As a young girl, I was always outside climbing trees or exploring the woods with friends and family. We would name certain spots in the woods so we could eventually say “Hey Nicole, meet me at the View.” It was a tranquil, little spot where two hills parallel to one another formed a hole that would fill with rainwater after a heavy downpour. 

     Growing up on Long Island, there was a very high tick population. And playing in the woods didn’t quite reduce my chances of encountering them. Around the age of seven or eight, I was bitten by a tick. Some people experience a bulls-eye rash but I did not. The only symptom was a 104 fever. As I got older, the pain didn’t stop just there. 

     I had constant “growing” pains in my arms and legs. My mom and grandma would rub my body down with menthol pain relieving cream almost every night. This went on for YEARS! At 16, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime. I was asked to work for Congress as a congressional page and moved down to D.C. during my junior year of high school, living in a dorm with 70 other kids from around the country. My roommate Tori knew when my muscles and joints would hurt because as soon as she entered our hallway, the menthol smell would smack her in the face.

     In 2008, I went to college where all my roommates knew I had constant pains. When I would visit one of my best friends who was a congressional page with me in California, she would remind me to not forget my creams. Everyone around me knew how much and how bad my muscle and joint pains were. 

     At that point, I had had enough! Towards the winter of freshman year, I visited my doctor out on Long Island and explained the symptoms. He finally decided to test me for Lyme disease. Drum roll please….. Meghan had Lyme disease. After rounds of antibiotics and list of side effects that seemed to never end, I decided to stop taking it and just kept using aspirin and menthol cream. I also went to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. I was put on yet another pharmaceutical which did not alleviate any symptoms. 

     In 2016, I visited a friend in California and came across CBD which seemed to offer many benefits. Desperate at this point, I decided to try it out! My first time trying CBD, I felt relief. I didn’t feel muscle or joint pain. I wasn’t waking up in the middle of the night to slather cream on my calf muscles. It opened a whole new chapter in my life as I finally had a remedy that help me cope with the disease. 

     As I tried a variety of CBD products, I quickly learned that not all CBD is created equally. Some companies weren’t exactly selling what they were advertising. I needed a high-quality product, one I could trust and knew what was in it or, more importantly, what was not in it. 

     As I learned more about CBD and its natural potential, my desire to create a company that could help people like me only grow stronger. Welcome the birth of Ergo Hemp Co.-  a company people could trust and learn how CBD can improve your mind, body and soul. 

     As a small, women-owned business entering in the cannabis industry, it’s been a long and tough road. My goal is to educate people who have been struggling with their own battles find a natural remedy that works for them.This journey has been a whirlwind of fun and (not going to sugarcoat it) frustrations but hearing how others benefit from Ergo Hemp Co. products makes it all worth it!

How CBD helps with Lyme disease

     Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted by a bite from typically from a deer tick. Those who suffer from Lyme disease experience debilitating fatigue, muscle and joint pain, chest pain, headaches, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms that doctors struggled to put a name to. 

     Suffering from these symptoms can make one’s life hell. Try getting up and going about you day experiencing chronic pain or fatigue or a combination...it’s no fun! Specialists are quick to resort to pharmaceutical antibiotics like Doxycycline. While that treatment has helped many, it did not help me. Studies show that CBD has healing properties making it an appropriate supplement to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from Lyme disease. Let’s explore how CBD can help! 

 

Antimicrobial 

     New studies suggest CBD may be the next superbug fighter for antibiotic resistant infections. Borrelia burgdorfer and other bacteria that cause Lyme disease can be resistant to antibiotics that are prescribed. As an antimicrobial, studies show CBD can be highly effective at fighting the bacteria. Mark Blaskovich, PhD, senior research officer at the Centre for Superbug Solutions at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland in Australia stated that “CBD's ability to kill bacteria” has a “very similar potency to that of common antibiotics." 6 Can CBD be the next superbug antibiotic? More research is needed but the results have been promising. 

Strengthens the Immune System

     Cannabinoids, like CBD, act as immune suppressors since they can reduce inflammation. For those suffering from autoimmune diseases like Lyme disease or diseases brought on by inflammation, cancer, or HIV/AIDs, cannabinoids may be able to help. CBD can help strengthen the immune system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is extremely involved in maintaining the optimal functioning immune system. CBD interacts with the ECS by maintaining the proper balance required to keep the immune system’s functions optimal. Therefore, the stimulation of the ECS through cannabinoids like CBD helps in enhancing the health, balance, responsivity and functions of the immune’s system. 

Anxiety & Depression

     While it is widely known that marijuana can be used to reduce anxiety and depression, sometimes this can be disastrous. However, researchers agree that CBD alone is a powerful, natural anxiolytic (drug used to reduce anxiety). When used as needed, CBD appears safe, well-tolerated, and may be beneficial for those who experience anxiety-related disorders and/or depression.

     Depression is a common medical issue that causes feelings of sadness. It can lead to emotional and physical problems resulting in the inability to function at work or at home. Unfortunately, there are approximately 3 million cases in the U.S. per year. Drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to many who experience anxiety and depression. 

     CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors. What does this mean? SSRIs block reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This helps the brain cells transmit more serotonin signals reducing anxiety and boosting your mood in some cases. In an animal study, researchers found that CBD may affect serotonin levels faster than SSRIs. Serotonin is known as the “feel good” chemical contributing to wellbeing and happiness. CBD may boost the availability of serotonin reducing our anxiety and depression! 

Photo credit: Medical Cannabis Dispensary

     CBD exerts an antibacterial effect, can reduce headache and nausea, strengthens the immune system, decreases pain caused by peripheral neuropathy, provides anticonvulsant properties and controls nerve episodes, anxiety and depression.These are many symptoms exhibited by those suffering from Lyme disease. It’s best to discuss a CBD regimen with you healthcare provider to determine the best method of treatment. 

     Ergo Hemp Co. wasn’t founded to make money but to help others better their health and wellness. Whether you experience Lyme disease, anxiety or just looking to improve their health, we want to share our experience and knowledge about how CBD can help. We are here to stop the stigma associated with the cannabis plant and help people learn about its benefits. We would love to hear your story! Drop us a comment below about how you have used CBD to better your health and wellness. 

Disclaimer: Most research describing how CBD works is preclinical and based on animal studies so studies don’t always neatly transfer to human therapies. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sources:

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40538-018-0125-0
2. https://merryjane.com/health/how-cbd-made-my-struggle-with-lyme-disease-infinitely-more-bearable
3. https://www.curednutrition.com/2019/06/30/boost-your-immune-system-with-cbd/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767492/
5. https://ergohempco.com/blogs/news/does-cbd-work-for-mental-health
6. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20190624/cbd-as-a-superbug-antibiotic