When I transitioned my medical practice to include herbal medicine in 2005, one of the frustrations became finding reputable products to recommend to patients. Because availability of herbal products in my area was sparse, I began selling carefully selected products in the office. Profits from supplement sales helped compensate for low reimbursements from insurance companies. This allowed me to spend more time with patients and avoid ordering unnecessary procedures and labs.
Ultimately, I became fascinated with the modern supplement industry and started having supplements made to my exact specifications. That way I could control quality, potency, and to a certain extent, cost.
My daughter became involved, and in 2010, we formed an online supplement company. The goal from the beginning, however, was to do much more than provide herbal and natural supplements. Through the website, we could reach people and help guide them in the path back to wellness with support, resources, and programs. To date the company has enhanced the lives of thousands of people.
In 2015, the company proudly achieved B-Corp status. A benefit corporation is a for-profit company that provides positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment.
Oddly, FDA and FTC regulations prohibit me from mentioning the name of that company in conjunction with any information that might help you overcome Lyme disease. You can, however, find book updates, extra information, webinars, and lots of other useful information at RawlsMD.com. You can also get download extras and updates for Unlocking Lyme at UnlockingLyme.com/Extras.
If you are interested in learning more about basic herbal medicine, I would highly recommend Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief (2007), by David Winston RH(AHG) and Steven Maimes. Now a classic, it’s an easy read that has introduced many people to herbal therapy. David Winston also co-wrote, with Merrily A. Kuhn, another little handbook on herbs, called Herbal Therapy & Supplements, A Scientific and Traditional Approach (2008).
For a deeper dive into adaptogens, consider a copy of Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism (2013), by Donald Yance CN MH RH(AHG). His primary professional focus is using herbal medicine to support cancer therapy, and he also wrote Herbal Medicine, Healing, & Cancer (1999).
If you have interest in studying the biochemical aspect of herbal medicine, I highly recommend Medical Herbalism, The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine (2003), by David Hoffman. The first third of the book is devoted to describing the chemical components of the most common herbs and what they do. David Hoffman has also written a series of short herbal guides for specific problems, such as Healthy Digestion, in the Storey Medicinal Herb Guide Series.
For authoritative information about herbs from the Amazon basin, I recommend The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs (2005), by Leslie Taylor, ND.
If you want to know absolutely everything about the microbes associated with Lyme disease and the herbs that can be used to treat Lyme disease, I highly recommend the 2015 edition of Healing Lyme, Natural Healing of Lyme Borreliosis and the Coinfections Chlamydia and Spotted Fever Rickettsioses, by Stephen Buhner. Buhner has also written a series of books about natural therapy for the known co-infections and other interesting books on a variety of topics.
Both David Winston and Donald Yance have their own quality lines of herbal products. Leslie Taylor did have an excellent line of herbal products that supported indigenous rainforest populations, but finally gave up sale of products because of frustrations with dealing the FDA. Stephen Buhner does not endorse specific products, but does list trusted resources at the end of his books.
Endorphins are essential for recovery from any chronic illness and the best way to generate endorphins is through moderate exercise. Early on in recovery, however, pain often prevents exercise. Many people have found that low dose naltrexone is useful for controlling pain and boosting endorphins. Information about low dose naltrexone and compounding pharmacies that source it can be found at lowdosenaltrexone.org.
The nonprofit, Environmental Working Group, at ewn.org, is an excellent resource for detoxifying the world you come in contact with and cleaning up your diet.
For finding healthful meat, eatwild.com is a great resource.
There are many companies that make excellent FIR saunas. If you decide to purchase one, get one made from wood (not plastic) and big enough for at least two people.
Medicinal cannabis will become much more prevalent on the landscape of treating chronic illness, but with the proliferation of new companies, it’s hard to recommend specific companies or products. If you choose to use cannabis products, make sure supercritical CO2 is used for the extraction process and not hexane. I am familiar with pure-CBD products from Blue Bird Botanicals and Stanley Brother’s Charlotte’s Web and I have confidence in the quality, but there are other reputable companies out there.