The CDC has reported that more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year. Their study suggests, however, that there are actually more than 300,000 cases that just don’t get reported. This disease is entirely treatable, and because this is a disease that comes from bacteria, cannabinoids like CBD can help.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in the cannabis plant that has potent antibacterial properties that can help with symptoms of Lyme disease as well as the disease itself. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get the user high and still has many health benefits that come from the cannabis plant. Researchers are discovering that this medication’s wide variety of properties could make it a novel treatment option for people suffering from Lyme disease.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection contracted mainly through black-legged ticks and is becoming more and more common every year. The CDC reported that cases increased by 80% between the year 2004 and 2016. While not everyone who gets bitten by a tick will contract Lyme disease, knowing the symptoms is important because the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to cure.

Symptoms Of Lyme Disease

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Stiff neck
• A skin condition called erythema migrans

This infection can also spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system if it isn’t caught early enough. People who go without treatment can develop cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and other serious illnesses.

Because the symptoms are so similar to other illnesses like the flu, it can be challenging for you to self-diagnose which is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately. Even the doctors have trouble; lab tests may not have an accurate reading until you’ve been infected for a few weeks.

Treatment

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes after treatment, the individual recovering from Lyme disease can develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), which is when there are still muscle or joint aches along with nervous system symptoms.

Most antibiotics can’t treat this disorder, but doctors encourage patients to take medication for the symptoms, and many people have gotten better over time. This is where CBD can come in as a novel treatment option, having the ability to hone in on bacteria as well as assisting in the symptoms.

CBD And Lyme Disease

Cannabidiol has shown in studies that it is a very potent antibiotic, helping to fight some of the most drug-resistant infections. That’s not the only way that CBD can help, it also can help with a wide variety of the symptoms involved to make the treatment process less miserable.

Symptoms CBD Can Help With

• Depression
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Arthritis
• Skin Inflammation

Talk To Your Doctor

If you think you have Lyme disease, or if you’re feeling the symptoms, go to a doctor immediately. It is unwise to try to treat infections by yourself, and a doctor has the tools to measure your recovery more accurately to make sure you are getting the best possible treatment.