Many people have started turning to kratom to help manage Lyme disease symptoms. But how exactly can it help, and what is the best way to use it? In this article, we explore how kratom works and what it may be able to do for people living with Lyme disease.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterial species is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick.
Historically, Lyme disease was most prevalent in the Northeastern United States. Today, however, cases have been reported across all 50 states and in Canada.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. The most recognizable sign, however, is a distinctive rash called erythema migrans. This rash appears in roughly 70 to 80 percent of Lyme disease cases and presents as a red, circular, bull’s-eye pattern that gradually spreads outward. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Left untreated, Lyme disease can progress and cause serious long-term health complications. Late-stage symptoms include:
- Arthritis
- Chronic or intermittent pain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Cognitive issues
- Confusion
- Facial palsy
In some cases, Lyme disease can also lead to fibromyalgia.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom has attracted a growing following thanks to its wide range of effects. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree in the coffee family that grows in the humid regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Today, thousands of people around the world consume kratom leaves — dried and ground into a fine powder — to help manage a variety of ailments, from chronic pain to fatigue. But how does it actually work?
Kratom contains alkaloids that bind to opioid receptors in the body. If that sounds familiar, it should — opiates work through the same receptors. However, kratom is not the only non-opiate substance that interacts with these receptors; even certain foods, like aged cheese, do the same. The body also produces its own natural opioids, known as endogenous opioids, which activate these same receptors.
When kratom alkaloids bind to these receptors, the body responds with a range of effects, including:
- Analgesia (pain relief)
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Stimulation
- Euphoria
- Improved focus and concentration
That is why people use kratom to help with:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
Benefits of Kratom for Lyme Disease
For people dealing with Lyme disease, kratom’s analgesic properties may offer meaningful relief. Many users turn to kratom to manage chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, and a number of them report it to be as effective as conventional painkillers. Importantly, unlike many pharmaceutical options, kratom is not considered addictive and its side effects are generally not dangerous. For those experiencing pain as a result of Lyme disease, it may be worth exploring.
Kratom’s energizing properties can also be a real asset for Lyme patients. Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of the disease, and kratom can provide a natural energy boost without the jitteriness often associated with coffee.
On top of that, kratom’s relaxing and euphoric effects can contribute to an overall improved sense of wellbeing.
Kratom Types for Lyme Disease
Before using kratom for Lyme disease, it helps to understand the basics. There are three main kratom types:
- White kratom: Tends to be more energizing and euphoric.
- Red kratom: Tends to be more analgesic and calming.
- Green kratom: Offers a blend of analgesic, euphoric, energizing, and relaxing effects, though it is generally milder than both red and white varieties.
For pain relief, red strains are typically the go-to choice and are widely considered the best kratom varieties for pain. That said, all kratom strains have some degree of analgesic effect. If fatigue is also a concern, white strains may be a better fit, while green strains are a popular option for those looking for a more balanced experience. It is also worth noting that kratom tends to be more energizing at lower doses and more sedating at higher ones.
What Is the Right Kratom Dosage?
If you are new to kratom, it is best to start with a dose of 2 to 3 grams. If you do not feel any effects after 30 to 40 minutes, you can take an additional 0.5 grams.
A dose of 2 to 4 grams is generally considered low and is a good starting point if you are looking for a mild energy boost.
For a combination of analgesic and energizing effects, a moderate dose of 4 to 5 grams may be the sweet spot.
Doses above 5 grams are more likely to produce sedative effects. While they can provide stronger pain relief, they also carry a greater risk of dizziness and an unpleasant heavy feeling.
Keeping doses moderate is the most effective way to avoid kratom side effects, which can include:
- Nausea
- Migraines and headaches
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Eye wobbles
It is also advisable to avoid using kratom every day. Frequent use — particularly at higher doses — can lead to tolerance, meaning you will need increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same effects.
All in all, if you are considering kratom for Lyme disease, a cautious and moderate approach is the way to go.
