CBD for Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver condition that results in inflammation. While it’s usually caused by viral infections, lifestyle choices, such as drug use or exposure to toxins, can also serve as a source of the condition. Some forms of hepatitis, like hepatitis B, already have effective vaccinations. Unfortunately, other forms lack vaccinations and can be difficult to control.

Because one of the physiological results of hepatitis is inflammation, some medical scientists are turning to CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, as a potential tool in the fight against this condition. CBD is a known anti-inflammatory, and current research demonstrates CBD’s potential.

What Are the Different Types of Hepatitis?

There are five types of hepatitis – A, B, C, D, and E. The type of hepatitis is named for the virus that causes it. Each form of hepatitis holds slightly different characteristics:

•         Hepatitis A is typically transmitted by consuming food or water containing fecal matter from a person infected with hepatitis A. 
•         Hepatitis B is caused by contact with bodily fluids containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Shared needles are another common source of infection. The CDC estimates that 1.2 million people in the United States are infected with HBV. Many live unaware they’ve been infected. 
•         Hepatitis C is among the most common viral infections in the United States, with around 3 million Americans infected. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. 
•         Hepatitis D is often referred to as delta hepatitis. Infections are caused by direct contact with infected blood. However, the virus can only grow in those also infected with hepatitis B. 
•         Hepatitis E is usually found in areas of poor sanitation, as it’s caused by ingesting water contaminated with fecal matter carrying the hepatitis E virus. 

How Can CBD Help?

Hepatitis often results in symptoms like fatigue, dark urine, pale stool, pain, weight loss, and jaundice. CBD use may reduce many of these symptoms, and CBD has also demonstrated the ability to reduce the spread of infections.

In fact, recent research found that CBD reduced the replication of the hepatitis C virus by 86%. While more studies are needed to further prove CBD’s safety and efficacy, this research is an example of CBD’s therapeutic abilities.

Of course, if you’re infected with hepatitis C or experiencing any of the symptoms, you should consult with your doctor before using CBD. Your doctor can examine and diagnose any underlying issues and provide a range of potentially effective treatments.