Lyme Neuroborreliosis: Here’s What You Need to Know

Neuroborreliosis (Neuro Lyme) is Lyme-related nerve infection causing pain, palsy, or cognitive problems. Herbal support may help.

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A great deal has been written about the clinical outcomes, controversy, pathogenesis, and polymicrobial infections associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis (sometimes called neuro Lyme) and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).

Neuroborreliosis is a neurological complication of Lyme disease in which Borrelia burgdorferi infects the central or peripheral nervous system, potentially causing symptoms such as meningitis, nerve pain, facial palsy, or cognitive difficulties.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome as the presence of symptoms that include cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, fibromyalgia-like pain, and depression. The number of people with this syndrome may be as high as 10%. The syndrome has shown to be able to persist in some people for anywhere from months to years.

To date, there is no consensus as to the cause or treatment of post treatment Lyme disease syndrome. PTLDS is most common in people with neuro Lyme or Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB).

More About Lyme Neuroborreliosis

When a tick bite occurs, Lyme disease bacteria enters the body through the blood stream or the lymphatic system. From there, it looks for tissue in which it is most comfortable. When the bacterium enters through the lymphatic system, it has easy access to wreak havoc on the central nervous system.

Classic Lyme disease symptoms will appear in the body before the bacteria spreads throughout the body and triggers the neurological effects of the secondary symptoms of neuro Lyme. Symptoms of neuro Lyme often include nerve pain, numbness, double vision, and facial palsy, but also memory loss, headaches, anxiety, depression, and brain fog.

Early detection and treatment of Lyme disease is not only key to recovery but also crucial in preventing the spread of bacteria into multiple systems in the body. Because it can be difficult to detect and diagnose Lyme neuroborreliosis and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease. Approximately 10-15% of people with untreated Lyme disease will develop neurologic manifestations.

When Lyme borreliosis enters the body through the lymphatic system and causes inflammation in the central nervous system, four inflammatory conditions may occur: Lymphocytic Meningitis, Cranial Neuritis (inflammation of cranial nerves), Radiculopathy (inflammation of the spinal nerve roots, and Mononeuritis Multiplex (extreme numbness and pain, specifically in the hands and feet).

Why some people experience Lyme neuroborreliosis and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome is not well understood. Two possibilities are that PTLDS results from a persistent but difficult to detect infection or that Borrelia burgdorferi can trigger an “auto-immune” response causing symptoms that last longer than the infection.

Antibiotic Treatment: Benefits and Drawbacks

In 2020, the CDC reported that the annual Lyme disease caseload could be ten times higher than reported in previous years. New CDC estimates suggest approximately 476,000 people, vs. 30,000-40,000 people, contract Lyme disease each year in the United States. However, this revised official count, driven by laboratory tests, may still underplay the public health problem.

Fortunately, many people who contract Lyme disease are effectively treated with antibiotics. Occurrence of Lyme disease is often best treated if detected at an early stage with an antibiotic dosage within a time period of 10 to 14 days.

However, long-term antibiotic therapy may provide little to no benefit to people with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. PTLDS, often known in lay terms as “chronic Lyme disease,” may be a complication of neuroborreliosis. and carries the negative impact of excessive antibiotic therapy.

Alternatively, a lack of awareness of the important signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease can delay the treatment process, which in turn can result in the development of chronic manifestations of untreated Lyme disease, including Lyme neuroborreliosis and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. When the disease is left untreated, it could have a significant impact on essential body organs or systems that include the heart, joints, and nervous system.

Phyllanthus niruri Lyme Neuroborreliosis Support

When the body encounters an infection, the immune system’s first line of defense is inflammation—a rapid response aimed at containing and neutralizing the threat. In the case of Lyme carditis, this immune activity is triggered by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in the heart, while in Lyme neuroborreliosis, inflammation occurs in the central or peripheral nervous system.

In both situations, the immune system can be placed under extreme, ongoing strain—not only from the infection itself but also from everyday stressors such as work demands, environmental factors, and emotional pressures. Over time, this constant pressure may weaken immune resilience.

Phyllanthus niruri—also known as Chanca Piedra or Stone Breaker—is a phytochemically rich, adaptogenic herb traditionally used in South America to help balance immune function. Linden Botanicals offers it as both an herbal tea and a concentrated extract. Historically, it has been valued for supporting the immune and lymphatic systems, aiding the digestive and renal systems, and easing stress on the pancreas.

Known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-plasmodial properties, Phyllanthus niruri has even been used in traditional medicine to help target the spirochete responsible for syphilis—a bacterium similar in form to Borrelia burgdorferi. This similarity is why it may offer valuable support for those managing complications like Lyme carditis or Lyme neuroborreliosis.

To learn more about Phyllanthus niruri, check out the Phyllanthus FAQ.

