Since cannabidiol is a ‘shinning star’ when it comes to wellness trends these days, people are wondering what it can and cannot do. While some research shows that it can help with a wide range of ailments including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, mood disorders to schizophrenia, the question arises – can it help with chronic fatigue syndrome as well?
There is no definite answer to this question. While the internet is filled with claims of people who swear it can help with fatigue, there is no research that shows the same.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Yet another name for it is systemic intolerance disease. This is a health condition with symptoms like severe fatigue, sleep problems, and worsening of symptoms on any exertion. This worsening of symptoms due to mental or physical exertion can last for hours, days or even weeks.
This ailment is such that its onset doesn’t occur due to strenuous activity or sleep loss. Neither can sleep help it. It is more sudden and comes with additional symptoms such as headaches and brain fog as well. Some people may experience pain as well.
CFS is not easy to diagnose or treat. There is no particular test that can diagnose it. Doctors use other tests to rule out other possible conditions and study the symptoms to see if you really have chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms must be recurrent for at least six months for them to be considered CFS. As for the treatment, a combination of medications and lifestyle changes are used.
CBD for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As mentioned above, there’s no solid evidence that CBD can help with CFS. However, cannabidiol does have potential to help with chronic fatigue. First of all, know that cannabidiol is the psychoactive but non-psychotropic component of cannabis. This means it doesn’t make you high or have any intoxicating effect like THC which is another famous cannabidiol of the cannabis plant.
Coming back to the point, how does it seem like CBD can help with chronic fatigue syndrome? Basically, a few symptoms associated to CFS can be helped by CBD. For instance, CBD improves nighttime sleep and promotes morning wakefulness. It encourages homeostasis in the body which CFS disrupts. Cannabis may also help with fibromyalgia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and migraines which share a link with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Should You Use CBD For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
It is important to note that cannabidiol does have some adverse side effects. These include low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, and cottonmouth. Looking at these, it is important that you don’t self-medicate with CBD.
Always consult a professional regarding the matter. Only an expert such as your doctor can tell you whether or not you should use CBD for your set of CFS symptoms, which tend to vary from one person to another.
