Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, which medical researchers claim might help treat various diseases.

CBD is most useful in treating pain and anxiety, thanks to its remarkable analgesic and anxiolytic properties.

Besides pain and anxiety, there’s a long list of other medical conditions that cannabidiol might help with, including herpes.

But how effective is CBD against herpes? Read on for more insights on that.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes simplex virus, commonly known as herpes, refers to a viral infection that often leads to painful and unsightly mouth and genital sores.

There are different types of the herpes simplex virus, depending on the specific area of the body the breakout occurs. They include Herpes Simplex Virus – 1/HSV-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus – 2/HSV-2.

As their names suggest, HSV-1 causes sores and breakouts around the mouth,lips as well genital areas whereas HSV- 2 causes breakouts in the genitals, rectum, and other areas below the waist and in some cases around the lips as well.

It’s also worth noting that herpes is one of the most common viral infections. According to the WHO, up to two-thirds of the world’s population under 50 years had HSV-1 in 2015.

What Causes Herpes?

Like most viral illnesses, there’s no known cause of the herpes simplex virus.

However, researchers have since uncovered common triggers, some of which include;

• Physical or mental fatigue

• Menstruation

• Overexposure to sunlight

• Stress

• Trauma to the affected area, such as mouth injury or sexual activity.

• Certain diseases, especially immunosuppressants like AIDS and cancer

Also, like most viral infections, herpes is one of the most contagious diseases. An outbreak can easily blow out of proportion if not immediately contained. Worse yet, an infected person can spread the virus even before they can develop any symptoms.

HSV-1 is mostly considered that it is transmitted by contact with oral secretions or skin sores by kissing, hugging, or sharing objects like hypodermic needles but can sometimes reflect on genital areas as well. On the other hand, HSV-2 majorly spreads through sexual activity with an infected person but can also be spread through oral as well. The worst part of herpes is that, if infected, pregnant women can pass the virus to the unborn baby.

Symptoms of Herpes

The herpes simplex virus can live in the host’s body for an extended time without causing any outbreaks.

In most cases, the symptoms manifest as blisters on the mouth and genitalia. As the disease progresses, the blisters break, leaving behind painful sores.

Treatment of Herpes and the Role of CBD

Cannabidiol, derived from the Sativa plant instead of indica flower, has recently emerged as one of the most effective treatments for herpes breakouts.

Now, it’s important to note that like conventional herpes treatment drugs, such as Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex, CBD doesn’t cure herpes. In fact, the disease presently has no cure.

So, why then consider CBD for herpes?

Cannabidiol treats herpes by addressing some of the core symptoms of the disease, including pain.

When you consume CBD oil for herpes, the cannabis compounds in the substance (known as phytocannabinoids) enter your body through the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a cell-signaling system that performs numerous physiological functions, mostly regulating the body’s homeostatic balance. The system contains various receptors that control how your body picks up and relays pain signals from the affected sites to the brain. Typical endocannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Besides receptors, the endocannabinoid system also contains endogenous cannabinoids and a series of chemicals that regulate its overall performance. CBD mostly interacts with CB2 receptors, mainly in the body’s peripheral organs, such as the gut, extremities, and genitalia.

Once cannabidiol enters your system, it alters the chemical structure of CB2 receptors, thereby enhancing the ability of the body’s endocannabinoids to bind to these receptors. This complex mechanism results in pain relief and relief from other conditions like inflammation and anxiety. And that’s one area where CBD scores highly above conventional herpes medications. While drugs like Famvir and Valtrex simply address pain, CBD comes with a cocktail of other therapeutic benefits.

Another reason to consider using CBD for herpes is that the substance contains antiviral and antioxidant properties. Like other cannabis extracts, CBD contains antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, which might prevent herpes breakouts.

Best Way to Use CBD Oil for Herpes

One of the best things about using CBD oil for herpes is that the substance comes in numerous products, including;

• Inhalable like CBD vape oils

• Smokable like dried hemp extracts

• Edibles like CBD gummy bears

• Oral tinctures

• Topicals like CBD balms

Users can choose any of the above products depending on their preferred delivery method. In the case of herpes, experts recommend going for topicals. As herpes blisters affect specific areas of the body, you need CBD products whose effects can be targeted to those areas.

Applying CBD balms or ointments on herpes sores allows you to soothe the pain around those areas without the substance getting to your entire system. That’s especially important if you’re using full-spectrum CBD products and are trying to avoid the psychedelic effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD may not be a magic ingredient for herpes. However, the substance comes with numerous medicinal properties that make it an effective natural remedy against herpes breakouts. What’s more, CBD generally doesn’t trigger worrying side effects. Most users that experience adverse effects report mild and short-lasting cases of nausea and drowsiness.

We believe that CBD is fundamental when it comes to living a balanced life with herpes. And we believe it so much that we started a product line that has specific herpes fighting ingredients including essential oils and CBD to help combat a herpes outbreak. Check out our product line.

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