Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. While there are many pharmaceutical treatments available, many people are turning to natural alternatives, such as CBD oil, for relief.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won't get you high. Instead, it has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain.
In a study published in the journal Rheumatology, researchers found that CBD was effective at reducing pain and improving sleep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Russo, 2018). Another study, published in the European Journal of Pain, found that CBD was effective at reducing pain and improving mobility in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) (Hammell, 2016).
One of the reasons why CBD may be effective for arthritis is its ability to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors that are involved in regulating a number of functions, including pain and inflammation. By interacting with the ECS, CBD can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has also been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. This can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis, who may experience depression and anxiety as a result of their condition.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBD for arthritis, the existing evidence suggests that it may be a useful natural option for managing the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
References:
Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936-948.
Russo, E. B. (2018). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: no “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in plant science, 9, 1969.
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