Arthritis can be a debilitating and frustrating condition, joint pain not only hurts physically, but also keeps us from enjoying the activities we love, the work we find value in, and even hinder once simple daily activities. It doesn't seem altogether preventable either, as it is often the repetitive tasks of our work or hobbies that contribute to arthritis. While for some people medication or injections may be helpful, the side effects and long term use of such treatments can seem daunting and they may feel they want to pursue a more natural path for pain relief. As a CBD product maker and entrepreneur, many people ask me about how CBD can help their Arthritis. Anecdotally, many customers and family members have reported that our Worker Balm and Warming balm salves, used topically on the sore joints have helped with pain from arthritis. However my instinct has aways been to encourage clients and friends to try using a full spectrum CBD extract orally in addition to topical application of a salve or oil. Knowing that CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory, seemed to me to be a good bet for treating arthritis from the inside out. I did some research lately and thought I would share some of the ways and reasons that CBD works for Arthritis and its limitations.
Repetitive tasks like those found in gardening and farming, but even lighter tasks, like cleaning, cooking, typing, or knitting can contribute to arthritis pain.
How can using CBD improve arthritis symptoms
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant, and it has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions, including arthritis. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of CBD for arthritis, there is some evidence to suggest that it may help improve arthritis symptoms. Here are some ways in which CBD may benefit individuals with arthritis:
Pain Relief: CBD has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation in the body. By binding to receptors in this system, CBD may help reduce pain associated with arthritis. Our bodies have receptors for CBD in our skin and muscles, as well as in our organs. So topical use can be helpful for pain relief, but taken orally can reduce pain internally in a more wholistic way.
Inflammation Reduction: Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help to reduce inflammation in affected joints. This could lead to decreased pain and improved mobility for arthritis patients. The arnica in worker balm also acts to reduce swelling, soreness and bruising making it a great addition for arthritis care.
Joint Mobility: Some studies suggest that CBD may have a positive impact on joint mobility. By reducing pain and inflammation, individuals with arthritis may find it easier to move their joints, which can improve their overall quality of life. The cayenne and ginger found in warming balm are also potent anti-inflammatory herbs, further reducing pain and also bringing warmth and blood to the area effected.
Improved Sleep: Arthritis pain and discomfort can interfere with sleep. CBD may help improve sleep quality by reducing pain and anxiety, allowing individuals to get more restorative sleep. Taking 12-30mg CBD extract before bed can help with getting to sleep and have less frequent spells of insomnia. Sleep is the time when our bodies heal themselves.
Minimal Side Effects: Compared to some other medications commonly used to treat arthritis, CBD generally has fewer side effects. This can be a significant benefit for individuals who experience adverse effects from traditional arthritis medications. Taking CBD extract can cause some drowsiness for some, but can be counteracted with some caffeine or taking it at night.
Potential Reduction of Medication Dependency: CBD may offer an alternative or complementary treatment option for arthritis, potentially reducing the need for other pain medications, some of which can have negative side effects with long-term use.
While side effects are low, CBD can interfere or interact negatively with other medications. If you are currently taking medicine for a medical condition, always consult with your doctor before starting use. Topical use of CBD salves and ointments are however safe to use if taking other medications and can make a great addition to your arthritis care regiment.
Unsure how to dose CBD or how often to use it? My recommendation is to use the salves 2-4 times a day, consider keeping a tin or jar near the bathroom or kitchen sink. So you can reapply after washing your hands.
For Extracts, I encourage people new to them to start low and slow, but also don't be afraid to try taking more, if you're not feeling results or a reduction in symptoms. Also remember to give the extract time to work. Similar to other medicines we don't expect immediate results, in fact you may feel the full impact of a dose of CBD 45-1hr later. But most people start to feel some effect after 20-30 min. Titrating our use up over a week or two, and writing down how we feel can help you achieve an understanding of what amount of CBD and frequency is most helpful for you and your pain. For instance a highly sensitive person, a petite person, or some one with mild pain may need a smaller amount say 10-12 mg of CBD once or twice a day. Whereas someone who is larger, perhaps has used other pain killers before, or has a high degree of pain may need a larger dose of say 30-50mg or more and/or more frequent doses. Everyone is different and for the best results experiment with finding your ideal dose of CBD. The dropper indicates the amount of milliliters taken which correlates to the number of milligrams of CBD consumed.
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