Oils from garlic and several other common herbs and medicinal plants show strong activity against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. These oils may be especially useful in alleviating Lyme symptoms that persist despite standard antibiotic treatment, the study also suggests.

The study, published October 16 in the journal Antibiotics, included lab-dish tests of 35 essential oils–oils that are pressed from plants or their fruits and contain the plant’s main fragrance, or “essence.” The Bloomberg School researchers found that 10 of these, including oils from garlic cloves, myrrh trees, thyme leaves, cinnamon bark, allspice berries and cumin seeds, showed strong killing activity against dormant and slow-growing “persister” forms of the Lyme disease bacterium.
“We found that these essential oils were even better at killing the ‘persister’ forms of Lyme bacteria than standard Lyme antibiotics,” says study senior author Ying Zhang, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Bloomberg School.
There are an estimated 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the United States. Standard treatment with doxycycline or an alternative antibiotic for a few weeks usually clears the infection and resolves symptoms. However, about 10 to 20 percent of patients report persistent symptoms including fatigue and joint pain–often termed “persistent Lyme infection” or “post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome” (PTLDS) that in some cases can last for months or years.
The cause of this lingering syndrome isn’t known. But it is known that cultures of Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, can enter a so-called stationary phase in which many of the cells divide slowly or not at all. The slow-dividing or dormant cells are “persister” cells, which can form naturally under nutrient starvation or stress conditions, and are more resistant to antibiotics. Some researchers have sought other drugs or medicinal compounds that can kill persister Lyme bacteria in the hope that these compounds can be used to treat people with persistent Lyme symptoms.
Zhang and his laboratory have been at the forefront of these efforts. In 2014, his lab screened FDA-approved drugs for activity against persister Lyme bacteria and found many candidates including daptomycin (used to treat MRSA) that had better activity than the current Lyme antibiotics. In 2015, they reported that a three-antibiotic combination–doxycycline, cefoperazone and daptomycin–reliably killed Lyme persister bacteria in lab dish tests. In a 2017 study they found that essential oils from oregano, cinnamon bark, clove buds, citronella and wintergreen killed stationary phase Lyme bacteria even more potently than daptomycin, the champion among tested pharmaceuticals.
In the new study Zhang and his team extended their lab-dish testing to include 35 other essential oils, and found 10 that show significant killing activity against stationary phase Lyme bacteria cultures at concentrations of just one part per thousand. At this concentration, five of these oils, derived respectively from garlic bulbs, allspice berries, myrrh trees, spiked ginger lily blossoms and may change fruit successfully killed all stationary phase Lyme bacteria in their culture dishes in seven days, so no bacteria grew back in 21 days.
Oils from thyme leaves, cumin seeds and amyris wood also performed well, as did cinnamaldehyde, the fragrant main ingredient of cinnamon bark oil.
Lab-dish tests such as these represent an early stage of research, but Zhang and colleagues hope in the near future to continue their investigations of essential oils with tests in live animals, including tests in mouse models of persistent Lyme infection. If those tests go well and the effective doses seem safe, Zhang expects to organize initial tests in humans.
“At this stage these essential oils look very promising as candidate treatments for persistent Lyme infection, but ultimately we need properly designed clinical trials,” he says.
I am a Lyme and Tick Borne disease Advocate and I often don’t have much faith in following hospitals belif systems in Lyme sciences as they are outdated and unfounded and backed by bad science. But every o0nce in a while a Dr. scienctist such as Ying Zhang, MD, PhD, professor will get my attention. I feel his head and heart is in this search for Tick Borne disease sciences and treatments. The Lyme community finds much relief in some of these products now. I see great future in this study. Thank you Mr. Zhang.
I completely agree with you. After years of antibiotic treatments that only made things worse, I have been treating with herbs and oils for over 5 years now. Not 100%, but I do have most of my life.
I tried 2 drops of oregano oil in water and a bit of MCT oil & my chronic fatigue and weakness became much worse as the day went by. I’m thinking this is my body killing off the virus so I’m wondering if I can only try oils every few days.
