Detoxing

Cleaning Up The Mess Left By Dead Spirochetes

Detoxing is an essential part of fighting Lyme Disease and achieving relief from a herx. Many people just think about what antibiotics
to take and let the body do the rest from there but killing the bacteria is only half the job. One must help the body remove
the endotoxins that spirochetes release in the body once they're killed. In fact, well over 90% of the time you're not feeling well is due
to a a body that is not detoxing effectively.

The Golden Rule Of Detoxing

The golden rule of detoxing states that if you're going to intentionally help your body kill a foreign invader, you should intentionally
help your body remove those foreign invaders from your body.
A herxheimer reaction is not an immediate reaction to spirochete die off but more of a result of an accumulation of toxins over a
period of time. You can kill off spirochetes and have no herx reaction as this is due to the body's ability to effectively remove the
endotoxins the spirochetes release, in a effective manner. When you start to herx, the body's tactics for removing the endotoxins are
overburdened due to an accumulation of endotoxins. This is where detoxification comes into play.
Certain detoxification methods are used for near immediate relief from a herxheimer reaction such as an Epsom Salt Bath or Burbur
Detox. Other detoxification methods such as Milk Thistle or Cruciferous Vegetables work in the long term by continuously cleansing
the body of endotoxins in small amounts, which in turn decreases the likelihood of encountering a herx in the first place.

Detox Methods
613 Votes Activated Charcoal
• Activated Charcoal comes in tablet, powder, or capsule form and is
fundamentally known for adhering to the endotoxins responsible for
a herxheimer reaction.
• It will work best if consumed a couple hours after a protocol.
• Activated Charcoal is said to pass through the body without causing a
detox reaction.
• Used with magnesium citrate, a charcoal/magnesium flush will help
soak up excess ammonia in the body caused by Lyme and/or a CBS
gene mutation.

365 Votes Alka-Seltzer Gold + Glutathione + Lemon

• Alka-Seltzer Gold combined with the antioxidant glutathione
and lemon water are quite effective in reducing an
acute herxheimer reaction according to Dr. Richard
Horowitz, M.D.(Some 70% are expected to feel better within
hours)
Recommended • 2 Alka-Seltzer Gold tablets in 8oz of water with lemon or
by Dr. Richard lime juice for alkalization and vitamin C.
Horowitz, • Follow the Alka-Seltzer Gold with 6-8 capsules
M.D. (250mg/capsule) of glutathione or 1500-2000mg of oral
liposomal glutathione.
126 Votes Apo-Hepat
• Apo-Hepat is a homepathic remedy that helps restore and assist
the liver's phase 1 detoxification process that has
been compromised by poor diet.
• It helps drain the liver when it has become overburdened with
excessive toxins.

• It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for

detoxificationalongside Renelix (i.e., kidney drainage)
and Itires (i.e., lymphatic drainage).

3 Votes Alpha Lipoic Acid

• Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant made by the body, but is also
obtained through certain foods such as broccoli, spinach, and potatoes.
• For those with chronic Lyme, Alpha Lipoic Acid helps the body
recycle glutathione (i.e., the body's master detoxing agent) and
vitamin C.
• Caution: Do not take alpha lipoic acid if you have mercury amalgams
or toxicity [source]. Alpha lipoic acid is a phenomenal chelator, but
taking high dosages with mercury toxicity can result in serious
redistribution symptoms. You should also avoid alpha lipoic acid if
you have a sulfur sensitivity.
233 Votes Apple Cider Vinegar
• When the body becomes ill or is over burdened with toxins, the PH
level becomes very acidic and the body becomes an environment
where illness can thrive.
• Apple cider vinegar is best known for its ability to alkalize the body
which is a level of PH that allows the body to function much more
properly.
• It can be used on salads or two teaspoons in a cup, add water and then
drink.

Warning: Apple Cider Vinegar is also an excellent anti-fungal. If you're

currently dealing with candida, Apple Cider Vinegar will likely induce
a herx instead of reduce.

