Essential oils - lyme disease

There seem to be two lines of thought here. If the antibiotics do not altogether eliminate the parasite or there is continuous reinfection then it may be worth trying the oils containing diterpenes if it is a particular strain. it is unlikely that the oils would be directly effective against the organism as the research shows diterpene effectiveness in vitro whereas in the aqueous environment of the body its unlikely the oils will be effective. Still nothing will be lost by trying. With persistent Lymes symptoms perhaps efforts should be renewed at the doctors to diagnose the strain responsible so as to ensure treatment with the antibiotics is effective.

Research shows that 70% of illness with unexplained symptoms has associated with it anxiety,depression etc. So you would use the oils associated with success with those. Not to treat Lymes, aromatherapy cannot hold out a cure for what research shows could be an immune response attacking nerve tissue after the parasite has been eliminated.

However the associated symptoms of subclinical anxiety and depression are well within the scope of inhalation of the psycho-therapeutic essential oils like Bergamot, Marjoram, Melissa and Rosemary. There is also a line of approach of simply using 'pleasant' essential oils of fragonia and grapefruit to kid the brain all is well and trigger memories of a time when all was well to effect a respite in the symptoms and break any 'illusion' of illness which persists. The brain can tenaciously hold onto and reinforce such illusions Besides the undoubted physical nervous damage from the Lymes the mental damage is not to be underestimated in persistent symptoms..

Any kind of pain is worth trying the oils with analgesic properties on as these have been shown to sedate the pain receptors. A good example is clove bud oil on the end of a cotton bud banishing tooth pain from sensitive teeth. Besides others some success has been achieved with pain from arthritic joints with a blend of Eucalyptus, Juniper, Rosemary Marjoram diluted in carrier oil. Another blend is Plai, Tea tree and Laurel leaf in an aloe base. Plai is an interesting oil. Besides its researched antibacterial effectiveness it is a member of the Zingiber (Ginger) family so has interesting properties assocated with that plant family.

This does not involve deceiving the client. On the contrary they may well feel relief at an attempt to relieve some of her symptoms with non toxic essential oils and by achieving a better personal understanding of their disease and its associate symptoms by reading the research. Understanding the disease is all part of feeling better. If there is a certified aromatherapist near it may be well worth a visit. The aromatherapist can work in tandem with the medical practitioner and ensure all medical and complimentary treatment avenues are covered.

Ian Brealey