Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know

Borrelia burgdorferi is dangerous, as it can lead to Lyme disease. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Lyme Disease?

If you or someone you love has Lyme disease, you probably know that Lyme is the result of the human immunopathological response to a tick-borne parasite called the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete. Let’s break it down —

• Borrelia is a genus of bacteria that causes disease transmitted primarily by ticks or lice. It’s named after French biologist Amédée Borrel.
• Burgdorferi is named after Willy Burgdorfer, who identified the strain of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
• A spirochete is a bacteria that has long, cork-screw shaped, spiral body.

Killing the Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochete Is Easy — in the Petri Dish

The infectious Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete is actually pretty easy to kill in a petri dish. It’s for this very reason that there are so many “false hope” reports, such as, how that Stevia can kill Lyme disease.

Lyme disease may be easy to kill in the petri dish, but it’s extraordinarily difficult to clear from the body. (Sorry, Stevia lovers, it’s true.)

The problem isn’t in the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete’s resilience but rather in its ability to evade the immune system. In its planktonic blood-born form, you can successfully treat the spirochete with antibiotics. However, once antibiotics are introduced into your system, the spirochete can respond by forming a protein shell and taking a cyst-like form. Antibiotics can’t easily penetrate this shell.

Borrelia burgdorferi Plays Hide & Seek

The Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete also plays a second trick. Because it’s a spirochete, the corkscrew shape allows it to burrow into cells and into the space between cells (called the interstitial matrix). There, it’s difficult for any treatment to access the disease.

Once Lyme disease reaches the nervous system, it can mimic a neuron. As a result, it’s effectively invisible to the immune system. In a sense it’s playing hide and seek, which makes it extremely hard to find and even harder to eliminate.

Finally, once the bacteria establishes itself in a hospitable location (for example, in a joint), it can create a biofilm. A biofilm is a colony of bacteria in strata, and the upper strata shield the lower strata from antibiotics. In this way, antibiotics can’t eliminate the disease.

How Can You Eliminate Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme Disease?

Killing Lyme disease isn’t difficult. What is difficult is locating and reaching it. If you want a viable treatment, you need to find something that addresses the particular challenges of Borrelia burgdorferi — something that diffuses through the entire body, including the intercellular matrix. You need something that acts in the blood and can work to penetrate or break up biofilm. We believe that something is Phyllanthus niruri tea. Learn how I myself used it to support my nearly four-year battle with Lyme.

Phyllanthus niruri, also known as Chanca Piedra, is a powerful adaptogenic herb known for its ability to balance the immune system and support detoxification. It has strong antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ally in Lyme disease support.

Phyllanthus niruri also plays a key role in liver and kidney health, helping to flush out toxins and support the body’s natural healing process. By modulating immune response and reducing oxidative stress, this botanical supports the body in combating chronic infections, including those caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, and restoring overall wellness.

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has been traditionally used in West African medicine for its potent antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that this powerful botanical can help combat Lyme disease by targeting Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, the causative agent of Lyme. Cryptolepis is known to disrupt bacterial biofilms, which can make Lyme disease bacteria more resistant to treatment.

In addition, Cryptolepis provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial benefits, supporting the immune system in fighting co-infections commonly associated with Lyme disease. As part of the Persister Desister kit, Cryptolepis plays a crucial role in restoring immune balance and aiding in long-term recovery.

Cistus incanus, commonly known as Rock Rose, is a powerful herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting and biofilm-disrupting properties. This Mediterranean plant has been studied for its ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including Borrelia burgdorferi. Cistus incanus helps dissolve biofilms that protect bacteria from the immune system, making it an essential component in holistic Lyme disease support.

In addition, Cistus incanus provides antioxidant benefits, helping to reduce oxidative stress and promote mitochondrial health. Its ability to modulate immune function makes it a valuable addition to any natural Lyme support protocol.

Natural Lyme Disease Support: Persister Desister Herbal Kits

Lyme disease can be a persistent challenge, but nature offers powerful support. Linden Botanicals’ Persister Desister herbal support kits are designed to help re-engage the body’s natural defenses against lingering pathogens. This proprietary blend features three scientifically researched herbal extracts—Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Cistus incanus, and Phyllanthus niruri—each selected for its ability to support immune health, disrupt bacterial biofilms, and promote overall wellness.

