Compare the Best CBD Oil for Candida Infection in 2022

How CBD May Help With Candidiasis

Candida is a type of fungus that generally resides on the skin or inside your body, such as the mouth, throat, and vagina⁽¹⁾. 

This fungus is a natural organism in the system. However, it can multiply and cause a fungal infection known as candidiasis. 

It is called thrush if the infection occurs in the mouth and causes painful mouth sores, white abrasions on the inner cheeks and tongue, and loss of taste⁽²⁾.

Meanwhile, vaginal candidiasis, more known as yeast infection, may cause vaginal pain, swelling, rashes, and itching⁽³⁾.

Studies have indicated that CBD (cannabidiol) may have therapeutic benefits that may help manage pain, itchiness (pruritus), and inflammation⁽⁴⁾.

Cannabidiol, more prevalently known as CBD, is a compound derived from cannabis. 

CBD may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽⁵⁾.

The ECS operates in the immune system and nervous system and may be found in the organs, connective tissues, brain, and immune cells⁽⁶⁾.

The ECS is also comprised of cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1 and CB2, that bind with CBD. 

CB1 receptors are in charge of the body’s pain sensations, while CB2 receptors help with anti-inflammatory responses⁽⁷⁾. 

Additionally, a study indicated that certain cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may have reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines⁽⁸⁾.

Cytokines are defined as small proteins that play a role in the growth of cells that help the body’s inflammation and immune response.

This study suggests the compounds’ anti-inflammatory effects.

Further research is required on CBD’s potential health benefits on candidiasis. 

However, previously mentioned studies have indicated that the compound may contain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects⁽⁹⁾. 

These properties may be beneficial for managing symptoms of fungal infections. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Candidiasis

A 2020 study has indicated that the topical application of CBD may effectively reduce symptoms of skin disorders, like inflammation and itching (pruritus)⁽¹⁰⁾. Such skin conditions include eczema.

CBD’s properties may also be promising in managing yeast infections.

The main symptom of a yeast infection is irritation, swelling, and itching in the vaginal area⁽¹¹⁾.

According to a published study in the British Journal of Pharmacology, certain cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, THC, and CBC (cannabichromene) may possess antifungal properties⁽¹²⁾.

The same study primarily investigated the therapeutic effects of THC, which is the cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects. 

Despite the focus on THC, the research still discussed that the other three cannabinoids, CBD, CBG, and CBD, may increase the effects of caryophyllene oxide, a potent antifungal.  

Caryophyllene oxide is an oxidized form of beta-caryophyllene, a primary terpene found in cannabis⁽¹³⁾.

Terpenes are the main components of essential oils and provide cannabis plants with their unique aromas⁽¹⁴⁾, 

A 2019 study noted that terpenes may also contain antifungal properties⁽¹⁵⁾.

The same study discussed that cannabis plants are the most prevalent sources of medicinal terpenes. Additionally, the plant contains antifungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Antifungal drugs prescribed to treat fungal infections like candidiasis may result in side effects such as abdominal pain, skin rashes, severe allergic reactions, and even liver damage⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization, CBD has a good safety profile, is well tolerated by the body, and does not have any potential for abuse^(18-19).

How to Take CBD Oil for Candidiasis

The optimal form of CBD oil for candidiasis may depend on the area of the body affected by the condition.

CBD’s effectiveness may also depend on an individual’s weight, metabolism, and diet.

Consulting with a doctor or a healthcare professional may help you determine what type of candidiasis you have. 

This information may help you choose what kind of CBD products you may use for your medical condition. 

Types of CBD Oil Products and How to Take Them for Candidiasis

CBD Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures may be administered sublingually (under the tongue) using a dropper or oromucosal spray.

When CBD oil is administered using the sublingual method, the compound will bypass the digestive tract and directly enter the bloodstream⁽²⁰⁾.

Tinctures are made from CBD extracts and carrier oils like hemp oil, specifically hempseed oil⁽²¹⁾. 

CBD Edibles

Edibles such as CBD gummies, supplements, and capsules allow the compound to pass through the gastrointestinal tract first before entering the bloodstream. 