Do you combine all these? Should I use them everyday? I understand he is in the early stages of this study but I would gladly bathe in this all day if it meant I would get better. Even marginally!
you need to be very careful using essential oils..High quality oils must be used and in moderation..Some, like oregano, should not be taken for more than 10 days at a time. Try working with a certified essential oils coach or other type of professional..Do not just dump oils all over your body or you will be worse off than you are now..oils are very concentrated and can be hard on your liver. Always use a carrier oil
Cheri Lawson
Certified Essential Oils Coach
Cheri, Where did you get “certified” to be an essential oils coach and what essential oils do you use as you coach people.
There a some organization teaching the application of essential oil. One example is a UK organization IFA.
Hi Nancy,
It’s important to treat Essential Oils with respect and caution, because they are very potent. I would happily discuss with you some ways to use them safely.
I am not a Lyme specialist or a medical prationer, but I have been using essential oils and educating about them for 7+ years for wellness support, and also know Lyme sufferers who have benefited from their usage.
Feel free to contact me if I can be of help.
Athena
mywiseoils@gmail.com
you could also check out buhnerhealinglyme.com great study on the power of Japanese knotweed for Lyme Disease..
I tried 2 drops of oregano oil in water and a bit of MCT oil & my chronic fatigue and weakness became much worse as the day went by. I’m thinking this is my body killing off the virus so I’m wondering if I can only try oils every few days.
Hi Nancy, You might want to look into a PEMF machine. There are a number of them but the one that I found and bought is the product of a man who built one for himself and got rid of his Lyme with it. Because of his experiences and nearly losing everything including his life he is paying it forward, building a better machine, more power than anyone else and a lower price than anyone else, made in America too. Sentient Light ELEMENT here is the website. You can call Larry, he’s very busy but he will call you back and answer any questions you might have. https://www.sentientlight.com
NO! Some of these essential oils are very strong and can kill a lot of bacteria at once sending you into major herx reactions. My body can only tolerate about one drop of Oregano oil, heavily diluted in olive oil, once a week. Go EASY! Oils are very effective. Also, research your brands. Some brands sell oils that are distilled using chemicals, which wind up in your body and we don’t need any of that!!
Do use the oregano internally or topically? The smell is so strong!!!!! Thanks!
Nancy
Luke all disease, treatment should be based on signs and symptoms. As each herb has their own unique characteristics, so does each human. Disease will manifest differently based on the disease being superimposed On the patients base constitution. In my experience, this comes from a Chinese Medical background but I think most herbalist will agree. And hence one of the many issues with Western Treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
I will also second the caution in treating with essential oils. Much better to treat with whole, medicine herbs.
Nancy, please don’t bath in them.
This is great news! My name is Bernadette and I am a dōTERRA Wellness advocate. I’ve shared some amazing CPTG (certifying Pure therapeutic grade) essential oils and all had successful outcome. Want to know more about these amazing gifts from earth ? my.doterra.com/bernadetteloves2share
doTerra is a scam. The oils are ridiculously overpriced, and they say things like their oils are “therapeutic grade.” There is NO such thing as “therapeutic grade,” it’s just marketing terminology. Also their sales reps have pretty minimal training in aromatherapy, but plenty of training in sales. They also have a predatory business model (MLM). I don’t know of a single trained, reputable aromatherapist with serious credentials who has any respect for dōTerra. Get educated before you buy. https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/therapeuticgradeessentialoils.asp
You can get organic and pure oils from many places, such as Mountain Rose Herbs, Nature’s Gift, Eden Botanicals, and Original Swiss Aromatics, for much less money, greater selection and without all the unsafe usage they suggest. I’ve been practicing aromatherapy for over 30 years and I wouldn’t buy from doTerra for anything.
Try the Buhner protocol. Our daughter has Lyme Disease, and (after a month of Doxycycline did nothing), this protocol turned her health around within weeks.
Could you let me know all the herbs she took, how often and in what dosage? I have a 16 year old son suffering from neuro (CNS) problems from this.
