Benefits of Using CBD to Fight Lyme Symptoms & 4 Brands Worth Trying
If you’ve even had a remote interest in health or wellness in the last few years, you’ve likely heard of the wonders of CBD.
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the most active chemicals found in the cannabis plant (yes, where marijuana comes from). While CBD is found in the cannabis plant, it’s also found in hemp, a “cousin” of the cannabis plant that contains little-to-no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. Since the law requires CBD to contain less than 0.3% THC (FYI - any CBD with THC is considered full-spectrum, CBD with 0% THC is called an isolate), most of the CBD used in consumer goods is derived from hemp, not cannabis. In layman’s terms, CBD products are formulated to produce the benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering chemicals that make you high, and yes, it’s legal.
While CBD cannot cure or rid the body of Lyme disease, many (including myself) have experienced tremendous symptom relief because of it. Even when “cured” of Lyme (meaning there are no more signs of infection in your blood), many Lyme patients continue to experience symptoms long after finishing treatment–this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, or Chronic Lyme Infection. Symptoms include chronic pain, trouble sleeping and chronic fatigue, joint pain and inflammation, and increased anxiety, among many others. Most of these symptoms stem from a disruption within the body’s endocannabinoid system (the great balancer of the nervous and immune systems), which CBD is known to strengthen, support, and regulate.
I’m sure you know there are thousands of CBD brands on the market; I know firsthand because I get calls daily to try them. Fortunately, this means I’ve tried a bunch so you don’t have to. I use CBD topically for muscle and joint pain, and also internally when I'm dealing with stress or just have general pain in my body. Some products are good, but there are very few that I would say are great. Here are a few I genuinely do like:
Favorite Topical Product: Cause + Medic CBD Pain Cream
This cream is powerful. It utilizes 400mg of water-soluble CBD in addition to other botanical ingredients such as menthol, a counterirritant that causes warming sensations on the skin to distract from pain and relax muscles, and camphor, an anti-inflammatory that increases circulation to pain spots. I massage a bit of this cream anywhere I’m starting to feel discomfort to stop it before I spiral out of commission, and it works.
Favorite Internal Product: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
Available in both 15mg and 25mg doses, the only two ingredients in these capsules are Charlotte’s Web’s full-spectrum whole-plant Hemp extract and organic extra virgin olive oil as a carrier oil. I just pop one of these babies when taking my daily vitamins and medications and I’m good to go, there isn’t an easier way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine.
Favorite Esthetics Product: Acrely Farms Lone Peak Beard & Facial Oil
I didn’t talk much about how CBD is huge in the skincare and beauty industries right now, mainly for its anti-inflammatory properties that support clearer and more radiant skin. I met the women behind Acrely Farms recently and my husband Collin has been lucky enough to try their Lone Peak Beard & Facial Oil, which he loves. The formula pairs grew full-spectrum CBD with fast-absorbing oils like argan and jojoba to provide hydration, soothe dry and irritated skin, and reduce redness while nourishing hair.
Honorable Mention: Ergo Hemp Co.
Full disclosure, I have yet to try an Ergo Hemp Co. product, but during my research for this blog, I discovered this female-owned, USA-made CBD brand started by a young woman with Lyme! How could I not support this?! Meghan Ward has dealt with Lyme disease for 20 years, and in her quest to live a happier and healthier life, she took matters into her own hands and created a CBD brand that she trusted to work with and for her body naturally. I can’t wait to give her products a try.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that not all CBD products are FDA-approved and that I am not a doctor nor is this medical advice. This is simply a compilation of research I’ve done as a consumer and products I have tried that have benefitted me personally. Always consult a physician before making any decisions regarding your health.
Have you tried CBD for Lyme or general health and wellness? I’d love to hear your thoughts on our Instagram or Facebook, @holisticumbrella. As always, feel free to email me at Kenzie@HolisticUmbrella.com if you’d like to connect!
Wishing you health and wellness, always. xx