Lupus is an autoimmune disease that, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, over 5 million people suffer from across the world. Furthermore, with 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year and due to an unusually wide and varied array of possible symptoms that are often hard to find relief from, research is turning more into more holistic avenues to help find relief for Lupus sufferers.

This is where CBD comes in. Although there is no scientific research to 100% prove that CBD is a remedy for Lupus pain, Science Direct and Yale Medicine both share that there is hope. And, for some patients, CBD does provide a valuable option for treating the pain and inflammation associated with this brutal autoimmune disease.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks your own tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation that can affect the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, joints, and more. The early symptoms of lupus vary widely but can include fatigue, fever, joint pain and swelling, chest pain, skin lesions, and headaches. The most distinctive symptom is a butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the cheeks, though not all patients experience this. Because the symptoms of lupus are so diverse, the condition can be extremely difficult to diagnose; as a result, it often takes a long time for patients to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Most patients with lupus experience symptomatic flare-ups that can worsen without successful treatment to manage the condition. Over time, lupus can cause kidney damage, neurological issues that range in severity from memory problems to seizures, and a heightened risk of heart, lung, and blood vessel conditions.

Doctors believe that lupus is usually triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Infections, certain types of medications (including anti-seizure, antibiotics, and blood pressure drugs), and even exposure to sunlight can trigger the disease as well. Most patients are diagnosed between ages 15 and 45.

How is Lupus Usually Treated?

There’s currently no cure for lupus, but it’s important for patients to work with their doctors and develop an effective treatment plan to avoid the complications outlined above. Treatment options are dictated by the specific symptoms experienced by each patient. Common treatments for lupus include:

NSAIDs

Over-the-counter pain relievers are used by many lupus patients to control pain, swelling, and fever. Some patients may also require stronger prescription pain medications.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids like Prednisone are used to reduce inflammation, particularly if lupus begins to affect brain or kidney function.

Antimalarial Drugs

Medications used to treat malaria also interact with the immune system in a way that can reduce flare-ups.

Immunosuppressants

Because lupus is caused by destructive immune system activity, immunosuppressants may be helpful in more severe cases.

Is CBD Helpful for Lupus?

While the medications above can be used as part of a successful treatment plan for lupus, many of them also come with serious and unwanted side effects. NSAIDs can cause stomach and kidney damage, corticosteroids have side effects that range from weight gain to high blood pressure, and immunosuppressants come with risks including infection, liver damage, and a higher likelihood of cancer. For these reasons, many lupus patients seek alternative therapies to reduce the number of medications needed to manage their disease. While almost all patients will require medication to prevent lupus flare-ups, CBD oil for lupus may provide a more natural alternative for managing the pain and inflammation linked to lupus.

CBD for Lupus Pain

For patients who use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat discomfort or swelling associated with lupus, CBD may provide a valuable alternative therapy. CBD has been the subject of extensive medical study in the field of pain relief. A 2018 study explored the benefits of medicinal cannabis for a variety of conditions including migraines and chronic pain, with promising early results. Additional studies have pointed to the efficacy of CBD for headache disorders, arthritis, and inflammatory or neuropathic pain. For lupus patients seeking to avoid the potential side effects of long-term painkiller use, CBD could have significant benefits.

CBD for Lupus Inflammation

Like pain, inflammation has been the subject of extensive research in connection to CBD. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system provides immunity support – a complex network of receptors within the body that manage pain, memory, mood, and inflammation. When cannabinoids like those found in CBD interact with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, the receptors trigger reactions that fight inflammation in the body.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system…Overall, cannabinoids have exhibited the significant potential to be used as novel anti-inflammatory agents and specific targeting of CB2 receptors holds the promise of mediating immunosuppressive effects without exerting psychotropic side effects.”

Because inflammation is at the root of the most serious symptoms of lupus, CBD oil for lupus may be an effective alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate the side effects of traditional anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids.

What’s the Right CBD Dosage for Lupus?

If you’re interested in adding CBD to your lupus treatment plan, it’s important to start by consulting with your doctor. Because lupus can have life-threatening complications, a medical professional can help you find the right place for CBD alongside more traditional medications.

Once you’ve worked with your doctor to make sure CBD can safely be added to your treatment plan, you’ll need to figure out how much you should use. CBD oil for Lupus isn’t the same for everyone, and you’ll likely have to experiment until you find a dose that meets your needs. It’s best to start with the lowest possible dosage; the recommendation on the packaging for most commercial CBD products is a good place to start for adults. Alternately, many experts recommend a baseline dose of 10 to 20mg per day or a ratio of 1 to 6mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Finally, you might consider incorporating a topical CBD cream into your daily routine for relief from the joint pain and swelling associated with lupus.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website, where our customers record their real-world results of using our products. Intrinsic Hemp.