Hi CC… I don’t know if anyone responded to you. The best thing to do is to pick up Stephen Buhner’s book “Healing Lyme”… I just got it and it’s very very thorough. He goes into depth about certain herbs for specific symptoms, so reading the book is a must. Good Luck.
I have taken 21 day antibiotics and still suffer from joint pain & fatigue. Most mornings I just want to give up on life as it’s so painful to stand and walk across the bedroom. I’m 55 and move & bend like I’m 95! I haven’t bended at the knees in years, and bending at the waist is so painful. I hope the “human testing” is in the near future, I volunteer!!
Laura- My son and I both have Lyme Disease. What I’ve found through research and our own experience is that antibiotics is helpful at early onset of Lyme (when rash is still noticeable). Unfortunately, many people (including my son and I) don’t develop a rash. Continual over usage of antibiotics can actually weaken the immune system. This can lead to the trigger of autoimmune diseases. We found that all natural supplements, a healthy whole-food diet, avoiding processed foods, sugar, gluten and dairy helped tremendously! We also use essential oils… frankincense is another great oil for Lyme. Try to avoid stress and get plenty of sleep… our body’s are healing machines. We must take care of them. We drink lots of ph balanced water (avoid acidity), and see an acupuncturist and a Neuro chiropractor. They have been our saviors! Take it slowly… maybe start with your diet! It’s a lot of information, but knowledge is power!! Be well!
What is a Neuro chiropractor? What is different than a regular one. My daughter started with Lyme disease but her entire body is failing. She has POTS and Lyme and can no longer walk – she has been in a wheelchair for nearly two years with no great help from medical doctors. Her upper body is starting to weaken now too. She has tried almost everything and every kind of doctor and test known to us….we are desperate – she is 43 years old, has 5 children and can’t do anything for herself. Her bowels don’t work unless she uses enemas. We are so afraid of losing her if we don’t get help soon. HELP SOMEBODY!!!!
Please please look into
Medical medium! He changed my life. Do the protocol very strict!
I have experienced the same symptoms–5 years off and on in a wheelchair. Using a Lyme protocol of doTERRA essential oils for 7 months now. I still have mild pain and weakness, but it is greatly improved.
No one realizes it. I can pass for “CURED” if you didn’t know me before. You can feel free to contact me. 8434155486. I will share everything. Willing to help anyone. I know how hard it is without someone to be an experienced support person.
Could you share your protocol by mail please? I am based in Germany.
I would make a roller bottle of the available oils and apply to your spine and bottoms of feet. You can learn more about oils and why purity matters at http://www.inbloomoils.com/users/erin-zimmerman
Nancy, look ito bee venom therapy. It saved my life. Bvtforlyme .com
Hello Nancy,
I would suggest you to join lyme related communities on Facebook. May be you don’t use or don’t like to use Facebook, but, I highly recommend to join Facebook group named “Buhner Healing Lyme and Co-Infections”, there you will find more information about effective herbal treatment of Lyme.
thank you for this !
Organic msm
Just now reading your note in response to the ‘essential oil and Lyme’ article. Has your daughter gotten any relief since you wrote in December 2018? My suggestion is not Lyme specific, rather is is a systemwide approach to strengthen her while Lyme specific interventions are found and employed.
In short, find a local Reiki Practitioner or Master. You want someone who has more than 5 years active experience. If a Master they should have trained for at least 5 years before becoming a Master. The goal here is to get your daughter systemic energetic support. You’ll still need to pursue healing re: the Lyme but the Reiki, especially if you can do at least one session a week for a while, should help her a great deal. May Blessings Abound.
Hi Laura,
I am certainly not an expert and so far, have been blessed by not experiencing these symptoms, but I do have a friend who has been very much affected, having not been diagnosed properly when symptoms first began.
He has had serious issues with joint pain and has found some amazing relief, with bee venom treatments. He swears by it. I’m just passing on some information to give you a possible new channel to explore for some kind of relief. And only have anecdotal “proof” that is works, but he does swear by it so you may want to do some investigating.
I hope you find some relief somehow, soon!
Best of wellness to you!!
