Is CBD Good for inflammation?
Yes! Along with anti-seizure uses, CBD’s other most common use is as an all natural plant-derived anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that CBD is highly anti-inflammatory and can be as effective as NSAIDs (such as Advil and Aleve) without the same side effects. It can be used topically and orally to access and supplement the human body’s own endocannabinoid system. By working this way, CBD is able to reduce inflammation in a holistic manner that is different and possibly superior to that of pharmaceuticals.
What is the main cause of inflammation in the body?
Inflammation is the body’s immune response to an irritant and it begins at the earliest detection of injury by the body. The irritant could be a surface injury, where inflammation is easy to spot as a visible swelling of the irritated area. However, inflammation can also be internal as the result of an irritant such as a germ, virus or fungus. Internal inflammation isn’t visible but often shows up as muscle pain, joint stiffness and fatigue. The most common cause of internal inflammation is consumption of inflammatory foods.
What are the symptoms of inflammation?
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
- Loss of Function
- Joint Stiffness
- Fatigue
Do any diseases cause inflammation?
Yes. Diseases or medical conditions that cause inflammation often have a name ending in “-itis.” The most common being dermatitis, which is a disease where the skin is inflamed. The other most recognized inflammatory disease is bronchitis – an inflammation of lung bronchi.
- Cystitis: an inflammation of the bladder
- Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi
- Otitis media: an inflammation of the middle ear
- Dermatitis: a disease where the skin is inflamed
What do people usually take for inflammation?
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common drugs taken for simple inflammation such as a headache and minor body pain. These drugs are available over the counter and without a prescription. They generally have mild side effects but new research shows that NSAIDs taken for long periods can make inflammation worse. There is also evidence that they can harm the gut microbiome.
What are some other Natural Anti-Inflammatories?
Natural anti-inflammatory compounds can be found in foods, such as certain green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fruits. Ginger contains gingerol which is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been used for thousands of years. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish are among the most potent anti-inflammatory food based compounds. Also worth mentioning that Bone broth made only from chickens is a good source of anti-inflammatory amino acids like proline, glycine, and arginine. And finally, extra virgin olive oil is an anti-inflammatory due to its many antioxidants including oleic acid, which is the main fatty acid in olive oil and has been proven to reduce inflammation.
What is the best natural alternative to NSAID for inflammation?
Aside from anti-inflammatory foods, it looks like CBD may be the best plant-based, all natural alternative to NSAIDs for inflammation. Also, since the consumption of sugar and processed foods causes inflammation in the body, reducing intake of those foods also amounts to a natural alternative to reducing inflammation.
Does CBD bring down inflammation?
Yes. CBD has been proven effective at reducing inflammation. A 2016 study using rats with joint inflammation showed that CBD gel applied topically reduced the joint swelling and pain. Another in 2020 showed that the anti-oxidative effects of CBD also reduced inflammation as well.
How Does CBD fight inflammation?
The body uses signaling molecules called eicosanoids to start the inflammatory response. The primary way CBD reduces inflammation is by inhibiting one of these eicosanoid enzymes called COX2. The most common NSAID medications Aspirin and Naproxen also target COX2. CBD also affects some other molecules important to the inflammation process called cytokines. CBD reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and that reduces inflammation(2).
Is CBD good for inflammation related to osteoarthritis?
A study in 2017 that researched the use of CBD in rats with osteoarthritis showed that injected CBD reduced pain and also prevented nerve damage. By preventing nerve damage it stopped the condition from worsening. The American Arthritis Foundation reports that CBD may be a beneficial option for people with arthritis and recommends discussing all treatments with your healthcare provider.
How much CBD is good for inflammation?
There are no official guidelines on CBD dosage per day so ultimately everyone has to find out for themselves how much CBD they need for inflammation. However it is possible to use the FDA approved anti-seizure drug Epidiolex as a guide because it is pure CBD and has been studied thoroughly. The main benefit in looking at Epidiolex is to show just how much CBD can be tolerated safely in humans. Epidiolex prescribes massive doses of CBD in order to stop violent seizures. The starting Epidiolex CBD dosage is from between 2.5mg-5mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) twice daily and the maximum dosage is 20 mg/kg per day. Using myself as an example at 160lbs(72kg), the maximum dosage for my body weight would be 20mgx72kg = 1,440mg. Twice daily. That maximum dosage is truly a massive and very costly amount of CBD and that is why this drug is reserved for those experiencing seizures. Nobody else needs that much CBD and that’s good news. Most CBD products recommend a starting dosage of around 20mg which is miniscule when compared to Epidiolex. So when exploring your needs, you can start at 20mg and then each day you can increase the amount until you discover the amount that relieves your symptoms. CBD isn’t cheap so it pays to take the time to find the smallest amount that will work on your inflammation.
What is the best way to take CBD for inflammation?
The best way to take CBD for inflammation is both topically and orally. Topical applications are things like salves, balms and patches and oral applications are edible items such as oils and gummies. Topical CBD was scientifically studied in rats and proven to reduce inflammation. There are many excellent CBD balms and salves that you can rub into sore necks, knees, shoulders and other problem areas. Restore balm by Cordial Organics is an example of a topical CBD balm that really works. You can also take CBD for inflammation orally via edibles like gummies or oil that is held under the tongue. While gummies are quite popular CBD absorbs faster and more efficiently via the mucous membranes in the mouth so oil is a preferred method. Cordial Organics Balance CBD oil is ultra-absorbable CBD that also tastes great. While both oral and topical methods work amazingly well, many people report that CBD works even better when taken both topically and orally in conjunction.
How often should you take CBD for inflammation?
There are no official guidelines yet on how often people can use CBD for inflammation, but most products advise taking CBD oil once or twice daily. The medical guidelines for using Epidiolex says twice daily.
What is the side effect of CBD?
While CBD is very safe and generally well tolerated, it can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite and drowsiness. It is also possible for CBD to interact with other medications such as blood thinners. These CBD side effects are more likely to occur with very large doses such as the amounts taken when using the anti-seizure medication Epidiolex.
Where can I buy the best CBD for Inflammation?
Cordial Organics is a small CBD company producing handcrafted products in small batches that provide unmatchable anti-inflammatory benefits. Among Cordial’s offerings are a powerful CBD balm, a great tasting CBD oil and a special bundle that contains both products at a reduced cost. Cordial Organics is one of the oldest and most trusted CBD companies and their products are unbeatable in terms of quality and value.
Conclusion:
CBD is a scientifically proven and well tolerated natural anti-inflammatory. It is normally taken for inflammation either orally or topically and the anti-inflammatory effect is multiplied when both CBD balm and CBD oil are used together. CBD is an all natural, plant based compound that can be as effective as NSAID for inflammation without the same side effects. For those seeking a more holistic approach that actually heals inflammation in the body, rather than merely treating symptoms, taking CBD is a low cost and low risk method that really works.