153 Votes Benadryl

• Benadryl is recommended by some LLMDs to reduce a herx.
• Most people find it brings a little relief for a herx though it seems to
be quite effective against herx induced headaches.

Warning: Talk to your doctor first before adding Benadryl to your

regimen.
153 Votes Bentonite Clay (Powdered)
• Bentonite Clay is an edible clay that collects toxins as it
passes through the digestive tract and remove them from the
body. The longer it is used, the more toxins it will remove.

Warning: Bentonite Clay can cause intestinal discomfort so it is

important to consume plenty of water while taking it.

366 Votes Burbur Detox

• Burbur Detox is a tincture produced by Nutramedix specifically
designed to reduce a herxheimer reaction.
• It has the ability to cleanse the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and
blood.
• A herx can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated by placing 10
drops of Burbur into 4 ounces of water. Wait 1 minute before
consuming. Repeat this every 15 minutes until herx has subsided.
• A person may find greater relief if they combine Burbur
Detox with Pinella - repeat dosage for Pinella.
39 Votes Castor Oil Pack
• Castor Oil Packs are very effective at helping the liver and
lymphatic system detox from strong herxheimer reactions much like
an Epsom Salt Bath.
• To create and use a Castor Oil Pack, pour the castor oil over the
absorbent side of the flannel, lie down and place the side of the
flannel with the castor oil directly onto your skin above the liver,
and then place the heating pad on top. Leave the castor oil pack on
for about 30-45 minutes.

Warning: Do not ingest castor oil. It is for external use only. Women who
are menstruating should not use castor oil packs as it can cause heavy
bleeding. Castor oil will stain so be sure to lie upon a protective barrier.

208 Votes Chlorella

• Chlorella has the powerful detoxifying ability to bind to toxins and prevent
them from being reabsorbed in the digestive tract. It's commonly used in
conjunction with cilantro for removing heavy metals.
• Some people can't digest the cell membrane of Chlorella, therefore finding a
chlorella product with a "broken cell wall" would be best.
• Chlorella works best when taken on an empty stomach.
98 Votes Cholestryramine
• Cholestyramine is a prescription drug designed to bind to toxins
extremely well in the body.
• In those with Lyme Disease, it has helped relieved brain fogand
some neurological symptoms associated with the presence of
recirculating toxins and endotoxins released from Lyme.
• Because the drug is so powerful and binds to nearly everything,
a person can not take anything 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after
taking the drug due to the possibility of inducing a nutrient
deficiency.
• Fractionated Pectin Powder or Modified Citrus Pectin are
popular natural alternatives.
245 Votes Coffee Enema
• Coffee enemas stimulate production
of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the
liver. GST is a powerful enzyme that
binds to, matabolizes, and removes toxic
substances from the body.
• The constituents in the coffee
are absorbed directly into the liver through
the colon wall.
• Add 3 tablespoons of organic ground
coffee to boiling water. Boil for 3
minutes, then reduce to a simmer for about
15 additional minutes covered. Strain if
needed and let cool before
administering. Lie on right side in the
bathroom, and begin administering the
coffee into the rectum via the
enema. Hold the coffee for 5-15 minutes,
and then evacuate the colon.

Warning: Don't hold the coffee for any longer

than 15 minutes as it then will begin to be
absorbed into the body at
greater concentrations than desired, or what is
considered to be healthy.

Also check with your doctor or treating physician

first before performing a coffee enema to be sure
that your body can tolerate it.

Malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals

may occur with long term use of coffee enemas,
specifically calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.
105 Votes Colon Hydrotherapy
• Colon Hydrotherapy, also known as a colonics or
colon cleansing, is a procedure in which a unique
mixture of water, and sometimes herbs, is
injected into the colon via the rectum to assist the
removal of unwanted constituents.
• The colon is responsible for absorbing nutrients
from food for the body and forming feces for
evacuation.
• Overtime, as one ages and depending on a
person's lifestyle, a colon can become sluggish,
and detoxification becomes impacted. Such
consequences include stagnant fecal matter, wall-
impacted mucus, toxins being reabsored into the
body, and even parasite thriving.

