Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Borrelia genus, most commonly transmitted through tick bites. When diagnosed early and treated with appropriate antibiotics, patients have a high chance of making a full recovery. However, problems arise when the disease is not caught in its early stages or when treatment is ineffective. In such cases, it can progress to a chronic phase, leading to serious long-term health complications. In recent years, Lyme disease has been receiving increased attention from both medical professionals and patients, as many report persistent symptoms even after completing antibiotic treatment. What are the standard treatment options? What can happen if Lyme disease is left untreated? And is it even possible to fully recover, especially once the disease has entered its chronic stage? We‘ll focus on answering these key questions.
What Are the Standard Treatment Options for Lyme Disease and How Long Do They Take?
Successful treatment of Lyme disease depends on early detection and the appropriate treatment approach. The sooner treatment begins, the more effective it is, reducing the risk of serious complications. Since the disease progresses in different stages, each case requires an individualized approach. It’s important to know when and how to intervene to prevent the infection from spreading and causing long-term consequences.
In the acute stage of Lyme disease, there are generally two scenarios:
1. Preventive treatment
If you've just removed a tick but are unsure whether an infection has occurred, several factors need to be considered – how long the tick was attached, whether it was removed properly, if it came from an area with a high prevalence of Lyme disease, and your overall health condition. If there is an increased risk of infection, preventive antibiotic treatment may be recommended, typically lasting at least 4 weeks, ideally 6 to 8 weeks (1). However, not all doctors recommend preventive treatment, so it’s important to consult with a specialist about the next steps. To minimize the risk of future complications, it's also advisable to consider an additional herbal treatment for at least 1 month.
2. Treatment of acute infection
If a typical red rash (erythema migrans) appears at the tick bite site or you experience flu-like symptoms, it’s essential to begin antibiotic treatment immediately. Waiting for blood test results is not recommended, as they can be negative during the first 6 weeks, even if the infection is already spreading in the body. Standard treatment for acute infection involves 3 weeks of antibiotics. However, Lyme disease specialists recommend antibiotic treatment lasting at least 4 weeks, ideally 6 to 8 weeks (1). A treatment that is too short or insufficient can cause the infection to spread and later lead to chronic health problems. To increase the chances of successful treatment, it’s advised to follow up with supportive herbal treatment for about 3 to 6 months after completing the initial antibiotic therapy.
However, diagnosing Lyme disease in the acute phase can be challenging, as symptoms are often nonspecific and can resemble other illnesses. Additionally, the characteristic "red patch" – erythema migrans – may be absent in up to two-thirds of patients (2). In later stages, Lyme disease can present without the typical early-stage symptoms, further complicating diagnosis and treatment (3).
Why Lyme Disease Treatment Deserves Close Attention
If Lyme disease isn’t caught early and treated properly, or if the immune system can’t handle it on its own, the disease can progress to the chronic stage. At this point, the bacteria start spreading throughout the body and can settle in various tissues, especially the nervous system, joints, and connective tissue. Studies have shown that Borrelia bacteria are incredibly persistent – they can change shape, form biofilms, and hide from the immune system, making them hard to eliminate even with long-term antibiotics (4). In fact, statistics show that one in five patients still develops chronic Lyme disease, despite receiving antibiotic treatment (5).
What Can Untreated Lyme Disease Cause?
Untreated Lyme disease can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and lead to serious health problems. It comes with a wide range of symptoms – dozens of different signs that vary depending on the stage of the infection and the individual's response. Some of the most common consequences of untreated Lyme disease include:
- Neurological disorders (neuroborreliosis) – nerve inflammation, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, tingling in the limbs, and vision impairment.
- Chronic fatigue and joint pain – inflammatory processes in the body can lead to long-lasting pain and severe fatigue.
- Arthritis – swelling and joint pain, especially in the knees, which can last for months or even years.
- Heart problems – Lyme disease can lead to arrhythmias or inflammation of the pericardium.
- Weakened immune system and autoimmune reactions – long-term infection can disrupt immune function and lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.
- Psychiatric symptoms – depression and anxiety disorders.
Chronic Lyme disease is the most severe form of the illness, where the immune system is no longer able to defend against common infections. Opportunistic pathogens such as herpes viruses (HSV, EBV, CMV, etc.) or Candida are activated, and other chronic conditions often develop as well. In some individuals with genetic predispositions, autoimmune diseases may also develop (1). So, what are the options for managing Lyme disease in its later stages?
Treating Chronic Lyme Disease
When Lyme disease persists long-term and causes serious health problems, treatment becomes much more complex. By this stage, the bacteria have had time to spread throughout the body, hide deep within tissues, the nervous system, and joints, and survive in cyst-like forms that are resistant to standard antibiotic monotherapy. Because of this, chronic Lyme disease treatment often involves a combination of multiple antibiotics or herbs that can target all forms of Borrelia. In cases of chronic Lyme disease, two main treatment approaches are typically used:
1. Long-term multi-antibiotic therapy
This approach may involve oral or intravenous antibiotics, often lasting several months or even years, under the supervision of a Lyme disease specialist (1). Some patients experience positive results with this method; however, for others, symptoms may return after discontinuing antibiotics, even after extended treatment. It’s important to consider the risks associated with long-term antibiotic use, such as side effects or damage to the gut microbiome. During this type of treatment, it’s essential to support gut health, fight yeast overgrowth, and promote liver function using synthetic or natural supplements.