I feel your pain Laura! My 19th year of now chronic Lyme with fibromyalgia and bilateral hamstring tears. How is that possible! I can barely move. Every step, every turn hurts. No antibiotics anymore. Only meds for the symptoms. Broke from paying out of pocket. I too would happily volunteer. I have nothing to lose at this point.
I was also excited to read about Dr Zhang and his testing.
If is so painful, you should be testes for co-infeccions, specially bartonella.
You don’t have to wait! Essential oils are currently available, and they are helping me in my recovery from Lyme. They take time to work (although I usually do get some immediate relief), but so do long courses of antibiotics. Look for Therapeutic Grade brands: Revive (less expensive), Young Living (highest quality in my opinion, especially their blends, but also expensive; they also don’t carry all of the oils mentioned in the study, but they have many others), and Do Terra (I think in between). There are books and reference guides to help guide choices in oils.
How do you take the oils? Are you ingesting them or using them topically? I love EOs and use them in soap making but I’m new to their medicinal use!
Thereasa, I don’t know if you are a YL rep or not, but I use DoTerra and have researched and found them to be higher quality than YL. YL was caught faking tests results. Plus they grow their lavendar right beside an interstate highway. Not healthy at all. Everyone has a choice but everyone needs to be informed of facts, too. This can all be looked up.
I used Stephen Buhner’s protocol after antibiotics stopped working. I also cut out sugar and complex carbs from diet. These actions helped my own immune system fight my Lyme and I have been in “remission” for over 6 years with the exception of one relapse when I got super sloppy with my diet.
Laura,
I personally have used essential oils to assist my body in the healing process and they work. I have studied them and worked with them for over five years and have been very successful. If you would like to learn a little more feel free to contact me ghsunshinegirl@yahoo.com and I’d be glad to share with you.
Sign me up for trial
I’ve personally had huge success using certain essential oils to treat Lyme. It’s actually all I use.
What do you use?
Hi Anne, which essential oils did you use for Lyme, how many drops per dose, per day, and for how long did you take your protocol? Do you consider yourself cured? I’m at https://www.facebook.com/michael.mansfield.33
Thank you,
Michael
More info on amounts and combinations please. So weary of joint pain after 25 years . texaslorraine@ gmail.com
I shared on Facebook however there are no other citations regarding this information. Can you please verify your sources for this article? Thank you.
It’s in the post itself
I do appreciate Dr Zhang for all his efforts on our behalf but this is more complicated than most people realize. The amount of pathogens and their susceptibility to any medication, either herbal or antibiotic or anti viral is a huge unknown. We all have different pathogens that we obtained from various vectors, and many of those pathogens don’t have commercially available tests. I have seen Borrelia hermsii, and many other borrelias, Babesia microti and duncani and we need to test for all the other strains, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasmas, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Tick borne typhus, Rocky Mountain and other spotted fevers, Coxiella burnetti or Q fever, and most likely Midichloria mitochondrii, Brucella antibodies, Tularemia both holartica and tularensis and thousands of other bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. We are immune compromised and our complement system is crippled and we have low IgG sub classes 1-4 and hardly any antibodies to strep pneumoniae leaving us with the label of CVID or common variable immune deficiency. H pylori is also frequently present. Thank God we don’t have the raccoon roundworm or it would be lethal if it hits our CNS. This article gives false hope and does not really address the complexity of this issue. We need decent research on the immune malfunction and figuring out how to restore that in lyme patients.
I agree- our immune system is compromised/not functioning. I also have low IgG and IgA subclasses (though no history of “normal” chronic infections), low WBC history of low ferritn and vitamin D. I have fibromylagia, endomoetriosis, hyp0thyroid,optic neuritis with nerve damage, hypertension ( I heat like a rabbit and exercise), cysts, severe heart palpitations, IBS or bowel issues , etc etc etc every year a new diagnosis. But most disabling progressive neuro degen symptoms ( numbness, neuropathy, weakness all over )proprioception, balance, finemotor skill issues etc etc Progressive over 20 years. I don’t test positive for any classic autoimmune disease. The medical system /mainstream medicine has abandoned the serious and chronically ill if you don’t fit a diagnosis. This is 90% women like all autoimmune. This affects a substantial part of our population. Shame on the CDC /medical world for not abandoning this epidemic.
