Summary of "What Your Tongue Says About Your Health (Lyme, Mold, Candida, & More)"
Episode Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Guest: Dr. Christopher Motley
In this enlightening episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, host Dr. Josh Axe engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Christopher Motley, a leading expert in natural medicine and infectious diseases. The conversation delves into the intricate connections between chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, mold toxicity, Candida overgrowth, and their profound impact on overall health. Additionally, the episode explores traditional diagnostic methods like tongue diagnosis in Chinese medicine and emphasizes a holistic approach to healing that encompasses diet, herbal supplementation, and emotional well-being.
1. Introduction to Chronic Infections and Their Misdiagnosis
Dr. Josh Axe opens the conversation by highlighting the prevalent issue of chronic infections being misdiagnosed or overlooked in conventional medicine. He underscores the limitations of the typical seven-minute doctor visit, which often prioritizes quick symptom management over comprehensive healing.
Dr. Josh Axe [01:11]:
"The average doctor visit today is seven minutes. There is no way a doctor could see somebody one time for seven minutes and put together an entire protocol to help them completely heal.”
Dr. Motley shares his journey of overcoming a chronic tick-borne illness, emphasizing the challenges of identifying and treating such infections without a holistic approach.
2. Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on tongue diagnosis, an ancient Chinese medical practice used to identify underlying health issues based on the appearance of the tongue.
Dr. Christopher Motley [00:42]:
"The tongue and the grooves in the back tongue usually mean bladder kidney. So that means you have yeast in the bladder kidney.”
Dr. Axe explains how different areas of the tongue correspond to various organs and how specific coatings or discolorations can indicate conditions like Candida overgrowth.
Dr. Josh Axe [07:37]:
"You really want to focus on doing more protein, more fiber, lots of berries and things that are sour. Flushing those kidneys out, like cranberry is really good for people there, too."
3. Candida Overgrowth: Identification and Treatment
Candida is identified as one of the most common fungal infections that many individuals experience at some point in their lives, particularly women. The conversation covers its symptoms, dietary triggers, and natural treatment options.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth:
- Smelly armpits and pungent foot odor
- Thickened scalp with dandruff-like symptoms
- Joint pain and discomfort
- Chronic fatigue and brain fog
Dr. Christopher Motley [09:37]:
"If you have chronic fatigue when you were younger, you don't know anything. You're just like, well, I'd eat more sugar."
Herbal Treatments for Candida:
- Skullcap (Scutellaria)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Dr. Christopher Motley [16:33]:
"Reishi mushroom, skullcap, and neem are great combinations that reduce yeast levels tremendously."
Dietary Recommendations:
- Eliminate excess sugars and refined starches
- Incorporate more proteins, fibers, and sour foods like berries
- Use cranberry supplements for kidney support
4. Hypothyroidism and Viral Infections
The discussion transitions to hypothyroidism, emphasizing its frequent association with underlying viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Coxsackievirus.
Dr. Christopher Motley [12:15]:
"Almost every single one of them has a microbe, especially viral infection, that's already in the thyroid."
The duo explains how conventional diagnoses often overlook these viral contributors, leading to ineffective treatment plans.
5. Impact of Hormones and Medications on Infections
Dr. Axe highlights how certain medications, particularly antibiotics and contraceptives, can exacerbate issues like Candida overgrowth by disrupting hormonal balance and gut flora.
Dr. Josh Axe [14:28]:
"There are drugs that are greatly going to make you become more susceptible to the overgrowth of Candida and of viruses, two of those being antibiotics and contraceptive drugs."
6. Herbal Strategies for Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, a significant focus of the episode, is explored in depth. Dr. Motley distinguishes between different strains such as Borrelia and Babesia, discussing their unique symptoms and treatment approaches.
Herbs Recommended for Lyme Disease:
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
- Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
- Cryptolepis (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta)
Dr. Christopher Motley [26:33]:
"My top are going to be Japanese knotweed, cat's claw, cryptolepis. Those are like my top three."
7. Long Covid and Its Complications
The conversation addresses Long Covid, noting its ability to reactivate dormant viruses such as EBV, thereby complicating the healing process.
Dr. Josh Axe [27:18]:
"Long Covid, I mean, wrecked him. And he's a super fit, super healthy guy, but now he's probably like 80% better, but he's still not 100."
Treatment Approaches:
- Blood Cleansing: Using enzymes like papaya and serrapeptase
- Antivirals: Olive leaf and astragalus to inhibit viral replication
- Adaptogens: Schisandra and rhodiola to support mitochondrial health
8. Mold Toxicity: Symptoms and Natural Detoxification
Mold toxicity is identified as another pervasive issue, especially following environmental events like flooding.
Symptoms of Mold Toxicity:
- Achy joints and fibromyalgia
- Cognitive impairments such as memory loss and brain fog
- Respiratory issues and dizziness
Natural Detox Strategies:
- Herbs: Schisandra berry, Chanca Piedra (stone breaker herb), and Skullcap
- Binders: Activated charcoal to facilitate toxin excretion
- Dietary Adjustments: Increasing fiber intake via peeled apples and magnesium supplements
Dr. Christopher Motley [67:37]:
"I always do schisandra berry to clean out the bile, and then stone breaker herb to start cleaning it out.”
9. Parasites: Detection and Herbal Remedies
Parasites are discussed as common yet often unrecognized contributors to various health issues.
Symptoms of Parasitic Infections:
- Bloating, diarrhea, or constipation after eating
- Unexplained weight loss and puffy lower pelvic area
- Fatigue and digestive disturbances
Herbal Treatments for Parasites:
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
- Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
- Artemisia (Artemisia annua)
Dr. Christopher Motley [70:54]:
"My top two would be artemisia and probably black walnuts. So I get them started on that and then I cut out all the sugars."
10. Holistic Healing: Integrating Physical and Emotional Health
A pivotal theme of the episode is the integration of physical treatments with emotional and spiritual healing. Dr. Axe and Dr. Motley emphasize addressing childhood trauma, emotional wounds, and fostering a balanced internal environment to support the healing process.
Key Strategies:
- Emotional Release: Journaling and counseling to process past traumas
- Spiritual Practices: Prayer and forgiveness to heal emotional wounds
- Lifestyle Modifications: Exposure to natural light, reducing blue light at night, and incorporating adaptogenic herbs
Dr. Josh Axe [40:21]:
"Childhood trauma and negative thoughts create an environment where your body becomes sick.”
Dr. Motley adds that unresolved emotional issues can physically manifest in specific areas of the body, often aligning with underlying infections.
Dr. Christopher Motley [40:55]:
"They have a program like, I'm gonna take care of my kids so much better. And that's why they always are worried."
11. Conclusion: The Need for an Integrated Medical Approach
Dr. Josh Axe concludes by advocating for a comprehensive medical approach that transcends the limitations of conventional medicine. He emphasizes the importance of personalized protocols that address diet, supplementation, lifestyle, and emotional well-being to achieve full and lasting healing.
Dr. Josh Axe [45:00]:
"We're going to create diet and health plans that are really unique to their condition. So if somebody comes in with hypothyroidism, there's a very specific program for that."
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional methods like tongue diagnosis to uncover hidden infections.
- Natural Treatments: Employing specific herbs and dietary changes to combat chronic infections effectively.
- Emotional Healing: Addressing emotional and spiritual health as integral components of physical healing.
- Personalized Protocols: Tailoring treatment plans to individual needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
This episode serves as a vital resource for individuals grappling with unexplained health issues, offering insights into alternative diagnostic and treatment modalities that prioritize root causes over mere symptom management.