Mental and Physical Healing and the Endocannabinoid system
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As many of you have read posts where I speak about my past trials where I struggled with anxiety, depression, and the effects of chronic Shingles and a compromised Immune System, I have spoken about using CBD as part of my healing regimen.
I thank the stars, God, and the universe for making this wonderful substance which has allowed me to switch away from needing on average 10 Ibuprofen tablets daily, to managing my pain with CBD.
When my kidneys started to hurt from taking so many painkillers, I was searching for an alternate way of managing my pain and heard about CBD. I was very nervous about taking it at first, since it was still a new thing on the market and some people were wrongfully linking it to THC use, and attributing many negative and false claims about it.
I did a lot of research, then I decided to try CBD for myself. Wow! It worked amazingly well for me and I got relief!
I tried the liquid form, but I’m not fond of the taste, I’m not a smoker so I don’t enjoy the cigarettes, but I love, love the capsules.
With the capsules, I can readily determine what dosage I’m taking and have figured out that a similar protocol of taking Ibuprofen tablets, i.e. 2 x 15 mg capsules every 4 hours works well for me.
In taking the CBD for pain, I found it also was helping with my anxiety and with sleeping better at night.
So what’s the secret about it? Here are some very scientific explanations:
“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widespread neuromodulatory system that plays important roles in central nervous system (CNS) development, synaptic plasticity, and the response to endogenous and environmental insults. The ECS is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids. The most abundant cannabinoid receptor is the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, however CB2 cannabinoid receptors, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR’s) are also engaged by some cannabinoids. Exogenous cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, produce their biological effects through their interactions with cannabinoid receptors. 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) are the best-studied endogenous cannabinoids. Despite similarities in chemical structure, 2-AG and anandamide are synthesized and degraded by distinct enzymatic pathways, which impart fundamentally different physiological and pathophysiological roles to these two endocannabinoids. Because of the pervasive social use of cannabis and the involvement of endocannabinoids in a multitude of biological processes, much has been learned about the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the ECS. This review will provide an introduction to the ECS with an emphasis on its role in synaptic plasticity and how the ECS is perturbed in schizophrenia.”
In a nutshell, science has found that our bodies contain receptors to physically connect with CBD and Cannabinoid products to be able to use them systemically for our health.
“Exercise is another great way to stimulate and support your endocannabinoid system.
Medium and high-intensity exercise has been shown to activate the endocannabinoid system (73).
Research also shows that exercise significantly upregulates CB1 receptors and enhances CB1 receptor sensitivity, which is why exercise can protect against the consequences of stress (68, 72, 74).
Exercise-related improvements in memory are also due to activation of the CB1 receptor. Blocking this receptor seems to prevent the memory benefits of exercise (69, 72).
Several studies also show that exercise increases levels of anandamide and activates cannabinoid signaling (70-71).
And researchers now believe that endocannabinoids may actually be responsible for the “runner’s high” (euphoria) that you get when you exercise, and not endorphins (76-77).
However, you shouldn’t force yourself to exercise. Forced exercise is seen by the endocannabinoid system as a type of stress, and therefore doesn’t increase endocannabinoid levels and can actually decrease CB1 signaling (75).
So, you should find an aerobic activity that you enjoy so that it’s not a burden.”
When I spoke with my doctor about managing joint pain through CBD, he seemed very doubtful about its efficacy, but when I said I had managed my post-surgery pain and fever with the CBD he seemed to sit up and take more notice!
Not everyone can use CBD however. I have met a couple of people who say it does nothing for them, and one person I met said he is allergic to THC, and so cannot take CBD either.
**Note: If you wish to try it, check with your doctor beforehand to make sure there are no issues, then possibly try 1 capsule first to make sure there isn’t any bad reaction within your body.
CBD has changed how I manage my pain as well as my anxiety, sleep, and even healing from COVID:
“The authors found that CBD can effectively lower leukocyte migration into the lungs, production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF and IL-6), albumin concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, chemokines (MCP-1 and MIP-2), and myeloperoxidase activity in the lung tissue.
One of the studies reported that CBD increased the monocytes after 6 and 25 hours of postlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation. This study indicated an inverse correlation between CB1 and lung function. Only one human-related study reported that CBD treatment was not effective for patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms.
The majority of the studies reported that CBD reduced inflammatory response in COVID-19-infected Caco-2 cells and human colon epithelial tissues. Researchers compared inflammatory responses in human airway epithelial cells when treated with CBD and dexamethasone. This study reported that CBD significantly decreased LPS-induced NF-κB activity, MCP-1, and IL-8 release from macrophages.
Scientists reported that treatment of COVID-19 patients with 300 mg CBD for fourteen days prevented the development of severe infection, reduction in the parenchymal lung damage, change in proinflammatory cytokine concentration, and, subsequently, decreased chances of hospitalization.
