Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor; consult with your medical doctor anytime you experience a tick bite or plan to start any new healthcare modality.
Why I Am Putting This Guide Together
I’ve been wanting to write this blog post/guide for a few years now. And there’s nothing like having my first experience with a DEER TICK BITE in my own family (while we were in the northeast US, none-the-less) to inspire me to get this information out there! At the time of this writing we are about 6 weeks post-bite and all is well after following this protocol.
Below you will find some natural ways to address a tick bite (which can be used in conjunction with antibiotics if your doctor advises). You can also watch the video but this blog post has a few more remedies and a lot more details I didn’t touch upon in the video (and I got cut off at the end of the video).
Preventing Tick Bites
Physical Barriers
There are bug nets and hats with nets (lean toward light colors for the summer) that can be worn on the head and even bug jackets and pants that can cover your whole body (I purchased the head nets and hats after the fact, unfortunately). If you are going hiking in an area that is well known to have many, many ticks, drop the vanity and wear the nets!! 😊
Wear long sleeves, long pants which taper and hug the ankle, and hats with a wide rim or a neck guard. I prefer fabric that is light-weight and is meant to be used in high temps and humidity, such as “dri-fit” fabric (or polyester, in general). Anything that claims to be moisture-wicking is a great pick for clothing!
Natural Chemical Barriers
Use bug spray. I like the natural sprays that are on the market which contain Lemon Eucalyptus (Deet-free) such as this one. But the one I prefer the most (and yes it actually works if applied frequently) is an essential oil blend by Plant Therapy called Nature Shield Synergy Blend. I put about 20 or more drops into a spray bottle with water and use liberally. I actually like the scent, and apparently our nemesis, the bug, does not!
Proper Tick Removal
I would advise looking at various YouTube videos to view proper removal technique (preferably from a respected source). But pinching the head lightly with tweezers and then gently removing the tick from the skin is the way to go, generally. In my own situation, I did not get the opportunity to properly remove the tick (an uneducated family member ripped it off as I was searching for the tweezers lol).
Prevention of the dreaded BULLSEYE RASH!
This list of items you can take for preventative purposes is quite long so you will have to decide how “deep” into the protocol you feel you need to go (while also discussing what you are taking with your doctor). For example, if the tick was quite engorged, or wasn’t removed properly, or you got the tick bite in an area known to be high in lyme-positive tick bites, you may want to consider going moderately-deep or deep into the protocol. In the video, I do discuss what I did for my family member and why.
For those who have a situation where they think the threat of Lyme transmission is quite low, many choose to only give/take Ledum, which is the first step in the protocol.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Ledum 30c or 200c, as soon as possible: Start with what you have on hand, but ideally start with Ledum 200c potency, twice the first day, a couple hours apart. Then another dose 2 days later, and the last dose 2 days after that. If you only have 30c on hand you can give Ledum 30c twice per day for the first several days, then follow that up with a dose of 200c when you receive it. If you feel it is necessary, continue
Ledum 30c every other day beyond the first week. Some will even take it for up to 6 weeks. - In addition to Ledum, consider other remedies which may be more specific to your particular bug bite. If there is a lot of redness and heat around the bite (or a fever with throbbing headache) then try a few doses of Belladonna 200c. If there seems to be a hive-like reaction to the tick bite, Apis 200c may be worth a try. If the bite, or you body, has a bruised sensation when touched, give a dose of Arnica 200c. If the “head” of the tick does not appear to be fully removed, give a few doses of Silicea 200c (continue every other day until it appears to be expelled from the body). If none of these symptoms seem to be present, just stick to the Ledum protocol above.
- Aurum arsenicosum 200c on days 7 and 14 post-bite. This remedy is widely suggested among homeopaths for “poisonous infection”. Some homeopaths will say don’t give this one unless you develop the bulls-eye rash. But some people feel better giving it anyway to be safe. Unfortunately this one is not quite a do-it-yourselfer. You will need a homeopath (if you live in the states) in order to gain access to this remedy. If you live outside of the US, check your local homeopathic pharmacies.
- Consider adding nosodes: The nosodes which target the 3 most common infections that ticks carry are Borrelia burgdorferi nosode, Bartonella henselae nosode, and Babesia microti nosode, and could be given in a 30c potency. These nosodes are also not widely available without the guidance/access to a homeopath (in the US). But these Lyme Nosode Drops have a few Lyme-related nosodes in them, along with some other supporting remedies. You could try these drops if you don’t have access to the specific nosodes listed above. The ingredients list for this product is hidden in the Q&A section of the listing on Amazon (disclaimer: I have not tried this specific formula since I do have access to the higher potencies). At the time of this blog post I am taking new clients and can assist with using these nosodes. We could even establish access and guidance during an acute consultation which is less costly than a full intake.
Herbs Known to Target Lyme, Listed in Order of Ease of Availability
There are several well-known Herbal Lyme Protocols that many people turn to when they have Lyme Disease: The Buhner Protocol, the Cowden Protocol, and more. But for a tick bite, these protocols may be quite extensive and unnecessary. Below is a list of some basic herbs you could consider for prevention.
