The varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox, is the virus that causes shingles. After a person has chickenpox, the chickenpox virus remains dormant in nerves, reactivating as shingles later in life.
The symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, blisters, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms can be quite severe and affect the quality of life of the affected person. In some cases, shingles can cause nerve pain, called postherpetic neuralgia, long after the rash clears. This type of pain can be debilitating and affect the ability of a person to perform their daily activities.
Traditional treatment for shingles includes antiviral medication and pain management, but for those looking for a more natural solution, CBD oil shingles may be an effective alternative. CBD oil is a natural extract of the cannabis plant, found to have a variety of potential health benefits, including pain relief and reducing inflammation. This makes it a promising alternative for treating the symptoms of shingles.
What Is CBD Oil?
Unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana use. Researchers have found that Delta 8 THC has potential health benefits, including pain relief and reduced inflammation.
CBD oil for shingles is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. The result is a product that can be taken orally or applied topically. CBD oil is legal in most states and countries and is available in different forms such as oil, capsules, cream, or balm.
CBD For Shingles Pain Relief
One of the most common symptoms of shingles is pain, which can range from mild to severe. CBD is an effective pain reliever, as it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and enzymes that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It is involved in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including pain, inflammation, and mood. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the body. This binding causes a cascade of events that leads to the reduction of pain perception.
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with shingles. In a study of rats with induced inflammation, those treated with CBD had reduced inflammation and pain compared to the control group.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect occurs by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that CBD may be a promising alternative for treating the pain associated with shingles.
CBD For Shingles Rash Relief
Another common symptom of shingles is a rash, blisters and redness. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with the rash. CBD oil can applied topically to the affected area for localized relief.
A study of a CBD-infused cream found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis. This suggests that CBD cream may be effective in reducing the symptoms of shingles rash as well.
CBD For Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a type of nerve pain that can persist long after the rash has cleared in shingles patients. This type of pain can be debilitating and affect the ability of a person to perform their daily activities. Traditional treatment for PHN includes pain medication, nerve blocks, and antidepressants, but these treatments can have side effects and may not be effective for everyone.
CBD is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, the type of pain associated with PHN. In a study of patients with PHN, those treated with a CBD-rich cannabis for shingles reported a significant reduction in pain compared to the control group. This suggests that CBD may be a promising alternative for treating PHN.
CBD Dosage For Shingles
The recommended dosage of CBD for shingles will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including CBD oil.
Conclusion
Shingles is a viral infection that can cause severe pain, and rash and can persist as postherpetic neuralgia. While traditional treatment for shingles includes antiviral medication and pain management, CBD oil may be an effective natural alternative. CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising treatment for the symptoms of shingles, including pain, rash, and postherpetic neuralgia. It is important to note that it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including CBD oil.
