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Is It Practical To Use Oral CBD Oil Topically?
CBD products have been bagging alarming attention for the past few years. Ever since studies came out with affirmation for positive results of CBD components, things just took up for it.
Now, there is a wide variety of CBD strains available in the market, facilitating multiple methods of administration. These are CBD oil, tablets, capsules, and powder.
When it comes to CBD oil, a question we most often come across is whether users can apply CBD oil to the body and get the same result as consuming it orally.
So lifting the clouds of confusion once and for all, let’s see through our glasses of science, whether consuming oral CBD oil topically will be as effective as otherwise or not.
What is the difference between CBD Topicals and CBD Oil?
There are several ways to take CBD oil but the most known and widely used methods are topical and oral consumption. Both of these methods are different and can lead to different experiences.
So, it is important to figure out which method to use and which will give you the most benefit. To give you all the answers, we are here to give you the guidance you need and help you select the best method of consumption for your daily use.
What are CBD Topicals?
CBD topical is a CBD product that is meant to apply directly onto the skin. The ingredients and nutrients get absorbed by the skin cells through pores. You can generally apply CBD topical oil to the particular area of the body part which needs the attention.
After absorption, the CBD extract helps the nerve fibers of the skin to eliminate the pain and also reduce inflammation in the body. The direct application of the CBD oil to the required area gives a chance for a faster and more effective result as the product can directly focus on the area which requires the most attention.
According to the National Library of Medicine, CBD oil both topicals and oral methods are effective for the treatment of chronic pain. In a study on rats, CBD oil was scientifically proven to reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve damage. You can read the full study here.
More so, three different varieties of CBD oil are available in the market i.e Full-spectrum, Broad spectrum, and Isolate. All three types of CBD oil have different ingredients in different concentrations created for a range of different customers.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all types of cannabinoids (natural chemical substances found in cannabis and used for several medical purposes), fatty acids, and terpenes that come from the natural produce of cannabis plants.
This extract also contains a good amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the stimulant and sedative properties of cannabis plants. However, the US rules and regulations only allow the use of THC at a very low quantity if the product wants FDA approval.
A product cannot contain more than 0.3 percent of the THC compound. It is not recommended either to take more than this.
Isolate, on the other hand, is a little different from the Full-spectrum extract. It contains only the main ingredient CBD extract, not any other cannabinoid compound that is found in the cannabis plants including THC. This makes the Isolate a pure CBD extract as it contains almost 99 percent of the pure CBD compound.
Broad-spectrum includes all the naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds with the exemption of the THC ( Tetrahydrocannabinol ) chemical.
Broad-spectrum uses all the components produced by a cannabis plant without including the THC chemical. This eliminates the “high” effect which you may experience with the full-spectrum CBD sometimes.
CBD topical can be found in a range of different forms. You can find CBD topicals in lotions, balms, and almost every type of skincare product. The use of the CBD topical is not rocket science.
You can apply the product like any other cream or lotion. Just take the product and apply it to the area where you want it to work.
It is best to use a small amount of the CBD topical product in the preliminary stage. We only recommend you increase the amount gradually so that the body can get comfortable with the product.
What is CBD Oil?
Another method of consuming the CBD is oral. Oral consumption of CBD is like taking any other supplement or medicine. You just have to take the product through your mouth.
Oral consumption is highly popular and widely used. This is because this method is fast, easy, and hasslefree. However, this mode of consumption can take a little time to show the results in comparison to the topically used CBD oils.
There are two methods of oral consumption of CBD oil, under the tongue and ingestion. The ingestion method is pretty straight forward. You can consume CBD oil by swallowing it.
You just have to gulp down the CBD product and the oil will pass through your digestive system and the ingredients will get digested by the body and will provide the results later on.
Although, the under-the-tongue method is a little different than the ingestion method. In this method, you can place the CBD product under the tongue for almost 30 to 60 seconds.
Because of this, the product absorbs with the help of the mucous membranes that are located under your tongue and allow the ingredients to reach directly into your bloodstream.
This, later on, allows the CBD oil to flow through your entire body and helps in connecting with the cannabinoid receptors of the body. This ultimately leads to a relaxing feeling and helps in relieving pain from your body.
