Multiple Sclerosis

Using CBD to help manage the many symptoms of MS

Multiple Sclerosis is considered by most MS scientists to be an auto-immune disease even though as of yet there hasn't been a specific antigen identified in MS. MS causes an abnormal response of the bodys immune system, causing it to attack the central nervous system. This response is often violent and unpredictable, causing severe pain that can be anywhere in the body. The pain can be widespread or isolated to one area of the body.


There is a fair amount of nerve damage associated with MS. The immune response causes inflammation which in turn damages the nerve fibers, myelin (the fatty substance that surrounds & insulates the nerve fibers), & the cells that manufacture myelin. This loss of myelin and damage to nerve cells causes the signals between the body and the brain to be disrupted.


People who suffer from MS often have very different experiences concerning when and where the pain flares show up. This is due to the widespread damage to the central nervous system caused by MS.


What are the symptoms of MS?

MS has many symptoms and can vary in severity and duration of attack from patient to patient. Some of the most common symptoms associated with MS include:

  • Vision problems. This is one of the most common problems associated with MS. Central vision is disrupted due to inflammation in the optic nerve. Some people experience pain when moving eyes too far in one direction.
  • Painful muscle spasms. Most commonly experienced in the back and legs, MS can cause spasticity in the muscles resulting in uncontrollable (not to mention very painful) jerking in these muscles.
  • Cognitive issues. About 50% of MS sufferers will develop memory problems, issues concentrating, & speech difficulty. Many of these people develop complications from anxiety and depression as well.
  • Balance issues/Dizziness. Many people living with MS report lightheaded dizzy feelings, especially when standing up. This is known as vertigo.
  • Tingling and numbness. This can be one of the earliest warning signs of MS and should be taken very seriously. MS affects the brain and spinal cord which is the body's command messaging center. Signaling becomes disrupted and can cause messages to be sent too fast, too slow, to many, or even not at all. Many people suffering with MS say that they experience a perpetual tingling and numbness in various parts of their bodies.
  • Bladder and bowel issues. Up to 80% of MS sufferers experience bladder incontinence (spontaneous loss of bladder), frequent urination or urge to urinate, and painful urination. Many people also report, diarrhea, constipation, IBS symptoms, and bowel incontinence (spontaneous loss of bowels).
  • Weakness & fatigue. Over 80% of MS patients report chronic fatigue and weakness in their extremities, most notably the legs.
  • Sexual arousal. This originates in the central nervous system so many MS sufferers also suffer from low or no sex drive as well as reported pain during intercourse.


Are there different types of MS?
Yes. The most recent research shows 4 disease courses identified in MS.

  1. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) : This is the most common disease course and is diagnosed in around 80% of MS patients. This is characterized by sudden (many times violent) onset of new or increasing symptoms that is followed by periods of remission.
  2. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) : This is characterized by progressive and/or worsening neurological function. Many people diagnosed with RRMS will transition to SPMS.
  3. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) : PPMS is characterized by progressive and/or worsening symptoms from onset of MS.
  4. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) : This is a first episode of neurological symptoms lasting 24 or more hours. Many times this precedes a diagnoses of MS. People who experience CIS may or may not develop MS.


How does CBD help with MS?

  • CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can decrease the inflammatory response of myelin destruction
  • CBD can slow the neurodegenerative process of MS
  • CBD can aid in neuroregeneration
  • CBD can limit the progression of MS
  • CBD can reduce neurological disability
  • CBD can reduce pain signaling and spasticity
  • CBD can aid in sleep
  • CBD can reduce anxiety & stress and reduce the risk of depression.


Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

By Rachel Crawford January 28, 2026
We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning. Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work. Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies. When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship. Why We Trust Verdant Leaf When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons: Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power. Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb. Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl. Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't. Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi Recipes you can make at home! I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier "Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste. Ingredients : 1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats) 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free) 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size) Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies" Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Ingredients: 1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato 1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated) 1 Egg Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch). Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper) Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals. Ingredients : 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free) 1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits) Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric) 1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving. Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles." MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE * Daily Maintenance Dosage (Give once daily for general health) Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage (Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use) Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons *The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
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