45 Votes Concentrace
• ConcenTrace is a mineral supplement containing over 72 trace
minerals naturally derived from the Great Salt Lake located in the
state of Utah in the United States.
• Trace minerals are absolutely essential for the human body to perform
optimally, especially the methylation cycle which is responsible for
detoxification, inflammation, neurotransmitter regeneration, and the
immune system to name a few.
• Greater exposure to toxins coupled with nutrient depleted foods in the
modern day warrant mineral supplementation to detoxify properly.
166 Votes Cruciferous Vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables such as Kale, Collard Greens and Cabbage
have the incredibly ability to increase the detox activity of cells in
the liver.
• Steam Kale for 2 minutes or Collard Greens for 4 minutes to keep
the living enzymes they contain alive. Then add Sea Salt, Black
Pepper, Diced Avocado and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

142 Votes Dandelion

• Dandelion is most famously known for increasing bile
production in the liver. Bile is the means of transportation for
toxins from the liver to the colon.
• Works well at detoxing the kidneys as well.
• It has also been said to neutralize endotoxins which are the
toxins responsible for causing a herxheimer reaction.
153 Votes Diatomaceous Earth (100% Food Grade)
• Diatomaceous Earth is a sedimentary rock with a hardness
factor of 7 (Diamonds are 9) that allows it to scrub the inside of
intestinal walls.
• Once it's consumed and enter the digestive tract, it beings to
absorb bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals and endotoxins
(responsible for herx) which prevents reabsorption into the
body
• The recommendation is to start with 1 teaspoon in a glass of
water daily while while working up to 1-2 tablespoons daily.

Warning: Diatomaceous Earth acts much like fiber in that it can cause
constipation. Be sure to drink plenty of water to counteract its
potential to constipate.

209 Votes Dry Skin Brushing

• Dry Skin Brushing utilizes a natural bristle brush to clear the
pores of debris, thus allowing toxins to flow out easier.
• It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which harnesses toxins
from the body.
• Dry Skin Brushing is most commonly used before an Epsom
Salt Bath but can be used daily.
439 Votes Epsom Salt Bath
• Epsom Salt is magnesium sulfate. It is absorbed through the
skin when taken in a hot bath.
• Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxer and the sulfur increases bile
production in the liver. Bile is the means of transportation for
toxins from the liver to the colon.
• Dry skin brushing before an Epsom Salt Bath will clear any
debris from your pores.
• Pour 2-4 cups of Epsom Salt into a bath that is hot but not too
hot and soak for 20 - 30 minutes.

Warning: Bath water that is too hot may have the opposite effect and
cause die off by killing spirochetes. If you're sulfur sensitive, consider
talking with your doctor before using epsom salt.

207 Votes Exercise (Light)

• Light exercise such as walking or riding a bike is an excellent
tool for expelling toxins from the body.
• It forces the muscles to contract which is the catalyst for the
lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is in charge of
transporting toxins throughout the body for disposal.
• Exercise will inevitably induce sweating which allows the body
to remove toxins stored in fats cells through the pores of the
skin.
95 Votes Itires
• Itires is a homepathic remedy specifically designed to drain the
lymphatic system.
• The lymphatic system collects toxins, dead spirochetes, and fallen
immune cells for removal from the body, but when it becomes over
burden, it can become sluggish or backed up.
• It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for
detoxificationalongside Renelix (i.e., kidney drainage) and Apo-
hepat (i.e., liver drainage).

