Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Category: Parkinsons Research

Selected reports of Parkinsons research report evidence that reveal the various causes of Parkinsons disease and natural therapies that offer the opportunity to reverse its symptoms.

Cannabidiol CBD Offers Relief from Parkinson’s Symptoms

As my video preview below explains, studies report that Cannabidiol CBD offers relief from Parkinson’s symptoms. Annual Parkinsons Recovery surveys also report success with reversing Parkinson’s symptoms when taking CBD oil. It is one of the most frequently listed therapies reported to be useful to members of the Parkinsons Recovery audience.

CBD stands for “cannabidiol oil”. It is extracted from either the Hemp plant or the Marijuana plant. Using CBD allows the medical benefits of medical marijuana without the high that is associated with THC. CBD in itself has no psychedelic properties and is considered safe for consumption
 

Abstracts of recent CBD studies and posted at the bottom of this post. Taken together, studies find that CBD …

  • Protects dopaminergic neurons
  • Reduces neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Improves motor symptoms
  • Increases REM sleep
  • Reduces insomnia episodes
  • Enhances mood
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Reduces chronic pain
  • Helpful for stroke victims.

About Alovea Entourage Cannabidiol CBD

Alovea Entourage contain plant-derived cannabinoids, distinct from endocannabinoids that are produced in the body and synthetic cannabinoids. It includes Acemannan, an extract from the Aloe plant, to help the body’s management of mood, memory, sleep and joint health.

SYMBIOTIC IMMUNE SUPPORT

There are many products that have been formulated with additional ingredients to provide support for specific benefits like improved sleep, mood and joint health. One of the most profound impacts has come from the addition of immune modulating aloe vera Acemannan.

Combining the immune modulating fractions of Acemannan with high quality CBD hemp oil provides a symbiotic impact (1 + 1 = 4) that can dramatically enhance overall immune support.

PATENT-PENDING FORMULA INCLUDES:

  • Organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil
  • Super critical CO2 extraction
  • Each batch tested to ensure 0.0% THC
  • Absorption increased by 5-7 times over other hemp oil products with water compatible nanotechnology
  • Enhanced Entourage Effect through proprietary terpene blend
  • Symbiotic effect with the highest rated immune modulating Alovéa AE (Acemannan Extract)
  • Wonderful cinnamon and tropical flavors!

Recent CBD (Cannabidiol) Research Studies

Clinical research on CBD (cannabidiol) includes studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain. Abstracts of recent studies are included below.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 Feb 17;19(2):330. Cannabidiol in Neurology: Current Insights and Translational Perspectives

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most studied compounds of Cannabis sativa and has attracted significant interest due to its therapeutic and beneficial properties, which have been confirmed in numerous preclinical and clinical studies over the last few years.

A great advantage of CBD over the other widely known Cannabis sativa ingredient, ?-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is that CBD does not exert intoxicating and psychoactive effects, making it an attractive candidate for therapeutic applications in neurological disorders.

CBD has been shown to exert antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, with therapeutic potential for various neurological conditions. To date, the only drug that consists solely of highly purified CBD is Epidiolex, which is used in the management of severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Another legal medication containing CBD (albeit with the addition of THC) is Sativex, used to alleviate spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

Besides epilepsy, preclinical data suggest that CBD alone may be potentially beneficial in treating chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, or stroke.

The safety profile of CBD is generally considered favorable, as the most commonly reported adverse effects are mild (e.g., somnolence, diarrhea).

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Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2026 Feb;11(1):11-29. Unveiling Neurological Benefits: A Review of Hemp Leaf, Flower, Seed Oil Extract, and Their Phytochemical Properties in Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis present significant global health care challenges, with complex pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options that often carry substantial side effects.

Hemp-derived compounds, particularly from Cannabis sativa seeds, leaves, and flowers, have gained attention for their potential neuroprotective properties. This review aims to synthesize the current evidence surrounding the therapeutic benefits of hemp-derived compounds, focusing on their bioactive phytochemical profiles, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic efficacy in treating neurological disorders.

A comprehensive review of pre-clinical and clinical studies was conducted, analyzing the phytochemical composition of hemp extracts, including cannabinoids (such as cannabidiol, CBD), terpenes, flavonoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. We explored their mechanisms of action through interactions with the endocannabinoid system, neurotransmitter receptors, inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress mechanisms.

