CBD Oil for Inflammation: Does it Really Work?

Over 125million American’s are living with chronic conditions that include some form of inflammation.

Inflammation is usually diagnosed using five common symptoms. There are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Parts of the body become inflamed as a natural response to harmful pathogens and cells.

Inflammatory conditions are categorized as either acute or chronic. Chronic inflammation is often caused by consistent acute inflammations or the presence of foreign agents. Pathogens or injured tissues cause acute inflammation.

CBD oil can provide relief for both chronic and acute forms of inflammation.

Does CBD Reduce Inflammation?

There have been scientific studies that have discovered evidence backing CBD as a potential option in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

A study carried out by the University of California and San Francisco has shown us that CBD is the most potent supplement available concerning its anti-inflammatory properties.

Although several compounds within marijuana can reduce inflammation, CBD is the most effective. Another study performed by Imperial College London showed that CBD had powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities when administered to mice.

Researchers found that inflammation was reduced by up to 50% in mice that received 5mg/kg of CBD.

Further research published in the Future of Medicinal Chemistry showed that cannabinoids could protect people from pathogenesis through induction of multiple anti-inflammatory pathways.

This research looked explicitly in experimental models of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis.

The endocannabinoid system within the human body helps to regulate several functions, including appetite, sleep, pain, and immune system responses. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced within our bodies, they work as neurotransmitters, binding to cannabinoid receptors within the brain.

Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, interacting with neurotransmitters, and reducing inflammation.

A study in rats found that regular injections of CBD helped to reduce pain responses to surgical incisions. Another study found that oral CBD treatment helped to reduce sciatic nerve pain and inflammation in these animals.

Human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain caused by arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Furthermore, a 2016 study, found that dermal application of CBD in rats with arthritis reduced their swelling, pro-inflammatory markers, and immune cell infiltration without any adverse side effects.

Then, in 2017, a study looked into CBD’s potential to alleviate pain, joint neuropathy, and inflammation in osteoarthritic rats. The CBD helps to increase weight bearing thresholds and decrease joint inflammation in rats with end-stage osteoarthritis.

These studies provide evidence that CBD holds anti-inflammatory properties when administered regularly. Although human trials are ongoing, there are thousands of testimonials from people who regularly use CBD, claiming that it relieves the pain that they associate with inflammatory conditions.

CBD Dosage for inflammation:

There are many variables such as diet, weight, genetics, metabolism environment, product consistency, and more, that make instructing people on typical standard CBD dosage complicated.

While we wish we could provide our readers with a standard CBD dosage calculator, rough estimates are the best we can offer at present.

With this in mind, most people who are new to CBD start their journey with the minimal suggested CBD dosage on any product, then slowly increase the dose until they achieve the desired results for their conditions.

Generally, a standard serving of CBD is 25mg to be taken twice daily. However, those for taking CBD regularly to treat inflammation and chronic pain are said to take  2.5-20mg of CBD [with or without THC] (orally) several times a day.

Increase your dosage every three days and make notes of how much pain you are feeling every day. Once you have found the perfect dose that suits you, stick to that dose to keep the pain appropriately managed.

What is the Best CBD Product for Inflammation?

CBD comes in various forms. Topical lotions and products such as CBD oil are popular among those with bone and joint pain due to inflammation, as well as discomforts from previous injuries. 

Topicals are applied directly onto the skin, and typically provide immediate relief to the affected areas. Many topicals are also infused with essential nutrients and natural ingredients that offer extra moisturization for dry or damaged skin.

CBD topicals typically come in tubs containing up to four ounces of lotion. In terms of CBD concentration, the average topical is priced at six to 10 cents per milligram of CBD.

Experts have stated that CBD full spectrum products work better than isolates in treating inflammation.

This is because CBD isolate only contains CBD and none of the other cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. CBD full spectrum products contain other compounds, terpenes, and cannabinoids that the cannabis plant produces.

When scientists experimented with a full-spectrum, CBD-rich extract in a study involving inflammation in the paws of mice, researchers observed that purified CBD was only anti-inflammatory at a moderate dose, whereas a CBD-rich extract was more effective with a higher dose.

Summary

To conclude, we know that CBD has successfully helped to reduce inflammation and the discomfort associated with the condition in several human and animal studies.There is reason to believe that regularly consuming either full spectrum or isolated CBD oil products could help to reduce the pain associated with inflammatory conditions.Topical CBD products may also give effective relief if applied regularly to areas that are suffering from inflammation across the body.Studies are ongoing in human clinical research around the area of CBD as a treatment for inflammation. However, recent testimonials claim that CBD is helping hundreds of people treat inflation around the world.

Given the amount of cure-all claims, ranging from sleep to diet to herbal teas , your best bet when it comes to living with inflammatory conditions is to get an adequate amount of sleep, eat well, exercise, and realise that, while CBD has broad anti-inflammatory potential, it’s best used as a solution instead of a total cure for inflammatory conditions.

Marcel started his career in public relations and digital marketing after completing his Journalism degree in 2009. During his time working for marketing firms in the UK, Marcel advised the NHS on digital strategy and spoke at the UK Public Health Association Annual Conference on digital transformations in healthcare. Since then, Marcel has specialized writing about CBD product research and development.