356 Votes Lemon Water

• Lemons are known for their exceptional ability to cleanse the
body of toxins.
• Squeeze 1 whole lemon into a measuring cup (around 1/4 cup
of lemon juice -- you may need 2 lemons depending on their
size), add water until the volume reaches 8 ounces, and sip this
concoction slowly over a half hour's time.
52 Votes L-Ornithine
• L-Ornithine is an ammino acid that is used for removing high levels
of ammonia from the body which is a toxin created by Lyme
bacteria and the excessive byproduct of a CBS gene mutation.
• Ammonia, when in excess within the body, can cause great
cognitive disruption and hinder a person's ability to read, think, or
talk.
• The body's natural ability to remove ammonia may be hindered by a
CBS gene mutation. Testing for a CBS gene mutation can be done
through 23andMe, and then running your test results
through geneticgenie.org

133 Votes Lymph Drainage Massage

• Lymph massages help to stimulate the lymph flow of the lymphatic
system as it can become sluggish while battling Lyme Disease.
• The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting toxins from
cells; thus allowing the body to remove them through sweat, bowel
movements, and urine.
• A lymph massage is recommended 3 or 4 times during first part of
Lyme treatment and 2 times after.

Warning: The masseuse must be certified in lymph massage

specifically. Avoid deep tissue or muscle massages as they will expel
toxins from the tissue and leave you feeling worse for a day or two.
54 Votes Methyl-Guard
• Methyl-Guard is a product made by Thorne used to treat the MTHFR
gene mutation, which may be the silver bullet for why many with
chronic Lyme never feel better - toxins aren't leaving the body.
• People with an MTHFR gene mutation have a difficult time
converting folic acid (inactive form), which is obtained through diet,
into folate (active form), which results downstream into less
glutathione - the body's master detoxing agent.
• Taking Methyl-Guard will begin to open up blocked detox channels
and more fatigue and pain may result because more glutathione is
being produced due to the folate in Methyl-Guard.
• Dosing for Methyl-Guard, recommended by Dr. Marty Ross, MD, is 1
pill a day for 7 days, then 2 pills a day for 7 days, followed by 3 pills a
day for 7 days. The key is to only increase if you're stable and not
suffering at your current dosage.
• Drink lots of water.

159 Votes Milk Thistle

• Milk Thistle is an herb synonymous with maintaining healthy liver
function as well as the kidneys.
• Milk Thistle has the ability to protect the liver from toxic damage
while at the same time helping it to detoxify.
• Milk Thistle comes in capsule form but eating Milk Thistle Seeds is
best. Grind 1 teaspoon of Milk Thistle Seeds and place them in your
oatmeal for breakfast.
• It won't provide immediate relief from a herxheimer reactionbut using
it every so often can decrease the frequency of a herx due to a clean
liver.

Tip: Milk Thistle is great for the liver, but it only helps with phase l
detoxification. To completely support the liver, phase ll detoxification of the
liver must be supported as well and liposomal glutathione should be
considered.
23 Votes Modified Citrus Pectin
• Modified Citrus Pectin is a powdered derivative from the peel and
pulp of citrus fruit.
• It is commonly used as a detoxifer of biotoxins produced by mold,
lyme, etc that were left behind in the body and continue to cause
symptoms through their presence (i.e., inflammation).
• Modified Citrus Pectin has also been shown to be a gentle detoxifier
of heavy metals, specifically aluminum, from the circulatory system
(i.e., blood). Because of its gentle nature in removing heavy metals, it
often used before more aggressive chelators like cilantro and DMSA
in people who have strong detox reactions.

59 Votes Molybdenum
• Molybdenum is a trace mineral that is used specifically for the
reduction of a candida herxheimer reaction.
• Candida releases a toxin know as acetaldehyde which can't be
detoxed from the body without molybdenum converting it to acetic
acid.
• People have reported that a dosage of 1000mcg of molybdenum
daily for up to a couple of months is needed to notice a difference.
• Molybdenum is also used for bringing down excess sulfites in the
body that may result from a CBS gene mutation.