The review highlights the therapeutic potential of hemp-derived extracts in mitigating various neurological conditions. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing seizure frequency in epilepsy, protecting dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease, alleviating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease, and promoting remyelination in multiple sclerosis.

The entourage effect, where cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically, enhances these therapeutic effects. Innovations in extraction technologies have optimized yield and preserved bioactivity, further enhancing clinical relevance.

Hemp-derived compounds exhibit significant neuroprotective and therapeutic potential for managing neurological disorders.

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J Clin Sleep Med. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):69-80. Effects of a cannabidiol/terpene formulation on sleep in individuals with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study

Abstract

Study objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly used as a health supplement, though few clinical studies have demonstrated benefits. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an oral CBD-terpene formulation on sleep physiology in individuals with insomnia.

Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 125 individuals with insomnia received an oral administration of CBD (300 mg) and terpenes (1 mg each of linalool, myrcene, phytol, limonene, ?-terpinene, ?-terpineol, ?-pinene, and ?-caryophyllene) for ? 4 days/wk over 4 weeks using a crossover design. The study medication was devoid of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of time participants spent in the combination of slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stages, as measured by a wrist-worn sleep-tracking device.

Results: This CBD-terpene regimen marginally increased the mean nightly percentage of time participants spent in SWS + REM sleep compared to the placebo (mean [standard error], 1.3% [0.60%]; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-2.5%; P = .03).

More robust increases were observed in participants with low baseline SWS + REM sleep, as well as in day sleepers. For select participants, the increase in SWS + REM sleep averaged as much as 48 minutes/night over a 4-week treatment period. This treatment had no effect on total sleep time, resting heart rate, or heart rate variability, and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Select CBD-terpene ratios may increase SWS + REM sleep in some individuals with insomnia and may have the potential to provide a safe and efficacious alternative to over-the-counter sleep aids and commonly prescribed sleep medications.

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J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2025 Jul;47(7):102839. Cannabidiol Use and Perceptions of Effectiveness in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate cannabidiol (CBD) use in women with chronic pelvic pain and nociplastic pain, as represented by a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, including impact on pain and associated symptoms, substitutions for other medications, and side effects.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data derived from an online survey distributed through the National Fibromyalgia Association between April and May of 2020. This secondary analysis was limited to participants with concurrent chronic pelvic pain diagnoses. Participants were asked about their history of CBD use and sub-grouped by use patterns.

Results: Of 1382 included participants, 501 (36.3%) were in the “Never Use” group, 404 (29.2%) were in the “Past Use” but not “Current Use” group and 477 (34.5%) were in the “Current Use” group. Of 477 participants in the “Current Use” group, 80.9% (n = 386) reported pain improvement. The most common indications for current CBD use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Participants who reported pain improvement were more likely to report improved sleep (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001), depression (P = 0.001), fatigue (P < 0.001), overall health (P < 0.001), and substitution of CBD for at least 1 other medication (P = 0.003) than those who reported no pain improvement. About half of the participants reported side effects, most of which were minor with the most common being drowsiness (n = 138, 29%).

Conclusions: Two-thirds of participants with concurrent chronic pelvic pain and fibromyalgia have used CBD. Improved pain with CBD use correlated with improvement in other symptom domains, such as sleep, mood, fatigue, and overall health. A large proportion of those using CBD reported substituting it for higher-risk medications.

Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Oct;8(5):716-730.Cannabinoids in Treating Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies


Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a serious neurodegenerative condition impacting many individuals worldwide. There is a need for new non-invasive treatments of PD. Cannabinoids in the form of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may offer utility as treatment, and our objective was hence to conduct a systematic review regarding the clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in treating PD.

Methods: Screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were all conducted by multiple reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

Results: After conducting searches in 4 different databases, 673 articles were screened. Thirteen articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. It was shown that cannabis, CBD, and nabilone (a synthetic form of THC) were capable of consistently improving motor symptoms more than a placebo. All treatments improved various non-motor symptoms, particularly with cannabis improving pain intensity, and CBD improving psychiatric symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Adverse effects were usually minor, and, in the case of CBD, rare (except at very high doses).

Conclusion: Cannabinoids have been shown to safely offer important potential in treating motor symptoms in PD and some non-motor symptoms.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

How TMS Works:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in specific regions of the brain. A coil placed on the scalp generates a magnetic pulse, which can influence neuronal activity. Depending on the frequency and pattern of stimulation, TMS can either excite or inhibit brain regions, offering therapeutic effects.