CBD Topicals

If the infection is near the mucous membrane, such as the vagina, or on the skin, it may be advisable to use a topical CBD product or suppository. 

CBD topicals such as creams, lotions, and salves are directly applied to an affected area of the skin for localized pain relief⁽²²⁾.

These topically administered cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, CB2 receptors on the skin will pick up and absorb the cannabinoids to help relieve pain and inflammation⁽²³⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD suppositories are inserted vaginally or rectally⁽²⁴⁾. Suppositories are cylindrically shaped pellets that melt at body temperatures. 

This particular CBD product should be used upon the advice of a physician⁽²⁵⁾.

CBD Vapes

Vaping administers CBD oil into the body through inhalation. Vaping may be considered the fastest method for getting CBD into the body.

Vaping or smoking CBD oil using vape pends is considered the fastest method for getting the compound into the body⁽²⁶⁾.

However, individuals should be cautious when smoking or vaping due to the potential health risks associated with lung disease⁽²⁷⁾.

CBD Dosage for Candidiasis

The FDA or Food and Drug Administration does not recognize cannabidiol as a medical treatment for candida⁽²⁸⁾. 

Therefore, there is no standard dosage when taking CBD products for candida infections. 

However, as a rule of thumb, individuals without any experience with CBD should first start with low doses and eventually increase into higher doses if there are no significant side effects⁽²⁹⁾.

In addition, according to a study from Current Drug Safety, the human body may be able to tolerate up to 1,500mg of CBD each day⁽³⁰⁾.

Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to consult your physician about the best CBD oil dosage for candida infections or any medical condition you are experiencing. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Candidiasis?

There are no official studies regarding the time it takes for CBD to help with candida. 

CBD tinctures have an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes due to the compound’s direct entry into the bloodstream⁽³¹⁾.

CBD edibles such as CBD gummies, supplements, and capsules have an onset time of 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion⁽³²⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD topical products like CBD creams, lotions, and suppositories usually take 15 to 30 minutes before you start to feel the compound’s effects⁽³³⁾.

Lastly, CBD taken through smoking or vaping takes 2 to 15 minutes before you begin to feel the effects of the compound⁽³⁴⁾.

This method offers the quickest onset time. However, vaping CBD may also cause potential health risks, such as lung irritation and severe pulmonary disease⁽³⁵⁾, so caution is highly advised.  

Speak with your physician or an experienced medical professional before taking CBD oil for candida infections. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Candidiasis?

No research has determined how long the effects of CBD in the system can last to help with candidiasis.

Cannabidiol may linger in the system depending on the frequency of use, dosage, and administration method⁽³⁶⁾.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Candidiasis

Many CBD brands in the market promise the best CBD oil for fungal infections like candidiasis. 

Below are some necessary factors to consider that may help you find the best CBD oil or CBD product for your needs: 

Types of CBD Extracts

There are three types of CBD oil extracts: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolates.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds from the cannabis plant, including CBD, essential oils, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes⁽³⁷⁾.

Flavonoids are active compounds in cannabis plants that have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits⁽³⁸⁾. 

On the other hand, terpenes are the components of essential oils that are responsible for the characteristic fragrance of cannabis⁽³⁹⁾.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with less than 0.3% concentration.

THC, an active compound of cannabis plants, has psychoactive effects or causes a euphoric high⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Combining all the mentioned compounds in one product may produce an “entourage effect.” 

The entourage effect is defined as a phenomenon where the integration of different cannabis compounds may enhance their medicinal properties⁽⁴¹⁾. 

A study from Frontiers in Plant Science suggested that the entourage effect in full-spectrum hemp extracts may produce better health benefits than pure CBD⁽⁴²⁾.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil is almost the same as full-spectrum CBD oil as it has similar cannabinoids and compounds. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil does not contain THC. 

Lastly, CBD isolates extracted from Cannabis sativa are a pure form of cannabidiol, completely devoid of cannabinoids or compounds. 

Individuals who want to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC should use broad-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum hemp oil. 