Warning: Molybdenum can potentially block the absorption of copper,

which is a metal needed by the body to function properly.
125 Votes Parsley
• Parsley can be consumed with food but is most effective for reducing
a herx when taken in tincture form.
• Nutramedix Parsley Detox is designed to reduce a herx by helping to
drain the lymphatic system. 8-10 drops in 4 oz. of water every 15
minutes until symptoms subside.

168 Votes Pinella

• Pinella is a combination of herbs in tincture form produced by
Nutramedix and is commonly used for its unique ability to
reduce brain fog.
• Pinella cleanses the nerves and brain of toxins which results in a
reduction of brain fog and toxin induced seizures.
• Can be paired with equal parts of Burbur Detox to further enhance a
reduction of a herxheimer reaction.

67 Votes Red Root

• Red Root is an excellent herb to help drain the lymphatic system after
it has become sluggish.
• The lymphatic system is the location where dead spirochetes and
fallen immune cells are taken for removal from the body.
• The lymphatic system relies on the physical contraction of muscles for
stimulation and to move toxins along. Red rootisn't a replacement for
physical activity but if you're immobile or living a sedentary lifestyle,
it can help.
46 Votes Renelix
• Renelix is a homeopathic remedy that helps support excretion of
the kidneys and lymphatic drainage. Itires is recommended
though for a more complete lymphatic drainage.
• It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for
detoxificationalongside Itires (i.e., lymphatic drainage) and Apo-
hepat (i.e., liver drainage).

56 Votes Sarsaparilla
• Sarsaparilla is an herb that has a proven ability to bind to endotoxins
(responsible for herx) in the blood stream and forces them to be
eliminated by the digestive tract.

Warning: Sarsaparilla also possesses antimicrobial properties.

290 Votes Sauna
• Utilizing the skin as a means of detoxification is genius as 20
minutes of sweating is equivalent to the work the kidneys
accomplish in 24 hours.
• Portable Saunas are available on Amazon for around $100.
• Don't use soap after a sauna as even after you're done, your
body is still removing toxins through the pores. A cool shower
without soap will suffice.

Warning: Heating up the body too much can induce a herx by killing
off spirochetes. Those who are heat intolerant should be wary about
using a sauna as a means of detoxification.

75 Votes Shower (Cold)

• Jumping into a cold shower forces the muscles to contract, which in
turn moves toxins along to be processed. It also opens the arteries
allowing a fresh supply of blood to infiltrate the organs.
• Once jumping into a cold shower, it takes about a minute for the
body to adjust and become comfortable.
• 3 minutes in the shower will suffice

Warning: Make sure the environment you'll endure after a cold shower
allows the body temperature to rise.
Help you detox? Sparga
• Sparga is an extract from the root of asparagus made by
Nutramedix.
• Sparga is designed to help purge excess sulfites and sulfa drugs
from cells within the body. Once the cells are purged, they can
more efficiently produce glutathione (i.e., the body's master
detoxing agent) by taking in the appropriate sulfur amino acids.
• Caution: If you have a CBS and/or SuOx gene mutation -- which
can result in excess sulfur building up in the body -- you will
likely need molybdenum so these genes can efficiently process
sulfites that are being purged by Sparga.

193 Votes Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Turmeric is one of the best herbs for detoxification of the liver as it's
well known for increasing bile production. Bile is the means of
transportation for toxins from the liver to the colon.
• Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, is known for its
exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. Shutting down
inflammation (i.e., cytokines) helps reduce the symptoms of
a herxheimer reaction.
• Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your eggs for breakfast or enjoy it on
chicken.

Warning: Turmeric is also an exceptional anti-fungal so if you notice

a herx arising after a few days of use, discontinue use and consider a yeast
problem.
85 Votes Zeolites
• Zeolites are minerals formed when molten lava comes in contact with
a water source.
• Zeolites possess the ability to attract and remove, specifically heavy
metals, but also chemicals and toxins in the body. One of the better
binders for ammonia.
• Some reputable brands that sell zeolites are ACZnano, ZMP
400 and Nutramedix Zeolite HP (high potency).