TMS for Tremors:

TMS may help in treating tremors by targeting brain areas associated with motor control, like the primary motor cortex or basal ganglia. The idea is to either inhibit overactive neural circuits or enhance underactive circuits that contribute to tremor activity.

For example:

  • Parkinson’s disease tremor may be related to disrupted communication between the basal ganglia and the cortex. TMS could modulate this communication to reduce tremor.
  • Essential tremor is thought to involve abnormal brain activity in the cerebellum, and TMS might help adjust the neural firing patterns contributing to the tremors.

Below is the abstract from a 2024 review study that reported spectacular results when using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Parkinson’s symptoms and tremors specifically.

Hellyon. 2024 Jun 12;10(12):e32799. Differential symptom cluster responses and predictors to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in Parkinson’s disease: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective noninvasive neuromodulation technique for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the efficacy of rTMS varies widely between individuals. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the response to rTMS in PD patients.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the response of 70 idiopathic PD patients who underwent rTMS for 14 consecutive days targeting the supplementary motor area (SMA) in either an open-label trail (n = 31) or a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) (n = 39). The motor symptoms of PD patients were assessed by the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRSIII). Based on previous studies, the UPDRSIII were divided into six symptom clusters: axial dysfunction, resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia affecting right and left extremities, and postural tremor. Subsequently, the efficacy of rTMS to different motor symptom clusters and clinical predictors were analyzed in these two trails.

Results: After 14 days of treatment, only the total UPDRSIII scores and rigidity scores improved in both the open-label trial and the RCT. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that baseline rigidity scores (? = 0.37, p = 0.047) and RMT (? = 0.30, P = 0.02) positively predicted the improvement of UPDRSIII. The baseline rigidity score (? = 0.55, P < 0.0001) was identified as an independent factor to predict the improvement of rigidity.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant improvements in total UPDRSIII scores and rigidity after 14-day Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, with baseline rigidity scores and RMT identified as predictors of treatment response, underscoring the need for individualized therapy.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Recent Research has Profound Implications for Understanding the Causes of Parkinsons Symptoms

Have you drawn the conclusion that the fungal infection on your toes or the black spots on your hands have nothing to do with the causes of Parkinson’s symptoms?

It is now time to reevaluate that conclusion.

causes-of-Parkinson's-symptoms

Many people who experience the symptoms of Parkinsons disease are convinced the causes of Parkinson’s symptoms reside in the brain and only the brain. After all – how can an infection in your hands spread to your brain?

A plethora of recent research however suggests the cause of Parkinsons symptoms could well originate in the gut or in toxins lodged at the extremities. Despite this compelling body of evidence, many remain unconvinced.

A revolutionary discovery by Neil Theise and his colleagues from a New York University School of Medicine study published in Scientific Reports may shift your opinion. Heretofore unseen and unacknowledged transportation highways exist throughout the body. They occupy the in-between spaces in the body which is why they have never been seen. Until now that is.

A fluid filled type of latticework of connective tissue has been discovered to exist throughout the body including the digestive organs, arteries and vital organs. It occupies  – – of all things – the in-between spaces. This is a revolutionary discovery. Advanced electron microscopy shows collagen bundles that look like long, snaky cells ebb and flow much like the tides of the ocean.

This new discoveries means, in a nutshell, that toxins and bacteria lodged anywhere in the body can be transported to any location including the brain. If you have concluded that those dark spots on your hands or that fungus on your toes have nothing to do with your symptoms, might I now suggest otherwise.

Dark blemishes are usually indications of toxins or infections which the body disperses to the extremities (hands, arms, feet, legs, head) to protect vital organs. This may well be only a temporary  measure. The recent discovery about a hidden transportation highway means that toxins lodged at the extremities today may be transported to the brain or vital organs tomorrow.

Most of the discussion about this recent discovery pertains to cancers for obvious reasons. Implications for neurological conditions are also profound.

The bottom line: Get serious about detoxing. Take steps to strengthen your immune system. That fungus growing on your big toe may wind up in your brain.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Case Study Approach to Parkinsons Research

HI Robert: I very much appreciate your case study approach to Parkinsons research to identify relief and even occasional cures. I have Parkinson’s Disease and I am an engineer/scientist. I am concerned that some of those who have found cures or relief from their symptoms may not have actually had PD. As you know, PD is very difficult to diagnose correctly and is frequently misdiagnosed. Some PD symptoms are caused by other conditions.

