Aromatherapy Natural health

Ticks and Lyme disease, how to protect yourself?

Tiques et maladie de Lyme, comment s'en prémunir?

Essential oil and ticks: how to relieve the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a disease transmitted by ticks infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Don't panic, the solutions offered by aromatherapy allow you to go out with peace of mind and fully enjoy nature and its benefits. And this, even in early spring and late fall, the times when you are most at risk. In this article, let's explore together the benefits of anti-tick essential oil!

What is a tick?

A tick, by definition, is a blood-sucking parasitic mite . The most common tick in Europe is Ixodes ricinus. It is the one that can transmit the Borrelia bacteria, which is responsible for Lyme disease (Borreliosis). Consequently, not all ticks carry the disease. The latter manifests itself through headaches, nausea, muscle pain , etc. These first symptoms do not always allow it to be detected quickly. There are many essential oils to combat ticks and allow you to go out with peace of mind while enjoying nature in complete tranquility.

Essential oils play a vital role in preventing ticks and other parasites such as ticks or fleas. There are even essential oils against mosquitoes or essential oil pearls for simplified use: the dosage is already done for you, you just have to enjoy the benefits!

Which Essential Oils against ticks?

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is a very powerful anti-infective , particularly effective in combating ticks and the infections that can result from them. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, this anti-tick essential oil is often used to prevent and treat infections after a tick bite. It also comes in capsule form, which can be taken with a glass of water for enhanced internal action. However, due to its potency, it is recommended to use it with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Tea Tree Essential Oil and Ho Wood Essential Oil

These two essential oils, tea tree and Ho wood , are very complementary and are often used in synergy to maximize their effects. Gentle on the skin, they are excellent antibacterial, antiviral and antimycotic, which makes them particularly effective against ticks. Tea tree is also known for its parasitic properties, which makes it an ideal choice to keep ticks and other parasites away. Together, these essential oils support the immune system and protect the body from potential infections linked to tick bites.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil stands out for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties for the nervous system. It also demonstrates excellent anti-infectious and analgesic properties, which makes it valuable in case of tick bites. In addition to calming erythema migrans , a common skin reaction after a tick bite, lemongrass helps manage the stress related to the incident. However, it is important to note that this oil is dermocaustic, which means that it can cause skin irritation if not diluted properly. Its use must therefore be cautious and always diluted in a vegetable oil.

Niaouli Essential Oil

Niaouli essential oil , with its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-infectious properties, plays a role in the well-being of your skin. In addition to these benefits, it is also immunostimulant, which makes it a valuable complement to the other essential oils mentioned. When combined with oils such as oregano or tea tree, it helps increase the effectiveness of the immune response , thus playing a role in protecting the body against potential infections following a tick bite. This oil is particularly useful for supporting and maintaining skin health while helping the body fight infections.

I was bitten, what should I do?

The tick is still in your skin:

Remove it very carefully as quickly as possible using tick tweezers by turning counterclockwise. Once the parasite is out of harm's way, disinfect carefully. Avoid applying anything before the operation as the animal may struggle and regurgitate toxins, which could increase the risk of infection in the event of contamination. If you have not managed to remove the entire tick, consult your doctor immediately.

During the week following the bite:

Start a one-week treatment consisting of:

If you notice a suspicious red patch on your skin or a migratory erythema, consult your doctor. It is also possible to relieve itching with essential oils , always with the supervision of a health professional.

What if I already have Lyme disease?

Even if you have already been suffering from Lyme disease for some time, essential oils can help you, alongside the medical treatment that you have been advised to take, to overcome some of its drawbacks, to raise the level of your body and to reduce the symptoms.

In 8-week treatment:

1 capsule of Oregano + 4 times a day.

Gradually, you should quickly notice a strengthening of the immune system and a reduction in fatigue. However, stick to the two-month treatment to maintain the benefits of the anti-tick essential oils for longer. For your symptoms, some oils can also be used with an essential oil diffuser , provided that it is suitable (consult a professional to find out).