CBD Topicals VS CBD Oil
CBD oil is a trending product whose popularity is increasing day by day. More and more people are starting to use CBD oil and cannabis for pain relief, reduced anxiety, and general skin conditions like acne. However, there is a question that always remains, what type of CBD oil is the best?
Well, if we talk about topicals, they are meant to apply to the skin where it requires action and treatment. The ingredients that topical CBD contains all associate with the application on the skin of the individual.
This is a faster method of getting results. It is because the product directly works on the area and interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the body part where you applied the product. The ingredients do not enter the bloodstream and provide treatment to the area directly.
CBD oil, on the other hand, works differently. Mostly derived from the hemp plant, this product contains different ingredients than CBD topicals. This CBD extract is fit for consumption so all the ingredients together give significant results via the ingestion of the product rather than applying it on the skin.
CBD oil extract delivers its results by the ingestion process. Once users consume the product, it is digested by the body in a way that all the ingredients break down into smaller compounds and enter the bloodstream of the user.
The Bloodstream helps the product to reach the body parts where you require the treatment and the components then react with the cannabinoid receptors to give you the result you desire.
If we compare the two methods, topical CBD makes a stronger case for itself as it does not involve the digestion process and bypasses it entirely. This gives the topical method the edge to work faster and provide results more quickly.
Another factor that differentiates these two methods is the safety and testing process. The testing of oral CBD consumables is not possible for skin sensitivity as they have different quality testing protocols.
Similarly, CBD topicals are not fit for ingestion. And hence are not recommended for consumption. This is why consuming topicals as oral CBD’s and vice versa is not something officially denied but neither is it recommended since they can create health and safety concerns.
Furthermore, using CBD topicals differently and vice versa may not give you the desired results and benefits that you are hoping for. If you take CBD tincture topically then your body will not get the proper nutrients and care that your topical CBD contains.
Topical CBD has additional ingredients and minerals for nourishing your skin along with giving you the effectiveness of CBD oil. But, consumption of oral CBD topically may deprive you of getting that additional benefit.
Plus, using a tincture CBD topically will increase the hassle that you have to go through. Topical CBD comes in the form of creams and lotions whereas oral CBD is in the form of oil. So, this will require more tincture CBD to apply to your body part.
Can I use CBD Oil Topically?
To sum up, you can use CBD oil topically. It will probably give you the result that it promises. However, the use of CBD oil topically will not give you the proper results that are capable of and probably will take a toll on your pocket too.
Plus, this process would be highly impractical and will cause a lot of inconvenience to the user. Hence, it is better and also advised to invest in topical CBD from the start.
You come home after a long and tiring day at work, feeling awful with a sore throat. Then you check your temperature, and after a few minutes, you lose it by hearing the word ‘fever.’ This is how it starts for most people.
Fever is a common condition where the body temperature is higher than the average temperature. It is also known as high temperature, hyperthermia, or pyrexia. Fever is usually an indication that your body is working towards keeping you healthy from an infection.
While mostly fever goes away after a few days with regular doses of antibiotics, there might be another way to get rid of it. Read on to know if CBD can help you with fever.
What do we Know About Fever?
To get treatment and proper monitoring, it is essential to recognize a fever. The average body temperature is typically 98.6°F. However, it can vary from person to person. The average body temperature also fluctuates depending on the time of day. Usually, it is lower in the morning and high in the late afternoon and evening.
Some other factors, such as menstrual cycle or heavy exercise, can also affect body temperature. You can get fever due to virus, bacterial infection, certain medications such as antibiotics, heat exhaustion, and some immunizations. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know the exact cause of fever.
To check body temperature, you can use a rectal, oral, or axillary thermometer. While using an oral thermometer, place it under the tongue for 3 minutes. You can use an oral thermometer for an axillary, or armpit reading.
Can I Prevent a Fever?
Prevention of fever is only possible to the extent that the specific cause of fever is prevented. Fevers are usually caused due to infections. The best way to avoid a fever is to avoid sources of contamination and maintain good hygiene practices. Some ways to do the same are –
- Maintain proper hygiene and wash hands frequently
- Avoid meeting with sick people
- Ensure that all immunizations are up to date
What are CBDs?
There is no dubiety that CBD is the wellness product of the contemporary world. If you live in a state when CBD is legal, you know well that it suddenly went from being sort of around to everywhere all at once.