Conclusion
The authors strongly suggested that CBD is a promising anti-inflammatory agent for treating severely infected COVID-19 patients. However, more clinical studies are required to evaluate the clinical benefits and adverse effects of CBD.”
Now there is research into CBD and Immune System disorders:
“People with autoimmune diseases often need to use immunosuppressant treatments. An immunosuppressant is something that can slow or stop an overactive immune system.
Research from 2020Trusted Source and 2021Trusted Source suggest that CBD has immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are important for those with autoimmune conditions, as inflammation is a common symptom of autoimmune disease.
However, most of the research around CBD and immunosuppression involves animal studies and lab studies. In order to understand whether CBD is a viable immunosuppressant, it needs to be studied in humans.
If you’re on the fence about this treatment, please feel free to explore the research to see if it could work for you!
As a last note, I’ll tell you about my friend: I recommended it to one of my friends whose husband is a veteran and suffers from PTSD and severe pain from injuries, and the VA hospital cut the vets off from Opioids but didn’t give them anything else. He has tried it, and now loves it, for it has helped both his pain and his PTSD symptoms and allows him to live normally again and without the severe side effects of the medications he was on previously! she is also using it now for her anxiety and it helps them sleep better at night too.
Let me know if this works out for you!
I hope you’ll poke around my Archived Posts to find a wonderful trove of supportive and encouraging posts!
I’m sharing more posts that may be helpful for you:
30 thoughts on “Mental and Physical Healing and the Endocannabinoid system”
This is interesting, Tamara. I’d heard of people taking CBD for pain, but I really don’t know anyone personally for whom this has worked. I’m glad you were able to find something useful (and that’s not a drug marketed by big pharma).
Right?! In order for CBD to work more effectively I have found that taking it on a regular schedule, e.g. 2 x 15 mg capsules every 4 hours, my own protocol, helps more than just taking it occasionally, like taking 1 ibuprofen once in a while doesn’t do much good for an ongoing event. Thanks for commenting!
I suffer from anxiety and depression and CBD has been incredibly helpful for me. Especially with my depression and sleep issues. I know CBD gets a lot of negative press and doctors don’t take it seriously sometimes but the truth is that it can be extremely helpful for many. Literally nothing has helped me as much as CBD products have. I’m glad they are helping you as well and I hope people sharing their experiences with it like this post will help others too.
I hope that with more and more success stories the negative myths will dissipate and that doctors can see it as a useful protocol. Unfortunately, too many doctors get rewarded by big pharmaceutical companies to write many scripts, and those rewards are hefty. Years ago I worked for one, and saw them giving away expensive luggage, watches, trips and other commodities as rewards. Cbd is still sold by smaller companies who don’t deal with doctors, so there are no rewards for the doctors to support Cbd.
Yeah, I have noticed that too. A lot of doctors prefer to push medications rather than alternatives since like you said there’s nothing in it for them.
This post couldn’t have arrived in my inbox at a better time, Tamara. I’ve been coming off the sleeping tablets (I’m down to 1/4 of a tablet now) and the Diazepam tablet (I’m on 1/2 now). My doctor prescribed them when I was going through that awful time when my counselling ended. I had so much anxiety and couldn’t sleep. I still get anxious occasionally, but sleep is my biggest problem. I’ve tried herbal remedies to no avail. My nights are constantly broken, leaving me feeling exhausted in the morning and for the rest of the day. I had previously bought some CBD drops, but I can’t tolerate the awful taste – it makes me feel sick. I was only looking at CBD tablets or capsules yesterday on Amazon, as I get free delivery. I’m wondering if I get some whether it will help with sleep and anxiety. I’m fortunate I don’t have a lot of pain, but I do have PTSD, which you’ve mentioned in your comments. I have a very strong startle reflex and am so often in a state of hyperarousal. I did look at the website you use, mentioned in the comments, but they are in the US, so I am going to look for some over here, probably Amazon. Do you have any recommendations for strength to go for or anything similarly helpful? Thanks for this, Tamara Xx 🌹
I use 15 mg capsules, and take 1 or 2 every 4 hours or so. You’ll get a feel for how your own body reacts, and depending on what you’re going through, you may need more or less. I tried a few different brands myself.
Thank you, Tamara. I will take a look at the different brands and strengths on Amazon today. My lack of sleep is making me very tired, so it will certainly be worth a try. Xx 💐
Just wanted to let you know that I ordered some from Amazon this morning. It should be here by tomorrow. I’m eager to try it out and desperately hoping it will help me to sleep better. I feel so tired all the time lately, so fingers crossed. Xx
Your mind is always alive to helping others, Tamara. Once well-designed and replicated human studies determine what are the benefits and limitations to this treatment (and for what conditions and which populations) we may be able to recognize you as one of those who has been ahead of the curve. You are a good and helpful soul.
