The 'correct' play through is for MC to assert themselves and go first. Lae'zel approves this display of authority - which also doubles as being protective.

With inspiration in the bank and party buffs, it's quite doable to pass the Zhaith'isk checks. It's 10 points easier than Lae'zel going first. I didn't fail any checks.

Heck,
you can even pretend to be lobotomized afterwards to deflect interest in your tadpole.

But yes, Greater Restoration and I think Heal should restore the damage. But Larian opted for tadpoling yourself for recovery.

I agree that the base game should have recovery options later in the game for all the various debuffs. It's the perfect quest motivator.