Throughout my lyme journey, I have tried just about any treatment that looks reputable, and in my darkest hours some treatments that are much more fringe. Essential oils fit into that fringe category for me. I started using them, not because I thought they worked, but because 2 years ago as I quickly fell into a wheelchair I was ready to try anything. For years people have talked to me about essential oils but I never bought into it.
Initially, almost a decade ago, I did a bunch of research to see what science is behind essential oils, and there are very few studies, as tends to be the case with many natural treatments. I put essential oils on the “list of maybe someday but not a focus now” for years, until I was at my worst both physically and emotionally. I started with one custom oil blend, made with lyme focused oils, from Father Thyme Herbal Emporium, organic, grown and homemade just outside of Houston, and within the first week, I noticed a difference in my symptoms and became a true believer. I went a bit overboard and bought diffuser jewelry, an overnight diffuser, a car diffuser, anything I could find to keep oils diffusing 24/7 (favorite links below).
Now that I am out of active treatment and working on maintenance/healing, I have done a lot of research on which essential oils work for lyme and co-infections to keep my overall viral/bacterial load as low as possible. Since I am looking for ongoing blends, they are meant to be more preventative (hydration, detox pathways, antiviral, etc) than acute symptom management (headache, nausea, etc.). I decided that I wanted four blends based on when/where I would use them: work day, zen room (sauna/yoga), overnight next to bed and car rides. Eventually, I will want to add a blend for travel, specifically for diffuser jewelry, but I don’t see needing anytime soon.
Quality of the essential oils is key, they last thing any one needs is to add chemicals or toxins to our bodies. I use mainly Father Thyme Herbal Emporium because I know how and where everything is grown and made.
Here is a snapshot of my research below and the full document link that I will keep updated with any additional finds!
| Common Name | Name | Lyme Target | Properties |
| Allspice (pepper.cloves/cinnamon/nutmeg/juniper) | Pimenta diocia | x | anti-inflamatory, antiseptic, antiviral |
| Amyris Wood | amyris elemifera | x | anti-aging |
| Cinnamon | cinnamomumverium | x | anti-inflamatory, antimicrobial |
| Citronella | cymbopogen | x | anti-fungal, anti-parasitic |
| Clove Bulbs | Syzygium aromaticum | x | antimicrobial, pain relief |
| Cumin | Cumium cyminum | x | antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflamatory |
| Eucalyptus | eucalyptus globulus | x | antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant, expectorant |
| Garlic | allium sativum | x | Immunuty support, antimicrobial |
| Lemon Oil | Citrus limonum | x | anti-infectious, antiseptic, bactericidal |
| Myrrh | commiphora | x | antimicrobial, pain relief |
| Oregano | origanum vulgare | x | antibiotic, antioxidant, gut health, anti-fungal |
| Palmarosa | cymbopogon martinii | x | hydration, anti-inflamatory, antiseptic |
| Pepermint | Mentha piperita | x | decongestant |
| Spiked Ginger Lily | Kapoor Kachari | x | |
| Tea Tree | melaleuca alterrifolia | x | antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic decongestant antiviral disinfectant energizing |
| Thyme | thymus vulgaris | x | anti-bacterial, anti-yeast |
| Wintergreen | l. gaultheria procumbers | x | pain relief, anti-inflamatory |
Favorite Diffusers:
