CBD Oil for Candida

Candida is a type of fungus that lives in the human body. It usually resides in small amounts in areas such as your mouth, stomach, or skin. In most cases, the fungus will not cause any problem until the environment gives it room to thrive. Once it begins to grow and multiply, an infection called candidiasis can arise. The onset of candidiasis is not uncommon and is often treated using over the counter drugs. There are different types of candidiasis that can manifest in different parts of the body. Candida infections can manifest in different ways such as vaginal candidiasis, invasive candidiasis, and oropharyngeal candidiasis. While candidiasis can be treated with over the counter drugs, some infections can persist with failure to respond to treatment. Some people have resorted to seeking out alternative options to help manage the symptoms of candidiasis, including the use of CBD oil. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. It has no psychoactive effects and boasts its potential to provide numerous health benefits. The compound cannabidiol reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in human cells, which are responsible for releasing and repressing neurotransmitters in the brain. So you may be wondering how then could CBD oil be used for candida? Read on to learn more.

What Causes Candida and Yeast Infections?

It’s not uncommon to have a fungal infection throughout your life. In fact, some may be more prone to them than others. The significant health challenge for those trying to manage a fungal infection is more often than not, the discomfort that it brings. Some of this discomfort may be caused by itchiness and irritation from the fungal infection. As previously mentioned, candida is naturally found on and in your body, but in excess may prove problematic. For example, an imbalance in the amount of yeast in women may lead to vaginal candidiasis. This overgrowth may cause issues and show its symptoms such as inflammation, pain while urinating, and itching. There are several causes of yeast infections including a weak immune system, too many antibiotics, stress, and oral contraceptive pills. Understanding the symptoms of a fungal infection can better help you recognize and tend to it when one occurs.

Does CBD Oil Have Antifungal Properties?

Research suggests that CBD carries antifungal properties. This is might be why some people are looking into using CBD products for their antifungal needs. But how exactly might these antifungal properties work? CBD is said to have the ability to boost the effects of caryophyllene oxide, which is an oxidized form of beta-caryophyllene. Beta-caryophyllene oxide is a form of terpene found in cannabis, and it is responsible for giving the cannabis plant its distinctive flavor and aroma. Terpenes have been found to have antifungal properties and research suggests that many of the compounds present in cannabis may boast several health benefits, including minimizing inflammation. What’s more? They also act as a potential fungicide. This property makes CBD oil a potential solution for candida concerns. 

The potential anti-inflammatory properties in CBD may offer relief from fungal infections and associated symptoms such as swelling and redness. Similar to other essential oils such as tea tree and thyme that may be used to help yeast infections, research shows that purified CBD oil may be as effective. The highly lipophilic nature of the terpenes in CBD enables them to disrupt the cell membrane, causing the possible death of the fungal cells and inhibiting any proliferation of other fungi.

Why Are People Considering CBD Oil for Fungal Infections?

There is a reason why people are considering CBD oil for candida infections. Antifungal medications may offer undesirable side effects, especially when taken orally. Some of these mild side effects may include abdominal pain, rashes, skin redness, and burning. However, the duration of these side effects is typically short-lived. Another rare, but more serious, side effect of antifungal medications might include symptoms of liver damage, such as loss of appetite or nausea, among other symptoms. 

This is where CBD may come in. CBD has the potential to offer natural relief from fungal infections with a low risk of side effects. Some of these side effects might include drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue. And, since CBD has other potential benefits, such as relieving stress, it may offer more value than just its use as an antifungal.

How Might CBD Work as an Antifungal?

In order to understand how CBD oil might work as an antifungal, we need to understand the mechanisms by which antifungals work. Fungi, just like humans, have an intracellular structure that is composed of eukaryotic cells. Fungi cells also have a membrane that protects the nuclei. Antifungals work to destroy the fungal cells by damaging the cell membrane and limiting the production of ergosterol. Without the presence of ergosterol, fungi cells die without causing any harm to the surrounding cells. If the cell membranes are not there to protect the fungi, the fungi cannot survive.

Cannabinoids have a single hydroxyl group composed of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom at their chemical core. These compounds combine with other molecules, including oxygen, to create a chemical reaction called oxidation. Once this oxidation process occurs with cannabinoids, the fungi cells are not able to build on themselves. These fungal cells are unable to produce ergosterol in their oxidized state, which is vital for their survival and also inhibits them from multiplying.

Cannabinoids have the potential to prevent fungal infections by blocking their spread on a molecular level. Two other important cannabinoids that can be found in full-spectrum CBD oil are CBC and CBG, which might also have significant antifungal properties. 

Is CBD Oil Legal?

CBD oil is federally legal when it is derived from hemp and only contains less than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound THC. While CBD oil is federally legal, each state may have its own rules and regulations around CBD oil. This is why it is important to do your CBD research on local laws and purchase CBD products from a reputable source. Because the CBD market is unregulated, it’s important to look for transparency from manufacturers and their products. Some manufacturers may take advantage and choose to produce substandard products. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of CBD’s many potential properties, it’s vital to purchase a high-quality CBD oil. You’ll want to look for third-party testing and a certificate of analysis to understand what exactly is in the product you are buying. 

The Advantage of CBD Oil as a Potential Antifungal

The anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties of CBD bring great potential for its use in fighting fungal infections. CBD oil may be effective when it comes to eliminating fungi cells and may also help to reduce the symptoms of an infection from candida, such as inflammation and irritation. In short, CBD oil may provide relief from many symptoms associated with candida and yeast infections. CBD offers no psychoactive effects, is non-addictive, and offers a good safety profile. Another advantage of using CBD is that it is generally well-tolerated with minimal if any, side effects. CBD is easily available in many areas across the country, just be sure to check with the local and state laws in your area.

Disadvantages of CBD Oil as a Potential Antifungal

One disadvantage of using CBD is that it can easily alter how the body metabolizes certain medications. Whether you have an existing condition or not, you should always consult your doctor before using CBD. Some medications, including those to treat fungal infections, anti-inflammatory disease, and depression are among those that can adversely react with CBD. There are also the possible side effects of using CBD to consider which may include fatigue, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and dry mouth.

When seeking the help of CBD oil to manage fungal infections, it’s important to remember that the CBD market is relatively new, and therefore, is not FDA regulated making it easy for some sources to make untrue claims about their product. This is where third-party testing might help. Third-party testing shows the potency and purity of the tested product. Be sure to look for ingredients and their percentage in the product label and certificate of analysis. Also look for a manufacturer who can provide dosing instructions as this can help guide you, with the help of your physician, towards the proper dosage. It’s recommended to start with the lowest suggested dose, and gradually increase until you experience your desired effects.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from fungal infections, you need to find an option that will help eliminate symptoms and provide relief. With its potential anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, CBD oil may be a more natural way to help manage the symptoms of candidiasis and fungal infections.