Abstract
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can spread to humans through infected ticks. The rash can appear after three months of being bitten. This infectious disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi. The bacteria is transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected black legged or deer trick. The ticks usually become infected after feeding on infected deer, birds or mice. The tick has to be present on skin for around 24-26 hours to spread the infection. Most of the people with lyme disease do not have any history of tick bite. In this article we will discuss lyme disease in detail along with its Ayurvedic management.
Introduction
Lyme disease was first recognized in the town of old lyme, Connecticut. This incident was recorded in 1975. From the town’s name it got its name and is one of the most common tick borne illnesses in Europe and the United states. The disease is commonly seen in people who live or spend time in wooded areas which are known for its transmission. People who have domestic animals and usually visit wooded areas for animal grazing are also at a risk of getting Lyme disease. Even people after treatment also suffer from post lyme disease syndrome or post treatment lyme disease syndrome whose cause is not known. But the syndrome is potent enough to affect your mobility and cognitive skills. Recovery from this disease can take months or years.
Causes for Lyme Disease
The prime and only cause for the spread of this disease is ticks. Ticks being infected by Borrelia Burgdorferi spread the lyme disease.
Stages of Lyme Disease
There are three stages of Lyme disease. These stages are named according to the spread of bacteria inside the body. These three are as follows:
Stage 1: Earl Localised
In this stage the bacteria has not spread yet throughout the body. This is the most easily treatable stage.
Stage 2: Early Disseminated
In this stage the bacteria starts spreading throughout the body
Stage 3: Late Disseminated
The bacteria has now spread throughout the body.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The symptoms of this disease vary from one person to another. Various people respond to Lyme disease differently. Even the severity of symptoms can also vary. Lyme disease is divided into three stages, as mentioned above.
The first stage appears days or weeks after infection. These symptoms are similar to flu and includes:
High fever with chills
General feeling of being ill
Mild to moderate continues headache
Joint pain along with difficulty in moment of affected joint
Muscle ache, which will be of continues type
Neck stiffness along with heavy headedness
The bull’s eye rash is also seen commonly in this stage. It’s a flat or slightly raised red spot at the site of the tick bite. It’s a large expansion along with a clear area in the centre. This is called erythema migrans and if left without treatment can last for more than 4 weeks.
The Symptoms of the Stage 2 that is early Disseminated occurs weeks or Months after tick bite and it includes:
The Stage two symptoms generally resemble the symptoms which are commonly seen when a person is suffering from heart or respiratory problems such as
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Heart problems
Skipped heartbeats also called as palpitations In addition,
Numbness or pain in the nerve area
Paralysis or weakness in facial muscles may also be present
The symptoms in stage three or in late disseminated stage of lyme disease can occur within months or years after the infection. The most common symptom that persists is muscle and joint pain. The other symptoms that are generally associated are:
Abnormal or involuntary muscle movement
Swelling in the joints
Muscle weakness
Tingling and numbness in the body, especially extremities
Speech problems: Difficulty in talking, sudden stuttering etc.
Thinking or cognitive behavioural problems
Diagnosis
Blood test is generally done for the check on antibodies that develop in response to the lyme disease causing bacteria. ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunoassay) for Lyme disease is generally done.
For the symptoms that appear in stage two there are certain specific tests which are must to be done like:
Electrocardiogram
Echocardiogram
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of brain
CT scan (Computed Tomography)
Population at Risk
There is a certain percentage of the population which is affected more by this condition. This percentage includes:
Doing outside activities that increase risk of tick exposure for example gardening, hunting or hiking in the area tick bites are common
Having pets and domestic animals at home which increase the risk of infection
Walking in grasslands
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Generally after the bite from a tick, an individual is kept under observation or is watched closely for at least 30 days. Rest is as following:
A single dose of antibiotic doxycycline is given to the person whose being bit. But the antibiotic dose depends on certain factors like:
Person should have the tick attached to his or her body who can spread lyme disease.
