Coronavirus cytokine storm… EXTINGUISHED by this? [Israeli study brings hope]

It’s one of the most dangerous symptoms of severe COVID-19 cases — acute respiratory distress syndrome  (ARDS).

You’ve probably heard it referred to as the “cytokine storm ” – an overwhelming influx of inflammatory substances produced by the immune system.

I’m talking about the interleukins… like IL-6, IL-1b, and IL-17.

This overactive inflammatory response can become so excessive, the resulting SUPERSTORM could start killing the body’s own cells… instead of just fighting off the infection.

And that can make COVID-19 turn deadly.

So, understandably, one of the routes that researchers are taking is to figure out ways to fight this potentially LETHAL complication…

Namely, by BRINGING DOWN extreme inflammation.

That’s the theory behind using dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and some skin issues.

This anti-inflammatory drug, in theory, could help patients RIDE OUT an uncontrolled immune response to the virus.

But it’s not the ONLY candidate for potentially executing that same mode of action.

There’s ANOTHER anti-inflammatory agent out there that could help NORMALIZE EXAGGERATED immune responses in coronavirus patients.

And what it is may surprise you.

Like an ice bucket… for your lungs?

One of the OTHER inflammation-busting prospects scientists are looking at is the cannabis compound, CBD.

Now, this research is brand new…

But as you know, it’s been “all hands on deck” to find therapies that might prove useful in treating the coronavirus disease.

And nearly everything is moving at “warp speed”!

In an ongoing trial out of Israel, a CBD-based combination therapy was 3X more effective than dexamethasone at inhibiting cytokine activity.

On average, CBD alone inhibited about 75% of the cytokines.

But then the researchers combined CBD with a blend of flavor and aroma compounds known as terpenes…

And the resulting formula inhibited about 90% of the cytokines.

Compare that to dexamethasone… which on its own only inhibited about 30% of the cytokines.

A prior animal study showed how CBD therapy given to subjects in respiratory distress could REVERSE symptoms like PLUMMETING blood oxygen levels and structural damage in the lungs.

Now, don’t start taking CBD on your own with hopes that it could prevent… treat… or cure COVID-19.

More clinical trials are needed before this active compound from cannabis plants can be approved for ANY of those uses.

But CBD products do have incredible safety profiles…

And using CBD has helped lots of folks cope with occasional bouts of stress… and even combat occasional sleeplessness.

To banishing excess inflammation,

Melissa Young