What To Do After a Tick Bite (Holistic Protocol)

Written By Audra Davis

Ticks! If you live somewhere like me and know the value of getting outdoors, ticks are inevitable. They freak you out—I GET IT.

And I don’t want you living in fear.

I want you to feel empowered with a plan so that you (and your kids) can enjoy life without that constant anticipatory anxiety.

Because this isn’t about avoiding the scary things in life… it’s about knowing how to respond when it happens.

Step 1: Remove the Tick Properly

Proper removal matters more than most people realize.

The general recommendation via google:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers

  • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

  • Pull upward steadily (no twisting or jerking)

  • Clean the area with soap and water afterward

But I’m going to be transparent with you…

As a country girl who grew up outside, using tweezers (and even some of the “fancy” tools) has not always been the most effective method for me.

Sometimes, using your fingers—when done carefully—has actually worked better to get a solid grip and remove the tick cleanly.

This is one of those areas where:
👉 Skill + confidence > the tool itself

If that’s not something you feel comfortable with yet, having a tool on hand can absolutely help.

Tool I personally like:

  • Tick Twister(this is the one I keep on hand)
    *I get a small % if you use this link

Avoid:

  • Smothering with oils or substances before removal

  • Twisting or crushing the tick

  • Panicking (this increases the chance of improper removal)

The goal is to remove it cleanly, without leaving mouthparts behind.

Step 2: Support the Body Immediately

This is where we shift from reaction → support.

Homeopathic Support

Ledum palustre is your first go-to after a puncture wound like a tick bite or any animal bite.

Suggested protocol:

  • Ledum 30C every 3 hours for the first 24 hours

  • Then twice daily for one week

  • Then twice weekly for one month

  • Then once weekly for an additional month

This is a protocol I learned from Joette Calabrese and can be a supportive starting place after a tick bite.

A quick note on sourcing:

I personally do not recommend ordering homeopathic remedies through Amazon. I’ve had negative experiences with quality and handling.

Instead, check your local health food store—many of them carry high-quality remedies and this is often the most reliable option.

Step 3: Continue Observing (Without Obsessing)

You do not need to spiral or monitor every second—but awareness matters.

And this part is important:

👉 If symptoms begin to appear, I no longer recommend continuing a protocol.

At that point, we shift.

Because homeopathy works best when it is individualized, not generalized.

Step 4: When to Individualize Care

If symptoms begin to develop, remedies should be chosen based on your specific presentation, not just the fact that a tick bite occurred. Please schedule with me or a qualified homeopath to help you select the right remedies.

Remedies That May Be Indicated (Based on Symptoms)

  • Aurum arsenicum
    Consider if there is deep exhaustion, anxiety, or a more systemic decline

  • Silica
    May be helpful if the body seems to struggle to fully resolve or clear or if a tick head gets stuck

These are not “just in case” remedies—they are chosen intentionally based on what your body is expressing.

Step 5: Know What Symptoms to Watch For

Most tick bites do not turn into chronic illness. But early awareness allows for early support.

Possible Symptoms of Lyme Disease

  • Bullseye or expanding rash

  • Fatigue

  • Fever or chills

  • Headache

  • Muscle or joint aches

  • Swollen lymph nodes

Possible Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

(A delayed allergy to red meat triggered by some tick bites)

  • Hives or itching after eating red meat

  • Swelling (lips, face, throat)

  • Digestive distress (nausea, diarrhea)

  • Shortness of breath

Possible Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Rash (often starts on wrists/ankles)

  • Muscle pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

Step 6: When to Seek Support

If you notice any symptoms developing, don’t wait and wonder.

This is where personalized care matters most.

👉 Schedule a consult so we can:

  • Assess your unique symptom picture

  • Choose the correct remedy (not guess)

  • Support your body early and effectively

Should You Keep the Tick?

You can—but you don’t need to panic about it.

If you choose to keep it:

  • Place the tick in a sealed container or bag

  • Store it with a small piece of damp cotton (not soaking wet)

  • Label with the date and where the bite occurred

  • Refrigerate (do not freeze unless long-term storage is needed)

Should you send it to a lab?

Testing is optional.

Some people choose to send ticks to a lab to check for pathogens—but:

  • A positive test does not guarantee transmission

  • A negative test does not guarantee absence

This can be helpful information, but it should not replace observing your body.

Prevention (Without Obsession)

You don’t have to stop living your life to avoid ticks—but a little preparation goes a long way.

One option I like:

  • Tick Ban
    *I get a small % if you use this link

Think of this as support—not something you rely on out of fear.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to live in fear of ticks.

Preparedness > panic.

When you:

  • Remove the tick properly

  • Support your body early

  • Stay aware (not obsessive)

  • Shift to individualized care when needed

…you are doing all you can to support your body and stay well.

Your body is not waiting to fail you—it’s working for you. And symptoms are part of that, so if they do arise, let’s listen.

Note: This is for educational purposes only.

Audra Davis
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What Are Bowel Nosodes (and Why I Use Them in Gut Healing)