Herbal Remedies For Lyme Disease – Symptoms And Causes

Abstract

Lyme disease is also known as borreliosis and is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi which can get if an infected deer tick bites. It is a multisystem inflammatory and a multiorgan animal borne disease caused by spirochetes. The first recognition of lyme disease began in 1975. Lyme disease can present with a wide range of symptoms from localized skin infection to wide spread multisystem involvement. There may be other symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and numbness. Ticks usually become infected after eating infected deer, birds or rats. The tick has to be present on the skin for about 24-26 hours to spread the infection. Most people with Lyme disease have no history of a tick bite. In this article we will discuss all about lyme disease and its ayurvedic treatment.

Introduction

Lyme disease is a multi-organ animal borne disease caused by bacteria called Borrelia. Humans are infected through a tick bite to the skin. It can result in serious health conditions like arthritis and neurological problems. It occurs most commonly in the North-East, upper midwest region. This disease is generally seen in people who live or spend time in wooded areas that are known for its infection. People who have pets and who usually go to wooded areas to graze animals are also at risk of getting Lyme disease. Even after treatment, people suffer from post Lyme disease syndrome or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome whose cause is not known. But this syndrome is powerful enough to affect your mobility and cognitive skills. It may take months or years to recover from this disease. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, heart and nervous system.

Stages of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease can progress through stages, which may overlap and cause symptoms that may involve the skin, joints, heart, or nervous system. 

These stages are

1. Early localized lyme disease
2. Early disseminated lyme disease
3. Late persistent or late disseminated or late lyme disease

Causes

Lyme disease is caused by borrelia bacteria. In Europe, different species of borrelia cause lyme disease and in North America, the black legged tick mainly carry the virus.

Risk Factors

1. Season: The risk of infection is greater in summer, spring and fall. 
2. Habitat: Ticks live in shrubby and grassy areas. 

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of early lyme disease include

1. The first symptom of lyme disease is a skin rash or also known as erythema migraine. 
2. Fever
3. Headache
4. Fatigue
5. Extreme tiredness 
6. Body or joint pain 
7. Swollen gland

Signs and symptoms of second stage that is early disseminated lyme disease include

1. Rashes on multiple area
2. Muscle weakness 
3. Stiffness of neck
4. Heart blockage
5. Numbness 
6. Paralysis of face (Bell’s palsy) 

Signs and symptoms of Late lyme disease or late disseminated lyme disease include

1. Arthritis (Swollen joints)
2. Polyneuropathy (Damage to the multiple nerves of body)
3. Brain fog (Difficulty in concentration)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis usually depend upon signs and symptoms and a blood test

Ayurvedic View

Lyme disease, if understood from Ayurvedic point of view, Lyme disease is caused due to some agantuj karanas (bacterial factors) which are further responsible for dosha distortion and this dosha distortion is responsible for the various symptoms that appear. Such as vitiation of Vata causes musculoskeletal pain and joint pain, lack of concentration, vitiation of Kapha Vata causes difficulty in breathing, chest pain, increased heartbeat, etc.

The best way to treat these symptoms in Ayurveda is Abhyanga. All types of pain, especially vata related, can be controlled using simple abhyanga with warm sesame oil. Abhyanga can be done on the entire body in the direction of hair growth and on the joints in circular motions.

Journey of Bella Hadid with Lyme Disease

She had been suffering from Lyme disease since 2012. Her mother and her younger brother were also diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012. Her journey with Lyme disease was very difficult as she suffered from extreme pain, anxiety, extreme exhaustion, and muscle aches. Bella Hadid shared an Instagram post that included photos of medical records and a statement reflecting on her experiences with the chronic illness. “The little sufferer I was would be so proud of me for not giving up on myself,” Hadid wrote in the caption. “So grateful to my mom… for being there for me, for never leaving my side, for protecting, supporting, but most of all, for believing in me throughout all of this.” Hadid previously described her experiences with Lyme disease in a TikTok post, explaining that the condition would flare up and attack vulnerable parts of her body, such as her teeth, jaw, intestines, brain, spine, bones, and “entire nervous system.” She treated Lyme disease with IV fluids, antibiotics which is the standardised treatment for Lyme disease. She completed a long intensive treatment for LD in 2023, and is now completely cured of Lyme disease.

Herbal Formulations For Lyme Disease of Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that offers herbal formulations/ supplements that are formed by using the ancient methods. Planet Ayurveda has an amazing combination of herbal remedies that act on Lyme disease. These herbal remedies are prepared from using the best quality and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda. They are

1. Neem Capsules
2. Gandhak Rasayana
3. Boswellia Curcumin
4. Joint-Aid Plus
5. Coral Calcium Complex 
6. Bone Support

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Neem Capsules

Neem capsules contain standardized extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica). It is considered as a blood purifier and it also has a detoxifying effect. It is very effective in treating and relieving inflammation and tissue damage from bacterial infections. Consumption of Neem reduces the chances of the third stage of Lyme disease.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

2. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan tablets contain Sulphur (pure sulphur). It improves the immune system and is also very helpful in eliminating harmful toxins. Rasayana is basically a formulation that has cell regenerative effects, partially repairs damaged cells and enhances the aura of the body. It is an excellent formulation for many bacteria related disorders.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

3. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin consists of two herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcumin longa). These herbs have antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs help in reducing the inflammation and pain caused by lyme disease.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

4. Bone support

Bone support capsules are made from pure Laksha (Lacifer Laca resin), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Mukta (Pearl Calcium) and many other herbs. It is one of the best Ayurvedic combinations for improving bone health and promoting circulation in the muscles. It is very effective in treating any type of bone or muscle defects. This formulation helps in improving bone density.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with water.

5. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus is a blend of herbs such as Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and many other herbs. It helps in managing the symptoms that are caused by lyme disease such as body pain and joint pain because of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

6. Coral Calcium Complex

Coral Calcium Complex contains Praval Pishti (Coral), Akik Pishti (Agate), Jawar Mohra Pishti, etc. All these ingredients make it a very important formulation that helps maintain calcium levels in the body, keeps bones healthy, also has an impact on building a strong immune system and helps in protecting the heart due to the natural calcium sources.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

Conclusion

Lyme disease (LD) is a tick borne disease and most common in Europe and America. In ayurveda it can be correlated with agantuj karanas (bacterial factors),Ayurveda has many secrets hidden in it and it is always open to the world for the management and treatment of various types of disorders.The herbal preparations mentioned above are completely effective in managing conditions like Lyme disease. As mentioned earlier these formulations are completely herbal and do not contain any adulterants or preservatives.