For people suffering from sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, CBD oil can be a tool to improve their quality of life. The oil of cannabidiol is a safe natural product that can bring many benefits to help them improve their symptoms. In this post, we will explain the pros of using CBD oil for sclerosis.
Properties of CBD
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a cannabinoid, that is, an active compound of cannabis. Cannabis plants contain more than 100 cannabinoids, but the most potent ones are CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, cannabidiol is not psychoactive. Not only that: CBD oil cannot contain more than 0.3% of THC, which means that it is a safe product that will not get you high.
CBD oil comes from cannabis plants (specifically from Cannabis sativa) that have a very low content of THC. Most often, the cannabidiol used for making CBD oil comes from hemp, which is a variety of C. Sativa with the lowest amounts of THC.
Cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system in your body. All animals have this system, just like they have a digestive or respiratory system. The endocannabinoid system includes endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptors proteins throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. Even though the ECS was discovered relatively recently, it plays a crucial play in many body functions, such as locomotor activity, appetite, memory, mood, pain, and fertility. Cannabidiol acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
While they share similar symptoms, multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are different diseases. Also, people suffering from these conditions often suffer from anxiety or depression.
The causes of these diseases are not clear yet and, unfortunately, there is not a cure for any of them.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease. That is, your immune system produces antibodies that attack your body’s own tissues. MS affects the nerves of the central nervous system (CMS) by destroying the myelin sheath (a fatty substance that coats the nerves). As a result, the communication between your brain and the rest of your body does not work properly.
The main symptoms of MS are:
- Fatigue
- Numbness and tingling
- Chronic pain (neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain)
- Stiffness
- Spasms
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Cognitive issues
- Vision and eye problems
- Lack of balance and coordination
- Insomnia
- Sexual issues
Very often, MS patients have remission periods between attacks. During these periods, the symptoms do not get worse.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
On the other hand, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who suffered from this disease) is a deadly condition that damages and eventually destroys the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The motor neurons transmit messages between your brain, your spinal cord, and your muscles. When the motor neurons degenerate or die, your brain is not capable of controlling voluntary muscle movements anymore. As a result, muscle twitches (fasciculations) are a common side effect of ALS. With time, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis results in paralysis, usually in a few years after the disease is diagnosed.
Common symptoms of ALS are:
- Muscle twitches (fasciculations)
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Lack of control over emotional expressions
- Slurred speech
- Weakness in arms and legs
- Trouble walking
- Trouble breathing and swallowing
- Paralysis
Unlike multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can have genetic factors and can be inherited. This is something that does not occur in the case of multiple sclerosis.
CBD Oil for Sclerosis
The use of CBD oil for sclerosis is gaining a lot of popularity thanks to its versatility. Both cannabidiol cream and oil can help MS and ALS patients to cope with their symptoms. Moreover, CBD oil is also helpful in cases of depression and anxiety, which are conditions that often affect sclerosis patients.
CBD oil for multiple sclerosis (MS)
In the case of multiple sclerosis, cannabidiol is a potent analgesic and has anti-inflammatory effects that can help them cope with nociceptive pain (that is, the type of pain that comes from a specific stimulus, such as an injury or inflammation). In fact, there are studies that specifically links the use of CBD to relieve inflammation in MS patients. But cannabidiol can also relieve neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage). Using CBD oil and cream can help patients with multiple sclerosis relieve pain and inflammation.
Moreover, CBD oil is also effective in alleviating spasms and stiffness, while improving mobility at the same time.
CBD oil for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cannabidiol has neuroprotective and also prevents excitotoxicity (that is, the damage and death of nerve cells), which prevents and delays motor function problems. Furthermore, CBD oil improves appetite and can help reduce muscle twitches.
While CBD oil cannot cure ALS, its use can definitely improve the quality of life of those who are suffering from this condition.
How to Use CBD Oil for Sclerosis
CBD oil usually comes in tinctures that you should ingest by placing some drops under the tongue and wait between 30 – 60 seconds before you swallow it. This method is known as sublingual and is a great way of getting a quick onset.
Cannabidiol cream can be applied directly to the skin. It is also a great ally to treat pain.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
CBD oil has very few side effects and includes diarrhea, nausea, and dry mouth. However, most users do not experience them.
Nonetheless, CBD oil could interact with certain medications, so it is recommendable you talk to your doctor before start using CBD oil for sclerosis.
