Utilizing TCM Herbs to Combat Lyme Disease in Horses: A Comprehensive Recovery Guide

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can severely impact a horse's health, affecting everything from behavior issues, mobility, and cognitive function.

Horses infected by tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease need a structured recovery protocol to support detox, healing, and overall health restoration. Knockout, Reverse, and Respond are powerful formulas designed to support horses in their fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Knockout starts by cleansing a variety of worms or parasites and boosting the immune system, clearing the way for deeper healing by cleansing the organs. Reverse aids in removing lingering infections, promoting lymph drainage, and reducing inflammation. Finally, Respond strengthens the nervous system, particularly during ataxic episodes, by reducing nerve and spinal cord inflammation and supporting overall neurological health. Together, these steps offer a comprehensive approach to recovery, addressing the root causes of Lyme disease while supporting the horse’s overall well-being.

Step-by-Step Guide for Lyme Disease Recovery in Horses

Step 1: Knockout

  • Purpose: Knockout is a foundational formula that focuses on cleansing parasites while boosting the immune system. By cleansing the organs and supporting their function, Knockout sets the stage for deeper healing, this opens the exit pathways for the body to detox easier. 
  • Why It’s Important: Horses are continually exposed to parasites and worms from contaminated water, hay, and grass. Parasites are known to carry Lyme bacteria throughout the body, and can hide dormant in organs, leading to relapses.
  • Key Ingredients: Nutrient-dense herbs rich in antioxidants to detox the body, decongest the lymphatic system, support cognitive function, improve digestion, and improve circulation.
  • Dosage:
    • Days 1–7: One scoop twice daily.
    • Days 8–90: Two scoops twice daily.

Step 2: Reverse

  • Purpose: Reverse is introduced after Knockout to further assist in recovery from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses by eliminating the Lyme bacteria. It supports the immune system, improves lymph drainage, and helps relieve joint and muscle pain caused by inflammation.
  • When to Start: Reverse can be introduced on day 30 or 60. You can also do one bucket at a time. 
  • Dosage:
    • Start with one scoop twice daily for 7 days.
    • Gradually increase to two scoops twice daily for 90 days.

Step 3: Respond

  • Purpose: Respond was formulated to support horses experiencing ataxic episodes (loss of coordination) by bolstering their neurologic system during attacks from diseases such as EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis), West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, or other tick-borne illnesses. Respond works by reducing inflammation in the spinal cord or nerve inflammation, helping restore coordination and ease neurological distress.
  • When to Start: Begin Respond once the Knockout phase is complete.
  • Dosage:
    • One scoop twice daily for 7 days.
    • Increase to two scoops twice daily for 90 days.

    Why This Protocol is Essential

    Parasites, beyond causing digestive and cognitive issues, often harbor Lyme bacteria. This makes cleansing critical in Lyme disease recovery to prevent relapses and flare-ups. If your horse has not undergone a recent parasite cleanse, it's important to begin with Knockout to avoid overloading the system. Detoxification can sometimes result in temporary side effects such as GI upset or Herxheimer reactions (a short-term inflammatory response during detox). In these cases, reduce the dosage to help your horse adjust.

    How These Formulas Help Your Horse:

    • Eliminate Tick-Borne Illnesses: Fights against Lyme, Babesiosis, Malaria, Bartonella, and other infections.
    • Support Immune System: Boosts energy, fights fatigue and promotes overall immunity.
    • Promote Detox: Helps flush the liver and kidneys to expel toxins and metabolic waste.
    • Improve Cognitive Function: Increases blood flow to the brain, supporting better mental clarity and focus.
    • Relieve Pain: Alleviates bone and joint pain caused by inflammation and promotes healthy circulation.
    • Encourage Lymph Drainage: Stimulates the lymphatic system to remove toxins and prevent fluid buildup.

    Common Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness in Horses:

    • Chronic inflammation and muscle or joint pain
    • Weight loss and muscle atrophy
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Skin rashes and sensitivity to touch
    • Neurological issues, including stocking up (leg swelling)

    Extra Information: Holistic Support for Lasting Wellness

    The combined approach of Knockout, Reverse, and Respond provides a thorough and holistic method to address the long-term health of horses battling tick-borne illnesses. While each step offers distinct benefits, they are designed to work together for optimal recovery and well-being. Horses exposed to tick-borne diseases often deal with complex, recurring symptoms, including neurological episodes. By targeting not only the parasites and bacteria but also the nervous and immune systems, this protocol offers a full-spectrum recovery plan.

    Tip for Horse Owners: Maintaining a clean diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction measures can further support your horse’s recovery. Ensuring that your horse is not re-exposed to contaminated water, grass, or hay will help prevent reinfection. Regular vet check-ups and monitoring of symptoms will ensure timely adjustments to the recovery plan if necessary.

    By following these steps, you're not just treating symptoms—you're helping to rebuild your horse's health from the inside out, giving them the best chance at a full recovery and long-term vitality.

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