The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical advice. The statements made on this article regarding CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of CBD has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have any medical conditions. Your doctor can help determine if CBD is right for you.
CBD is no stranger to health and wellness. In fact, its medicinal uses date as far back as 2737 B.C [1].
However, with new research coming out every day, we now know that there may be a potential for significant benefits of CBD for inflammation in particular.
In this guide, we’ll look at the effects of CBD on inflammation and explore how you can use it safely and effectively on your quest for wellness.
What You Will Discover
- CBD is being studied as a remedy for chronic inflammation, offering potential natural relief.
- CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and various receptors, exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects. However, while scientific studies show promise, further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
- CBD products come in various forms, including oral supplements and topicals.
Understanding Inflammation and Its Impact on Health
Before we dive in and explore whether or not CBD can be helpful for inflammation, it’s important that we understand what inflammation is, to begin with.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection [2], serving to:
- Protect and repair the body from harmful intruders like bacteria and viruses
- Maintain overall health and well-being
- Aid in recruiting immune cells to inflamed tissues
- Facilitate the healing process in acute cases
While we often loathe inflammation, this response is key for recovery.
However, not all inflammation is good inflammation.
When it persists over a long period (months or years), it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can lead to ongoing tissue damage and contribute to several diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
In essence, it’s the result of an overactive immune system response. Our body releases pro-inflammatory mediators that cause tissue damage and cell death, which can exacerbate certain health conditions.
For this reason, many people turn to substances with anti-inflammatory characteristics to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
The Science Behind CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in Cannabis sativa, which is being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. According to recent research [3], transdermal cannabidiol has the potential to reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases, providing an effective and non-invasive method of treatment.
Because CBD impacts our endocannabinoid system, which plays an integral role in our overall nervous system, CBD is being studied to treat pain, regulate mood, and optimize our immune response.
Mechanism of Action
So, how does it work?
CBD interacts with our body’s cannabinoid receptors and fatty acid-binding proteins, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines to mitigate inflammation. It also acts as an inverse agonist on CB2 receptors[4], which may further enhance its anti-inflammatory effects, but further study is needed.
CBD has various effects on our body aside from interacting with cannabinoid receptors. In fact, it also has positive interactions with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), adenosine A2A receptors, and TRP channels. This suggests that CBD may play a role in addressing neurological disorders.
Studies Supporting CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Potential
The potential for CBD is vast, and throughout several studies [5], it has shown potential in dealing with chronic pain, non-melanoma skin cancers, and diabetes complications through its anti-inflammatory activity.
Of course, although these studies provide new information about CBD, we still need more thorough research to understand and confirm its healing effects completely.
Different Forms of CBD for Inflammation Relief
CBD comes in a wide range of forms, such as:
- CBD oils
- CBD extract
- CBD capsules
- CBD vapes
- CBD topicals
As a consumer, you can choose what suits you best!
Topical CBD Products
Topical CBD products, such as balms and lotions, are applied directly to the skin.
They interact with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin tissue and are being studied to provide localized relief for inflammation and associated pain. This is making topical CBD products a wildly popular alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some research indicates that CBD may have the potential to lower pain from conditions like arthritis[6]. But more research is needed.
Oral CBD Products
Oral CBD Products offer a broader approach to inflammation relief.
They help spread CBD throughout the body, which may provide relief from inflammation all over. This makes them potentially helpful in handling long-lasting health issues such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Asthma
- Murine collagen-induced arthritis
Using oral CBD has one major advantage – you might only need fewer doses each day to manage inflammation over time.
However, there’s a catch: oral CBD has to go through the liver before it gets into the bloodstream.
This can make the timing and length of its anti-inflammatory effects different for each person. Plus, because our livers have to metabolize it first[7], you might need to take more to get the results you want.
Full Spectrum CBD Vape Products
A full-spectrum CBD vape pen offers several advantages, particularly regarding its faster onset time and higher bioavailability compared to other forms of CBD consumption.