2. Herbal therapy
A commonly used method is the Buhner protocol, which combines carefully selected herbs that not only help eliminate bacteria but also support the body’s natural healing processes, detoxification, and immune function. This represents a comprehensive approach to treatment, which becomes essential in the chronic stage. Herbal therapy is generally gentle on the body even with long-term use and helps promote overall recovery. Herbs act broadly against different pathogens without disrupting the gut microbiome. The recommended duration for following a herbal protocol during chronic Lyme disease is until all symptoms have fully resolved, plus an additional 3 months. On average, this process takes about 12 months, though for some patients it may be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances — patience is key. 
In some cases, a combination of both approaches – antibiotics and herbal therapy — is used simultaneously to address different aspects of treatment. However, this approach is not suitable for everyone and should always be carefully discussed with a specialist. In addition to pharmacological or herbal treatments, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach to healing. Supporting the body through proper nutrition, detoxification, adequate sleep, and stress management is essential. Some patients also find benefits in therapies like infrared saunas or customized nutritional supplements.
Since Lyme disease is often accompanied by other infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma, or Chlamydia, it’s important to also focus on diagnosing and treating these co-infections. Every patient responds to therapy differently, so it’s crucial to tailor treatment based on the individual’s needs and the signals their body provides.
Our Recommendations for Lyme Disease Treatment
Based on our own experience with this challenging disease, as well as communication with hundreds of individuals through Onlyx, we recommend patients use antibiotics without hesitation during acute infection and also to stabilize the condition of patients in the chronic stage who are in serious condition, often referred to as "bedridden," meaning they are suffering from severe symptoms. In this case, we recommend using antibiotics only for a limited period, until the patient’s condition is at least partially stabilized. Afterward, we suggest transitioning to herbal therapy combined with overall support for the body.
In the case of chronic-stage Lyme disease, we recommend opting for a long-term, gentle approach through phytotherapy. Chronic Lyme disease requires a comprehensive treatment approach, as it has become a multisystemic illness that disrupts the immune system and the body’s overall balance. Therefore, it’s not enough to fight just the Borrelia bacteria and focus solely on its elimination. Equally important is supporting the body’s regenerative processes, detoxification, and strengthening the immune system — and this is where phytotherapy can play a crucial role. The goal of herbal treatments is to gently create conditions within the body that make it difficult for pathogens to thrive and reproduce over time.
Natural Support for Lyme Disease According to the Buhner Protocol
The Buhner protocol is one of the most well-known natural approaches to Lyme disease. It is a combination of carefully selected herbs with multiple functions — protecting vulnerable tissues from damage, reducing inflammation, restoring immunity, and gradually eliminating bacteria from the body. Buhner's optimal "core" protocol for Lyme disease includes 9 herbs, including Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), which, along with other herbs, has shown significant antibacterial properties against the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria (6); Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties (7); and Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris and sinensis), which supports the immune system and reduces inflammatory responses in the body (8).
However, Buhner emphasizes that herbs are just part of a holistic approach, which also includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and overall vitality support. Natural treatment requires patience but can bring lasting and long-term results (2).
BORELISET: The Best of the Buhner Protocol in One Package
Our BORELISET package includes the complete Buhner’s optimal “core” protocol, enhanced with two additional potent Buhner herbs, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Houttuynia cordatafor an even stronger effect and broader coverage in chronic Lyme disease. BORELISET consists of three products: INFLAM, IMUN, and INFEX, available in both capsule and tincture forms.
For support of detoxification and antioxidant processes, the BORELISET package is also available with an expansion in the form of the liposomal detox formula, DUOTOX.
Everyone on the Onlyx team has personally experienced chronic illness, and we are fully aware that the quality of herbs is crucial when following the Buhner protocol. For this reason, we place absolute emphasis on the purity, safety, and quality of the raw materials used in the production of BORELISET. Our products contain no additives such as anti-caking agents or preservatives and are tested for contaminants, including heavy metals and molds.
Can Lyme Disease Be Cured?
We’ve been working in the field of Lyme disease for a long time and have personal experience with this challenging illness. Both we and the hundreds of people we've spoken to can confirm that Lyme disease can be cured. Even when it’s caught late and when it progresses to the chronic stage, it’s still possible to live a full, healthy life. However, the solution isn’t found in just one approach. Lyme disease is a complex condition that requires a multi-faceted treatment plan - combining herbal remedies, stress management, proper nutrition, quality sleep, and a positive attitude towards recovery.
Sources:
(1) https://www.borelioza.cz/cs/lecba_boreliozy/
(2) Buhner, Healing Lyme (2nd ed.).
(3) https://www.unilabs.sk/clanky-invitro/lymska-borelioza-0
(4) https://www.unilabs.sk/clanky-invitro/vedia-bylinky-vyliecit-lymsku-boreliozu
(5) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3976119/
(6) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7050641/
(7) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7555792/
(8) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7735063/