I don’t have to tell you about the destruction COVID-19 is wreaking across the US and the world. But here’s some news. Science is taking a look at the potential benefits of cannabis-derived CBD, testing it as a possible way to assist severe cases of the virus.
Optimizing the Immune System to Protect Lungs and Lives
The virus often causes what’s called a cytokine storm, where the immune system overreacts to inflammation in the body, especially in the lungs. This can trigger acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a potentially fatal condition. Because there’s currently no proven cure for ARDS, researchers are exploring all kinds of ways to keep the immune system in check and prevent cytokine storms.
Early research supports the theory that CBD may help by:
- easing or preventing the cytokine storm
- bringing down inflammation in the lungs and partly re-establishing homeostasis
- stopping respiratory distress and the damage it causes
- even reversing some or all lung damage that has already happened
- increasing levels of interferons, a type of protein that turns on immune cells and keeps viruses from reproducing
- all without the side effects of drugs that are currently used to try and clear patients’ lungs
The research, conducted on mice, is a step toward further studies on humans with ARDS caused by COVID-19.
Boosting Levels of A Natural Peptide
Scientists at two Georgia colleges have demonstrated that CBD helps levels of a peptide called apelin return to normal. This is huge – apelin reduces inflammation but levels of the peptide drop when a person is suffering from COVID-19. So just when they need it most, patients’ own bodies aren’t able to control inflammation or fight off the lung damage connected with ARDS.
CBD to the rescue, and not just because of its effect on apelin. Study results can be found in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
A Safer Way to Reduce Inflammation
Not only are scientists looking into CBD’s ability to rebalance the immune system to address the cytokine storm that leads to ARDS, they are also intrigued by its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
In severe COVID-19 cases, inflammation contributes to fever, muscle pain and cough, in addition to causing ARDS. This results in critically ill patients who are in no position to cope with harsh side effects – such as elevated risk for coronary artery disease – that current drug treatments can cause.
CBD has shown anti-inflammatory effects in earlier studies, without the high caused by THC. It is also:
- shown to be safe
- tolerated well at doses up to 1500 mg/day for 2 weeks
- even approved by the FDA as safe for children whose epilepsy doesn’t respond to traditional treatments
Improving Physical and Mental Health
CBD is already known to help reduce anxiety, which COVID patients must have in unimaginable amounts. Less anxiety could allow them to rest better and get more sleep, helping the body repair itself and heal more effectively.
A Way Forward
Increased interest in CBD by the scientific community can only help everyone. As CBD’s properties become more fully known and proven, it can potentially save lives from the destruction of COVID-19. And who knows what else?
In the meantime, we know CBD can help address poor sleep, PTSD, muscle pain – any number of issues we were facing before the virus changed so much of life as we know it.
CBD has helped me in more ways than I can count. And as a veteran US Navy SEAL, I’m no pushover when it comes to expecting good results from anything I try. I bet you aren’t either. If you’re interested in CBD for something that’s challenging you right now, check out our offerings.
I wish you health in your body and peace in your mind.
And now when you subscribe to Easy Day we’ll text you a 20% discount off our CBD products; so you can start having your own Easy Day.