About Ticks
This time of year we often hear about ticks showing up in various communities across the country. Many people are unsure how to deal with them or the Tick borne diseases (Lyme diseases or variants) that they may be carrying.This is significant as there are now many different possibilities and not just simply Lyme disease.
There are many things that you can do for yourself, your family and your pets from a preventative standpoint, so let’s dive in!
So…What are Ticks, and why the heck are we seeing such an increase in them all over the world?
Ticks are not INSECTS! They are more closely related to spiders believe it or not that anything else. They are considered an arachnid and have 4 pairs of legs. They do not fly or jump, they simply wait for a host to walk by that they can attach to when they are ready to feed. They typically hang out down low on blades of grass or plants and this is why they are easily found on animals such as mice and deer. Although we have many types of ticks, only a few actually spread Lyme disease. Deer tick is the most popular for spreading Lyme disease in the USA and Canada. Rocky mountain Woodtick, American dog tick and brown dog tick all typically spread what is known as Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.
Many people believe that climate change is to blame for the increase in population of Ticks and Tick borne diseases. While climate changes can create an environment that is supportive of ticks (ticks like the warmer weather), the increases we see are actually due to the increase in populations such as Deer and mouse. Consideration should also be given to Urbanization and the increase in population of cities and towns as they stretch into the outskirts. More and more wild animals are appearing in backyards and around us as we impinge on their landscapes.
So what can we do to protect, prevent and respond to ticks!
What should I wear?
Lighter coloured clothing is suggested when hiking or participating in activities outdoors in long grass or areas ticks may be. Tucking your pants into your socks and wearing rubber boots, higher hiking boots or a higher boot is recommended.
CHECK your animals and yourself/children as soon as you return to your vehicle, or your house BEFORE going inside. Ticks love the warm and dry areas of animals, so it is important to be thorough. Consider brushing your animals to ensure that you are covering all angles. Think about armpits (upper and lower), inside of or behind ears, around the neck and on the bottoms of feet in the hair between pads. With humans, shake out your clothing, your hair, boots and take your hands and run them from top of your head to your feet all around to ensure that nothing is missed. Remember Ticks can be very very small.
PLANT herbs and flowers around your gardens and yards that deter TICKS! Think Garlic, Lavender, Chrysanthemums, Sage, Eucalyptus, Mint, Marigolds, Chamomile, Geraniums, Basil, Wormwood, CATNIP!
SPRAY prior to going out hiking or spending time outdoors. Ensure you cover your entire body with a light spray. Pay particular attention to legs, pants, feet, shoes, front and back. Some say DEET is the answer, but by now many of you realize how dangerous DEET is, and the effectiveness is up for discussion.
What has been proven effective is quite a few Essential oil mixes. In Particular, LEMONGRASS essential oil is extremely effective against repelling ticks, other bugs and insects from your body or your animals body. When choosing an essential oil, please ensure that it is NOT a cheap oil to save you money. These are filled with chemicals and besides not being effective, you are putting these chemicals on you and your dog. There are some other essential oils that have also been studied and have shown positive results. These include oils such as CATNIP, rosemary, cedar, peppermint, thyme and geranium. There have also been studies of a Garlic oil spray that was applied to residential properties. Over the course of 3 years, an all natural garlic spray was applied to yards and then tested before and after to gain results. It produced significant results. ( for more information, search pubmed or reputable sites)
Lastly, oils derived from cedar, specifically Alaska yellow cedar, have shown some promising results as well. It is important to note that Ticks hate vinegar. Giving your dog ACV (apple cider vinegar) and yourself internally, as well as, including in your tick spray for external use will ensure that if they do latch on to you that they don’t stay for a long trip. ( dilute internal ACV with water to protect your teeth)
As a side note, a Nova scotia company has a great product that has some science based studies behind it and is showing great results. Check them out if you don’t want to make your own.
What to do if you are bit?
Careful extraction of the tick if you find one on your body or your animal is important.
1 – Clean some fine tipped tweezers and sterilize them.
2 – Grasp the tick as close to the head as possible and once a firm grip is established, slowly pull upwards with firm even pressure.
3 – Clean the area well with soap and water and soak in Epsom Salt and hot water.
*Please do not smother the tick with things or burn the tick…this can release the bacteria into the body. This is the safest and cleanest way to get rid of a tick.
If part of the body remains embedded, continue to soak to ensure all is removed. Essential cell salts such as Silicea Cell salts will assist the body in purging foreign material or objects. Just be careful with Silicea if you have metal in the body as in larger quantities, its been known to loosen and attempt to purge the metal. (Talk to your health care provider or health practitioner to be sure)
What should you do if you have been diagnosed or suspect a tick borne illness?
Thankfully, many options exist in 2019. Besides antibiotics (which often are not effective or make the person feel worse), you can also speak to a Wellness advisor or Health Practitioner to see if they offer a Lyme Protocol or a Tick borne illness protocol. I offer a protocol utilizing a number of herbs, supplements and Cell salts to categorically counter the infection and then rebuild the essential minerals. Many herbs/plant medicines offer anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic qualities that have been proven to be effective in treatment.
Luckily, despite all of this, many of the ticks that you will find on yourself or loved ones, do NOT have an infection or co-infection that will be spread to you, your family or pets. If you are curious, but do not show symptoms, simply capturing the Tick and sending it for analysis is the most convenient and reputable way!
If you have questions about this protocol or the protocol/treatment course that I endorse, please reach out! I am here to help! You or your loved ones, do not have to live with pain!