Coffee shops are selling CBD lattes, beauty companies are planning to release lotions with CBDs in their formulas, and spas offer CBD facials. Almost everyone from an anxious coworker to an arthritis-suffering man wants to get their hands on CBD.
For those who still don’t know, cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis. This plant possesses a rich history as a medicine dating back to thousands of years. Today, scientists and doctors across the globe are looking into the therapeutic properties of CBD.
What do We Currently Know About CBD for Fever?
Fever is caused when an area in your brain known as the hypothalamus shifts the set point of your normal body temperature upward.
Many people are shifting towards CBD for various conditions, one of them being fever. CBD might be able to help you with the above-mentioned symptoms, thereby helping you with fever. Although there is not much evidence about CBD being antipyretic, it is able to treat fever as a symptom for various conditions.
In a study, two patients suffering from Mediterranean fever went under cannabis treatment. Doctors found out a remarkable improvement in the condition of both the patients and the severity of attacks reduced.
As per another case study, a 23-year-old patient suffering from FMF for 15 years wasn’t able to notice any significant improvements despite treatment with 3-4 recommended tablets per day. While some medicines improved ankle pain, there was not much effect on fever. It was only after smoking medical cannabis that he found significant improvement in chest pain and only had a mild fever during attacks.
CBD is also used to treat fever as a symptom of conditions such as Dravet Syndrome. A severe kind of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome is characterized by seizures that are hard to control with anti-epilepsy medicines. The FDA approved Epidiolex, which is a cannabis derivative to treat the condition.
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CBD for Other Related Conditions
Besides fever, CBD can help you with other related conditions too. But this mostly revolves around CBD’s ability to weaken or strengthen the immune system. Well, CBD can actually do both, and it totally depends on a person’s autoimmune condition.
It is possible that your immune system may overreact to some non-threatening internal or threatening external events which leads to an attack against healthy cells in your body. This is usually an attempt to get rid of the threat. It would be great to choose a high-quality CBD product if you suffer from an autoimmune disease.
According to another research, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, that help you with body aches and pains. CBD is also capable of relaxing your body and helping you with insomnia. Moreover, as cannabis has the ability to suppress the immune system, it is very likely to have fever-reducing properties.
Since CBD has so many health benefits, doctors and researchers have carried out various studies and are working on many more. These studies are expected to bring a positive response about CBD.
The major focus remains on CBD for strengthening a person’s immune system. This is purely based on the fact that a healthy immune system can help combat infections that result in fever.
Dosage for CBD
It is relatively easy to derive benefits from cannabis. A puff or two of CBD can do the trick for most people. Smoking marijuana, however, is not the only way to seek therapeutic benefits. There are various other ways to experience the medical benefits of cannabis.
In recent times, the advent of CBD concentrates, non-intoxicating cannabidiol products, and innovative, smokeless products have transformed the way people consume marijuana. But dosing cannabis is a bit of a challenge. While some people find small doses effective, others have to use incredibly high doses.
Micro-dosing is best for people who wish to avail the benefits of cannabis without feeling high. If you have no experience with CBD, it is better to start with small doses. Take the same dose for some days and observe the effects. If you feel the need to adjust the ratio, do it, but don’t overdo it.
With CBD, less is more often goes well. Although there are no severe side effects and reactions to CBD, excessive amounts could be less beneficial therapeutically. Cannabis is available in concentrated oil form, tincture, edible gel, infused sublingual sprays, topical salves, and other products.
How to Buy CBD for Fever?
It is best to get your products from a licensed dispensary if CBD is legal in your state. If not, you can always count on online storefronts or actual storefronts in some areas. But choosing among so many CBD brands can be overwhelming. Many CBD products come mislabelled.
According to a study, 69% of 85 products surveyed had an incorrect CBD or THC on the product label. Moreover, there are high chances that the product you receive has discrepancies. Some CBD brands mislead users with products containing CBD isolate instead of whole plant CBD-rich extract.
Tips for Buying CBD for Fever
- It is in your best interest to look for products made by companies in states that have legalized medical and recreational use of cannabis.
- Always opt for full-spectrum CBD rich oil extracts instead of isolate, distillate, or products labeled “pure CBD” or “no THC.”
- Instead of looking for total cannabinoid content, search for labels that indicate CBD and THC amount per serving.
- Steer clear of companies that make explicit health claims of CBD.
- Avoid poor quality CBD gummies made with artificial colors and corn syrup.
