All About Lyme Disease and its Ayurvedic Treatment; Justin Bieber also Struggled with it

Abstract

Lyme disease is an extremely common vector borne disease. It’s occurrence is most prevalent in the USA and Europe. This disease can cause rashes, fatigue as well as arthritis in the body. Although it has a simple treatment course of antibiotics, many patients experience long term persisting symptoms. In Ayurveda, it can be classified under Krimi Janya Vyadhi.

Introduction

Lyme disease is caused by a pathogen known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted through the bite of a deer tick which is already infected with this virus. In 1975, an outbreak of juvenile arthritis led to the discovery of this disease in a town of Connecticut named Lyme. Hence, the name of this disease. A tick bite looks like a tiny bull’s eye. Ticks feed on blood by attaching themselves to the host. It can keep feeding and clinging to the host for several days. The tick itself doesn’t get sick from the bacteria but acts as a carrier for it. If one identifies and removes the tick within the first 24 hours, chances of getting Lyme’s disease reduce to a great extent.The symptoms of Lyme disease can show up in stages as well as together. Usually there are 3 stages seen in Lyme disease:

Stage 1

Early localized symptoms usually happen within the first few days of the bite including a rash in the form of a single circle which may have a dot in the center. The rash does not itch like a mosquito bite but it is warm to touch. The patient may be extremely tiresome.

Stage 2

If not treated, it progresses towards stage 2. The symptoms of this stage show after several weeks. It is called early disseminated disease. The rash becomes more widespread. The bacteria start affecting the body’s immune system. Patient experiences loss of strength.

Stage 3

This stage is known as the late disseminated disease. This stage causes arthritis in the body particularly in large joints such as knees. It may begin after a year following the bite. Many people have no idea they have been bitten by a tick. Therefore it is essential to take precaution while hiking or camping in wild areas as well as look for early symptoms.

Signs And Symptoms

• Rash in the form of a red spot at the site of the bite which then spreads to the whole body at later stages
• Increased body temperature or recurrent fever
• Myalgia
• Constant fatigue
• Headache and feeling of heaviness in the head
• Pain in joints resulting in reduced range of motion
• Swelling of lymph nodes
• Irregular heart beat
• Rashes on area of bite as well as other body parts
• Pain that starts from the back radiating towards legs
• Weakness of the nervous system can also lead to vision loss

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of Lyme disease is majorly based on the assessment of symptoms.
• The blood test for detecting antibodies against the bacteria is ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)
• If ELISA is positive or unclear then a test called Western Blot test is done for confirmation.

Risk Factors

• Geography – People living in areas where deer ticks are prevalent run a higher risk of getting infected with Lyme disease like the south-eastern and central Canada.
• Season – Risk of infection increases in spring season, summer season and fall. Ticks are not active in extremely cold temperatures.
• Habitat – As ticks live in woody and shrubby areas, one should be careful and take precautions like tick repellants and protective clothes while visiting such places.

Complications

• Fatigue
• Damage of nerves
• Vision abnormality
• Arthritis
• Memory loss
• Insomnia
• Bodyache
• Post treatment lyme syndrome

Management Of Lyme Disease

• The first line treatment plan for Lyme disease is use of antibiotics. It is best to take the treatment within 72 hours of tick removal.
• Symptomatic treatment for pain is also administered.

Ayurveda Aspect

There is no specific reference of Lyme disease in Ayurveda though it can be correlated with Krimi Roga. Krimi refers to all kinds of worms and microorganisms like protozoa, helminths, viruses etc. This disease is caused by external factors (Agantuk Karana) i.e. bacteria. This condition is highly prevalent in woody and grassy areas. Acharya Charak has mentioned Krimi Roga in Charak Samhita, Vimana Sthana.

Etiology

• The causes of Lyme disease (Krimi Roga) in Ayurveda differ from contemporary science.
• Although it is clear that this disease initiates due to the transmission of bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi into the body through the bite of a tick, the manifestation of the disease depends upon the body of that person.
• A person with a compromised immune system containing imbalance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) will be more prone to Lyme disease through the tick bite.
• Vata Dosha vitiation is seen in Lyme disease. Due to which the patient experiences joint pain, weakness, decreased concentration, breathlessness etc.
• This disease entails a weak nervous system which will increase risk for infections.
• Existing inflammation in the body will contribute to the outbreak of rashes.
• Obstruction in body channels will lead to toxin build up thus promoting bacterial growth.
• These points also explain the prevalence of post treatment Lyme syndrome. Even after antibiotic intervention, the persistence of Lyme disease can certainly depend on the bodily factors discussed above.

Dosha Involved

Vata Dosha dominance is seen in Lyme Disease.

तत्र सर्वक्रिमीणाम पकर्षणमेवादित: कार्य, तत:
प्रकृतिविघात: अनन्तरं निदानोक्त्तानां भावानामनुपसेवनमिति ||

Reference – Charak Samhita, Vimana sthana, 7/14

The above shloka states the first line of treatment to be elimination of all types of worms and microbes from the body. The second step should be to provide an unfavorable body environment to the microbes and then remove the etiological factors from the patient’s regime.