Cryptolepis

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, available as a pure herbal extract from Linden Botanicals, has a long history of traditional use and growing scientific interest for its potential role in supporting those with Lyme disease and related complications such as Lyme carditis and Lyme neuroborreliosis.

A Frontiers in Medicine study led by Johns Hopkins researchers found that Cryptolepis was the only herbal extract tested to fully eradicate dormant “persister” forms of Borrelia burgdorferi—the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. These persister cells are especially concerning because they can survive antibiotic treatment, contributing to lingering symptoms and resistance in both early and chronic stages of the illness.

By targeting both active and dormant bacteria, Cryptolepis may help promote more thorough microbial clearance when incorporated into a broader Lyme support protocol. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties extend to common Lyme co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella, which can intensify neurological inflammation in Lyme neuroborreliosis or disrupt normal heart function in Lyme carditis.

With its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, Cryptolepis may help reduce infection-driven swelling and support immune balance—two key factors in preventing or easing complications. Sustainably sourced and rigorously tested, Linden Botanicals’ Cryptolepis offers a science-informed, natural option for those seeking comprehensive herbal support in the face of persistent Lyme and its systemic effects.

To learn more about Cryptolepis, check out the Cryptolepis FAQ.

Cistus incanus Lyme Neuroborreliosis Support

Cistus incanus, offered as a premium herbal extract by Linden Botanicals, may provide valuable, multi-faceted support for those managing Lyme disease and its complications, including Lyme carditis and Lyme neuroborreliosis.

This Mediterranean herb is recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and its ability to help disrupt biofilms—protective structures formed by bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi that shield them from both immune defenses and antimicrobial treatments. By breaking down these barriers, Cistus may enhance the body’s ability to target both active and dormant Lyme bacteria, supporting more thorough microbial control.

Beyond its antimicrobial effects, Cistus incanus demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. For those with Lyme carditis, its inflammation-calming properties may help reduce swelling in cardiac tissues, promoting healthier heart rhythm and function.

In cases of Lyme neuroborreliosis, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in nerve tissues may help protect neurological function while the infection is addressed. Its antioxidant compounds also help safeguard cells from the damage caused by chronic inflammation and free radicals.

Importantly, Cistus incanus supports immune system balance, helping the body respond effectively without tipping into harmful overreaction—an essential factor in managing both the systemic and localized effects of Lyme disease. Sustainably sourced and rigorously prepared, Linden Botanicals’ Cistus incanus extract offers a research-informed, natural option for those seeking comprehensive herbal support.

To learn more about Cryptolepis, check out the Cistus incanus FAQ.

Persister Desister Chronic Lyme Support Kits from Linden Botanicals

For those dealing with the persistent challenges of chronic or treatment-resistant Lyme disease, including complications like Lyme carditis and Lyme neuroborreliosis, Linden Botanicals offers Persister Desister Chronic Lyme Support Kits—a proprietary combination of three research-backed herbal extracts: Cistus incanus (Rock Rose), Cryptolepis (Yellow Root), and Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra).

These botanicals are selected for their ability to address persister bacteria—the dormant forms of Borrelia burgdorferi that can survive standard antibiotics and drive ongoing symptoms, whether in the joints, heart, or nervous system.

Working together, they help inhibit the lifecycle of persister bacteria, reactivate the body’s natural defenses, and provide adaptogenic immune support to maintain balance during prolonged immune challenges.

Beyond their antimicrobial activity, the herbs in Persister Desister Kits also help support kidney and liver function, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance mitochondrial health—key factors in restoring energy, resilience, and long-term wellness. This synergistic, whole-body approach offers targeted, natural support to complement a comprehensive Lyme disease care plan.

Lessons from the Darkness

Linden Botanicals owner Michael Van der Linden fought Lyme disease for almost four years. He suffered from severe neuro Lyme symptoms, including headaches, depression, and brain fog. His battle with Lyme disease is the reason he started Linden Botanicals. He also wrote our Lessons from the Darkness e-book to document what he learned.

Our first product was Phyllanthus niruri tea from the Peruvian Amazon due to the plant’s antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-plasmodial properties. Our Phyllanthus FAQ and our Lyme Disease Resources are sources of in-depth, valuable information.

Try Persister Desister Today

To learn more, a good place to start is with the Persister Desister FAQ and our Lyme Disease Resources.

Buy Persister Desister

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About Linden Botanicals: Linden Botanicals sell the world’s healthiest teas and extracts, including Phyllanthus niruri and Cistus incanus. These teas and extracts provide support for immune health, stress relief, energy, memory, mood, kidney health, joint health, digestive health, inflammation, hormonal balance, and detox/cleanse. Visit www.LindenBotanicals.com to shop the online store, get hundreds of valuable health tips and resources, and download the free Lessons from the Darkness e-book, which chronicles Michael Van der Linden’s four-year battle with Lyme disease.