I deeply appreciate your supportive words Dr. Stein, although I’m just sharing what has worked for me. I realized that many doctors aren’t on board with this when I saw my own doctor’s reaction to having used it post-surgery. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone, I know a couple of people who tried it and it didn’t help. I suppose the only way to see if it is a useful protocol is to try it oneself.
I shall have a deeper look into this Tamara. My crushed disks in my neck is causing a chain reaction where the inflammation is causing so many other things to go wrong beyond the particular nerves being crushed in the neck. Blurred sight, no sense of smell or taste, tinnitus etc. And with my autoimmune disease of emphysema it could at least partially resolve it being triggered worse by the inflammation reaction in the body. The big hurdle is I can’t take any sort of medication as the cortico steroid I use for the emphysema I’ve had a very bad allergic reaction to it which has oversensitized my body so badly I literally cannot take anything for the pain, and alas this even includes herbs. I can but try it dear lady, at this point what have I got to lose. I shall look into it, thank you 😀❤️🙏🏽
I sincerely hope you can take CBD and that it would help you! I buy mine on Swansonsvitamins.com, I like the quality and the price is the least I have been able to find!
Thank you Tamara, I ‘think’ that this has been legalized over here in Oz and can be obtained by Dr’s script…but don’t hold me to that, the laws have been up and down on this for some time 😀❤️🙏🏽
I’m so happy to hear you found a solution that works for you, Tamara! I have had very poor reactions to CBD, but the Charlotte’s Web variety has been helpful on-and-off for my boyfriend. So interesting to hear that it may be helpful for COVID-19, though that make sense.
My boyfriend has had debilitating pain for year due to HSV-1 in his nerves. For years, he had monthly nerve block injections in his trigeminal, but his pain is more manageable now. I’ll share what’s worked for him, in case it may be helpful to you or another reader: 1) The Pridgen Protocol (famciclovir + celebrex Rx), 2) subcutaneous BPC-157 injections (Rx), 3) Natural Relief 1222 topical pain reliever (OTC), and 4) low-dose naltrexone (Rx).
Thanks, Pennize! Even though I’ve written about using CBD I figured a more in depth info a post was in order for folks to learn about this and how our bodies are “prepackaged” to use it!
Extremely informative post Tamara. I’m glad you found something that works for you. My mum suffers from chronic back pain. You’ve got me thinking it’s worth suggesting. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
Good stuff! I hope it will work for her! I need to add an update that I recommended it to one of my friends whose husband is a veteran and suffers from PTSD and severe pain from injuries, and the VA hospital cut the vets off from Opioids but didn’t give them anything else. He has tried it, and now loves it, for it has helped both his pain and his PTSD symptoms and allows him to live normally again and without the severe side effects of the medications he was on previously!
Tamara Kulish 
This is interesting, Tamara. I’d heard of people taking CBD for pain, but I really don’t know anyone personally for whom this has worked. I’m glad you were able to find something useful (and that’s not a drug marketed by big pharma).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right?! In order for CBD to work more effectively I have found that taking it on a regular schedule, e.g. 2 x 15 mg capsules every 4 hours, my own protocol, helps more than just taking it occasionally, like taking 1 ibuprofen once in a while doesn’t do much good for an ongoing event. Thanks for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suffer from anxiety and depression and CBD has been incredibly helpful for me. Especially with my depression and sleep issues. I know CBD gets a lot of negative press and doctors don’t take it seriously sometimes but the truth is that it can be extremely helpful for many. Literally nothing has helped me as much as CBD products have. I’m glad they are helping you as well and I hope people sharing their experiences with it like this post will help others too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that with more and more success stories the negative myths will dissipate and that doctors can see it as a useful protocol. Unfortunately, too many doctors get rewarded by big pharmaceutical companies to write many scripts, and those rewards are hefty. Years ago I worked for one, and saw them giving away expensive luggage, watches, trips and other commodities as rewards. Cbd is still sold by smaller companies who don’t deal with doctors, so there are no rewards for the doctors to support Cbd.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I have noticed that too. A lot of doctors prefer to push medications rather than alternatives since like you said there’s nothing in it for them.
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Yup, it’s very transactional, and not really what the patients need.
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True. Medications help some but not all.
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I’m absolutely thrilled that you are being helped by cbd, I’m seeing more and more success stories such as yours!
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Great amount of necessary Info!!
Thanks for sharing and guiding TK
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My pleasure! I hope it was helpful!