Vaping CBD allows CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system. This not only speeds up the time it takes for the CBD to take effect, often within minutes, but also significantly increases the bioavailability, meaning more of it is absorbed into the body than would be through oral methods.
Additionally, full spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant, which work together synergistically, enhancing the therapeutic effects of each other in what is known as the “entourage effect.”
This makes full spectrum vapes a potentially more effective option for those seeking the full benefits of CBD.
Dosage Considerations and How to Start Using CBD
If you’re considering using CBD to ease inflammation, figuring out the right amount to take is crucial.
A common starting dose is 20 to 40 mg per day, but you can adjust it based on how your body reacts. If you’re new to CBD, start with a small dose once a day to see how you feel, and then slowly increase it.
To determine the dosage when using CBD oil, you need to know how much CBD is in the bottle.
Other products like gummies or pills make dosing easier, as they usually have the CBD amount per serving on the packaging.
If you’re unsure how to take, one simple formula for finding the right CBD dosage for inflammation is (0.3) x (your weight in pounds) = daily CBD dosage in mg.
The key here is routine consistentency. It’s the only way your body can get used to it. Keep track of your dosage and any changes in symptoms, like your weight, body chemistry, and the condition you’re treating.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD
Before you add CBD to your inflammation treatment plan, it’s crucial to know about possible side effects and risks, such as:
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- reduced appetite
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- nausea
- irritability
Before you start using CBD, make sure to talk to your healthcare professional. They can provide valuable insights into potential interactions, especially if you’re taking medications like blood thinners. It’s always a good idea to discuss your current medication routine with them.
Be aware that using CBD may also pose risks to your liver, such as enzyme elevations and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). This risk is higher if you are on anti-epileptic drugs[8] or if your CBD dose exceeds 1,000 mg per day.
While CBD is generally safe for consumption, it’s crucial to use it responsibly. The FDA has not regulated dosages yet, so the best way to make sure you’re use it safely is by consulting with your healthcare provider.
Finding Quality CBD Products for Inflammation Relief
Selecting high-quality CBD products is the best way to ensure its efficacy and your safety. Consider the following factors to help you get the most out of your CBD product:
- Spectrum Type: Decide between product types like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate based on your individual needs. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, while CBD isolate only contains CBD.
- Third-party lab testing: The best way to verify the purity and potency of CBD products is with third-party testing, so make sure to look for products with a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory.
- Extraction Method: Some extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction, are better for purity.
- Potency levels: Make sure your chosen product has clear labeling indicating the total CBD content and the amount per serving, which can help with dosage accuracy.
- Brand reputation: Opt for products from reputable brands that have 3rd party lab results.
CBD vs. Traditional Anti-Inflammatory Medication
When it comes to managing inflammation, both CBD and traditional anti-inflammatory medications differ vastly.
Let’s take a look at some of the main differences you can expect:
- Functionality: Traditional anti-inflammatory medications work by inhibiting certain inflammation enzymes to reduce swelling and discomfort, while CBD interacts with our body’s cannabinoid receptors to mitigate the release of pro-inflammatory substances.
- Side Effects: Long-term users of non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)[9] can suffer from gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks, and other adverse effects. On the other hand, CBD is often more tolerable, with fewer reported side effects.
- Administration: Traditional anti-inflammatory medications often come in oral or topical form for targeted relief, while CBD comes in a wider array of forms, including oils, capsules, and topical creams, offering a bit more flexibility.
Of course, the way you respond to CBD or traditional medications will be unique to you, which it’s why it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about treatment.
Summary
As you start navigating the possibility of using CBD for inflammation relief, it’s important to arm yourself with the right knowledge. CBD has been a huge ally for many, and with several potential benefits for managing inflammation, its popularity is only growing.
Whether you’re seeking relief from occasional discomfort or aiming for a holistic approach to wellness, CBD can open up new possibilities. We hope you can find a way to use CBD to work towards a more comfortable and naturally balanced life!
Citations:
[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282534/
[7]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32785853/
