Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use vitamins and herbs in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including chronic Lyme disease and depression. In 2007, as many as 38 percent of adults in the United States used some type of alternative medicine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Since herbs and vitamins can interfere with many prescription and over-the-counter medications, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning treatment.
What Is Chronic Lyme Disease?
Chronic persistent Lyme disease, caused by a bite from a deer tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, is also known as Stage 3 Lyme disease, Tertiary Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Possible symptoms include fatigue, joint inflammation, mood changes, sleep disorders and memory loss. Traditional treatment includes antibiotic therapy and symptom management. Alternative treatment includes vitamins and herbs in addition to, or in place of, traditional methods.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a persistent mood disorder that affects about 18 million Americans each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Types of depression include major, atypical, postpartum, dysthymia, adjustment disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar and seasonal affective disorder. Depression can be associated with Lyme disease. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, fatigue, feeling hopeless, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, irritability, withdrawal and agitation. Treatment may include antidepressant medications, therapy and complementary or alternative therapies, such as herbs and vitamins.
St John's Wort
St John's Wort, a common name for Hypericum perforatum, is a plant used since ancient Greece for mental conditions, nerve pain and many other conditions, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St John's wort is prescribed for treatment of depression in Europe, but it is not recognized as a prescription drug in the United States. Studies reported by the NCCAM indicate potential benefit in treating mild depression, but more research is needed.
Side effects of St. John's wort include nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea and fatigue. The NCCAM also reports that research indicates that taking St. John's wort can compromise the effectiveness of some prescription drugs.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is one of the best-selling herbs in the United States and Europe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The flavonoids and terpenoids found in the ginkgo leaves are believed to have antioxidant properties. In addition, ginkgo is used for treatment of depression in older adults with memory problems. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness on younger people with depression.
People use ginkgo for cognitive disorders related to Lyme disease, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Cognitive problems include poor concentration, forgetfulness and difficulty processing information. Ginkgo is known to interact with many medications, such as alprazolam, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and ibuprofen, so check with your health care provider or pharmacist before starting ginkgo.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, which is water-soluble, supports metabolism and works in forming red blood cells and maintaining the central nervous system. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include meat, eggs and milk products. Vitamin B-12 is used for treating symptoms of Lyme disease and depression, such as difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders and fatigue.
Other Vitamin and Herb Treatments
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other vitamin and herb treatments for depression include flax seed, lavender, American ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-9, folic acid, vitamin D, peppermint and melatonin.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lyme Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort and Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Depression
