CBD’s Role in Treating Lupus – What You Should Know!
Lupus is one of those diseases that has no established cure or treatment. As bad as it already is, the lack of awareness about the disease makes it difficult to understand and point out its symptoms. In the current scenario, more than a million people are suffering from this chronic disease. Thus, it has become the need of the hour to find a definite cure for this autoimmune disease.
Anecdotally speaking, CBD might have quite a connection with treatment of lupus. It is known for its therapeutic qualities, one of which is its ability of treating inflammatory rheumatic conditions, such as acute arthritis. Since lupus is also a rheumatic disease, there are chances that CBD can heal people from this deadly condition.
There is very little evidence to prove how CBD can help in the treatment of lupus. However, even the limited study on the topic has suggested that CBD is a good treatment for such a condition. If you want to learn more on the same, then this article is for you!
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which is considered to be incurable in today’s world. This means that your body cannot tell the difference between antibodies or pathogens, and thus, it starts attacking your body.
It is believed that lupus can be caused by genetics, oestrogen, and a toxic environment. However, lupus is not known to be contagious. Some of the common symptoms of lupus include-
- Joint ache
- Hair loss
- Seizure
- Butterfly-shaped rashes on cheeks and nose
- Extreme fatigue
- High fever
- Purple fingers
- Joint swelling
- Extreme fatigue
- Sensitivity to sun or light
If you can relate with the above symptoms, it is time for you to pay your doctor a visit. Sadly, there is no sure-fire medication or treatment for lupus. However, drugs, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs are given to the patient to keep the disease in control. Natural remedies like avoiding the sun, meditation, physical activity, yoga, consumption of coconut oil, Epsom salts, and CBD, etc.
CBD as a treatment for lupus
Cannabidiol, or CBD is a non-psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. However, unlike its siblings (marijuana and hashish) CBD isn’t quite known to produce high in the human brain. The reason behind the same is that it encircles none or very little (less than 0.3%) amount of THC.
However, it is popular for various mental, emotional and physical problems, such as anxiety, depression, inflammation, chronic pain and seizures. Greenthevoteok recently published their best cbd oil list which can be used to treat these diseases.
When a person consumes CBD, it binds with the cannabinoid receptors of the body, known as CB1 and CB2, that are primarily located in the nervous system, connective tissues, immune system, heart, bones, kidneys, lymph nodes, etc.
The interaction between the two helps the body in achieving balance or what is known as homeostasis. CBD increases the flow and movement of energy and regulation of the immune system in the body.
One of the main therapeutic qualities of CBD is its anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it does have a potential to treat lupus. Also, CBD treats rheumatic diseases—those conditions that are autoimmune in nature. Many studies have also confirmed CBD’s efficiency in the treatment of pains related to rheumatic diseases, including fibromyalgia and sclerosis. These diseases are also associated with inflammation, just like lupus, and thus, there is a hope that CBD might work well in the treatment of lupus as well.
Basically, a high-quality CBD product helps in treatment of inflammation, stress, depression, and anxiety primarily. It redeploys hormones and puts the body at ease by balancing emotions, moods, pains, and hormones. This would automatically result in a healthy mental, emotional and physical body.
Studies on CBD and lupus
There are no direct studies done on effects of CBD on lupus. Moreover, there has been very limited research on CBD as a medical treatment. Even so, there are countless anecdotes from CBD users who just can’t stop bragging about the magical effects of this natural compound.
One of the most popular studies on CBD was done in a 2010 review published by the HHS Government Agency. It was regarding the effects of cannabinoids on the body. It was revealed that CBD directly attacks the damaged cells to die off in the immune system.
These weak cells also suppress T-cell responses, which are known for producing inflammation in the body. CBD protects the immune cells for being attacked by the overactive immune system of people suffering from lupus.
In another study, published in 2015 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), it was observed that CBD can protect nerve cells from autoimmune damage.
How to consume CBD for lupus
To begin with, only buy good CBD products from reputed companies. Make sure that they have acquired COA or certificate of analysis and are third-party lab tested as well. Also, you need to check that the product contains less than 0.3% of THC.
There are many ways to consume CBD –oils, tinctures, capsules, creams, vapers, etc. The best way to consume is the one that suits you the best. Most people use CBD oil or vape to treat lupus. People who suffer from rashes and joint pains are advised to use tincture and topicals.
Thus, different symptoms of lupus invite different ways of CBD consumption. One should know that CBD, in any form, is absolutely safe and available in abundance. Even so, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before you start your CBD course.
Conclusion
Before you decide to start your CBD course, you must consider all the pros and cons of your condition. Yes, CBD is natural and available in abundance. Yes, it has anecdotally proven to heal people from inflammation and related diseases. However, every body type is different and even though there are no side-effects of this miraculous product, it is highly important for you to discuss the treatment with your doctor, especially if you are already on traditional medical treatment.
Remember, your health should be your priority and shouldn’t be risked at any cost. CBD is a great alternative medical treatment for you but you should do your own research before starting the course.