- Do not hesitate to contact CBD companies directly for your queries.
Bottom Line
Fever is usually a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body. It is not a sign of concern until it reaches 103 F. When talking about infants and toddlers, slightly elevated temperature signals a serious infection.
Although over-the-counter medicines can help to treat fever, it is not enough for some people. With CBD becoming popular in the wellness industry, many wonder if it can help with conditions like a fever. As mentioned above, CBD might help in treating fevers caused by pathogens.
Thus, while buying CBD oil, it is vital to keep your health conditions in mind. Also, make sure of your health goals and the exact purpose of buying CBD. This technique will benefit you in deciding the best type of CBD oil to have. We also recommend you to consult a doctor experienced in CBD use for professional advice.
Gallbladder disease (GBD) is a common health concern that affects millions across the world.
According to the NHANES III, “a total of 20.5 million persons in the United States, 6.3 million men and 14.2 million women, aged 20–74 years, were estimated to have GBD”.
CBD addresses the symptoms of gallbladder problems that cause a lot of discomfort in the patients. But does it actually work? Is it even safe to use?
To understand all of this, we have compiled various studies and researches about CBD and its benefits for gallbladder problems. Read on!
What are Gallbladder Problems?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ present under the liver on the upper right section of the abdomen. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This fluid is released into the small intestine for proper digestion of fats.
Gallstones or cholelithiasis is the most common gallbladder disease. They are hardened deposits of the bile in the gallbladder.
The size may vary from that of sand grain to a golf ball. The patient can develop one-to-many gallstones at the same time.
Gallstones mostly affect women above the age of 40. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may happen due to the following:
High cholesterol in the bile: When the liver produces more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol forms crystals and then gallstones in the gallbladder.
High bilirubin in the bile: Bilirubin is a chemical that breaks down the RBCs in the body. The body produces excess bilirubin in conditions like liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections. This leads to gallstone formation.
Inability to empty the bladder correctly: When your bladder doesn’t get empty correctly, the bile gets concentrated and eventually forms gallstones.
Types of Gallstones
Cholesterol gallstones: These stones are usually yellow in color. This is a more common type of gallstones that are formed due to undissolved cholesterol.
Pigment gallstones: Due to the excess bilirubin content, these gallstones are brown and black in color.
Other types of gallbladder diseases are:
Cholecystitis, Common bile duct infection, common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis), gallbladder disease without stones, perforated gallbladder, abscess of the gallbladder, and many more.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
Here are a few common symptoms one may experience:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chronic diarrhea
Treatment for gallbladder Problems
Depending upon the type of problem, the treatments may include:
- over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen
- prescription pain medications, like hydrocodone and morphine
- surgery to remove gallstones
- Cholecystectomy: surgery to remove the whole gallbladder
- lithotripsy, a medical procedure where shock waves are used to break stones in the gallbladder and other organs
Can CBD help with Gallbladder Pain and Inflammation?
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Extracted from the hemp plant, CBD has several therapeutic and health benefits. Pure CBD products don’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxicating compound
CBD provides relief in gallbladder problems. It also helps in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms.
People are resorting to cannabinoids as a natural alternative to usual pain medications. This is because drugs like NSAIDs and prescription medicines can have long-term adverse side effects.
CBD is arising as a potential treatment for gallbladder problems due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is responsible for regulation of pain, sleep, memory, mood, immune response, and other functions in the body.
CBD works to maintain homeostasis (balance) in the body to inhibit the pain sensation, a major symptom of gallbladder diseases.
A 2013 review talked about the role of the endocannabinoid system and the phytocannabinoids in chronic pain management.
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How does CBD help with Gallbladder problems?
According to a 2017 study, “CBD is mostly devoid of adverse psychoactive effects and possesses anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-anxiety, antiemetic, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotectant, and anti-tumorigenic properties”.
As mentioned above, CBD not only aids in gallbladder problems but also takes care of the gastrointestinal issues. It also supports gut health and relieves digestive issues.
It works to protect the intestinal cells and gallbladder from chemical or inflammatory damage and inhibits the development of harmful diseases.
Based on the studies and researches available, here’s how CBD can help the patients with Gallbladder and GI issues:
Reduces Inflammation and Pain
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. Chronic inflammation is a common symptom in people suffering from the gallbladder and gastrointestinal issues.
