CBD for Inflammation

Christine Bell • January 9, 2019 • About CBD, Conditions

We’re all familiar with that feeling of pain due to inflammation. Whether it’s caused by infection or injury or by an underlying condition, like asthma or arthritis, the point is that it’s uncomfortable. Could CBD help? The focus of today’s article is the utilization of CBD for inflammation.

CBD for inflammation at a glance

What the claims are: In certain doses, CBD can decrease or eliminate inflammation and the pain often associated with this immune response. CBD can help manage the symptoms of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases and conditions such as: asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, cancer with inflammatory components, and more.

What the studies show: While further studies are still needed, the use of CBD for inflammation looks very promising, both in helping with situational inflammation due to wounds or injury and with chronic inflammation due to a number of diseases and conditions.

What the facts say: Studies show that CBD can help with both inflammation and the pain associated with this condition, and we’re also seeing amazing anecdotal evidence as well.

What exactly is inflammation?

Essentially, inflammation is a function of the body’s immune system as it tries to ward off harm. Inflammation is a normal part of the healing process, and without it, wounds would never go away. But sometimes this condition lasts longer than it needs to and causes excessive pain. And sometimes inflammation occurs due to a false stimulus, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which trick the body’s immune system into attacking its own tissue.

The most common causes of inflammation are germs like bacteria or viruses, injuries like scratches or splinters, and diseases and conditions that cause inflammation like multiple sclerosis, lupus, asthma, cystitis, and many more.

While oftentimes inflammation can be sporadic and situational (like when we injure ourselves), for some, it’s a chronic and debilitating condition that can cause heart disease and strokes. In fact, chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world.

How CBD can be used to help with inflammation?

Our bodies have their own endocannabinoid systems, which assist in regulating physiological functions and pain sensations. Because CBD (cannabidiol) is known to interact with our bodies’ cannabinoid receptors, it makes sense that CBD oil would have an effect on our pain levels and all manner of symptoms caused by varying disorders.

More and more, we are seeing how this plays out in pain management for those using CBD for inflammation. A recent study shows that using topical CBD to address arthritis pain behaviors resulted in less pain and reduced inflammation.

But it doesn’t stop there. Inflammation is also a serious problem for those suffering from diabetes. There are several possible ways that can present. One is through diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the retina that can even cause blindness. Inflammation can be a key player when it comes to the severity of this condition. Studies show that CBD was able to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and vascular hyperpermeability associated with diabetes.

Additionally, the same studies show that diabetic neuropathy and cardiovascular complications from diabetes are also improved due to the effect of CBD on inflammation.

It’s clear that we’ve only scratched the surface of what CBD for inflammation can do, and we can’t wait to learn more as additional studies are completed.

What are the risks of using CBD for inflammation?

There don’t seem to be very many. CBD is generally tolerated well by most people, aside from a small chance of minor possible side effects that include dry mouth, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. When compared to the potential side effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) currently used to treat this issue, which can range from stomach pain and ulcers to increased chance of heart attack or stroke, CBD for inflammation seems to be a safe and solid option for many people.

A question we’re often asked with regard to CBD is whether or not it can get you high like THC, which is found in marijuana. The answer is no. While CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, it is not considered to have addictive properties and is non-psychotropic.

It bears mentioning that, like most healthcare options, CBD for inflammation isn’t one hundred percent effective and might not work for everyone. We’ve read amazing stories from users who are experiencing major relief after adopting a CBD for inflammation regimen, but for other people, it just doesn’t seem to do the trick.

So, should I give CBD for inflammation a try?

There seems to be a lot of evidence to support the benefits of using CBD for inflammation, and we haven’t seen many potential downsides, either. Relief could be just a few drops away! But, don’t just take our word for it. As with any new addition to your healthcare regimen, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care professional before using CBD for inflammation.