Ingredients

High-quality CBD products are usually made with organic ingredients. 

Studies have noted the advantages of natural ingredients, such as anti-inflammatory properties, for skincare⁽⁴³⁾. 

Many of the best CBD oils and creams may contain nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and olive oil. 

The products may also contain eucalyptus that provides a cooling effect on the skin.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Third-party laboratories are in charge of inspecting the CBD products for any harmful contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides that may be dangerous to consumers’ health. 

Legitimate CBD brands that sell high-quality products are upfront in showing the certificate of analysis (COA) of their products on their websites. 

COAs are the test results from third-party labs, and these certifications show the CBD product’s exact cannabinoid content. 

Verify whether the COA matches the CBD product label before purchasing any CBD products. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Candidiasis

There is no current research on CBD’s potential risk and side effects when used for fungal infections like candidiasis.

In general, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is safe, tolerated well by the body, has a good safety profile, and does not pose any risk of abuse⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Still, there are minor side effects associated with using CBD, such as⁽⁴⁵⁾:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 
• Reduced appetite
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea

It is highly encouraged to consult your physician before trying any CBD product for candidiasis or any medical condition you may have. 

These professionals may provide you with vital information about possible drug-to-drug interactions and allergic reactions. 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill states that CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are considered federally legal in the United States⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

Epidolex is an antiseizure medication prescribed to treat tubular sclerosis and two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. 

This medicine is the only cannabis-derived drug approved by the FDA⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Medical cannabis or medical marijuana has been legalized in some states⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Still, verifying your state laws and checking product labels is pertinent before purchasing and taking CBD products. 

Overview of Candidiasis

Types of Candidiasis

Candida Infections of the Mouth, Esophagus, and Throat 

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a fungus called candida. These fungi usually reside on the skin, inside the mouth, throat, and vagina, without causing any detrimental effects on the body⁽⁴⁹⁾.

If the environment inside the mouth or esophagus shifts to encourage fungal growth, candida may multiply and eventually cause a fungal infection called candidiasis. 

Candidiasis that occurs in the throat or mouth is more commonly known as thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Symptoms of candida infections may differ depending on the location of the fungal infection. Candidiasis in the mouth may have symptoms such as⁽⁵⁰⁾:

• White spots on the tongue, throat, roof of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks
• Soreness, redness, and cotton-like feeling of the mouth
• Cracked and dry corners of the mouth
• Lack of taste
• Pain when swallowing or eating 

Vaginal Candidiasis

This infection occurs when the environment inside the vagina changes in a way that may encourage fungal growth. 

Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina, commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection⁽⁵¹⁾. 

The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include:

• Soreness or itching on the vaginal area
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

Invasive Candidiasis

This type of infection is severe and can affect the heart, brain, eyes, bones, and blood. This infection is also called candidemia, a bloodstream infection with candida and is often experienced by hospitalized individuals⁽⁵²⁾. 

Candidiasis may also cause muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue which are similar signs shared by fungal infections⁽⁵³⁾ and fibromyalgia⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

Fibromyalgia is defined as a disorder that causes pain throughout the body.

Alternative Treatments for Candidiasis

Candidiasis is commonly treated with antifungal medicine⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Mild to moderate infections in the throat or mouth are managed by applying antifungal drugs, such as clotrimazole or nystatin, to the inside of the mouth for one to two weeks⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe fluconazole, an antifungal medication administered through the vein⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

Prevention of Candidiasis

Aside from the mentioned alternative therapies to manage symptoms of candidiasis, individuals may take steps to help reduce the risk of getting candida infections.

You may try adopting healthy lifestyle choices such as⁽⁵⁸⁾:

• Have good dental hygiene. Floss and brush your teeth often. It is also essential to regularly see your dentist, especially if you wear dentures or have diabetes. 
• Have a healthy diet. Limit your amount of sugar intake. Excess sugars in the mouth and saliva may stimulate the growth of candida.
• Treat dry mouth. Ask your physician or medical professional about ways to avoid or treat your dry mouth.