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and it works through various receptors, fatty acids, hormones, and cell-signaling proteins to reduce the discomfort in the patient.
Pain is another major symptom of gallbladder disease. The pain can be dull, achy, sharp, or sudden depending on the cause. It affects the abdomen to the lower back.
CBD has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that can decrease discomfort in the patients
A 2004 study revealed that CBD interacts with the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor to produce its anti-hyperalgesic effect. It was used to treat acute inflammation in a rat model.
CBD has antinociceptive effects through which it can prevent the detection of painful signals by the sensory neurons. That’s why its effects last longer than the usual painkillers.
Heals Leaky Gut
Leaky gut or intestinal permeability is a digestive condition that affects the lining of the intestines. Here the bacteria and toxins leak from the intestinal walls into the bloodstream.
The common symptoms of leaky gut are inflammation, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, etc. It can further lead to gallstones and gastrointestinal diseases.
CBD may help in relieving this condition. A 2017 study concluded that CBD can “restore the intestinal barrier integrity, through the involvement of the CB1 receptor”.
A 2012 study showed that “phytocannabinoids have therapeutic potential for reversing the disordered intestinal permeability associated with inflammation”.
In another 2019 study, it was revealed that CBD when taken with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) can reduce intestinal hyper-permeability (leaky gut) induced by inflammation. This is also beneficial for people with Irritable bowel syndrome.
Improves Metabolism
The endocannabinoid system also regulates the metabolic function in the body. It is made up of metabolic enzymes that help in energy storage, transportation of nutrients, and insulin sensitivity.
A 2012 study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and the development of gallstone disease (GSD). It concluded that more the components of metabolic syndrome are there in the body, higher is the prevalence of GSD.
The use of CBD has shown significant development in treating metabolic disorders like diabetes. However, we require specific studies to prove their use for gallstones.
CBD turns the white fat cells into brown to prevent the risk of obesity. This further leads to increased lipolysis, thermogenesis, and reduction of lipogenesis. It, therefore, improves the user’s metabolic health.
Promotes Brain Health
The discomfort in your gut also affects brain function. A 2019 study talks about this gut-brain connection.
The inflammation in the gut usually causes brain fog, lack of concentration, and even anxiety. It also leads to inflammation in the brain which could develop into neurodegenerative disease.
A 2018 review revealed that CBD can attenuate acute autonomic responses induced by stress by activating the 5HT1A (serotonin) receptors.
Also, it concluded that CBD can show neuroprotective effects by activating the adenosine receptors. It can enhance the signaling of adenosine to mediate immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Pros and Cons of using CBD to Treat Your Gallbladder Problems
Before using CBD for your gallbladder condition, let’s understand its pros and cons:
Pros
- CBD helps alleviate pain and inflammation in the gallbladder.
- Helps heal leaky gut and promotes overall health by taking care of metabolism and the brain.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “CBD is
generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile”.
- The patient cannot develop tolerance or get addicted to CBD. It delivers therapeutic benefits without making them ‘high’.
- Has relatively milder side effects than medication drugs.
Cons
- There are limited studies related to CBD’s efficacy for gallbladder problems.
- There’s no standard CBD dosage prescribed for its usage for gallbladder.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate CBD except in the case of epilepsy.
- Due to the lack of regulation and standardization, low quality, mislabelled CBD products are being sold in the market that can be harmful.
CBD and Alternative Treatments for Gallbladder Problems
Many patients go for complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) to relieve gallbladder pain. They can also prevent the further development of gallbladder diseases. This should be done in supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Here’s what all it includes:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being obese puts you at risk for various gallbladder problems. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, reducing your calorie intake, and indulging regular exercise.
CBD also helps in improving your metabolism and reduces the risk of gallbladder diseases related to metabolic syndrome.
Dietary changes: To lower the plasma insulin levels, it is important to make significant changes in your diet. Eliminate fatty foods and refined carbohydrates from your diet.
Try having unrefined carbs like whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.
Like CBD, these foods will help in reducing inflammation as they get digested slowly and ensure a steady dosage of sugar in your body.
Herbal medicine: You can also rely on turmeric, bupleurum, Oregon grape, and coin grass to reduce the painful inflammation caused by the gallbladder diseases. It may also relieve liver congestion.
