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Cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant. However, unlike its famous counterpart Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not leave you feeling “high” when consumed, as it’s used for its therapeutic properties. There are over 100 cannabidiols that can be found in the cannabis plant and unlike many other cannabinoids, CBD does not have psychoactive properties like THC does.
For CBD to be legal in the UK, there must be a limit of 0.2% or less of the substance THC inside any given product or supplement.
CBD was first researched in 1942 when scientists found it difficult to complete research on the benefits of CBD, since then there has been a lot more research to uncover how CBD oil can help with inflammation and much more!
What is inflammation?
Think of inflammation as the body's natural response to protect itself against harm. There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic.
Acute inflammation happens after an injury, illness or infection. The immune system responds by sending immune cells to the affected area to protect it, by producing swelling and redness.
Chronic inflammation means that there is a prolonged inflammation response in the body.
When inflammation remains, it can drastically impact tissue and organs due to the increase in free radicals. This results in oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants.
Oxidative stress and inflammation can be the cause of many diseases. Chronic inflammation might be affected by autoimmune disorders, illness, untreated infections, and play a role in conditions like asthma, diabetes and cancer. Another element such as obesity, smoking, or stress can also contribute to chronic inflammation.
At last, inflammation is necessary to help protect the body as it heals. Ongoing or chronic inflammation is unwanted and can be a create significant anxiety, pain, and stress which is sometimes linked to depression. CBD shows potential as an organic plant derived anti-inflammatory without the usual side effects of medication.
Photo by Bill Oxford
What studies say about CBD and inflammation?
Research on CBD are still in the early stages, and we still don't know much yet. But what has come to light so far is very promising.
Studies suggest that CBD reduces inflammation by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.
That includes both chronic inflammation and acute inflammation. Experiments conducted on rats found that CBD reduces inflammation in rats with osteoarthritis. As well as studies in 2009 shows that CBD may also reduce acute inflammation, which is often the body’s reaction to an injury.
While most studies into the use of CBD have been on animals, professionals believe that the results of those studies may have curative implications.
A 2017 review found CBD’s anti-inflammation properties might help with conditions such as:
Alzheimer’s disease
Cardiovascular disease
General pain
Inflammatory bowel diseases
inflammatory conditions
Multiple sclerosis
How CBD works within your body?
The human body contains a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which controls and regulates different functions such as sleep, immune system response, cell communication, appetite, metabolism, memory and pain. This combination of regulated functions help keeps the body in a state of homeostasis. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that fuse to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. CBD has been known to imitate endocannabinoids and stimulate the ECS to help manage certain functions in the body.
Can CBD help inflammation after workouts?
One-way CBD has helped athletes is by reducing the inflammation and pain from an intense workout. If you work out on a regular basis you will know that a heavy exercise session can cause a lot of discomfort the next day.
If you can reduce the inflammation in the body post workout then you'll be able to work out harder and longer on the next session, minimising injury. Studies have shown us that when CBD is rubbed onto the affected area that it can decrease the pain/inflammation or when taken orally. They showed that CBD interacts with receptors in your brain which are effective in overall pain management and didn’t cause any negative side effects.
What ways you can use CBD for inflammation?
If you’ve been diagnosed with an inflammation disorder you should always talk to your doctor about treatment options for you. CBD is one of many ways of treatment.
CBD comes in a variety of different forms. Some people find edibles work better for them, while others may find topicals creams and oils to be easier to use. You may now find CBD mixed with other powerful herbs such as Turmeric to help combat inflammation further as well as provide a wide variety of benefits.
If you’d like to use CBD for your inflammation there is a wide range of different options for you to choose from. There is:
CBD Oil tinctures. These are the most common way for treatment. You simply put a couple drops under your tongue and wait a 30 second to 2 minutes then swallow. By using this method it’s a lot faster absorption rate, as the tissue under your tongue has a thin membrane that can enter your bloodstream delivering it straight to the body.
CBD Oil capsules. These bring CBD into your body via your stomach. People find these easy and convenient to use, however they can take longer to absorb into the body.
CBD e-liquid and vape. Vaping is the most efficient way to take CBD as they effects can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Numerous people have said that it eases stress and anxiety as well as pain relief.
CBD edibles. There has been a growing popularity as edibles such as brownies, cookies and gummies which have been a tasteful way to enjoy CBD. Once again, they do take longer to absorb into the body.
CBD Cosmetics. Many use CBD topical creams and oils to combat joint pain and muscle aches. A good alternative to apply CBD directly on to a focused area, when carried with the right ingredients it will be fast absorbing through the pores and active with in seconds.
Summery
CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant that may have a variety of health benefits, including easing inflammation.
There is a large amount of scientific data and evidence that supports CBD’s potential to treat inflammation.
However, more human trials are needed to understand in further detail how CBD works on humans.
That said, there are a number of CBD products available that cause few to no side effects and most either report success in CBD or no change at all.
Due to the possibility of drug interactions, be sure to always talk to your doctor before taking CBD.