- Cats Claw: In studies this herbs has shown the ability to reduce the amount of the Lyme spirochete and break up the biofilm that protects it (in vitro). It also has immune-enhancing and anti-microbial properties.
- Japanese Knotweed: This herb is widely known to aid in Lyme. It has anti-spirochete, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immune-enhancing properties.
- Sweet Wormwood (or Artemesia): This herb not only shows promise for Lyme, but it is widely used as an anti-parasitic herb.
- Cryptolepis sanguinolenta: In this study, Cryptolepsis showed the potential for complete eradication of the Borrelia spirochete, even when given in lower concentration.
Dosages for herbs: Consult with physician (herbs can be taken in excess and become toxic); Take according to package directions for as long as you feel you need to according to your risk of Lyme transmission. I, personally, have been using less than the recommended dose on the package since this is a prevention, not treatment, protocol.
Where to purchase herbs: I don’t usually purchase my herbs at GNC, but we were on the run and I had no choice. So far, everything seems fine. But in most cases I prefer brands such as Thorne Research, Gaia, Klaire Labs, or Pure Encapsulations. The important thing to know is that with herbs you generally want to look for a “standardized extract” for most herbs.
Topicals
- Bentonite Clay: If you have access to bentonite clay, put a paste on the site after proper removal of the tick. Leave it on for a few hours. I also have experience with this one (if you are looking for a smaller amount).
- Essential Oils: Consider using the essential oils which are known to have antiseptic properties, such as Thyme, Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca), Oregano, Cassia, Cinnamon, and Clove (click the link and search “singles” to get to these single EO’s). You could also consider a combo oil such as “On Guard” by DoTerra, or “Germ Fighter” by Plant Therapy. If ordering essential oils from Amazon, perhaps order the Plant Therapy brand since it appears to come directly from the manufacturer; I have experience with this brand and they are quality products.
- Nutribiotic Ointment: This herbal ointment has several herbs in it, including grapefruit seed extract which has some research behind it regarding lyme/borrelia. Apply this twice per day for the first few weeks and then once per day for another week or two.
Other Measures
- Extra sleep and stress reduction: This needs no explanation!
- Support the immune system with good food (fruits, veggies, and green juice). Perhaps add some Vitamin C or other immune-supporting supplements.
Manage Your Mindset!
Often WORRYING about something will lower the immune system! Have faith in your immune system. Tell your child that they have a strong immune system which will take care of the tick bite (and explain that the likelihood that the tick had Lyme in it is very low anyway). Work on your own stress reduction if you think that your stress about the situation is transferring to your child. Do yoga, read the bible or other spiritual text, pray, meditate, or work on your own mindset!
More On My Own Situation
We were out of town and on the move (couldn’t wait for any Amazon deliveries, away from my own supplies, and too remote to run to a local healthfood store) when we discovered the 2 ticks on my family member’s body! We were also in the northeast of the US – aka Lyme Country.
Here is a list of what we did use while we were on vacay: Ledum 30c, Nutribiotic Ointment, OnGuard by DoTerra, Vitamin C, and the usual supplements that we take on a regular basis. When we got home I increased the Ledum to 200c, then we had to head out of town again so I grabbed some Cat’s Claw and Japanese Knotweed at GNC. When we came home again I gave Aurum Arsenicosum 200c (he did have a couple of little red pimples at the bite sites that were concerning me a bit). I gave this twice, a week apart. I also did give the three nosodes, Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia, that were mentioned in this article. I also continued the topicals (ointment and OnGuard), I gave lots of green juice, monitored sleep, and offered a carefree but careful attitude about the situation.
Why did I go so deep into the protocol? There were quite a few reasons:
- This family member had a history of frequent infections when he was a child.
- The tick that I saw was quite engorged. I did not see the other one.
- We were in “Lyme Country”.
- The tick was not properly removed.
- The bite itself did seem to become red and raised, though very small.
At the 6 week mark, one bite is completely gone and the other one is almost imperceptible. But I will continue to give supporting remedies probably for the next month or two to be safe. And if at any time I notice any rash or other symptoms arise he will follow up with his physician.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope that this guide has offered you some tools to prevent and be prepared for tick bites! Being prepared also helps your mindset so you can rest easy knowing you have done all you can do. If you are in need of a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for either an acute consultation or a full initial consultation. Also, consider joining my Wellness with Homeopathy Facebook Group where you can get support from many like-minded individuals, many who can answer your questions about this topic! Thanks for reading 🙂
Disclaimers:
*If you or your child develop the bulls-eye rash or you see other strange symptoms appear after the tick bite, see a doctor immediately.
*Many links are affiliate links which means I will receive a small commission upon purchase. In all cases these are products I use myself (unless otherwise specified within the article). I take a ton of time to research products, read reviews, and try products myself before recommending them to anyone.
*Always consult a physician if you or your family members intend to try any new healthcare modalities.
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