CBD for Inflammation

How to Use CBD to Treat Inflammation.

CBD is a wonderful, natural remedy for joint pain and swelling, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself from illness, infection, and injury. Typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications, these medications can come with risks and side effects. However, the side effects associated with pharmaceutical medications are prompting some people to choose more natural approaches when aiding pains and aches, such as with Cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD is non-psychoactive, so unlike its cannabinoid counterpart known as THC, there are no mind-altering effects, making it an appealing option for pain relief from inflammation.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural protective response that occurs when the body is harmed. In areas that you can see and feel, the body will experience inflammation as pain, heat, redness, and swelling. Stress, diet, pollution, and other environmental factors can also activate the body’s inflammatory response, and you could be battling it without realizing it. Here is a look at the two types of inflammation, acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation is short-term and typically occurs in response to injury, infection, or illness. The immune system releases immune cells to the affected areas to protect it within minutes or hours, causing pain, redness, and swelling.

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged inflammatory response in the body. As inflammation lingers, it can begin to dangerously impact tissues and organs due to the increased production of free radicals. Chronic inflammation may be a symptom of autoimmune disorders or untreated infections and illnesses, and can often play a role in asthma, cancer, and diabetes. While inflammation is meant to protect the body as it heals, chronic inflammation can be a source of great pain and anxiety, leading to depression.

How CBD Alleviates Inflammation

The human body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD has proven to help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters. CBD then binds to and desensitizes receptors that are known to moderate pain and inflammation.

Animal Studies on CBD for swelling and inflammation.

Researchers have found that topical CBD reduces joint swelling and pain in rats without any significant side effects. This is likely due to CBD being able to reduce the body’s production of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor, a multifunctional cytokine that plays a vital role in cell survival. CBD reduces the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which then reduces inflammation.

A mice study also found that CBD prevented the onset of type 1 diabetes, an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Although most CBD studies have used animals, researchers and experts believe that the results show a healing implication in humans with little to no side effects.

How to Use CBD to Reduce Inflammation

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural remedy for many common ailments. Human studies prove that the combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. As CBD continues to gain popularity in the health and wellness world, scientific studies confirm that it may ease aches and pain. Two popular methods of CBD use are CBD oil and CBD topical treatments.

CBD Oil and its uses for inflammation

CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants, then diluted with coconut oil, MCT oil, or hemp seed oil. CBD oils come in varying strengths, which means they can address a range of physical symptoms, from anxiety and depression to arthritis and muscle pains and aches.

Along with differing strengths, CBD oils are sold as full-spectrum extracts, containing trace amounts of THC, under 0.3%, and broad-spectrum extracts, which have the THC wholly removed. No matter which oil you choose, it is best used when put under your tongue for the product to enter into the bloodstream more rapidly.

Topical CBD for aches, pains, and inflammation

Topical CBD is a great choice when it comes to treating pain or skin conditions.

Saving Grace Relief Rub contains 1000 milligrams of CBD and is composed of a natural compound of organic virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, beeswax, full-spectrum hemp extract, organic calendula, organic chamomile, organic lavender, organic comfrey leaf, organic shea butter, arnica oil, vitamin E, Organic lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil. Not only good for pain and inflammation that is accompanied by stiff joints and sore muscles, but it can also be used for bug bites, chapped lips, psoriasis, eczema, bruises, and minor scrapes.

By applying directly to the skin, topical formulas alleviate skin problems, pain, and inflammation in the area. Topical creams, gels, and ointments penetrate the dermal and subdermal skin layers, which means they reach further than just the skin’s surface.

CBD is an effective, plant-derived anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown this time and again, and many people are opting for CBD instead of expensive pharmaceuticals that often cause adverse effects. As research and studies continue, CBD may become a widely-available and affordable inflammation treatment.