Due to the expansion of tick populations and certain environmental factors, the number of people suffering from Lyme disease is constantly on the rise.

Although benign, it can seriously impair quality of life. Indeed, if the infected person is not treated in time, disabling symptoms such as chronic fatigue and pain can occur.

With cannabidiol (CBD) known for its many beneficial properties, more and more Lyme sufferers are asking about the possible benefits of hemp products for their condition. Let's find out.

Lyme disease: definition, symptoms and treatments

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne vector-borne disease (TBD) in France and worldwide. Some data suggest that over 14% of the world's population has been bitten by an infected tick[1].

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The disease is "vector-borne" because it is transmitted by a third party, in this case a tick.

Fortunately, a tick bite does not necessarily lead to infection. In fact, not all ticks carry the bacterium, and it would appear that only certain tick species can transmit the disease: the Ixodes scapularis tick in the USA and the Ixodes ricinus tick in Europe. This is why, in the event of a bite, it is advisable to keep the tick in question to show the doctor.

Lyme disease is characterized by 3 main stages:

Early localized Lyme borreliosis

It manifests itself 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. It is characterized by the appearance of a reddish aureole called "erythema migrans", which spreads concentrically around the bite. This cutaneous manifestation may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms (muscle and joint pains, headaches, nausea, vomiting);

Early disseminated Lyme borreliosis

If left untreated, more serious symptoms may develop:

Multiple migrant erythema may appear all over the body;
Neurological symptoms such as severe headache, partial paralysis, hyperalgesic radicle (inflammation of the nerve roots), or even meningitis;
In some cases, cardiac symptoms such as palpitations or, on the contrary, a slowing of the heartbeat. And more rarely, myocarditis;
Finally, ocular symptoms such as conjunctivitis or hypersensitivity to light can also occur.

Late disseminated Lyme borreliosis

In most cases, at this stage, the infected person is taken care of and treated. Sometimes, however, the symptoms do not manifest themselves intensely, or the diagnosis is not made correctly.

In this case, symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes or neurological problems can occur months or even years later.

How do you know if you have Lyme disease?

The appearance of a reddish halo around a tick bite is an almost infallible sign that the person is infected with Lyme disease.

However, the absence of erythema migrans does not necessarily mean that the tick in question does not carry the bacterium.

Only a healthcare professional can make the diagnosis. Blood tests (Elisa or Western blot screening) are generally required, as Lyme disease symptoms can vary substantially from one person to another.

However, these screening tests are not 100% effective. In fact, depending on when the test is carried out, and on the individual, false-negatives can occur. [2] Hence the importance of preventive measures!

What about treatments?

As with all bacterial diseases, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

If the infection is detected early, the attending physician may prescribe beta-lactam antibiotics such as amoxicillin for two to three weeks. In most cases, this treatment is sufficient, although many people continue to experience symptoms even after treatment. This is known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS ).

If the disease is only detected late, and symptoms are well established, then the doctor will most likely opt for third-generation intravenous antibiotics.

At the same time, other drugs can be used to treat pain, particularly joint inflammation.

CBD to relieve symptoms of Lyme disease

Scientific research has yet to investigate the potential benefits of CBD for Lyme-infected people. On the other hand, there is a plethora of studies on its multiple health benefits.

Indeed, as we shall see, through its action on the endocannabinoid system, CBD can potentially help people infected with Lyme disease to better manage their symptoms.

It should be emphasized, however, that its use in no way replaces the use of antibiotics. Indeed, although some studies are looking into the potential antibacterial properties of cannabinoids [3], to date there is no data to support CBD's efficacy as an antibiotic.

Anti-inflammatory effects

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of Lyme disease vary from person to person. Nevertheless, one of the most common manifestations of the infection is inflammation of the joints and tissues in the bitten area, leading to chronic pain that can be widespread throughout the body or targeted.

CBD's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are well known in the medical world. Studies carried out on rats suffering from arthritis confirm CBD's ability to modulate the inflammatory response and reduce pain [4]. In fact, many patients use CBD oil for arthritis and rheumatism in general.

In addition, Sativex, a CBD-based drug, is prescribed to multiple sclerosis sufferers to help manage the pain caused by the disease. CBD also promotes muscle relaxation, which can bring relief to some Lyme disease sufferers.

However, CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that it inhibits the production of cytokines (immune system hormones) [5]. Others point to an indirect action on the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which have, among other things, the capacity to regulate the immune response and thus reduce inflammation and associated pain.

Other possible benefits

Lyme disease can cause a number of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, mood disorders, migraines and more. In short, the disease can take the form of a generalized malaise.

The role of the endocannabinoid system, with its hundreds of receptors located throughout the body, is to regulate the main physiological functions in order to maintain a state of equilibrium.

It is thus capable of influencing sleep quality, mood, energy levels and so on. To do this, it secretes neurotransmitters, called endocannabinoids, whose function is to activate or inhibit receptors that detect irregularity or imbalance.

As already mentioned, cannabinoids also have the ability to act on these receptors. In the case of CBD, in addition to acting on the immune system as we've seen, it is also capable of modulating the synthesis of certain key hormones, such as serotonin.

In particular, serotonin (aka the happiness hormone) influences stress and anxiety levels (don't hesitate to read our dedicated article on CBD and stress). Its regulation can thus promote sleep, a heightened state of serenity and general well-being. For some people suffering from Lyme disease, taking CBD could provide a significant boost to their daily lives!

How is Lyme administered?

Before making the decision to consume CBD, it is essential to consult a physician or a Lyme disease specialist, as self-treatment can be risky.

In any case, you should know that as long as the product is good quality (organic, made in France, supplied with laboratory analysis results), there's no one type of CBD product that's better than another. It's a question of choosing the one that best suits your needs and tastes.

However, most people with Lyme disease have sought relief from symptoms such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and insomnia, via CBD oil.

A quick reminder that CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from cannabis different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and has no psychotropic effects.

If you are considering usingCBD oil full spectrum against Lyme disease, it is recommended to start with a low dose (3 to 5 drops). This is because the appropriate dose varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual tolerance and the concentration of CBD in the product. The key is to gradually increase until the desired results are obtained.

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