DOES CBD PLAY A ROLE IN CURING LYME DISEASE?

Lyme disease has increasingly become quite rampant over the years globally. With CBD becoming more acceptable and popular in the field of medicine, many people have started asking if CBD also has benefits in tackling Lyme disease.

Lyme is a bacterial disease that attacks humans. However, it is transmitted by an organism. It is a vector-borne disease that infects people through organisms such as ticks.

Being a bacterial condition, the disease is often treated using antibiotics. However, many people have reported symptoms even after taking a full dose of drugs. This is a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

With more people are increasingly getting affected by Lyme disease in the USA, scientists have embarked on widespread research to explore ways to deal with the condition and mitigate its effects. However, before then, many people are left grappling with the situation as an effective medication is fast being discovered.

CBD exploration has shown beneficial results in various health concerns such as chronic pain, seizures, diabetes, anxiety, etc.

Lyme Disease Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of Lyme disease manifest differently, ranging from early to late. The first sign of this condition is often a tick bite.

Most people don notice such bites. This causes late diagnosis, which leads to the development of a rash. Here are more symptoms of the disease.

Headache
Fever
Chills
General body aches
Fatigue
Swollen glands
Joint pains
Facial palsy
Dizziness
Nerve pains
etc…

Most of the early symptoms of Lyme disease are related and manifest in the same way. This would likely make people treat wrong conditions. Long unmonitored cases of Lyme can fast escalate, causing serious conditions. Some people may experience heart palpitations, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

Lyme disease causes

Lyme, as we mentioned above, is caused by bacteria transmitted through a tick bite. The most common transmitter is the black-legged deer tick; however, most tick types transmit the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lyme Disease Prevention and Treatment

Preventing against Lyme disease involves preventing tick bites. One should always be wary of surroundings with long grasses. Avoiding these habitats goes a long way in protecting you from tick bites and, consequently, Lyme disease.

Moreover, if you find a tick on your skin, quickly and carefully remove it using tweezers or any device available. Ensure that the tick’s mouthparts do not remain inside your skin. Clean the place with water and soap or rub it using alcohol.

Lyme disease should be combatted immediately to enhance the odds of success. Early treatment increases the chances of ridding your body of the bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used for the treatment of Lyme disease. Patients may take these drugs for weeks and maybe effective if the full prescribed dose is completed in the recommended time.

However, some patients may report persistent symptoms of Lyme disease even after the completion of the dosage. Here is where other alternative remedies such as CBD may become invaluable.

CBD for Lyme Disease

Cannabidiol, CBD is one of the numerous active components of cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating and does not result in the ‘high’ feeling characteristic of many people who use marijuana.

Consequent to the easing of laws regulating the growth and use of medical marijuana, many scientists have poured resources into this field to research the benefits of CBD products in medicine. Although there aren’t substantive studies to conclusively declare CBD as a treatment against Lyme, anecdotal findings seem to point towards the positive benefits of CBD.

According to an article in the 2015 paper of Clinical Infectious Diseases titled Unorthodox Alternative Therapies Marketed to Treat Lyme Disease, marijuana and CBD oil is helpful in the treatment of Lyme disease.

Further evidence has shown that CBD is an antioxidant. It helps body cells to undergo regeneration and prevents damage, hence helping to protect them. Furthermore, traces of evidence have indicated that CBD products are good for mitigating against bacterial effects.

Potentially, CBD may be crucial in positively impacting sleep and one’s mood. With prolonged periods on screens and blue light, you are highly susceptible to sleep disorders.

CBD can be consumed through direct application on the skin, holding it under the tongue for about 60 to 90 seconds, or vaping. Some incorporate it into edibles such as gummies. Those choosing to apply the topical CBD directly to the painful areas do so because it provides fast relief against pain. Also, putting it below the tongue provides a means through which CBD is fast absorbed into the bloodstream.

More research on CBD and its benefits in curing Lyme disease need to be conducted since the available data is not sufficient to give a green light on these products. However, you can still use CBD-infused solutions for your Lyme condition with a doctor’s approval and guidance.

The bottom line

Although anecdotal reports present positive outcomes on the use of CBD for Lyme treatment, it is acutely necessary to heighten research on CBD and its benefits for Lyme patients. This information is critical in showing how the compound works against Lyme and other benefits it may have in mitigating the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Needless to stress that CBD does not work for everyone and that you should only use it under your doctor’s instruction. If not, consider purchasing CBD products from certified manufacturers and dealers only.

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Julia Davis

Psychologist, Mental Health Expert at shopgiejo.com

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.