• Purifactory Methods – Purification through Panchakarma will eliminate the built-up toxins produced by bacteria in the body.
  • Such deep cleansing will give the body’s natural defence system a chance to kill the bacterial growth.
  • Panchakarma procedures comprise preparatory methods like massage (Abhyanga) and sudation (Swedana). These methods will relieve the patient from pain and fatigue.
• Maintenance of Unfavourable Environment – Eating foods comprising tastes that are unfavorable to the body type of the microbes like diet containing alkaline and hot potency foods.
• Prevention from Causative Factors – As Ayurveda believes the manifestation of Lyme disease to be more than just bacterial growth, the emphasis on dietary modifications seems necessary
  • Avoidance of all kinds of toxin producing foods like red meat, processed foods and excess intake of animal products has been indicated.
  • The patient is advised to follow a clean and calming diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as millets.
• Rejuvenative Treatment – Herbs like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) are termed as rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs. These herbs increase body immunity and strength in order to combat this disease. Manjistha will also purify the blood and Giloy will keep symptoms like fever at bay.

Journey Of Justin Bieber With Lyme Disease

Being a globally successful singer at such a young age, Justin Bieber has seen a lot in his life and that does not exclude difficulties, may it be with career or health. He was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2020. This information was brought to light when fans on Instagram accused him of doing drugs as they noticed redness and swelling on his face and eyes. The music artist then went on to reply that people keep judging him but fail to realize that he is suffering from Lyme disease. It is not just a simple insect bite where a shot of antibiotics will cure the problem. Many people around the world face the chronicity of this disease all their life. Bieber has been dealing with Lyme disease for more than three years now. In a documentary in 2020, he shared his struggles with the ailment including constant fatigue. In addition to Lyme disease he also suffers from Ramsay Hunt syndrome along with the history of Mononucleosis. All of these troubles and treatments led to severe facial acne. Bieber and his wife Hailey have been extremely positive on the whole matter. They say they are very grateful to at least know the reason behind all his symptoms now and they are ready to fix it. Hailey says that Justin is now healthier than ever, he takes care of himself more now that he knows he has a group of diseases to recover from.

Herbal Formulations For Lyme Disease By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an ayurvedic company dealing with manufacture of herbal remedies. These herbal remedies are prepared through authentic and ancient methods. Planet Ayurveda provides an efficient combination of medicines for managing Lyme disease:

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

Products Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

This formulation is in capsule form which contains standardized extract of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). This combination asserts a powerful impact on the body reducing the pain and skin rashes experienced by the patient. Both of these ingredients are highly anti-inflammatory in nature. The antibacterial nature of curcumin greatly aids in reducing bacterial growth as well as swelling in the body.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with water after meals.

2. Joint Aid Plus

This natural formulation is made up of the extract of five herbs such as Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) etc. It works by pacifying Vata Dosha which is mainly aggravated in Lyme disease. It is helpful in managing joint pain as well as headache due to its analgesic properties. This formula will help increase your immunity resulting in faster recovery and better defense in future.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day after meals with water.

3. Coral Calcium Complex

This herbo-mineral formula works to strengthen bones and joints of the body. It will help reduce the constant fatigue experienced by the patient. The alkaline and cool nature will have an anti-inflammatory effect on the rashes spread over the body. This product comprises minerals like Parval pishti (Coral), Akik pishti (Agate), Mukta Pishti (Pearl) etc. This formulation is rich in calcium making it an effective remedy for bone weakness in Lyme. The addition of Giloy Satva will help strengthen the immune system.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with water after meals.

4. Neem Capsules

This herbal product contains the standardized extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica). The antibacterial effect of this product will inhibit bacterial growth. Neem is quite useful in tiredness. It will reduce rashes due to tick bites. Regular consumption will purify the blood and cleanse the system.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with water after meals.

5. Bone Support

This herbo-mineral formulation contains Shuddh Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Suhanjana Beej (Moringa oleifera), Mukta (Compound of Pearl Calcium) etc. It will help in the musculoskeletal plains experienced by the patient. It will help uplift mood and enhance body energy. The antioxidants found in this product will help in cell survival.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after meals with water.

6. Gandhak Rasayan

This formulation contains Gandhak (purified sulphur) which is a highly effective blood purifier. It is used in almost all skin disorders. Apart from that, it is anti-bacterial in nature which makes it the optimum choice for Lyme disease.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily after meals with water.

Conclusion

Prevalence of this disease is more in western areas like the USA. Planet Ayurveda provides potent medicinal formulations to manage Lyme disease. Many people suffer from post Lyme disease syndrome which takes a toll on their life. Herbs provide relief in such conditions without the fear of any side-effects. The formulations mentioned above can be used by all age groups.