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    Long covid - symptoms, cause and therapy

    Author: Lucie Garabasova

    Have you had COVID and still not feeling well? Are your fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, or joint pain just not going away? Long COVID affects up to 30% of people after COVID – and it can last for months or years. The good news is that there is a natural way to help your body. Let’s talk about what an anti-spike strategy is and how cannabis can help you.

    What is Long COVID and why does it occur?

    Long COVID (post-acute sequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection) is a condition where COVID symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks after the acute infection – sometimes for months or years.

    The most common symptoms of long covid:

    Physical:

    • Chronic fatigue (fatigue syndrome)
    • Shortness of breath and breathing problems
    • Muscle and joint pain
    • Chest pain
    • Pain
    • Palpitations
    • Loss of smell or taste

    Neurological:

    • Brain fog – problems with memory and concentration
    • Headaches
    • Dizziness
    • Sleep disorders

    Psychological:

    It is estimated that long covid affects 10-30% of people who have had covid – regardless of how severe their course was.

    Why does long COVID arise? The role of the spike protein

    In order to understand how to fight long covid, we must first understand what is happening in the body.

    What is a spike protein?

    Spike protein is the "spikes" on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which the virus uses to attach to cells and infect them.

    The latest research even confirms that the spike protein or its fragments can persist in the body for months to years after acute infection.

    A 2024 study shows that the entire spike protein can be detected in the blood for up to 12 months after infection, which supports the hypothesis of persistent viral reservoirs

    Why is the spike protein harmful?

    The spike protein can trigger a number of processes in the body that disrupt its balance. It activates the immune system and causes chronic inflammation, binds to the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), thereby causing microscopic damage to them. At the same time, it disrupts the function of mitochondria, so that cells lose their ability to efficiently generate energy. In some cases, autoimmune processes are even activated, when the body starts attacking itself.
    The result is chronic fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and shortness of breath - typical symptoms of long covid.

    Anti-spike strategy: How to support the body in detoxification?

    The so-called anti-spike approach is a comprehensive natural strategy that helps the body recover after experiencing covid. It focuses on reducing the spike protein load in the body, supporting natural detoxification mechanisms, calming inflammation and regenerating damaged tissues. The goal is to restore the balance of the immune system and help the body return to full vitality.

    These findings support the theory that long COVID may be associated with low-level persistence of the virus and chronic immune activation.

    Specific points of the anti-spike strategy:

    1. Anti-inflammatory diet

    • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed)
    • Turmeric and ginger
    • Green vegetables (spinach, broccoli)
    • Blueberries

    2. Antioxidants

    • Vitamin C (kiwi, citrus, bell peppers)
    • Vitamin E (nuts, seeds)
    • Selenium (Brazil nuts, seafood)
    • Glutathione (supports detoxification)

    3. Support microcirculation (blood flow to the smallest blood vessels in the body)

    • Nattokinase (fermented soy)
    • Bromelain (pineapple)
    • Serrapeptase (enzyme supplement)

    4. Natural antivirals and immunomodulators

    How does cannabis help with long covid?

    This is where cannabis itself comes into play, let's see how it can specifically help with long covid:

    1. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects

    CBD (cannabidiol) is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that:

    ✅ Reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (inflammatory molecules)
    ✅ Protects cells from oxidative stress
    ✅ Supports the balance of the immune system

    .
    .

    2. CBG – Regeneration of the Nervous System

    CBG (cannabigenol) has neuroprotective effects:

    ✅ Protects neurons from damage
    ✅ Supports the formation of new neural connections
    ✅ Helps with brain fog and memory problems

    .

    3. Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) – Detox Support

    BCP is a terpene from cannabis that:

    ✅ Activates CB2 receptors of the immune system
    ✅ Strong anti-inflammatory
    ✅ Supports detoxification processes
    ✅ Protects the liver and kidneys during detoxification

    .

    4. The Endocannabinoid System and Long COVID

    Long COVID is often associated with dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a network of receptors that regulates immunity, inflammation, pain, mood, sleep and energy.

    What specific products do we recommend?

    Specifically, we would recommend a combination of CBD oil, CBG oil + BCP capsules as an effective synergy that directly targets the main mechanisms of long covid and supports the body in its natural recovery.

    And don't forget about Edestin, which contains all 20 amino acids, including essential ones. It helps restore muscles, strengthen immunity and provide the body with the energy needed for regeneration.

    Hemp teas – gentle and effective support for long covid

    Another option that you can try during long covid is hemp teas. Why them?

    Benefits of hemp teas:

    ✅ Gentle action – gradual release of cannabinoids
    ✅ Hydration – important for detoxification
    ✅ Ritual of calm – psychological support for long-term problems
    ✅ Complex of substances – CBD, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids
    ✅ Clear effects – calming inflammation, sleep support, anxiety relief, regeneration

    .

    Read also: How to properly prepare hemp tea?

    Other studies: Cannabis and COVID-19 

    Study from Oregon State University (2022)

    Scientists have found that certain substances from cannabis (cannabidiolic acid – CBDA and cannabigenilic acid – CBGA) can block the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells.

    Study from the University of Chicago (2021)

    CBD reduces the severity of Covid infection by regulating the inflammatory response and protecting the lungs.

    We are developing: A specialized product for long COVID

    At Green Earth, we are working on a special product designed specifically for long COVID – a mixture of cannabis, herbs and substances with anti-spike effects.

    What you can expect:

    🌿 Combination of CBD, CBG and BCP
    🌿 Herbs to support detoxification (dandelion, nettle)
    🌿 Antioxidants (vitamin C, ginger)
    🌿 Substances to support microcirculation

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