Autoimmune Disease, Lyme Disease, and Essential Oils with Dr. Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, IFMCP (Essential Oils Revolution Podcast Episode 385)

(Listen to the full episode here.)

Autoimmunity, which is a condition in which the body’s immune system reacts with components of its own cells, is on the rise. Researchers have found that the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), the most common biomarker of autoimmune diseases, is increasing in the American population. These disorders are currently estimated to impact 10% of the population. The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) lists genetics, infections, and changes in environmental exposures as possible contributors to the higher number of cases.

Lyme disease results from an active infection of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bbsl) species. It is reported to be the most common vector-borne illness in the United States and Europe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 476,000 people will contract Lyme disease annually. What many doctors miss is that it can be a contributing factor to autoimmunity, along with many lifestyle, bioecological, and socio-economics factors that are often not explored in conventional healthcare.

Unfortunately, there exists controversies between mainstream doctors and integrative physicians on the treatment approaches and management of both disorders. Furthermore, medications for these conditions are often not curative and can lead to severe symptoms.

Yet there is hope!

In this episode of the Essential Oil Revolution podcast, Dr. Patterson, a trail-blazing pioneer, and passionate physician, teaches us how she successfully treats her patients who are diagnosed with these conditions. This is based on both her clinical knowledge and her first-hand experience of suffering and recovering from both Lyme Disease and autoimmune disease. Her mission since has been to make what worked for her and her patients, naturopathic and functional medicine care, accessible to everyone.

In this show, we dive deep into autoimmunity and Lyme disease and how hormones impact both of them. Of course, we also weave in how essential oils fit into these conditions.

I was honored to have Dr. Patterson as a guest and I’m excited for you to get to know her, as I was fortunate enough to. We both have the same alma mater, the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine.

You will love this episode and be grateful that you tuned in.

Below is an overview of the topics that what we cover in more detail:

1. Why Dr. Patterson journeyed from studying plant medicine to economics and business, and finally into naturopathic medicine.
2. How Dr. Patterson’s mom’s struggle with lupus and her own autoimmunity and Lyme disease diagnoses spurred her to advocate for integrative methods that address the root cause of conditions.
3. How Lyme disease is often underrecognized and misdiagnosed, with many people seeing five to seven doctors before it is discovered.
4. Why women are especially hard hit by Lyme disease and autoimmunity.
5. Why it’s important for your immune system is to be tolerant.
6. The major symptom clue that you may have Lyme disease.
7. How naturopathic and functional medicine differ from conventional medicine in their approach to addressing autoimmune disease and stealth infections.
8. How essential oils can support Lyme disease and autoimmunity.
9. How essential oils knock out pathogenic microbes and their protective biofilms while not harming, and even supporting, the microbiome. This is important for immune resiliency.
10. Dr. Patterson’s favorite essential oils for helping her patients with symptoms of Lyme disease and autoimmune disease.
11. The importance of balancing the effects of the right essential oils with the right dose. (Note: Please make sure you are working with an expert and/or are knowledgeable about proper applications of essential oils when using them. Especially seek an aromatherapist or health provider if you are on medication and/or using essential oils internally.)
12. Dr. Paterson’s essential oil DIY: An essential oil outdoor bug spray and repellent which mixes a blend of essential oils with water and witch hazel. The oils include oregano, thyme, clove, lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary oils. (Caution: These are hot oils, so please dilute appropriately if applying directly to the skin vs. clothes.)
13. The importance of advocating for yourself and finding a doctor who is literate and familiar with your diagnosis.
14. Closing questions: What Dr. Patterson does for self-care daily and what she feels we should ditch and replace with instead for improved overall health and nourishment.

Click here to listen in on the latest episode and access the show notes.

Click here for my show summary and additional resources on autoimmunity, Lyme disease, essential oils, and Dr. Patterson.

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Find Dr. Patterson at https://drjaquelnd.com/.