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CBD and Inflammation
Besides THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the best-known constituent substances found in the hemp plant. In contrast to THC, however, CBD is not psychoactive, does not cause intoxication, and is not addictive.
Current studies indicate that CBD affects the human body in two very positive ways – it relieves pain and it inhibits and prevents inflammation.
In the EU, only certain varieties of hemp can legally be grown. The most important criterion for doing so is that the levels of THC present must be below 0.2 percent. CBD products, obtained from these strictly controlled hemp plants, can be bought in the form of CBD oil, CBD salves, CBD creams and as CBD e-liquid for vaporisers or e-cigarettes.
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CBD and inflammation – these keywords represent a process which starts with the natural product that is hemp and ends with anti-inflammatory CBD effects which prevent heart disease and diabetes, as well as some kinds of cancer. This is because the origins of these three types of disease can be found in chronic inflammation, which is something that CBD counteracts.
The causes of inflammation
Before we begin, however, it should be noted that inflammations, like fever, are a defensive reaction which the body has against pathogens. Short-term inflammations are thus no bad thing. However, inflammations threaten physical well-being if they become chronic, i.e. if they turn into some kind of long-term condition.
Chronic inflammations not only work against bacteria and the like – over time, such inflammation can also start attacking healthy organs. Sequelae (secondary diseases) can be the result. Thus, the sooner CBD is used to intervene in processes of inflammation, the less likely it is that “normal” inflammations will become chronic or turn into secondary diseases.
Everyone who finds themselves affected by inflammation should observe their body carefully and attentively. Early detection helps people to quickly take action against inflammation by using CBD, without having to fear sequelae.
How does anti-inflammatory medication work?
Anti-inflammatory medication generally contains substances which ease the symptoms of inflammation. These substances can be taken orally in the form of tablets, anally in the form of suppositories, or intravenously in the form of a solution.
Non-opioid analgesics inhibit inflammation by reducing the production of the eicosanoid prostaglandin. This molecule is involved not only in inflammatory responses, but also in sensitivity to pain. Immunosuppressants work by blocking the activities of certain cells which are involved in inflammation. If these cells are unable to “work” inflammatory responses are prevented.
CBD and Inflammation – How can cannabidiol help?
A number of researchers have made the effects of CBD on inflammation the focus of their work. Time and time again, they have been discovering the positive characteristics of CBD when it comes to treatment for relevant clinical pictures.
CBD for inflammation and neuropathic pain
A detailed report[1] from the “Journal of Experimental Medicine” addressed the effectiveness of CBD against inflammation and neuropathic pain – in both cases, the focus was on the suppression of symptoms. The researchers investigated the interaction of CBD and glycine receptors. The receptors, together with certain dorsal horn neurons, are responsible for telling the brain that the body is experiencing pain. The study concluded that, among other effects, the use of CBD oil for chronic inflammation greatly suppresses neuropathic pain.
CBD and inflammatory bowel disease
An investigation of[2] the efficacy of CBD against inflammation has shown that cannabidiol helps against inflammation of the gut. The researchers focused on “biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis” and on intestinal inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides. The results of the study led the researchers to conclude that CBD has a demonstrable influence on the inflammatory environment of cultures taken from the colon. In the case of inflammations in this environment, CBD has a positive effect.
CBD has a positive effect on adenosine
Current findings indicate that those who take CBD oil or also other CBD products against inflammation, can also expect it to have positive effects on adenosine. Adenosine is responsible, amongst other things, for stimulating the release of chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which themselves have a stimulating effect on the body. This often has an anti-inflammatory effect too. CBD amplifies the signalling effect of adenosine.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect helps against acne
Something that many people do not immediately associate with inflammation is acne. Acne not only affects adolescents – adults also often suffer from it. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cannabidiol (CBD oil, CBD salve, CBD cream) help to reduce the level of oils in the skin over the long term. In this way, CBD helps against acne.
Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in the case of Crohn’s disease
Time and time again, patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammation of the intestines, report that taking CBD oil helps against the inflammation. Sufferers report a noticeable improvement in symptoms of the disease after taking CBD products.
CBD for arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil, for example, can also be used against certain precursors of arthritis or osteoarthritis, providing welcome relief. CBD is, however, powerless against cartilage loss, although cannabidiol can help against the pain which accompanies this problem. CBD oil also makes an excellent massage oil for those parts of the body which are affected. The massage and the resulting warmth support CBD’s effects on inflamed joints.
CBD for eczema and psoriasis
According to the latest research into the product, CBD oil also contains the anti-inflammatory substance gamma-Linolenic acid. Those who suffer from psoriasis or eczema in particular will find that they can relieve their symptoms or even improve the condition by rubbing the areas affected with CBD oil.
Special forms of inflammation and CBD
Medically, inflammations are classified not only according to their behaviour over time (acute, chronic, progressive…), but also according to their extent. Here, a distinction is made between local and systemic inflammations. The latter generally affect the whole body and are associated with fever.
The application and use of CBD oils, CBD creams and CBD ointments or salves against inflammation depends on the type of inflammation involved. CBD creams and CBD salves are generally only used for local inflammation and are applied to the area affected.
CBD oils can also be used for this purpose, but oral ingestion and absorption through the mucous membranes throughout the body make the oil a proven method for making sure that the CBD reaches the inflammation wherever it occurs. The latter also applies to CBD when it is taken in the form of e-liquid. When vaped by means of an e-cigarette, the CBD reaches the affected areas of the body faster than it does via the digestive system, which provides a less direct route.
Conclusion
- Studies show: CBD is a proven remedy for inflammation. Cannabidiol can help both against inflammation and against the pain which such inflammation causes.
- Internal and external application can help in the case of local and systemic inflammation.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/ – 23.08.2019
[2] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0028159 – 23.08.2019
Further Studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21238581
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850623
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19199042
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22265864
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22585736
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22163000
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21537423
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22163051
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17384130
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15313881
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19074681
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11152013
http://www.nature.com/articles/npjamd201612
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28115138
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27430346
Taking products containing cannabinoids may result in interactions with various medications. If you are already taking medication, the use of CBD and other cannabinoids should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.