All you say has merit. However, even with all the clinical, scientific trials, nothing is absolute. So, all things are possible, it’s worth trying what is classified as a safe unknown.
Me too. Try Tumeric 500 mg each morning. I hope it helps you like it helped me
From the Johns Hopkins Lyme disease research page: “There are currently no treatment studies for Lyme disease at the Clinical Research Center.”
From the Johns Hopkins Lyme disease research page: “There are currently no treatment studies for Lyme disease at the Clinical Research Center.”
You looked in the wrong place. It’s stated clearly that it’s out of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. This research is listed under the Doctor’s name and then drill down to the bacteria. It’s great to see science – especially the medical world- look for alternatives to antibiotics and big pharmaceutical crooks. I’ve had great success with essential oils for myself, family, and even pets. Frankincense and Myrrh are natural go-tos…have been for centuries.
I have done quite a bit of research and asked your director what her go – to thing was she took. She shared with me that cats claw was it. I had some at home in liquid form that I shared with a church friend who had been struggling. She absolutely swears by this stuff for herself now! Says she has not had joint pain ever since she started it!
I believe in essential oil‘s they do help me- like a peppermint drops or lemon drop and a bottle of water can really give me energy and a bit more focus. ✌?
Sometimes oregano pills also help keep me from feeling like I’m getting a cold etc.
I agree with you completely. My son in law has Basesia plus Lymes and has been battling this for years with no cure in site. The pain, being bed ridden and not being able to function has been heart breaking. I with they could come up with some kind of cures.
It sounds like these studies are in vitro… not in vivo. A petri dish is not the same as the human body, particularly after going thru the digestive tract. . Problems with Lyme disease is that A) symptoms wax & wane causing occasional & incorrect exultation over a cure only to have symptoms recur. B) the bacteria is micro aerophilic…so not often found in blood stream. In mice it has been successfully found in bladder walls and ears. and many other problems.
You shouldn’t ingest essential oils. They work much better with fewer issues through topical application or inhalation. (Not trying to be a jerk, I just want to make sure you use them safely and correctly.
I have chronic neuro lyme, hyper joint mobility, migraines, fatigue, neuropathy, low blood count, vitamin b-12, k and d deficiency, involuntary limb movements, seizures, optic issues (go blind in one eye during flares) lose ability to walk during flares, muscle weakness, chest pains, stutter, mix up words, memory loss. I was an athlete my entire life up to college level. The lack of knowledge in the medical field about this disease is pathetic. It took 5 yrs and going out of state for my diagnoses. My life has been turned upside down and I’m not any better today than I was when I first started down this path. I’m tired of meds, I’m tired of docs, I’m tired of people thinking it’s not a real disease. I’m tired of the “have u tried this? My cousin’s aunt’s husband’s sister has Lyme and she does this” Everyone’s Lyme is different. It shouldn’t be waiting to die while some bacteria in a dish dies. This should have been taken serious in the very beginning.
I had a Lyme-like infection and did rounds of antibiotics which did not resolve the problem, I was bedridden for 20h per day. I landed on natural abx which has nearly eradicated the infection. There are a few things to consider 1/ abx sensitivity which means what substance can kill the infection, not all abx will be effective, some though will. Using a broad spectrum approach is much better. 2/ biofilms may be present and without eradicating these then abx may not work as effectively. Lactoferrin did the trick, be careful since it is quite powerful and you must go slowly. 3/ resistance is the last thing to consider, you can spot resistance quite easily by simply observing. If you see die off within 7-10 days then see a strong reversal then consider resistance. Goldenseal leaf (not root) and hemp oil (the kind you buy from Whole Foods etc) should do the trick. I have some information at pptu.lefora dot com (category biofilm/efflux and MDR) that might be helpful.
If they kill borrelia in petri dish then how can I get that stuff to my bloodstream? Oils will need to face digestive system but some percentage survives to blood?
