Herbal Medicine Allies for Tick-Borne Illnesses
Apr 30, 2026 11:00AM ● By Erica Mills
Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant, that reminds us that some of our strongest botanical medicines are often in our backyards. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com.
In the Wise Woman Herbal Medicine Tradition, botanical medicines act as powerful allies alongside conventional care. Ancestral preparations like teas and tinctures keep plant chemistry intact and are often safer and more bioavailable than encapsulated powders and supplements.
No two journeys with Lyme disease are the same, which is why we must bridge tradition with science to find what works for you. As a clinical herbalist, I tailor every herbal protocol to the individual, as there is no universal prescription for balance. However, in my practice, I frequently rely on these key plant allies to provide a foundation of support for Lyme disease:
Astragalus (A. membranaceus): The Biological Shield. Traditionally used as an immune system tonic and preventative; gentle enough for children and the elderly. This plant shines when you take it for three months or longer.
Japanese knotweed (J. cuspidatum): The Traffic Controller. Although invasive, its roots provide valuable medicine to its community. It helps manage the cytokine cascade—a molecular traffic jam of inflammation—and crosses the blood-brain barrier for neurological clarity.
Chinese skullcap (C. baicalensis): The Fire Extinguisher. An antiviral and cytokine inhibitor that “cools” systemic heat and acts as a protective shield for the nervous system.
Teasel root (D. fullonum): The Structural Harmonizer. Beckons stressors out of deep, fibrous tissues and back into circulation for clearance.
Lion’s mane (H. erinaceus): The Neuro-Protector. Supports nerve growth factor to clear “brain fog” and protect the myelin sheath, helping neurons function effectively.
Alyssa Mancini, MS Ed, is a clinical herbalist and a chemistry and biology teacher with over 15 years of experience. She is the owner of Herbs Love + Yoga, an herbal medicine school and shop located in Sandy Hook, where she provides private herbal consultations along with herbal workshops and certifications. Herbs Love + Yoga is located at 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. For more information visit HerbsLoveAndYoga.com, email [email protected] or call
917-267-8203.
Herbs Love And Yoga - 111 Church Hill Rd , Sandy Hook, CT
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