Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. Is it okay to use CBD for liver inflammation? Human and animal trials suggest that CBD can help prevent and relieve inflammation in the liver. There is also medical evidence that the non-psychoactive compound can restore brain and liver function.

However, at extremely high doses, CBD may cause toxicity or damage to the liver.

How do I know if I have viral hepatitis, and how can CBD help? Below is everything you need to know.

CBD for liver quick take: is CBD for hepatitis?

• CBD exhibits anti-viral action against hepatitis C virus. 
• The maximum recommended daily CBD dose for adults is 1500mg.
• Excessive consumption of CBD may cause liver toxicity. 
• Lifestyle changes coupled with regular consumption of CBD may lower the risk of hepatitis.

Related 

• CBD for liver disease: How does cannabidiol help with alcoholic hepatitis?
• CBD for liver inflammation: is cannabidiol good for viral hepatitis?

What causes viral hepatitis, what are the symptoms, and how can cannabidiol help?

In man and beast, the function of the liver is to process nutrients, fight infections and filter the blood. Without it, your body will not be able to remove toxins from the blood.

When a viral infection invades the organ or if you consume excessive amounts of alcohol, the liver may become inflamed, resulting in nonalcoholic or alcoholic hepatitis, as explained in a previous article. The causes of hepatitis may also be:

• Medications including pain and fever medicines or steroids -making it in your best medical interest to consult with a physician before self-medicating for extended periods.
• Medical conditions, including fatty liver disease or diabetes.

What are the types of hepatitis?

• Hepatitis A is a virus-caused infection that is present in the stool and blood of the infected. It is highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination and avoiding close contact or sharing utensils with the afflicted. Symptoms may include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue.
• Hepatitis B is  a viral infection spread through bodily fluids, including semen or other contaminated fluids. Some may show symptoms, including poor appetite, jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain.
• Hepatitis C is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. Left untreated, hepatitis may escalate into cirrhosis or liver cancer. 

Common symptoms of hepatitis are:

• Aches and pains typically in the joints and abdomen.
• Appetite changes.
• Low-grade fever.
• Jaundice.
• Dark urine or bloody or pale-colored stool.

Tip: THC, when combined with CBD, may help improve changes in appetite. For better health, it is recommended that you also consume a healthy diet. 

What is cannabidiol, and is CBD good for viral hepatitis?

CBD, short for cannabidiol is one of the over 400 chemicals and compounds present in cannabis and hemp plants. When combined with THC, THCV, CBN, and so on, the chemical offers benefits for over 50 ailments and conditions through interactions with the endocannabinoid system.

When isolated, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning if your concern is not getting high, CBD will not cause a high.

Legally, CBD products that contain 0.3% THC are legal across the country. 

Is CBD a cure for hepatitis?

Acute hepatitis may go away on its own. However, there currently is no cure for hepatitis -but the condition can be managed through medication and CBD consumption. Why?

A medical study published in the National Library of Medicine found that, quote:

“CBD was shown to have activity against HCV (hepatitis C) in vitro but not against HBV (hepatitis B). A review of the literature seems to suggest that CBD may also have activity in vivo based on its interaction with the CB2 receptor and as such using a host mechanism to indirectly slow the pathogenic process of the HBV virus. Based on these findings, CBD as such has the potential to be further developed as a treatment for viral hepatitis, especially as a combination therapy with the currently existing therapies.”

That implies that CBD may have uses in the treatment of hepatitis, but more research is needed to verify the claims above. 

CBD for viral hepatitis: what are the potential benefits?

Unlike traditional medicines, CBD comes in a variety of products suitable for different needs and with varying levels. You may invest in oils, tinctures, consumables, and so on.

The reasons you should consider CBD treatment if you have hepatitis are:

• CBD can improve symptoms, including nausea, depression, stress, and anxiety. When a condition ails you, it is easy to fall into stress and depression -worsening your situation. By helping you stay calm, improving sleep patterns, and managing nausea, CBD may make hepatitis ‘more tolerable.’
• CBD has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Hepatitis may cause damage to the brain. CBD’s neuroprotective properties make it useful in the prevention or repair of brain damage caused by epileptic seizures or other triggers. A synthetic version is currently in use as a treatment for epileptic seizures. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects mean that it can relieve inflammation anywhere in or on the body. 
• Pain relief. Damage to the liver will cause abdominal pain. Topical application or sublingual ingestion can help manage pain and inflammation. 

CBD for viral hepatitis: what the research says.

• When ingested, CBD does not harm healthy cells. There is evidence that CBD and THC target tumorous or cancerous cells. 
• CBD can reduce virus replications for hepatitis C by as much as eighty-four percent. The effect does not occur for hepatitis B.
• CBD reduces liver fibrosis through interference with the development at a cellular level. 

Can hepatitis be cured or treated?

Hepatitis A and B are preventable through vaccination. If you are unvaccinated and have been in contact with someone who has the ailment, it is advisable to get an antibody injection within twenty-four hours. That way, you can prevent the illness from causing symptoms.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but the symptoms can be managed. 

Treatment for hepatitis B includes:

• Surgery. Hepatitis B may cause severe damage to the liver. If that is the case, the recommended course of action is replacement surgery. Post-surgery, CBD can help in pain and inflammation management and it promotes wound healing. 
• Antiviral medication. Serves to lower virus replication, prevent symptoms, and slow down the virus’s ability to damage the liver.  CBD has potential as an anti-viral agent, and it may help manage or prevent symptoms. You may thus use it to complement treatment.

Who is at the most risk of hepatitis?

According to the World Health Organization, you are at elevated risk of acquiring hepatitis if:

• You are in a sexual relationship with someone who has hepatitis (recommend testing). The risk is higher in relations between men.
• Poor sanitation or consumption of contaminated water. 
• Sharing utensils or household items, including toothbrushes with infected persons.

To lower your risk of hepatitis, you should:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
• Avoid sharing needles, utensils, or other items that may put you in contact with contaminated fluids.
• Practice safe sex.

How long does hepatitis take to heal?

While there is no cure for hepatitis B, the infection usually goes away on its own in about four to eight weeks. You may use CBD to lessen the virus’s effect on the liver and body. Hepatitis C may last for up to 6 months.

Hepatitis A typically takes two months to clear. 

Complications may last for up to 20 years and may elevate the risk of liver cirrhosis or cancer.