CBD is also a herbal compound that comes from plants and treats the health ailments naturally. You can easily add it to your wellness routine.
How to take CBD for Gallbladder?
CBD is available in many forms in the market for you to choose from. Take a look:
CBD Oil
The most common way to take Cannabidiol is in the form of oil tincture. As oils are molecular carriers, they hold more cannabinoids than other CBD products. They easily get absorbed into the bloodstream to show desired effects.
How to use: The best way to take CBD oil is sublingually. You need to put it under the tongue and let it sit for 90 seconds and then swallow it. The effects will appear in 15 to 45 minutes.
You can also have CBD oil in the form of capsules, edibles like gummies, baked goods.
CBD Topicals
Another way to use CBD is through CBD topicals. This includes ointments, lotions, and salves. These topicals get absorbed in the skin to provide relief in the affected areas.
How to use: Apply the cream generously on the upper abdomen or back area at the site of the pain. You can reapply it after 30-60 minutes until the pain reduces.
Pro tip: Always check the ingredients of the topical to check if you are not allergic to any of them.
CBD Dosage for Gallbladder Problems
Unfortunately, there is no recommended dosage of CBD for gallbladder diseases. It may depend on your weight, metabolism, cause of the pain, and its severity.
Finding the right dosage is a process of trials and experimentation.
You can either follow the instructions on the package or start with the lowest dosage.
Increase the dosage as required. Once you get the desired effects, stick to that dosage.
For further assistance, consult your doctor.
Side Effects of CBD
Although you cannot develop a tolerance or addiction towards CBD, it is important you do not overindulge in it.
It may cause some mild side-effects, like:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Headache
If the side effects become too severe, we advise you to discontinue the use.
Conclusion: Should you try?
Although there is a long way to go for CBD as a potential gallbladder treatment, the present researches spark a promising light of hope. It may become a natural alternative to the drugs currently being used.
As CBD can be procured without any proper prescription, the risk of its side effects also increases. It may even interact with your over the counter (OTC) medications.
Therefore, we recommend you to consult your healthcare provider before taking CBD for any gallbladder problem. They shall let you know if it is safe for you to use given your medical state.
We hope we helped you understand the efficacy of CBD for gallbladder problems. Stay healthy, stay fit!
Leishmaniasis is a highly prevalent protozoan infectious disease. It is found in nearly 89 countries around the world. This disease is usually seen in Africa, Asia, America, and the Mediterranean region.
The disease is transmitted through a female sandfly. According to a study named Leishmaniasis- A review, around 12 to 15 million people around the world have been infected with the disease. About 1.5 to 2 million new cases occur every year, and nearly 70,000 people fall prey to this disease.
Nearly 350 million people around the world are at risk of acquiring this disease.
Leishmaniasis can start as a small lesion, but if left untreated, the disease can lead to dire consequences. Treating the disease can be quite tricky. Prevention and early detection are extremely important to avoid discomfort and unwanted consequences.
CBD for Leishmaniasis: How it works?
There is a recent growing interest in the role of CBD or Cannabidiol in treating diseases like Leishmaniasis. Researchers are studying whether cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components present in CBD can work effectively in treating Leishmaniasis.
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What is Leishmaniasis?
To understand how CBD can provide relief from Leishmaniasis, let us first understand what the disease is and how it can affect us.
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease. A parasite named Leishmania is responsible for causing this disease. According to the CDC, an infected Phlebotomine fly acts as a carrier of this disease and is mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical environments.
When an infected fly bites a human being, it transfers the parasite into the human being causing Leishmaniasis.
According to the WHO, nearly 20 different kinds of Leishmania species exist and can cause different diseases, all grouped under Leishmaniasis.
Some people can have the Leishmania parasite in their body and still do not exhibit any symptoms. Leishmaniasis occurs when you start exhibiting the disease-related symptoms.
Which Population is Most Susceptible to Leishmaniasis?
The CDC classifies Leishmaniasis as a Neglected Tropical Disease or an NTD. This means that the disease is native to poor countries where medical care is limited and the disease can play havoc with the people’s health and lives.
This disease is most commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical countries with a high prevalence of the female Phhebotomine flies. These flies act as carriers of the parasite and transfer the disease to human beings by bite.
The top countries affected by various Leishmaniases include Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Pakistan, Somalia, etc.