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This post couldn’t have arrived in my inbox at a better time, Tamara. I’ve been coming off the sleeping tablets (I’m down to 1/4 of a tablet now) and the Diazepam tablet (I’m on 1/2 now). My doctor prescribed them when I was going through that awful time when my counselling ended. I had so much anxiety and couldn’t sleep. I still get anxious occasionally, but sleep is my biggest problem. I’ve tried herbal remedies to no avail. My nights are constantly broken, leaving me feeling exhausted in the morning and for the rest of the day. I had previously bought some CBD drops, but I can’t tolerate the awful taste – it makes me feel sick. I was only looking at CBD tablets or capsules yesterday on Amazon, as I get free delivery. I’m wondering if I get some whether it will help with sleep and anxiety. I’m fortunate I don’t have a lot of pain, but I do have PTSD, which you’ve mentioned in your comments. I have a very strong startle reflex and am so often in a state of hyperarousal. I did look at the website you use, mentioned in the comments, but they are in the US, so I am going to look for some over here, probably Amazon. Do you have any recommendations for strength to go for or anything similarly helpful? Thanks for this, Tamara Xx 🌹
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I use 15 mg capsules, and take 1 or 2 every 4 hours or so. You’ll get a feel for how your own body reacts, and depending on what you’re going through, you may need more or less. I tried a few different brands myself.
I hope I works for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tamara. I will take a look at the different brands and strengths on Amazon today. My lack of sleep is making me very tired, so it will certainly be worth a try. Xx 💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, do investigate this. Getting good sleep is basic to good mental and physical health. By restoring your sleep habits you will benefit greatly.
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Just wanted to let you know that I ordered some from Amazon this morning. It should be here by tomorrow. I’m eager to try it out and desperately hoping it will help me to sleep better. I feel so tired all the time lately, so fingers crossed. Xx
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🙏🙏🙏 I hope so too!!
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Your mind is always alive to helping others, Tamara. Once well-designed and replicated human studies determine what are the benefits and limitations to this treatment (and for what conditions and which populations) we may be able to recognize you as one of those who has been ahead of the curve. You are a good and helpful soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I deeply appreciate your supportive words Dr. Stein, although I’m just sharing what has worked for me. I realized that many doctors aren’t on board with this when I saw my own doctor’s reaction to having used it post-surgery. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone, I know a couple of people who tried it and it didn’t help. I suppose the only way to see if it is a useful protocol is to try it oneself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I shall have a deeper look into this Tamara. My crushed disks in my neck is causing a chain reaction where the inflammation is causing so many other things to go wrong beyond the particular nerves being crushed in the neck. Blurred sight, no sense of smell or taste, tinnitus etc. And with my autoimmune disease of emphysema it could at least partially resolve it being triggered worse by the inflammation reaction in the body. The big hurdle is I can’t take any sort of medication as the cortico steroid I use for the emphysema I’ve had a very bad allergic reaction to it which has oversensitized my body so badly I literally cannot take anything for the pain, and alas this even includes herbs. I can but try it dear lady, at this point what have I got to lose. I shall look into it, thank you 😀❤️🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sincerely hope you can take CBD and that it would help you! I buy mine on Swansonsvitamins.com, I like the quality and the price is the least I have been able to find!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tamara, I ‘think’ that this has been legalized over here in Oz and can be obtained by Dr’s script…but don’t hold me to that, the laws have been up and down on this for some time 😀❤️🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I forget how the laws are so different in each country. I hope you are able to test it out. 🙏🙏
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I’m so happy to hear you found a solution that works for you, Tamara! I have had very poor reactions to CBD, but the Charlotte’s Web variety has been helpful on-and-off for my boyfriend. So interesting to hear that it may be helpful for COVID-19, though that make sense.
My boyfriend has had debilitating pain for year due to HSV-1 in his nerves. For years, he had monthly nerve block injections in his trigeminal, but his pain is more manageable now. I’ll share what’s worked for him, in case it may be helpful to you or another reader: 1) The Pridgen Protocol (famciclovir + celebrex Rx), 2) subcutaneous BPC-157 injections (Rx), 3) Natural Relief 1222 topical pain reliever (OTC), and 4) low-dose naltrexone (Rx).
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This is good to know! It may be helpful for other readers! Thanks for sharing!
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Wow, really interesting stuff. Thank you for sharing it Tamara.
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Thanks, Pennize! Even though I’ve written about using CBD I figured a more in depth info a post was in order for folks to learn about this and how our bodies are “prepackaged” to use it!
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Well it’s very helpful, thank you.
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I’m very happy to hear that, thank you!
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Extremely informative post Tamara. I’m glad you found something that works for you. My mum suffers from chronic back pain. You’ve got me thinking it’s worth suggesting. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
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Good stuff! I hope it will work for her! I need to add an update that I recommended it to one of my friends whose husband is a veteran and suffers from PTSD and severe pain from injuries, and the VA hospital cut the vets off from Opioids but didn’t give them anything else. He has tried it, and now loves it, for it has helped both his pain and his PTSD symptoms and allows him to live normally again and without the severe side effects of the medications he was on previously!
LikeLiked by 3 people