Do you screen your success cases for the following two criteria: diagnosed by a movement disorder neurologist and (2) has a positive response to dopamine replacement. If the success stories meet this standard, then I personally believe you have a true success.

Please don’t get me wrong. I am 100% on your side and I have read your first book and found a lot of uplifting and good ideas in the book. I want nothing more than to find a cure for my PD. By the way, I submitted a saliva sample to 23andMe and even though I have PD I have no genetic markers for PD. This would suggest something in my environment was the cause.

Keep up the good work.

Larry

I am approaching my research with Parkinsons in a way very differently than has been my standard approach in my previous research contributions. Previously I would have set up in the beginning a long string of data fields for each person I have interviewed (and there are many). I would have ask each person this long list of questions – you identify several good ones above – and coded them into the data set. I of course would also have interviewed people without Parkinsons as “controls” and asked them the same questions.

When I had a sample size of 500 or so, I would have begun to crunch the numbers and provided a wide variety of statistical analyses. This approach succeeds in getting published in the best of journals.

It does not succeed in helping us understand the complexities of the causes of neurological symptoms associated with Parkinsons. I decided if I was ever going to make a contribution to the world of science I had to step out of the box I had crammed myself into for 20 years and approach the research in a different way.

My new approach has yielded incredible insights into what is really happening with people who currently experience neurological challenges. These insights have come from interviewing people with symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s who have stories to tell about what helps and what does not help. In science, the approach is known as “grounded research” which is a fancy word for case study research.

My former research – which was very quantitative – is viewed as much more prestigious at universities than the less admired and valued case study research approach. It is also usually much easier to publish. I succeeded with the quantitative approach and was generously rewarded with tenure and promotions to full professor.

The lesson I have learned from adopting the quantitative approach is that the quantitative approach yields few insights and fewer discoveries. I have concluded there is wisdom and great value in the case study approach.

I also believe it has been useful from a research perspective to step away from the “box” of having been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. I defer to the medical doctors to follow down that pathway. They have the qualifications and training to diagnose. Only with a diagnosis can they prescribe the medications.

As you point out, many people are misdiagnosed because there is no definitive test for Parkinsons to begin with. This is no fault of the doctors since there is no definitive test for Parkinsons. For my research, it does not help to start with a diagnosis since so many are wrong.

For example, if my sample is confined to people who have a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a surprising proportion would actually wind up having Lyme disease. My potential sample of case study subjects is not confined only to people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a medical doctor. But in actuality, most if not all of my interview subjects have been diagnosed with PD.

What helps is simply to acknowledge the symptoms a person is experiencing which are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The focus is then placed on the symptoms rather than a label of Parkinson’s Disease. When we begin to focus on symptoms, we jump out of a box of constrained and preconceived notions about Parkinson’s. The door is open to endless possibilities.

We are discovering that the causes of neurological problems associated with the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease include a long list of contributing factors. If people can determine which factors are relevant to their situation, they can find a therapy or treatment that can help resolve whatever symptoms are being experienced.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Voice Profiles of Persons with Parkinsons

Sharry Edwards from Sound Health has been systematically analyzing voice profiles of persons with Parkinsons and the commonalities across them that have been taken of people with Parkinsons symptoms. Some of the profiles were taken from listeners of my radio show. Others were taken from people who attended the Parkinsons Recovery Summit this year.

I pronounce the following without reservation: You are going to be truly amazed at what she has discovered. You will also be very surprised about the factors she has identified that are common to Parkinson’s Disease. Her research discoveries will inspire a different approach to the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Get ready to be excited and dazzled. This interview will knock your socks off without even taking your shoes off. Sharry ws joined by Dr. Roman Chrucky, MD, who will discuss his own experience with voice profiling.

Voice profiles of persons with Parkinsons offer insights into the causes of symptoms and treatments that can effectively address the. This is the medicine of the future. The exciting part is that it is available to us all now.

With a critical body of data available, Sharry has done an analysis and found some fascinating deficiencies and factors that are common to the people studied. This show is well worth taking an hour and a half to hear. It could well change your life.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me