Persister Desister is an advanced immune support formula crafted to aid those dealing with long-haul Lyme disease. This unique combination of herbal extracts is designed to:

• Strengthen the immune system and help the body fight off persistent infections

• Inhibit the lifecycle of pathogenic bacteria, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the primary bacteria responsible for Lyme disease

• Dissolve biofilms that can shield bacteria from the immune system

• Support liver and kidney function during detoxification

• Protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage

A Proven Blend of Time-Tested Herbal Extracts

Each Persister Desister kit includes individually packaged portions of three powerful herbs:

• Cistus incanus (Rock Rose): Known for its potent immune-supporting properties, Cistus incanus helps dissolve biofilms and promote mitochondrial health. Our high-quality Mediterranean-sourced extract is one of our best-selling products.

• Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Yellow Root): Used traditionally to combat a range of bacterial and parasitic infections, Cryptolepis is well-known for its benefits in Lyme disease support and its ability to target Borrelia burgdorferi.

• Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra): A powerful adaptogen that supports immune balance, Phyllanthus is recognized for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antimalarial properties. In fact, Phyllanthus is the very reason Linden Botanicals was founded.

Available Kit Sizes and Serving Recommendations

Persister Desister kits come in two sizes:

• 60g Kit – Contains three 20g packets (approximately 40 servings)

• 150g Kit – Contains three 50g packets (approximately 100 servings)

How to Use Persister Desister

For optimal immune support, we recommend the following routine:

• Morning: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of Cistus incanus and Phyllanthus niruri into hot water and drink as a tea before eating. This blend can also be added to juice or smoothies.

• Evening: Mix 1/8 teaspoon of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta into 8 oz. of hot water and drink before bed as a digestive support.

Because each ingredient is individually packaged, you can customize your intake to best suit your health needs. If you have known allergies or health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Support Your Immune System Naturally

Lyme disease recovery can be a long road, but with the right tools, your body has the potential to heal. Persister Desister herbal support kits provide a time-tested, natural way to strengthen your immune system and fight back against persistent pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi. Experience the power of all-natural herbal support and take a step toward wellness today.

Finding Light in the Darkness: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Health

If you or someone you care about has suffered from chronic illness or a prolonged health concern, you know how deeply it can impact both physical and mental well-being. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is particularly notorious for its persistence and the toll it takes on every aspect of life.

As the owner of Linden Botanicals, I struggled with Lyme disease for almost four years. During that time, I fell into all the common traps. I sought advice from every possible source. Doctors prescribed one expensive medicine after another. Fellow Lyme sufferers urged me to address environmental factors like mold. I was shocked by the number of people selling so-called “magic cures.”

Beyond the physical symptoms, Lyme disease drained my financial resources, disrupted my career, and affected my social life and self-worth. Like many who experience chronic illness, I faced overwhelming challenges with no clear path forward.

Stop Chasing Sickness

Lyme disease did more than dominate my life—it became my life. I found myself caught in an exhausting cycle of “chasing sickness.”

Chasing sickness means constantly seeking out new doctors and specialists to address each new symptom. It means trying one costly treatment after another, each bringing its own set of side effects. It means spending countless hours reading articles, browsing forums, and trying to distinguish expert advice from misleading health scams.

I chased sickness for years.

Optimize Your Health. Start Now.

How did I finally break free from chronic illness? I took eight intentional steps to stop chasing sickness and start pursuing health. Easier said than done, I know—which is why I’ve written about these steps. My experience with chronic illness ultimately led me to start Linden Botanicals.

In our Lessons from the Darkness e-book, I share the transformative strategies that helped me reclaim my life. This guide offers practical insights to inspire hope and empower you to take the first steps toward lasting wellness. If you’re struggling with Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, or any chronic condition, this resource may help you shift from illness to healing.

Get your free eBook and begin your journey to better health today!

Learn More About Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme Disease, and Persister Desister

To learn more, it may be helpful to review the Persister Desister FAQ and our Lyme Disease Resources.

You can buy Persister Desister Lyme support kits here.