Cannabis and CBD oil for Shingles

Shingles is a rash that can happen to anyone who had Chickenpox as a child. Unlike chickenpox, shingles in not contagious, but does cause painful symptoms such as headache, blistering, rashes, headaches, and unclear thinking throughout the day. There is unfortunately no cure for shingles, but there are treatments that can reduce the pain and symptoms. Many people turn to pain killers or other medications, creams and topicals, or many adjust their diet. One of the most popular natural ways to treat shingles is with the use of cannabis and/or CBD oil.

One of the reasons shingles is so painful is because it will attack the nerve cells in your body. Traditional pain killers do not typically work well because shingles damages the receptors that would usually allow painkillers to provide relief. Fortunately, the receptors for cannabinoids are located throughout the body and are not attacked by the shingles, which allows cannabis to provide relief from pain. Cannabis also reduces inflammation, which is one of the main symptoms of shingles.

According to a 2018 U.S. Publication Journal, titled, Topical Antiviral Formulations and Methods of Using The Same, the "therapeutically effective amount" can be decided when determining the dose amount for the specific issue. Successful  treatment of viral infection that were administered by using the appropriate cannabinoids have shown positive results. For example, in aiding to treat herpes viral infections, results have shown reduced pain, burning and itching of the outbreak, reducing the duration of the outbreak, reducing the recurrence of the outbreak, and relieving elements of symptom outbreaks, such as ulcerations, crusting, or scabbing.     

There are two known cannabinoid receptors in the body, CB1 and CB2. CB1 is more frequently found in the nervous system, particularly in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Acting through cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, endocannabinoids (as well as THC) are thought to play a role in variety of biological functions, including pain and anxiety control, and inflammation. Although CBD and THC may work in unison in treating and controlling pain, CBD has also been credited for being considered being more available for medical application than THC. This is especailly true with skin lesion diseases such as shingles.

Cannabis can help relieve the symptoms of pain caused by shingles as well as reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells. Luckily, patients can find relief from any method of consumption. Meaning they can find relief through capsules, topicals, concentrates, or even tinctures. The list goes on and on. It is important to do your own research and speak with your primary doctor about the best treatment for your shingles. However, these studies suggest cannabis and CBD oil can be a successful treatment for the symptoms of shingles.

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