Popularity of cannabinoids or CBD has been a topic well-known around the internet as people become more and more aware about its medicinal benefits. And if you suffer from arthritis and joint pain, you already know it’s a debilitating condition. It can cause severe and chronic pain that often limits your ability to do the things you want to do in life. And if you’ve tried non-prescription medications, they haven’t worked for you. If you’re looking for relief from arthritis pain without the side effects of prescription drugs, you may be interested in trying CBD and its variety of forms, like the CBD oil for its medicinal properties, as previously mentioned.
What is CBD?
In case you are not familiar with it, CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 60 cannabinoids found in and extracted from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds derived from hemp or marijuana plants. They act on receptors in your brain to produce a wide range of effects, including mood enhancement, pain reduction, and muscle or nerve relaxation. However, unlike THC – another cannabinoid found in most strains of cannabis – CBD doesn’t get you high or intoxicated. That’s because it lacks the psychoactive properties necessary to activate your cannabinoid receptors.
What Are The Benefits Of CBD?
CBD has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including its use as an anti-inflammatory agent. Research shows that it helps reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and other conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It also has anti-anxiety properties, which makes it useful for treating PTSD and depression. In addition, clinical studies show that it reduces stress and improves sleep quality. CBD is also being studied for its potential role in helping treat anxiety disorders such as OCD and social phobia.
How Does It Work?
While there isn’t much known about how exactly CBD works at the molecular level, researchers believe it may work by interacting with several neurotransmitters and hormones, including serotonin, endocannabinoid, and dopamine. These substances interact with specific receptors located in cells throughout your body, especially those associated with regulating pain and inflammation. Studies have found that CBD binds to the CB2 receptor, but this binding does not necessarily mean the two molecules will actually interact.
Because CBD is naturally present in many foods – and even comes from food plants like hemp and flaxseed in a large quantity – it provides all the active ingredients needed to help relieve symptoms of arthritis pain. This includes omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. For example, one study showed that taking just 15 milligrams of CBD per day significantly reduced pain and stiffness compared to placebo over three weeks. Another study found that daily consumption of 400 milligrams of CBD resulted in significant improvements in mobility, pain, and sleep.
Is It Safe To Take?
Yes! There is no evidence that cannabidiol is dangerous when used properly. While some people experience minor side effects, these include drowsiness, dry mouth, lightheadedness, changes in appetite, and diarrhea. There is also some anecdotal evidence that it may affect blood pressure. Since CBD is a dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor before consuming it if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or nursing.
The best way to consume CBD is via topical application. The active ingredient is absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream much more quickly than ingesting it orally. Topical applications are available in creams, balms, gels, and salves. You should apply them directly to the area where you feel aches or pains. Avoid applying CBD under the tongue, since it won’t reach your bloodstream fast enough. Also avoid applying CBD topically near eyes, nose, or mouth, since it can irritate sensitive tissue.
Another alternative method to help ease pain is by smoking. Most research suggests that CBD vaporized at low temperatures is safe and effective for relieving pain related to arthritis. But again, it’s important to remember that CBD comes from industrial hemp, which means it contains trace amounts of THC, so you need to make sure the product you buy doesn’t contain more than 0.3 percent THC.
How Much Do I Need To Buy?
You don’t have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on CBD products. Many companies offer various blends of CBD oils ranging from 100 mg to 5,000 mg. Prices vary greatly depending upon the brand, dosage, purity, and potency of the product. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between $10 and $50 per dose. Check online reviews to find the best prices and brands.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using CBD?
There are few reported side effects from using CBD. According to the National Institute of Health, “the most common adverse effect was headache.” In fact, only 1% of users reported any negative side effects. Some side effects reported included nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Others noticed increased feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
As mentioned earlier, CBD is not psychoactive, so you shouldn’t experience any unwanted effects like hallucinations or delusions. However, it may still interact with other substances in your system, which could potentially result in unpleasant side effects. For instance, if you take prescription medications, CBD might inhibit their effectiveness. Likewise, if you drink alcohol, CBD may decrease its effects. Also, if you smoke weed, CBD might increase your intoxication level. So, always keep in mind that CBD interacts with many different chemicals in your body, so if you plan to use it alongside pharmaceuticals or recreational drugs, check with your doctor first.
Is There A Riskier Way To Use CBD?
No, there isn’t. As long as you exercise caution, CBD is completely safe to consume. Just be aware that it can interact with certain medicines and recreational drugs.
How Can I Tell Which Products Are Good?
It’s easy to tell whether a product contains pure CBD or something else. Look for products with the words “pure” or “100%”. Or look for lab results showing that the concentration of CBD is greater than 99%.
Also, make sure the company offers a money-back guarantee. Don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about the product. Remember, you have nothing to lose by trying it.
Should I Take CBD With Other Supplements?
Many people who take CBD supplements do so along with other herbs and supplements to boost their overall health. For instance, some people combine CBD with turmeric root to fight inflammatory diseases, while others add CBD to green tea to enhance sleep quality. It’s important to note that combining CBD and other supplements does not change the amount of CBD you’ll absorb through topical application. Make sure you talk to your physician before doing anything new, especially if you’re currently taking other medications.