By: Meghan Ward
As a young, adventurous girl, I loved exploring the woods and it’s beauty. I grew up on Long Island where the threat of ticks is high and playing in the woods did not reduce my chances of being infected. Around the age of seven, I was bitten by a tick and developed 104-degree fever.
I had constant “growing” pains in my arms and legs. My mom and grandma would rub me down with menthol pain relieving cream almost every night. I would wake up crying from the pain, wanting to go to the hospital. We never thought it was Lyme disease. This went on for YEARS!
Friends and family would remind me not to forget cream and aspirin wherever I would go because they knew how much agony I would be in otherwise. My head was always foggy, even with a healthy diet and exercise. I experienced constant muscle tightness and spasms.
At that point, I had had enough! During my freshman year of college, I explained my symptoms to my doctor. Still the same height since early high school, I could no longer blame my symptoms on growing pains. Finally, I was tested for Lyme disease and, as you guessed…I was positive.
After initial antibiotic treatment, symptoms persisted. I was then misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia and again handed pharmaceuticals. Diagnosed with Lyme once again by a specialist, I was given more pharmaceuticals. After rounds of antibiotics and enduring their never-ending list of side effects, I decided to stop using pharmaceuticals.
In 2016, I visited a friend in California and came across CBD. Desperate, I decided to try it out! The first-time trying CBD, I felt relief. My muscle and joint pain subsided. I was not waking up in the middle of the night to slather cream all over. A whole new chapter began, as I finally found a natural remedy that helps me cope with the disease – CBD!
As I tried a variety of CBD products, I quickly learned that not all CBD is created equal. Some companies were selling falsely advertised CBD products with little to no CBD. I needed a high-quality product – a transparent company I could trust to share what was in their products or, more importantly, what was not in it.
As I learned more about CBD and its natural potential, my desire to create a company that could help people like me only grew stronger. Welcome the birth of Ergo Hemp Co.- a company people could trust and learn how CBD could improve their mind, body, and soul.
How CBD helps with Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted by a bite; typically from a deer tick. Those who suffer from Lyme disease experience debilitating fatigue, muscle and joint pain, chest pain, headaches, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms that doctors struggled to put a name to.
Suffering from these symptoms can make one’s life hell. Imagine waking up and going through your day experiencing extreme chronic pain or fatigue or a combination both. Many are quick to resort to pharmaceuticals like Doxycycline. While that treatment has helped many, it did not help me. Studies show that CBD has healing properties making it an appropriate supplement to improve the quality of life for Lyme disease sufferers.
Antimicrobial
New studies suggest CBD may be the next superbug fighter for antibiotic resistant infections. Borrelia burgdorfer and other bacteria that cause Lyme disease can be resistant to antibiotics. As an antimicrobial, studies show CBD can be highly effective at fighting the bacteria. Mark Blaskovich, PhD, senior research officer at the Centre for Superbug Solutions stated that “CBD's ability to kill bacteria” has a “very similar potency to that of common antibiotics." More research is needed but the results have been promising.
Strengthens the Immune System
Cannabinoids, like CBD, act as immune suppressors since they can reduce inflammation. For those suffering from Lyme disease or diseases brought on by inflammation, cannabinoids may be able to help. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in maintaining an optimal functioning immune system. CBD interacts with the ECS, creating balance to keep the immune system functioning properly. Therefore, the stimulation of the ECS through CBD helps enhance our health, balance, responsivity, and functions of the immune’s system.
Anxiety & Depression
Researchers agree that CBD alone is a powerful, natural anxiolytic (drug used to reduce anxiety). When used as needed, CBD appears safe, well-tolerated, and beneficial for those who experience anxiety-related disorders and/or depression.
Depression is a common medical issue that causes feelings of sadness. It can lead to emotional and physical problems resulting in the inability to function at work or at home. Unfortunately, there are approximately 3 million cases in the U.S. per year. Pharmaceuticals. known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are prescribed to many who experience anxiety and depression.
CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors. What does this mean? SSRIs block reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This helps the brain cells transmit more serotonin signals reducing anxiety and boosting your mood in some cases. In an animal study, researchers found that CBD may affect serotonin levels faster than SSRIs. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” chemical contributing to wellbeing and happiness. CBD may boost the availability of serotonin reducing our anxiety and depression!
CBD possesses an antibacterial effect, can reduce headache and nausea, strengthens the immune system, decreases pain caused by peripheral neuropathy, provides anticonvulsant properties and controls nerve episodes, anxiety, and depression. These are many symptoms exhibited by those suffering from Lyme disease. It is best to discuss a CBD regimen with your healthcare provider to determine the best method of treatment.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