Travelers to these countries should be aware of the risk factors and take the necessary precautions while traveling.
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease, meaning that the parasite causing this disease survives in another organism, in this case, sand fly before reaching human beings.
Various animals like rats, dogs, cattle, etc act as host to these sand-flies but the spread of this disease mainly occurs through sand-flies.
Once a person gets affected by Leishman’s disease, the person-to-person transmission gets easier.
The worst part about Leishmaniasis is that the sandflies responsible for carrying this disease are extremely tiny and are often not visible. Their bite is painless too.
Often people may not recognize that they got bit by the fly. As a result, identifying the disease on time becomes difficult. Administering treatment also takes time.
For this reason, Leishmaniasis is a tricky disease needing a lot of care and attention.
Types of Leishmaniasis:
WHO classifies Leishmaniasis into three main categories:
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
- Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala Azar
- Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis
1. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis:
As the name suggests, this type of Leishmaniasis occurs on the skin. It is the most commonly occurring form of the disease.
According to the PostGraduate Medical Journal, this disease is characterized by the formation of lesions on the skin. A small lesion forms in the area of the fly bite. The lesion increases in size gradually and forms into an ulcer.
Such lesions can take anywhere between 3 to 18 months to heal. The incubation period can range between 2 to 8 weeks.
In a person with a healthy immune system, the lesions may disappear on their own. But sometimes the lesions do not disappear, leading to life-threatening conditions.
In some people, cutaneous Leishmaniasis can heal and stay dormant. In later years, it takes the form of a much more potent form of Leishmaniasis called the Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis.
Symptoms:
The US National Library of Medicine lists the following symptoms of cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lesions on the skin which later turn into ulcers.
2. Visceral Leishmaniasis:
This kind of Leishmaniasis is also known as Kala Azar. Visceral Leishmaniasis is the most severe form of Leishmaniasis. If left untreated in time, this disease can turn fatal.
In Visceral Leishmaniasis, the parasite travels to the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, affecting those organs badly.
Symptoms include fever, weight loss, Lymphadenopathy – a disease of the lymph nodes, pancytopenia – low count of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.
Skin pigmentation can also occur as a part of this disease. This pigmentation gives the name Kala Azar to this disease.
Symptoms:
The US National Library of Medicine lists the following symptoms of visceral Leishmaniasis.
In kids, the symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomitings
Other symptoms in kids and adults include:
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Loss of weight
- Loss of hair.
- Formation of scales on the skin.
- Loss of skin pigmentation, leading to dark or ashen skin
- Night sweats.
- Infrequent fevers that last weeks.
Life-threatening symptoms include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Swelling of the liver and spleen.
3. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis:
According to the PostGraduate Medical Journal, this category of Leishmaniasis usually occurs after the initial cutaneous leishmaniasis has healed.
The incubation period for this disease is about 1 to 3 months. In some cases, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis can occur several months after cutaneous leishmaniasis is cured.
This is a rarely occurring disease among all the three categories of Leishmaniases.
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis affects mucosal glands present in your oral cavity, nose, or pharynx. If left untreated, this disease causes partial or complete destruction to the mucosal glands.
The US National Library of Medicine lists the following symptoms of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis.
- Ulcers and sores in the mouth, nose, throat, tongue, gum, inner nose, etc.
- Stuffy nose, runny nose and bleeding in the nose
- Difficulty in swallowing.
Long term damaging complications of Leishmaniasis include:
- Bleeding or hemorrhage
- Disfigurement of the face
- Damage to the immunity system
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis doesn’t heal on its own and requires extensive medical treatment and interventions.
Leishmaniases are of various kinds. Sometimes a person can get affected with different strains at a time. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long-term complications and reduce the healing time.
Different techniques are used to diagnose different kinds of Leishmaniases.
Leishmaniasis, in general, is diagnosed by conducting tests on tissue specimens. These specimen can be collected from:
- Skin lesions – for cutaneous Leishmaniasis
- Bone marrow – for visceral Leishmaniasis
- Serologic testing provides a support testing option for visceral Leishmaniasis.
So, how is Leishmaniasis treated? Limited treatment options are available for Leishmaniasis . According to the WHO, various factors like the type of the disease, the species type, the pathology, and geographic location should be considered before drawing up a treatment plan.
More importantly, the affected patient should have a strong immune system to fight the disease. Medicines do not always remove the parasite completely from the body. if the patient isn’t strong enough, relapses can occur.