The tick should be attached to the individual for at least 36 hours.
The person should take antibiotics within 72 hours of tick removal.
The individual should be 8 years or more in age and should not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
In such cases a days to 4 week course of antibiotics is used to treat people who are being diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Common Choice of Antibiotics
Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxone.
Some painkillers along with muscle relaxants for joint pain and stiffness are also being used.
Possible Complications
Post treatment lyme syndrome
Decreased concentration
Nerve damage
Pain
Facial muscle paralysis
Sleep disorders
Vision disorders
Numbness
Ayurvedic Aspect of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, if understood from an Ayurvedic point of view then lyme disease is caused by some angantuja karanas (bacterial factors) which are further responsible for dosha vitiation and this dosha vitiation is responsible for various symptoms that appear. Like vata vitiation causes musculoskeletal pain and joint pain, lack of concentration, kapha vata vitiation causes shortness of breath, chest pain palpitations etc.The best way to treat these symptoms in Ayurveda Is through Abhyanga. All types of pain, especially vata related, can be managed using simple abhyanga with warm sesame oil. The abhyanga can be done in the direction of hair growth all over the body and in circular motion over the joints. Rest of the symptoms can be managed using potent herbs like haridra (Curcuma longa), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and many others which can enhance the body’s immunity to fight bacterial manifestation as well as manages the symptoms very well.
Herbal Formulations for Lyme Disease by Planet Ayurveda
Plantbased Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic firm which deals with the manufacturing of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs which are really effective in managing many conditions related to lower strength of the immune system and disturbances with its working due to bacterial manifestation. The formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are really potent to manage various conditions arising due to infection causing agents especially conditions like lyme disease and are very fruitful hence giving positive noticeable results. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Lyme disease are as follows:
Neem Capsules
Gandhak Rasayan
Boswellia Curcumin
Bone Support
Joint Aid Plus
Coral Calcium Complex
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Neem Capsules
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a very effective herb which can be used for blood purification and also has a detoxification effect on the entire system. The capsules are prepared using potent and standardised extract of neem which is very effective in treating and relieving swelling and tissue damage by bacterial infection. The intake of neem reduces chances of occurrence of stage three of Lyme disease.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.
2. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak rasayan is a natural preparation and has rejuvenation properties. It has gandhak (purified sulphur) as its content. It improves the immune system and also is very helpful in elimination of harmful toxins. Rasayan is basically a formulation which has cell regenerative effect, repairs partially damaged cells and enhances its body’s aura. It is an excellent formulation for many bacteria related disorders.
Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.
3. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia Curcumin is filled with anti-inflammatory properties as it contains two very effective herbs which are Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These both are really good as the best agents for reducing inflammatory conditions. Both of them are helpful in inflammation of the muscles, bones and tendons. They work by improving circulation and also contain analgesic properties that help in treating pain in the affected area.
Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
4. Bone Support
Bone support is made from herbs like Shudh Laksha (Laccifer lacca resin), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Mukta (Pearl calcium), and many more. This is one of the best ayurvedic combinations for improving the health of the bones and promoting circulation to the muscles. It is very effective in treating any kind of bone or muscle defect. This formulation helps in improving bone density.
Dosage: Two capsules twice a day with water after meals.
5. Joint Aid plus
Joint aid plus is one of the best herbal combinations containing herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and many other herbs. All these herbs help in reduction of the inflammation and management of painful conditions of bones. These capsules are also very beneficial in purifying the blood and also helps in strengthening the bones as well as muscles.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
6. Coral Calcium Complex
The coral calcium has praval pishti (coral), akik pishti (agate), jawar mohra pishti, kamdhudha ras, mukta pishti (pearl) and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). These all ingredients make it a very important formulation which helps in maintaining calcium levels in the body, keeps bones healthy, also has an impact on building a strong immune system and also is helpful inheart functioning due to natural calcium sources which help in maintaining the electric system of the heart.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals.
Comentarios