MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and is a bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. Left untreated, MRSA can cause serious and life-threatening infections. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, is a major public health threat. [1]
Table of Contents:
1. MRSA Superbugs
2. Why Is MRSA Such a Big Issue and What Can Be Done to Prevent It?
3. What Is CBD Oil and How Does It Work?
4. CBD In the Battle Against Bacterial Infections Like MRSA
5. How to Use CBD Oil for MRSA
6. The Side Effects Of CBD
7. Where to Buy CBD Oil
8. Final Thoughts
1. MRSA Superbugs
Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and at least 23,000 people die as a result.
According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) study, ferocious tribes of bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi are on the move, and some are proving nearly immune to antibiotics labeled as "last resort." Antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" have emerged as a significant public health concern. [3]
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to be an effective support in the treatment of MRSA. CBD is a natural product that does not have the side effects associated with traditional antibiotics. CBD is also affordable and easy to administer. [2] (Click to tweet)
In this article we will take a closer look at how CBD works and how it can potentially assist in the fight against MRSA.
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2. Why Is MRSA Such a Big Issue and What Can Be Done to Prevent It?
The overuse of antibiotics is the main driver of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used inappropriately—such as for viral infections like the common cold—they can kill off the good bacteria that help keep bad bacteria in check. [3]
This can cause the bad bacteria to become more resistant. It’s estimated that 30% of all prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary. [4]
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Health care providers can help prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections by:
- Prescribing antibiotics only when needed
- Choosing the most appropriate antibiotic for the infection
- Ensuring that patients complete the full course of treatment
Patients can also help prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections by:
- Taking antibiotics only as prescribed by a health care provider
- Never sharing antibiotics with others
- Never using leftover antibiotics
Despite these efforts, antibiotic resistance is still a major problem. That’s where CBD comes in.
3. What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD is a natural product that is derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. CBD oil does not contain the psychoactive component THC and does not produce a “high.”
CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety, pain, and inflammatory diseases. (Click to tweet)
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The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. CBD helps to reduce inflammation and pain by interacting with and modulating the endocannabinoid system. CBD could also be effective in killing bacterial infections, including MRSA strains.
4. CBD In the Battle Against Bacterial Infections Like MRSA
Scientists are working on new ways to prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant infections, including the use of CBD.
CBD is a phytocannabinoid that has been shown to be effective against MRSA infections. CBD works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It does this by blocking the ability of bacteria to produce certain proteins that are essential for their growth and survival. (Click to tweet)
In a study published in the journal Communications Biology, CBD was found to be effective against MRSA strains in vitro (in a lab dish). The study found that CBD was able to kill MRSA without causing any antibiotic resistance. [2]
This is significant because CBD's antibacterial properties could potentially be used as an alternative to antibiotics in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. CBD is already being used to treat a variety of other medical conditions, so it is likely that it would be well-tolerated by patients. (Click to tweet)
CBD is also a natural anti-inflammatory. This can be helpful in treating the skin infections that are often associated with MRSA. CBD can help to reduce inflammation and pain, and speed up the healing process. (Click to tweet)
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5. How to Use CBD Oil for MRSA
CBD is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, and creams. The most effective form of CBD for MRSA will depend on your unique needs and preferences.
CBD tinctures are simply dropped under the tongue and get absorbed sublingually. However, some people don't like the taste of CBD and prefer flavored tinctures, or capsules, or water-soluble liposomal CBD, as it can easily be mixed with juice or water and comes in different flavors.
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Others who want to get more CBD per dose generally opt for a high dose of a tincture (like our 4000mg tincture, or our liposomal CBD tincture)
While some may prefer to apply it topically with a CBD-infused balm.
Take our CBD quiz to find the right CBD type for you.
It’s also important to start with a low dose of CBD and increase the dose gradually until the desired effects are achieved.
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6. The Side Effects of CBD
CBD is generally well-tolerated. In rare cases, normally not at recommended doses, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue can occur.
Most side effects are mild and temporary. However, CBD can interact with some medications. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a health care provider before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medications.
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7. Where to Buy CBD Oil
Not all CBD oils are created equal. It’s important to buy CBD from a reputable company.
Here are some things to ensure when deciding on which CBD brand to choose:
Are their products organically grown?
Hemp pulls pollutants out of the earth, so you must ensure that the manufacturer is producing hemp organically in a low-pollution environment.
How do they extract their CBD?
Many people use heat to extract CBD as it is cheaper and easier, however, this can be harmful. Look for a brand that uses a CO2 extraction technique that preserves the plant's entire structure. Since all terpenes are preserved, the "entourage effect" occurs (all the compounds work together and produce a better effect than when taken alone.)
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Do they use Full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of other cannabis compounds, like flavonoids and terpenes, and a small amount of THC.
CBD isolate, on the other hand, contains CBD only. While many claim CBD isolate to be more potent, full-spectrum CBD provides a wider range of benefits as mentioned above, known as the "entourage effect".
Do they have 3rd party lab results?
Make sure that the CBD you choose has been tested by an independent, third-party laboratory. This is the only way to ensure that the CBD you're taking is safe and effective, and contains no heavy metals or contaminants.
Are they honest about the amount of CBD in their products?
Be wary of companies that focus on the percentage of their CBD instead of real CBD mg per dose and/or bottle. Because quality is so important, a higher proportion of low-quality CBD will be less effective than a lower proportion of high-quality CBD. A 10% extract that has been extracted with CO2 and processed without heat but kept under excellent conditions will be more potent and effective than a 50% CBD that was extracted using harsh chemicals and heat.
Who are the people behind the company?
Look at the company's About Us page and see if the people in charge genuinely care about your health rather than simply what's in your pocket.
8. Final Thoughts
CBD is a promising new support in the treatment of bacterial infections like MRSA. CBD has been shown to be effective against MRSA infections in vitro and is well-tolerated by patients. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
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If you are considering using CBD for MRSA, speak with a health care provider to ensure it is safe for you.
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