Tick-Borne Illness Awareness: Holistic Prevention & Management

With warmer seasons arriving and outdoor adventures calling, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on a silent and often underestimated threat—tick-borne illnesses. Once confined to specific pockets of the U.S., these diseases have rapidly spread across broader geographic areas, particularly the Eastern Continental U.S., due to climate change, urban sprawl, and increasing overlap between human populations and tick habitats.

But ticks are no longer just an East Coast concern. In fact, Western U.S. species, such as the Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), have become notable vectors of diseases like Lyme, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne relapsing fever.

While conventional medicine often emphasizes pharmaceutical interventions, at Proactive Choice, we blend clinical rigor with integrative care, empowering individuals to take a proactive, holistic stance in preventing and managing tick-borne illnesses.

Let’s explore the facts, the risks, and most importantly, 10 evidence-based and actionable steps you can take today to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Understanding Tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks are more than just outdoor nuisances. They’re vectors of serious pathogens, including:

• Borrelia burgdorferi (causes Lyme disease)

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis)

• Ehrlichia chaffeensis (ehrlichiosis)

• Babesia microti (babesiosis)

• Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)

And increasingly, co-infections are complicating diagnosis and treatment. Studies show that tick bites often transmit multiple pathogens simultaneously, potentially masking classic symptoms and delaying appropriate care.

The troubling part? While 63.7% of Americans recognize the dangers of Lyme disease, most lack awareness of preventive strategies or fail to act on early symptoms—missing the window for effective treatment.

10 Actionable Steps to Protect Your Health

1. Tick Identification

Knowing your enemy is half the battle. Use a magnifier to distinguish between species:

• Eastern U.S.: Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) – black legs, teardrop body

• Southern & Central U.S.: Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) – distinct white spot on back

• Western U.S.: Ixodes pacificus (Western blacklegged tick) – similar to Ixodes scapularis

• Mountain Regions: Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick) – ornate scutum, reddish body

Correct identification supports more accurate risk assessment and treatment.

2. Safe Removal Technique

Avoid folk remedies. Instead:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers

• Grasp the mouthparts, not the body.

• Pull upward with steady pressure—no twisting.

• Clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply iodine or alcohol.

Improper removal increases the chance of saliva backflow and pathogen transmission.

3. Immediate Post-Bite Care

After removing a tick:

• Watch for symptoms like bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, or fatigue within 72 hours

• Record the bite date and tick species

• Keep the tick in a sealed bag (refrigerated) in case lab testing is needed

4. Herbal Adjuncts

Nature offers potent allies in managing tick-borne illness:

• Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) – rich in resveratrol, inhibits Borrelia proliferation

• Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) – supports immune modulation and tissue repair

Both show promise in preclinical studies and are valuable additions to a holistic recovery plan.

5. Prophylactic Antibiotics

After a confirmed Ixodes bite:

• A single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours can reduce Lyme disease risk by up to 87%

This is especially important in high-risk areas or after long attachment times (>36 hours).

6. Symptom Journaling

Tick-borne diseases often masquerade as common viral illnesses. Keep a detailed log of:

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Fever spikes

• Neurological symptoms (e.g., facial palsy, brain fog, palpitations)

This data can guide your provider toward faster diagnosis and personalized care.

7. Co-Infection Screening

If symptoms persist despite treatment, don’t assume it’s “just Lyme.” Ask for:

• PCR testing for Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia species.

• Blood smears for babesiosis, which resembles malaria and causes hemolytic anemia.

Prompt detection improves treatment outcomes significantly.

8. OTC Nutritional Support

To combat systemic inflammation:

• Curcumin (500 mg, twice daily) – lowers inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

• Consider Omega-3s, vitamin D, and probiotics to support recovery

Work with a provider to customize your supplement protocol.

9. Avoid Risky Folk Remedies

Despite popular myths:

• Do not apply heat, petroleum jelly, or essential oils to ticks

• These methods increase saliva regurgitation, raising pathogen exposure

Stick to proven, safe removal methods to reduce your risk.

10. Post-Exposure Clothing Protocol

Ticks are persistent. After hiking or outdoor work:

• Tumble-dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes

• Shower within two hours and perform full-body tick checks, focusing on:

  • Hairline

  • Armpits

  • Groin

  • Behind knees

Prevention: For Humans & Pets

For Humans:

• Repellents: Use EPA-approved sprays with 20% picaridin or DEET.

• Gear Treatment: Apply permethrin to clothing, socks, and boots.

• Routine Checks: Especially important for children, hikers, and gardeners.

For Pets:

• Use fluralaner-based chewables (e.g., Bravecto®) for tick prevention.

• In endemic areas, vaccinate dogs with LymeVax®.

• Check pets daily during peak seasons—ticks can transfer from fur to humans.

Reclaim Your Health With Integrative Support

Tick-borne illness doesn’t have to derail your life. With the right knowledge, proactive care, and a combination of conventional and holistic therapies, recovery is possible—and prevention is powerful.

At Proactive Choice, we believe in empowering you with ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science. Whether you’re navigating chronic fatigue, recovering from Lyme, or simply seeking seasonal support, we’re here to help.

Contact Dr. Drew Collins at (858) 333-5196 to schedule your complimentary 10-minute consultation and learn how you can enhance your wellness.

Your path to vibrant health starts here—embrace the miracle root and unlock your body’s true potential today!