I’ve been diagnosed with persistent borreliosis with Tickplex test which is 95% accurate and I also tested positive with all of the tested, usual tick-borne co-infections (babesia, bartonella etc). I have had a very positive effect in concentrating on maximizing my immune system, super healthy diet, stomach health, exercise, sleep and relaxation. I am feeling better than in ages, cannot even remember when I felt this good before. Don’t give up brothers and sisters, nurture your body and mind and it will take care of you.
Thank you all for the great information!
My daughter suffered with Lyme symptoms for 2 years but likely contracted the pathogens from a nymph bite she had 4 years prior. I sent the tick to a lab for testing, she had no rash, but she was put on doxy as a precaution. Years later her symptoms started. We tried 6 traditional medicine providers until we found an herbalist that used laser treatment, plant based teas and tinctures and kinesiology. It’s been a long road but most of the pathogens are now out of her body. The difficulty in getting rid of the bacteria is that it spreads by dividing, and hides behind biofilm and deep in the tissues of the body – it’s the reason that antibiotics alone won’t work and why people often will test negative when they have it. She had to be continually muscle tested to see which bacteria was exposed, then her tinctures and teas had to be adjusted every 2 weeks to attack what pathogens were presenting themselves. The trick is to find a good DO, Chinese Medicine or Naturopathic doctor that’s Lyme literate and have them use muscle testing, and prescribe and dose the plant based medicines. It’s not safe or effective to go it alone with just essential oils – most severe cases of Lyme are actually caused by a combination of pathogens. My daughter had the Borrelia bacteria, but also muscle tested positive for babesiosis and had to be treated for that and other pathogens at the same time. It was a tedious process, but thank goodness it worked and she got her life back.
If They can figure out this works in humans, all evidence and research material will be buried. Big Pharma will step in and block this at every turn. It’s what they do, they can’t make money off of natural ingredients. Then there’s the fed who’s budget is funded mainly by big Pharma. Mark my words this will never see the light of day.
Bee Venom has seriously worked WONDERS in my life along with Bio Science Immune Force, The Liver Strength, and their Fish Oil… I’ve been dealing and healing from Lyme for 10 years now. It took forever to finally get a real diagnosis with a false negative for Lyme twice. I began my treatment with essential oils, along with a really good diet with very low carbs, high fats, NO SUGARS (no fruit when it was really bad but I can eat berries and granny smith apples now and then now), no bread, no gluten, no grains… It sounds as if it’s hard at first but only because you may be used to eating things like bread as a staple. I went to lots of veggie juices, broth based soups with veggies, chicken, and or beef. After 2 years of cleansing, major die off, lots of saunas – after the die off – the sauna helps your body detox and you will feel good again!! along with chlorophyl enemas – sometimes coffee but I think coffee only if your constitution is stronger at the moment… Also taking charcoal at night after taking the oils that produce die off… Rife Machines are helpful also!! JW Labs has a really decent one for the money you spend. Above all though, first off is diet, second is bee stings!! And eventually as enough die off happens, anxiety and depression go away… oh yes and Meriva by Thorne… This will help with the inflammation, which you seriously need to lower to feel better both in your joints, for less brain fog, and getting your over all health back!!! Good luck!! Wishing you who is reading this the best in your healing process. Do not give up!! Anything is POSSIBLE! <3
If anyone has specific information on essential oils or other proven treatments, I would be most grateful if you would send it to me. Dosage/application info would be particularly welcome
Has anyone mentioned another Asian leaf Kratom? It seems to be helping Lyme patients? There are studies going on now.
There needs to be more funding to develop and test plant based products especially since Lyme disease cases escalate every year. Cases may rise more since for the first time in eight decades, a new tick species has arrived in the United States — one that in its Asian home range carries diseases to humans and livestock. The Asian long horned tick is a known vector of many human diseases in Asia including SFTS (Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome) a viral disease and Japanese spotted fever which is a rickettsia disease. There are concerns that this invasive tick might be capable of transmitting diseases that native North American ticks currently transmit including Lyme disease see full story https://ticksurveillance.com/blog/
How will these drugs be delivered? They are not known to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Liposomal encapsulation?
Thank you for hope, and for your help!
Thank you!!!!