Ugh. It’s tick season. And as much as I LOVE summer, ticks terrify me because they can cause Lyme Disease. If you live with this, it probably took a while to be diagnosed. Let’s see how aromatherapy can make a difference if you’re living with Lyme Disease.

The information here is general in nature, so if you’ve just begun your search about Lyme Disease, this is a good place to start – I’ll have links for more resources throughout this post for you.

What is Lyme Disease?

The first case recognized in the United States occurred about 40 years ago in Lyme, Connecticut – hence the name Lyme Disease.

It comes from the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged deer ticks. What that says to me is not every single blacklegged deer tick is infected.

What are the symptoms of lyme disease?

You may have gotten a tick bite, taken care of it and not thought any more about it. Usually about a month after you’ve been bitten by an infected tick, you’ll begin seeing symptoms such as:

• • A “bullseye” skin rash called a erythema migrans
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Sleeping disturbances beyond the norm

These aren’t all the symptoms and The Centers For Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia has an entire section devoted just for this topic. The symptoms I’ve listed are the most common short-term symptoms.

This is one of those time where you need to see your medical professional. Yes, they’re going to put you on some strong antibiotics. If you’re concerned about this, talk to a naturopathic or integrative physician first – BUT DON’T WAIT – GET CHECKED OUT NOW!

Long term symptoms include:

• • Problems with short term memory
  • Chronic pain
  • Mood changes that aren’t normal
  • Facial paralysis
  • Arthritis

This is serious stuff!

Treatment for Lyme Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed early with Lyme Disease, your doctor will put you on a round of antibiotics which usually helps you recover fairly fast and completely, normally within a month. Whatever antibiotic is prescribed, make sure you take the WHOLE dose. This isn’t the time to be a hero.

On the other hand, if you waited for more than a month, or didn’t realize you got infected, then you’ll still be given antibiotics but you may receive them intravenously.

Here’s the kicker though. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria leading to problems with your immune system, yeast overgrowth and an eroding of white cell membranes which leads to more fatigue.  Worse yet, the Borrelia burgdorferi infection tends to become resistant to antibiotics over time.

Aromatherapy For Lyme Disease

One way to prevent tick bites is to use essential oils for repelling mosquitoes and ticks. I’ve carefully researched the ingredients in Skeeter-Off Mosquito Repellent for Adults and Skeeter-Off Mosquito Repellent for Children.

If you know you’re going to be outside, shake well and spray it directly on your skin and also on your clothing. It’s completely non-greasy, so your clothes should be fine. You don’t need to saturate your clothing, a light misting all over you will work. I actually mist my hair, too but please do avoid your eyes!

Although the majority of patients do recover after a round of very strong antibiotics, about 20% experience symptoms afterwards called Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. According to a Lyme Disease group out of Wisconsin, after the round of antibiotics, the bacteria is persistent:

While the cause for this is debated, one possibility is that persister bacteria are not killed by the current Lyme antibiotics and remain active in the system.

So, you’ve taken your round of antibiotics and you’re still feeling the symptoms. This is where aromatherapy shines! Pure essential oils have the power to help you help your body. Pure essential oils are healthy plant-based tools to assist strengthening and restoring your body.

Body Booster Oil

• • 10 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternafolia)
  • 10 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
  • 10 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
  • 10 drops Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
  • 10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
  • 6 drops Peppermint (Mentha x peperita)
  • 4 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)
  • 4 ounces Jojoba Wax

Combine all ingredients into a 4 ounce bottle and shake well. Use all over your neck and body 4 times daily. These particular oils are chosen for their powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and nurturing properties. This blend can bolster your immune system, soothe inflammation, boost your body’s antioxidant supply and reduce pain and irritation.

If you don’t have all of the ingredients, I make this blend for $32.95 plus tax and shipping. You can call, email or fill out this contact form and I’ll take care of you.

It’s also helpful to diffuse Thievery Synergy Blend. This blend is similar to Thieves; I added Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils as they are so beneficial for a compromised immune system.

Other Resources For Lyme Disease Information

Here’s some sound websites from the Centers for Disease Control:

• American Academy of Family Physicians: Lyme Disease
• National Institute of Health: Tick Talk
• Medline Plus: Lyme Disease

Be well and remember – aromatherapy helps you help your body do what it does best – find balance.

Blessings,

Melissa

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.