The use of CBD oil for inflammation is a growing trend. Relatively recent research suggests that CBD has a positive effect on the issue, although further studies are needed. There is no question that a solution is essential.
A review by Pahwa and Jialal in June 2019 revealed some disturbing data. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the world’s most significant cause of death. In the United States, experts believe that the prevalence of diseases associated with inflammation will increase rapidly.
Research by the Rand Corporation a few years ago claimed that almost 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition. Over 40% had two or more, and 12% had five or more! Globally, up to 60% of deaths come as a result of a chronic inflammatory disease such as:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- COPD
- Cardiovascular diseases
Drugs such as NSAIDs are standard treatment options. However, they carry side effects such as swelling, headaches, stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. Proponents of CBD for inflammation claim its list of adverse effects is minimal.
What Is Inflammation?
Before discussing CBD oil for inflammation, let’s take a look at what the condition is. The process of inflammation involves the body’s white blood cells protecting us from infection. In diseases such as arthritis, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response when there is no threat of infection. As a result, the body can damage its own tissue in its mistaken bid to protect itself!
Symptoms of the condition include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Redness
- Loss of joint function
- Swollen joints
- Flu-like symptoms, including loss of appetite, fatigue, chills, or fever.
Inflammation can even affect internal organs such as your kidneys, heart, or lungs. Prescription medication is seldom effective, and patients are seeking a new answer. Does CBD oil for inflammation fit the bill?
Could CBD Oil for Inflammation Have a Positive Effect?
Early research is positive. The potential of CBD is based on its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Although CBD doesn’t have much affinity for either receptor, it can impact other targets and receptors.
It binds to TRPV1 receptors and desensitizes them quickly. This is important because TRPV1 receptors mediate pain and sensory perception, body temperature, and inflammation. Early studies focused on inflammatory pain in animals.
This research discovered that CBD blocked inflammatory pain by interacting with the glycine receptor. This particular receptor plays a significant role in transmitting pain signals from the body through the spinal cord, and eventually into the brain. The cannabinoid can also act on inflammation by reducing the body’s level of oxidative stress.
This form of stress occurs when a disturbance happens between free radical production and antioxidant defenses. The result is tissue damage or inflammation. The apparent antioxidant properties of CBD could massively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Are There Any Recent Studies on CBD For Inflammation?
A study by Couch et al., published in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in May 2019, made a fascinating discovery. It found that CBD could prove useful in inflammatory bowel disease. Along with palmitoylethanolamide, cannabidiol reduced permeability in the human colon. The researchers concluded that it has implications in disorders such as IBD.
Philpott et al. published a study on CBD’s impact on inflammation in the journal Pain in December 2017. The researchers induced osteoarthritis in rats and gave them doses of cannabidiol. After two weeks, local CBD treatment applied to the affected area reduced acute inflammation of the joints. The cannabinoid also prevented the development of joint pain and nerve damage.
A study by Lehmann et al., published in the Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculatory journal in 2016, looked at CBD on pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes. The test subjects were diabetic mice. The pancreatic inflammation led to diabetes via an invasion of immune cells that destroyed their insulin-producing cells.
Mice that received ten weeks of CBD treatment developed diabetes later than mice that didn’t receive cannabidiol. The mice that didn’t get the CBD also produced a reduction in leukocyte (an immune cell) production.
Final Thoughts on CBD for Inflammation
The use of CBD oil for inflammation remains a controversial topic. Supporters of the cannabinoid believe it offers hope to individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases. Opponents point out that there is a lack of clinical studies to make such a claim. While it is true that there are relatively few studies, the available research is mainly positive to date.
If you are interested in using CBD for inflammation, go to Marijuanabreak and check out or CBD brand reviews. When using cannabidiol, it is essential that you only use CBD derived from hemp. Make sure it has a THC content of no more than 0.3% THC. It is also best to stick with companies that offer third-party lab reports to prove the cannabinoid content of their products.