What is a Herxheimer Reaction?

The Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction, commonly called a “herx,” happens when inflammation occurs in your body from Lyme spirochetes that are being killed off by antibiotics or alternative naturopathic treatment. As the spirochetes die off you can experience symptoms, such as fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, headache, rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, flushing, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, blurred or fading vision, nausea, fatigue, and lack of concentration. These can last from a couple of days to a week or two, but the time frame is unique to each person. (Don’t stop taking your antibiotics or other remedies unless advised by your doctor.)

Your body needs to detox as the spirochetes die off. Consult with your LLMD as to what they specifically recommend. You can lessen or eliminate your symptoms by doing some of the following.

•  Take a binder such as charcoal or chlorella. 

• Create a more alkaline state in the body by using Alka-Seltzer Gold, buffered Vitamin C, and lemon-lime water. You can also take 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 8 ounces of water every day on an empty stomach. (This also helps to kill yeast, mold, fungus, and some viruses.)

• Take minerals that are depleted during the detox reaction, such as magnesium, zinc, and copper.

• Drink extra fluids, take Epsom salt baths, do some mild exercise, and take infrared saunas. (You can purchase infrared saunas online.)

Check out our post about Detoxing for a full list of ways to detox and feel better from treatment!