammatory effects.
B) Scutellaria baicalensis - Reduces neuroinflammation but lacks broad anti-inflammatory support for Lyme.
D) Silybum marianum - Supports liver detoxification, valuable in detox support but not immune modulation.
Which herb is high in antioxidants, supports liver detoxification, and is frequently used in Lyme disease protocols to support overall cellular health?
A) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
B) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
C) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
D) Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
B) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) - Correct
Explanation: Milk thistle supports liver health, essential for detoxifying Lyme-related toxins.
Incorrect Options:
A) Green Tea - Contains antioxidants, lacks liver-supporting properties.
C) Chamomile - Calming and digestive support, not for liver health.
D) Lemon Balm - Known for calming effects, not for liver or detox support.ñ
Known as an immune tonic, this herb is used in Lyme protocols to support the body’s defense against infections but may not be suitable for those with autoimmune conditions:
A) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
B) Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
C) Garlic (Allium sativum)
D) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
D) Astragalus membranaceus (Correct Answer)
Explanation: Astragalus is an immune tonic often used to bolster immune function, but it may be too stimulating for some with autoimmune issues.
Incorrect Options:
A) Echinacea purpurea - Also boosts immune function but is generally used for acute rather than chronic immune support.
B) Andrographis paniculata - Known for anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties but doesn’t work as an immune tonic like Astragalus.
C) Allium sativum - Primarily antimicrobial, doesn’t provide the broad immune support that Astragalus offers.
Which herb, commonly referred to as “cat’s claw,” is frequently used for Lyme disease due to its immune-supportive properties?
A) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
B) Teasel Root (Dipsacus sylvestris)
C) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
D) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
A) Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Correct
Explanation: Known as “cat’s claw,” frequently used in Lyme protocols for immune support.
Incorrect Options:
B) Teasel Root - Effective antimicrobial, lacks broad immune support like cat’s claw.
C) Chinese Skullcap - Primarily anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, not broad immune support.
D) Licorice - Modulates immunity, mostly for adrenal support and inflammation.
This herb has been studied for its effects on reducing neuroinflammation, which can be beneficial for Lyme patients experiencing neurological symptoms:
A) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
B) Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
C) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
D) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