How can CBD help with treating Leishmaniasis?
Before understanding how CBD can work on Leishmaniasis, let us first learn the basic composition of CBD.
CBD or cannabidiol is an extract of the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa. This plant has been used extensively in traditional medicine. Today, the extract of the hemp plant can treat a variety of conditions like anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, pain, and inflammation, etc.
What causes the cannabis plant extract to have so many therapeutic qualities?
Most of the properties can be attributed to the presence of compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes.
Full-spectrum CBD extracted from the cannabis plant retains all its cannabinoids and terpenes and proves an effective natural healer.
Cannabinoids have chemical compounds similar to the body’s internal cannabinoid system or ECS. ECS is responsible for controlling and maintaining various system functions and body mechanisms.
The ECS system regulates systems such as the cardiovascular system, immune system, nervous system
The Cannabinoids present in CBD work in tandem with the ECS system. This is the reason for most of the healing properties of CBD.
Another important component of the full spectrum CBD is the terpenes. Terpenes are similar to essential oils. These are the aromatic compounds present in the cannabis plant.
Terpenes render the aroma and flavor to the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoids and terpenes together render what is called the “Synergistic effect” to the full-spectrum CBD.
This means that the combined effect is larger when compared to the individual component effects of the CBD. As far as Leishmaniasis is concerned, pinene is an extremely important terpene present in broad-spectrum CBD.
Pinene is present in two forms- Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene.
Both these pinene forms exhibit a range of therapeutic properties according to a study by Biomolecules published in MDPI.
The Pinene terpenes present in CBD acts as:
- Anticoagulants
- Antimicrobials
- Antimalarial
- Antioxidants
- Analgesic
- Anti-leishmania
- Anti-inflammatory.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology stated that the essential oil obtained from Syzygium cumini, also known as the Skeels essential oil exhibited anti-leishmania activity in vitro.
Syzygium cumini contains alpha-pinene as one of its major components. Researchers attribute the anti-leishmania activity to the presence of pinene.
Let us take a broad look at the symptoms of Leishmaniasis. Key symptoms include:
- Formation of ulcers and lesions on the skin
- Ulcers and lesions in the oral cavity, throat, nasal cavity
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
Since CBD also contains pinene, it exhibits a range of properties including anti-leishmania, antimicrobial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.
All these properties make CBD excellent for treating Leishmaniasis.
- Anti-leishmaniasis and antimalarial activity of CBD help in fighting Leishmaniasis.
- The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help in relieving pain at the site of the ulcers.
- Analgesic activity of CBD helps in relieving fever and pain.
- CBD helps in improving appetite. As a result, the patient starts feeling hungry and eats better. this will help fight symptoms such as weight loss.
- Anti-inflammatory properties reduce lesions in the oral cavity, lungs, etc, making it easier for the patient to eat and breathe.
- In effect, CBD provides a multi-way relief to the patient, providing temporary relief to the patient while also helping the patient heal.
How can Leishmaniasis be prevented?
As of now, there is no vaccination or prophylaxis medication to prevent Leishmaniasis.
Preventive measures are the key to protection from this disease. If you stay away from areas where the prevalence of this disease is high, or you are traveling to one of these areas, the following precautions are extremely essential:
- Stay fully covered at all times. Wear clothing that covers your entire body, like wearing full-sleeved tops and pajamas or full-pants.
- Spray your rooms with insect repellants.
- Have an insect-repellant handy. A repellent with DEET is preferable for complete protection. Spray the repellent on all the exposed body parts, and on your pants and sleeves.
- Sandflies cannot fly at heights. You can sleep on the top floors to avoid being bitten by these flies.
- Avoid going out when the flies are most active.
- Use air-conditioners or fans in your rooms. Cover all doors and windows with mesh so that the flies can’t enter.
- Use bed nets. Make sure that the nets completely cover the bed with no gaps, so that the flies can’t enter your sleeping area.
Conclusion
To sum up, Leishmaniasis is a debilitating disease and can spread quite fast. Treatment options are limited and prevention is always better than cure.
Terpenes and Cannabinoids present in full-spectrum CBD can provide relief from the various symptoms of Leishmaniasis. Though research is still pending in certain aspects, CBD can form an excellent source for treating Leishmaniasis.
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