What Is CBD Specifically?
Many may know what CBD is, but for those of you who don’t – CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a popular product that helps with anything from pain, anxiety, inflammation, and even a good night’s rest. It is extracted from the hemp, which both come from the actual plant. Many people use CBD as CBD is non-psychoactive. Meaning you experience the benefits which include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, without the euphoric effect. Your body pain will ease and your mind will become calm, all while not feeling “high”. You are still able to function normally with a sound mind and will not experience any of the crippling affects. Essentially, there are tons of benefits of using CBD.
What Is Inflammation?
I know I know, we all know what it is. But it helps to get a refresher – trust me! When your body faces a virus, bacteria or suffers an injury, it activates your immune system. Your immune system then sends out its first responders, which are your inflammatory cells. These cells begin a reaction that trap bacteria and/or start healing injured tissue. This will result in pain, swelling, bruising or redness. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the response to sudden damage done to your body. Meaning, if you sprain your ankle your body will send inflammatory cells to start the healing process for this injury. Your ankle swells, gets hot, and causes you pain. Chronic inflammation is when your body continues sending inflammatory cells even when there is no outside danger happening. Meaning, if you have arthritis, inflammatory cells attack your joint tissues which lead to swelling, which then causes pain, severe damage, and deformities. Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
Can CBD Reduce Inflammation?
Cannabidiol has therapeutic potential which has been evaluated in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), cancer, and metabolic diseases – which are all usually accompanied by stress and inflammation. As research on CBD is in its early stages, there’s a lot we do not know. But what we do know is promising. CBD reduces inflammation by affecting activity in the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system or ECS is a very complex cell-signaling system. It plays a role in regulating your sleep, mood, appetite, memory, immune response, and other things. So, in short – yes, CBD reduces inflammation by influencing the activity in the ECS receptors.
What Type of CBD Helps with Inflammation?
If you’re researching CBD oil, you’ll most likely come across information about CBD tinctures as they are interchangeable – although the two do have big differences. A tincture is made by soaking the plant in alcohol and heating it to infuse the alcohol with CBD; it’s then boiled or diluted. CBD oil is an extraction process that separates CBD from the plant and then diffuses it into a carrier oil. Although the products look and are packaged similar, they are very different. CBD oil is much more potent and can be used topically, whereas CBD tinctures are not as potent, have a longer shelf life and should never be used topically. So, CBD oil is best for inflammation – but which CBD oil? CBD oils that have beneficial terpenes are the best for inflammation. What does that even mean? Terpenes are fragrant oils or also widely known as essential oils that are produced alongside CBD – they account for the distinctive smell and flavors which include pine, mint, berry or citrus. Terpenes provide therapeutic qualities that enhance the effects of the CBD oil. Some terpenes balance out the less desirable psychoactive effects. The most popular terpene for inflammation is myrcene.
You can use CBD oil in several different ways: topically, orally – under the tongue, or putting drops of the oil in your food or drinks. Putting the oil under your tongue will result in a body wide effect. When using a topical, you massage the oil or salve on whatever part of your body that’s hurting and that area is the only area affected. This usually takes around one hour to kick in, so be aware that the effects are not immediate. Our Full Spectrum Peppermint Pain Salve is a perfect product to try! It’s a number one seller on our site and naturally relieves pain for your muscles and inflammation.
Whether you have chronic inflammation or acute inflammation CBD can help with your pain and stress. The right product will ultimately depend on your personal preference. As always, do your own research and talk to your doctor with any further questions you may have.
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