What You Should Know About CBD for Inflammation
If you’re struggling with chronic inflammation, you’re in good company. In the US, 60 million people experience inflammation every single day. This is according to a 2018 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And finding acceptable long-term alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medicines can be a challenge.
More and more people are looking for new and natural health alternatives including cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a chemical compound called a cannabinoid that is found in the hemp plant and is one of the most popular new supplements known for its wellness benefits. These benefits range from relief of stress and pain symptoms to skincare, and also include the effectiveness of CBD for inflammation.
What Causes Inflammation?
The immune response is your body’s natural defense against bacteria, toxins, and other causes. Inflammation can be acute and last for only a short period of time, or chronic and last much longer, months, or even years. It is when chronic inflammation gets turned up too high and too long that can lead to damaging long-term effects on your body.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used inflammation and pain, but even over-the-counter pain-relieving pills can have possible negative long-term effects. Therefore, natural alternative options to ease inflammatory processes will always be sought after.
How Does CBD Affect Inflammation?
Early-stage research shows that CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. CBD affects inflammation through an extensive physiological system in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in inflammatory processes, and it’s critical for maintaining a normally functioning immune system, nervous system, and many other organs and tissues.
Your natural cannabinoid receptors make the effects of CBD possible as the inflammatory response activates these receptors. Phytocannabinoids from hemp, like CBD, stimulate the same receptors which can help temper inflammation along with associated pain.
As noted in Wikipedia, the human reward system contains pleasure centers or “hedonic hotspots” – i.e., brain structures that mediate pleasure or “liking” reactions from intrinsic rewards. Importantly, endocannabinoids are capable of enhancing liking in these hotspots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasure
Natural Healing Products CBD for Inflammation
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of inflammation, CBD is worth considering. But just like any products that you use in or on your body, be sure to check the quality of what you’re buying. It’s important to purchase CBD from trustworthy companies that provide independent third-party lab testing of their products. This helps ensure the potency, purity, and safety of CBD products.
In addition, just like any supplement, it’s wise to check with your doctor before taking CBD, particularly if you’re already taking prescription medications. Side effects are rare, but when it comes to your health, it just makes good sense.
If you’re interested in giving CBD hemp flower a try, check out Natural Healing Products.
Sources:
- Harvard Health Publishing, Understanding Acute and Chronic Inflammation (April 2020)
- National Institute of Health, Hedonic Hotspots on the Brain (December 2006)
- National Institute of Health, Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (October 2009)