We often hear about CBD and its ability to treat various ailments such as chronic pain, addiction, anxiety, and certain psychotic disorders. But as researchers deepen the interaction between CBD and the human body, they find that one of the most promising attributes of CBD is its potential to control inflammation.
Researchers are interested in the ability of CBD to replicate this treatment without adverse side effects.
A 2016 study found that daily transdermal administration of CBD in arthritic rats reduced joint swelling, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory markers without undesirable side effects.
A study conducted in 2017 evaluated the potential of CBD to reduce pain, inflammation, and joint neuropathy in osteoarthritic rats. Researchers have found that CBD can reduce joint inflammation and increase body weight thresholds in end-stage osteoarthritis rats. CBD also helped prevent the development of joint pain, suggesting that it may have potential as a prophylactic (i.e., preventative) treatment for inflammation.
A 2015 study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of CBD in asthma-induced rats and found that CBD reduced cytokine levels.
Researchers are just beginning to study the effects of CBD on inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis. One study found that several applications of CBD in colitis-induced mice reduced colon inflammation and improved the activity of certain antimicrobial enzymes.
One study showed that CBD and other cannabinoids can regulate the release of cytokines that can trigger allergic reactions while producing cytokines.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body, and the immune system recognizes damaged, irritating, and pathogenic cells and begins the healing process.
When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological reaction that we try to eliminate. Signs and symptoms of inflammation can be uncomfortable but indicate that the body is trying to heal.
What Causes Inflammation?
Inflammation is caused by a series of physical reactions that are triggered by the immune system in response to a personal injury or infection.
Inflammation does not necessarily mean that there is an infection, but infection can cause inflammation.
Before and during acute inflammation, there are three main processes:
- Small branches of the arteries become larger by feeding the damaged area with blood, which increases blood flow.
- Capillaries become easier to infiltrate into fluids and proteins, meaning they can move between blood and cells.
- The body releases neutrophils. A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell filled with small sacs that contain digestive enzymes and microorganisms.
Treatment Options for Inflammation
Before taking any action, including supplements, please talk with your doctor about your specific situation. Not only will you learn more about your health concerns, you'll also find the best ways to treat any symptoms you may have.
While CBD is not a cure for any disease, it has been shown to help with symptoms you may be experiencing. If you want relief and think CBD may be a solution for you, be sure to check out Mana Artisan Botanics™
Medical Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to relieve the pain caused by inflammation.
They neutralize the enzyme that contributes to inflammation. This avoids or reduces pain.
Examples of NSAIDs that can be purchased online include naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can reduce pain without affecting inflammation. They may be ideal for those who want to treat pain alone while triggering the healing factor of inflammation.
Alternative Treatment
Discuss the possible use of herbal supplements with your doctor.
- Harpagophytum procumbens: Also known as the devil's claw, wood spider or hook plant, this plant comes from South Africa and is associated with sesame plants. Some studies have shown that it can have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hyssop: mixed with other herbs, such as sweet candy, to treat certain lung conditions, including inflammation. Isthmus essential oils can cause fatal convulsions in laboratory animals. Caution is advised.
- Ginger: For hundreds of years, it has been used to treat dyspepsia, constipation, colic, and other gastrointestinal problems, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Turmeric: Current research is exploring the potential beneficial effects of turmeric in the treatment of arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and some other inflammatory conditions. Curcumin, a substance present in turmeric, is invested in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, including inflammation.
CBD Treatment
CBD is an excellent addition to your anti-inflammatory routine but will work best if combined with a holistic fight against inflammation.
One of the best ways to combat chronic inflammation is to identify the hidden sources of inflammation in your body. Simple changes to your routine could significantly affect your body's inflammation.
It is recommended that you talk to a trusted healthcare provider about including CBD in your anti-inflammatory routine, especially if you are currently taking prescription drugs. Studies show that, like grapefruit, CBD can affect your body's ability to metabolize certain drugs. If you have not yet discussed your chronic inflammation with a physician, they may suggest a cost-effective C-reactive protein (PCR) test to measure and control inflammation.
How CBD Can Treat Inflammation Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic inflammation include fatigue, mouth sores, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever, rash, and joint pain
If you are thinking about fighting chronic inflammation, you should look for as many sources of support as possible. Scientists are now discovering the effectiveness of natural cannabidiol (CBD) against inflammation, and research has shown that this natural molecule works anti-inflammatory in many ways. Scientists believe that CBD fights inflammation in several ways:
- Prostaglandins: CBD and other cannabinoids are useful in relieving menstrual cramps. CBD inhibits COX-2, the enzyme responsible for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα): According to rodent studies, the effectiveness of CBD in protecting joints from inflammatory arthritis damage is probably due to its ability to reduce the body's production of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNFα).
- PPARγ: CBD can affect a wide variety of molecules by stimulating the PPARγ receptor, which tells its DNA to modify the genes it expresses. CBD's therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and ulcerative colitis is associated with the PPARγ receptor. The PPARγ receptor simultaneously reduces the production of inflammatory molecules while increasing the production of antioxidants.
These reasons, among other things, explain why so many people incorporate CBD-based products into their anti-inflammatory routine.
What's the CBD Dosage for Inflammation?
Based on widespread anecdotal evidence only, the standard CBD dosage recommendation may depend on your body weight. Start with 1 to 6 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.
We've built a calculator for you so that you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight below:
The above dosage recommendation is general and merely a suggestion. Your case may differ in that you may need a lot more, while others may need a lot less. Please consult with your physician before supplementing your treatment with CBD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
CBD oil looks promising for treating inflammation. If it affects the receptors in the brain and the immune system, as the researchers think, it can reduce inflammation and pain. However, research must continue before researchers can safely say that CBD oil is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.