Lyme disease is spread through deer ticks to humans. Symptoms can include a rash, fever, headache, fatigue and joint pain. Although no research supports it, many alternative practitioners suggest that cod liver oil may help in the treatment of Lyme disease. However, according to Dundee University in Scotland research, cod liver oil could help reduce the number of painkillers that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers need to use daily. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 60 percent of people in the late stages of Lyme disease will have recurring attacks of arthritis, and the cod liver oil could help to reduce the pain associated with joint pain.
Step 1
Purchase cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is sold in tablet or liquid form at your health food store or vitamin store.
Step 2
Take the recommended dose of cod liver oil that is listed on the package. To treat joint pain associated with Lyme disease, there is no established dose. In a 2002 study published in "Advances in Therapy," participants took 1 g of cod liver oil daily for three months. Fifty-two percent of the study participants reported decreased morning stiffness and 67 percent reported a decrease in pain intensity. In a 2008 study by Dundee University in Scotland, researchers provided participants with 10 g of cod liver oil daily. After nine months, 39 percent of those in taking the cod liver oil had reduced their daily dose of prescription painkillers by more than 30 percent. The results were published in the journal "Rheumatology."
Step 3
Start with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase as necessary. Cod liver oil often contains high levels of vitamin A, which can cause weakness in bones and possible birth defects.
Step 4
Take cod liver oil tablets with meals in order to prevent an upset stomach. If you choose to take the liquid form, you can drink the liquid plain or mix it with a drink.
Step 5
Continue taking cod liver oil daily to help prevent joint stiffness and pain associated with Lyme disease. Include other immune boosting herbs to help you treat Lyme disease, such as green tea, cat's claw and garlic, according to UMMC.
Things You'll Need
- Cod liver oil
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Lyme Disease; May 2011
- The Daily Mail; Cod Liver Oil Cuts Arthritis Pain Without the Side-Effects of Painkillers; Fiona Macrae; March 2008
- UC Berkley: Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lyme Disease
- "Rheumatology"; Cod Liver Oil (n-3 Fatty Acids) as an Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Sparing Agent in Rheumatoid Arthritis; B. Galarraga, et al.; May 2008
- "Advances in Therapy"; Effect of Cod Liver Oil on Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis; J. Gruenwald, et al.; March-April 2002
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