In 2019, the Centre of Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) in the UK issued a report that highlighted the growing popularity of cannabidiol, or CBD, among the population. The report stated that between four and six million UK adults had tried it. CBD oil is readily available to purchase and many individuals do so to find a sense of calm and therapeutic relief in the hecticness of modern life.
Early discoveries surrounding the body’s natural endocannabinoid system have highlighted the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the immune system. Further research has explored this connection in greater detail. A report by Radu Tanasescu and Cris S Constantinescu, “Cannabinoids and the Immune System: An Overview”, stated that cannabinoids can influence the immune network.
In this article, we are going to find out whether cannabidiol can indeed play a role in supporting a healthy immune system.
The Role of Inflammation in the Immune System
When you begin to look more closely at the immune system, the word “inflammation” frequently crops up. When your body is exposed to something harmful – a virus, a bacterium, or even something that causes injury – your immune system fights back.
When you have a cold, your nose, throat, and eyes may become inflamed. If you accidentally cut yourself, the skin around the cut is likely to appear red, sore, and painful. This inflammation is a sign that your immune system has kicked into action to solve the problem.
However, chronic inflammation occurs when those cells hang around for longer than necessary, rather than disappearing after their job is done. In-depth research by the authors of the report “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs” states that cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
It isn’t necessary to understand the complex terminology behind this statement – only to realise that CBD, in the form of an oil or tincture, could possibly help those looking for a way to boost their immune system.
A Powerful Weapon in the Management of Autoimmune Diseases?
There are many examples of illnesses that affect the immune system:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Kawasaki disease
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Ulcerative colitis
Many people suffer from an autoimmune condition that affects their daily life. There are more than 100 different diseases that fit into this category. Finding ways to manage and reduce daily pain levels is a journey many of those affected are still undertaking.
While research continues into how effective cannabidiol could be in helping such individuals, it is worth noting that CBD is different from cannabis, as it is not noticeably psychoactive and does not produce the euphoric “high” that cannabis users experience.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering taking CBD oil for an autoimmune disease, we would encourage you to further explore the many different studies that relate to this very specific use case. Understanding the role of CBD within the immune system is crucial when considering whether it could bring benefits to you and your health.
Expert medical advice from your GP or local pharmacist should always be sought if you have any health concerns. We hope that reading about the facts surrounding CBD and its interaction with the immune system is of use.
Source Purity Hemp Company