In the health and wellness industry, most consumption of CBD is for the treatment of anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep disorders. The antidepressant effects of CBD have made it one of the most popular natural wellness products. This is especially true currently when the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are still far from over two years after the outbreak of the virus.
People have been grappling with both the direct effects of Covid-19 on health and the mental stress of the pandemic. The impact of Covid-19 on mental health has become a significant side effect of the pandemic. Stress-related alcohol consumption has been on the rise leading to increased rates of conditions such as Alcohol use disorder (AUD).
For both Covid-19 and AUD, CBD has been found to be an effective therapeutic agent. As a therapy against Covid-19, high-strength strains of CBD like the amnesia haze strain have been found to inhibit the replication of the Covid-19 virus. Similarly, CBD has shown beneficial effects in limiting alcohol-related brain damage in AUD cases.
CBD for Covid-19
In the treatment of Covid-19, the quick mutation of the virus and breakthrough infections even after vaccination are still posing a challenge. This has pushed researchers to seek alternative treatments for Covid-19 that can be used to block and reduce the severity of Covid-19 infections. One of the alternative therapies that have shown significant efficacy in preliminary trials is CBD.
CBD has antiviral properties.
One of the modes of action that make CBD effective against the Covid-19 virus is its ability to block the replication of the virus in the host cells. Covid-19 usually spreads in the body by replicating itself and making copies of its viral proteins. Since CBD can effectively block this viral replication, if administered at the early stages of infection it can effectively reduce the severity of Covid-19.
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties
The body’s immune response to Covid-19 can cause inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation is one of the reasons that people who have had covid may remain with residual health issues even after recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help to effectively moderate the immune response to Covid-19 which can help to minimize inflammation in the lungs.
CBD can help to boost natural immunity
Stress and anxiety can significantly inhibit the body’s natural immune system. This weakening of the immune system can increase the risk of contracting Covid-19. CBD has antidepressant properties and is widely consumed to treat mood disorders such as anxiety disorder and depression. By treating these disorders, CBD can help to boost the immune system allowing the body to fight Covid-19 infection naturally.
CBD for Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder afflicts millions of people worldwide and causes a myriad of long-term health issues including liver and brain damage. Researchers have found that CBD can potentially help in decreasing alcohol dependency and reduce some of the negative side effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
CBD reduces alcohol cravings
Preliminary studies done on animals show that CBD is effective in reducing alcohol-seeking behavior by reducing alcohol cravings and impulsive consumption of alcohol. This means it can be used effectively in the treatment of AUD to help patients reduce their alcohol dependency.
CBD can reduce stress-related alcohol consumption
Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety are a big risk factor for AUD. People suffering from stress and anxiety are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. CBD helps in this case by increasing the secretion of hormones such as dopamine which promote feelings of happiness and overall well-being. This can be effective in reducing stress-related alcohol consumption.
CBD helps to reduce alcohol-related brain damage
One of the major side effects of AUD is neuronal loss leading to brain damage. CBD has significant neuroprotective properties that can help to reduce alcohol-related brain damage. This helps to improve cognitive function which may help to reduce alcohol dependency.
Outlook
The multiple therapeutic properties of CBD are becoming widely recognized by researchers as studies continue to uncover more benefits of CBD. Unlike other therapeutics, the potential of CBD in the treatment of diseases like Covid-19 and AUD is enhanced by the fact that CBD is a natural product. This means that it has minimal side effects and is potentially safe for most people to consume. While studies are still ongoing CBD has shown great promise as a therapeutic agent for both Covid-19 and Alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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