Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 are the most common forms of the virus also known as (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Oral herpes is also a common form of the virus with statistics showcasing between 30-95% of the US population having. The last and most critical is genital herpes (HSV-2) statistics show that 20% of the population is plagued with the virus.
Like most things, there is a bright side to this news. Research suggests that cannabis may potentially treat herpes symptoms. Cannabis can be ingested orally, administered to the skin as a topical, or used with a vape pen as a healthier alternative to smoking.
Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus?
Depending on what form of herpes you have, you may not have any visible symptoms, in many cases the symptoms of herpes may be so mild that they go undetected. Herpes symptoms may appear and reappear but that doesn’t mean the infection has vanished, even when not visible it can still be spread to others because once it’s in your body it’s there for life.
Genital herpes symptoms include itchy or painful bumps on your private area, the blisters eventually turn into sores. Other symptoms of genital herpes may include burning when you urinate, trouble urinating, (HSV-2) may include flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands in your pelvic area, throat, and underarms, fever chills, headaches, and fatigue.
Blisters and other genital herpes symptoms are called an outbreak and usually begin 2 to 20 days after you get infected with herpes. The outbreak may last for 2 to 4 weeks. Cold sores can last for weeks and then disappear. Another outbreak can rear its ugly head since the virus is embedded in your body.
Can Cannabis Treat Herpes?
Cannabis may not cure herpes but it can help to treat it. Research shows that THC and CBD found in cannabis could serve as an effective treatment for the virus. CBD has been proven to be effective in relieving pain and inflammation. The THC in cannabis can kill cytomegalovirus, a herpes virus that causes flu-like symptoms.
Early and current studies show that cells infected with (HSV-1) or 2 stopped replicating when treated with THC. Further research shows that THC could reduce infection rates. Topical cannabinoids such as creams and tinctures. Cannabis can also be ingested through a vape pen as a healthier alternative and immediate entry into the bloodstream.
How Can You Figure Out What Kind of Cannabis is Right?
To figure out what kind of cannabis is right to treat your herpes, I would first recommend consulting with a doctor. Doctors can help suggest the best strains for treatment. Cannabis treatment can be administered both internally and orally with a tincture or smoking it with a vape pen, regardless of how you ingest it, cannabis will boost your immune system. Cannabis has powerful anti-viral properties that can help protect you from sickness.
Best Strains of Marijuana to Use for Genital Herpes to Treat Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects, According to the Marijuana Doctors.
- Green Crack (Sativa): A good strain for treating pain and for daytime use. It also helps with fatigue, depression, and stress.
- OG Kush (Hybrid): A strain that produces a nice cerebral high that numbs your body. It’s used widely by patients looking to treat their pain and stress. It also works well for depression and insomnia.
- Sour Diesel (Sativa): A great strain with stress-relieving properties promising long-lasting relief. It works well for headaches, fatigue, and depression, too.
- Northern Lights (Indica): This strain also numbs your body and is relaxing in nature. It allows you to sleep well, particularly if you’re struggling with pain. You may also use it for depression and stress.
- Granddaddy Purple (Indica): A go-to strain if your herpes is bothering you to the point where it keeps you from getting any sleep. While it’s great for insomnia, it’s also good for treating stress and pain.
How and why Cannabis Can Be An Effective Treatment For Herpes.
While it is not a cure, cannabis can be an effective treatment for herpes because it may help alleviate symptoms of the virus. Cannabis is a great alternative to using herpes medications which can have bad side effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, depression, and kidney damage. There are many ways that you can ingest cannabis, you can do it orally, administer topical treatment such as THC and oils, smoke it, and use it in a vape pen as a healthier alternative.
According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal experimental biology and medicine, THC made the herpes virus ineffective because it inactivated it and reduced its viability by 80 percent. Research proves that THC helps to modulate the immune response of your body and its T-Cells to counteract the herpes virus and keep it from replicating and spreading.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before making any changes to your wellness routine.
