Ayurvedaic Treatment For Lyme Disease

August 31, 2021 · by Dr. Vikram Chauhan · in ANTI-AGING SUPPLEMENTS

Abstract

Lyme disease is a bacterial disease. Bacterial infections have a great impact on the health of the individual. This infection can occur in any part of the body. It can be caused by the organisms or by the response of the body itself to its presence. It can be spread through water, air, food or any living vectors. Bacteria are living microorganisms that have only one cell. Their shape looks like balls, rods or spirals. There are many bacterial infections such as Tuberculosis, Anthrax, Tetanus, Botulism, Lyme disease, Typhoid, Pneumonia, Gonorrhea, etc. But in this article, we are going to discuss one of the bacterial infections that are Lyme disease and its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Lyme disease is a vector borne disease that is caused by the bacteria known as Borrelia bacteria. This bacteria is spread by ticks in the genus Ixodes. This is caused by the four main species of bacteria. Borrelia burgdorferi and borrelia mayonii bacterial species cause Lyme disease in the United States and Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the leading cause of Lyme disease in Europe and Asia. This is spread or transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. This tick is commonly known as a deer tick. You get infected only when the tick bites you and stays attached for 36 to 48 hours. If this tick is removed within 48 hours, you probably would not get infected.

Etiology/Causes

As we discussed above, this disease is caused by the bacteria called Borrelia bacterium. It is only transmitted to humans through the tick bite. This is not a contagious disease meaning it cannot spread from person to person. It is usually transmitted through the bites of ticks that are immature and termed as nymphs. It can take more than 48 hours of attachment to the human body before the spread of bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Clinical Features/Signs And Symptoms

The first and most common sign of this infection is red rash over the infected site also known as Erythema migrans. This rash is neither painful nor itchy.

There Are Three Stages Of This Disease

Early localised Lyme: flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and a red rash.
Early disseminated Lyme: pain, weakness or numbness in your arms and legs, changes in your vision, heart palpitations and chest pain.
Late disseminated Lyme: These symptoms can happen after weeks, months or years after the tick bite. Symptoms include arthritis, fatigue, dizziness, loss of sleep and confusion.

Risk factors

The Following Are The Risk Factors For Lyme Disease

Spending time in wooded or grassy areas
Having exposed skin
Not removing ticks promptly or properly

Complications

If Left Untreated Then This Disease Might Lend Into The Following Complications

Chronic joint inflammation
Neurological disorders
Cognitive defects
Heart disorders

Differential Diagnosis

Spider bites
Cellulitis
Shingles
Viral meningitis
Acute coronary syndrome

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on the clinical basis that is based on symptoms, physical findings, history of exposure to the ticks and some laboratory tests.

Laboratory Tests Include

ELISA and western blot is widely used in the diagnosis of Lyme disease. Firstly ELISA should be performed and if it comes positive then the more specific test is performed that is western blot.

Ayurvedic Treatment Of Lyme Disease

The Ayurvedic approach for the treatment of this disease is Shodhan karma (Detoxification) and shaman karma (conservative management). In Shodhan karma: Panchakarma therapy comes under this heading. This medicated therapy promotes intensified cleaning and bio purification of bodily tissues that is Rasadi dhatus.

Therapy Includes

Snehan (oleation therapy)
Swedana therapy (sudation therapy)
Basti (medicated enema)
Virechan (purgation therapy)
Vaman (induced controlled vomiting)
Raktamokshan (Bloodletting)
Nasya (nasal irrigation with herbal oils)

These all procedures are not required for all the patients. These are done on the basis of the patient’s body type, disease prognosis, severity of the disease, patient strength and numerous other factors. So it is concluded that it is not applicable on all the patients or the same for every patient.

In Lyme disease, the basti karma is applicable for the treatment. Anuvasna and Niruha basti is given to the patient on alternative days.

Diet In Lyme Disease

Diet has a very important role in treating every disease. Without a proper diet it is nearly impossible to treat a disease. The diet that is advised in this disease is usually a Vata and Pitta pacifying diet.

Lyme Disease Must Include The Following Dietary Regimen In Their Daily Routine

Vegetables juices and soup
Coconut water or coconut milk
Ginger, garlic, beetroot, red pepper, spinach
Properly cooked vegetables
Coriander, black pepper, ginger, asafoetida, fennel, salfron, turmeric
Khichadi (white rice is cooked with moong dal)
Warm milk (properly boiled milk)

The Following Items Should Be Removed In Their Diet

Spicy and fried foods
Stale food items
Street food
Very bitter and astringent foods
Reduce the quantity of raw foods
Excessive black tea, coffee, alcohol, yoghurt, canon, chocolate

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid worries, anxiety, fear, stress and grief as much as you can
Sleep no less than 7 hours
Perform Abhyanga (Massage) with warm Narayan or Vishgarbha oil mixed with sesame oil
Sip hot water frequently throughout the day
Anuloma-viloma pranayama for 5-10 min. Daily followed by 15 min

Some Of The Ayurvedic Formulations For The Management Of Lyme Disease

Dasamoolarishtam
Turmeric churna + Triphala churna
Shuddha Guggul
Yograj guggul
Triphala guggul
Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica)
Amalaki Rasayan
Nagakesara

Herbal Remedies For Lyme Disease

In Ayurveda, this disease is treated very well without any complaints and side effects. Ayurveda has very good and effective herbal supplements for the management of Lyme disease. The herbal products are offered by a leading herbal manufacturing company that is Planet Ayurveda. This company is GMP certified and also known as a herbal company worldwide. The products are very effective because these are made by the standardized extracts of potential herbs and also these are free from chemicals, additives and preservatives. These herbal products are 100% natural and vegetarian.

Planet Ayurveda Provides The Following Herbal Supplements For Lyme Disease

Neem Capsules
Gandhak Rasayan
Boswellia Curcumin
Bone Support
Joint Aid Plus
Coral Calcium Complex

Products description

1. Neem Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation used in the disease of blood borne. This is used as a blood purifier. This is an effective herbal treatment for skin disorders. These capsules are prepared from the extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica). It has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in subsiding the inflammation over the skin. Regular use of Neem cleansing the skin and brings back the glow. Neem is known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties. It relieves itching, pain and redness on the skin.