Compare the Best CBD Oil for Herpes in 2022

How CBD May Help With Herpes

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is one of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant.  

Research suggests that CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) of the ECS (endocannabinoid system)⁽¹⁾. 

CB1 receptors are primarily predominant in the central nervous system. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors, which regulate immune response, are widespread among cells of the immune system⁽²⁾. 

CBD lacks the psychoactivity of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the euphoric effect that most marijuana users feel. 

Although CBD has a low binding affinity for both cannabinoid receptors, the non-psychoactive compound may antagonize them in the presence of THC⁽³⁾. 

A study from the Journal of General Virology hypothesized that the CB1 receptor antagonists may inhibit HCV (hepatitis C virus) production, suggesting their potential as antiviral agents⁽⁴⁾.

Since CBD may act as an antagonist at CB1 receptors, the non-psychoactive compound may also help with viral infections, as shown in the research articles from PubMed^(5-6). Herpes is a viral infection.  

A study from the Sexually Transmitted Diseases journal suggested that the herpes simplex virus type 2 may increase the susceptibility of the sexual transmission of hepatitis C, a liver infection caused by HCV⁽⁷⁾. 

Herpes simplex 2 or HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes⁽⁸⁾.  

Meanwhile, herpes simplex 1 or HSV-1 is commonly transmitted orally and can include symptoms like cold sores⁽⁹⁾. 

In rare cases, HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections may lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the protective layer of membranes that shield the brain and spinal cord⁽¹⁰⁾. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹¹⁾, which may be beneficial in these cases.

While these research studies seem promising, no evidence exists directly stating CBD’s effects on herpes. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Herpes

A study from the International Reviews of Immunology journal indicated that strong cytokine responses are linked to the acute and recurrent phases of HSV (herpes simplex virus) infection⁽¹²⁾. 

Cytokines are small proteins that are vital in cell signaling. The study also stated that the pro-inflammatory and TH1 type cytokines dominate the cytokine response to HSV infection⁽¹³⁾. 

Clinical studies suggest that CBD may reduce the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines⁽¹⁴⁾.   

When symptomatic, the common manifestations of HSV-1 or HSV-2 genital infection are clusters of papules and inflamed vesicles (blisters) on the outer surface of the genitals⁽¹⁵⁾. 

CBD’s pain-relieving effects⁽¹⁶⁾ may help manage symptoms of certain medical conditions like genital herpes. Symptoms of genital herpes include pain and tenderness in the genital area⁽¹⁷⁾. 

CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁸⁾ may also help with inflammation associated with medical conditions like genital herpes. Gential herpes may lead to rectal inflammation⁽¹⁹⁾. 

However, proper assessment in clinical trials is warranted to determine the benefits of using CBD for herpes.

How to Take CBD Oil for Herpes

You may find the topical CBD application helpful during herpes outbreaks.  

Topical CBD products, such as CBD creams, lotions, and balms, allow you to administer the compound directly to the affected area. 

Inhaling vaporized CBD is another way of administering cannabidiol. However, extra caution is necessary because vaping may damage the lungs⁽²⁰⁾. 

You may also administer CBD sublingually or under the tongue. 

CBD Dosage for Herpes

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a form of herpes medication. Therefore, there is no standard CBD dosage for herpes.

Oral herpes spreads from individuals with an active outbreak. A person can catch oral herpes by engaging in oral sex with the infected individual⁽²¹⁾. 

Treatment plans for oral herpes may involve oral antiviral medications, antiviral topical ointments, or over-the-counter topical anesthetics and anti-inflammatory agents⁽²²⁾. 

CBD is believed to have antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects⁽²³⁾. Doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD per day may help with pain and inflammation⁽²⁴⁾. Inflammation and pain are common herpes symptoms⁽²⁵⁾.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Herpes?

CBD in topicals usually takes effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽²⁶⁾. Meanwhile, the onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is between 2 to 15 minutes⁽²⁷⁾. 

Although inhaling CBD using vape pens is the fastest way to benefit from CBD, vaping may damage the lungs^(28-29). 

How Long Will CBD Help With Herpes?

How long CBD will last after it starts to take effect depends on its bioavailability, which is the extent to which a particular drug becomes entirely available to one’s system. 

The bioavailability of CBD after smoking is 31%⁽³⁰⁾. On the other hand, CBD in topicals has zero bioavailability⁽³¹⁾. The bioavailability of CBD via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%⁽³²⁾. 

How to Choose the Right CBD for Herpes

You can choose between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates. 

The full-spectrum and broad-spectrum variants contain all compounds of the cannabis plant. Their only difference is that the broad-spectrum CBD is nearly THC-free. Meanwhile, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD.

When purchasing from online stores, make sure to be aware of any disclaimers. 

Also, search for the lab reports provided by a third-party lab. These documents are vital in checking the labeling accuracy of CBD products like tinctures. 

Lab reports like the COA (certificate of analysis) ensure that the products are free from pesticides and other harmful substances. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Herpes

Generally, CBD may induce some risks and minor side effects like fatigue and dry mouth⁽³³⁾. 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered federally legal⁽³⁴⁾. 

Colorado is one of the states that permit recreational and medical marijuana use⁽³⁵⁾. 

You may check government reports and journals, which are located online using a digital object identifier (DOI) to know more about various state laws.