HOW DO CBD OIL, TOPICAL CBD & ORAL CBD HELP WITH INFLAMMATION?

HOW DO CBD OIL, TOPICAL CBD & ORAL CBD HELP WITH INFLAMMATION?

You might have come across CBD oil while shopping in food stores or shops. This is quite normal, especially because CBD oil has attracted more hype since the Farm Bill was passed in 2018, legalizing industrial hemp growth. Most states in the USA have partially or wholly legalized CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC, and it’s no wonder that you can easily access CBD oil and its products within the USA. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to justify that CBD oil may have therapeutic, pin-relieving, or medical benefits, it is used for various purposes. One of the widespread uses of CBD oil is inflammation, where CBD oil tinctures, topicals, edibles, and other forms are marketed to help with inflammation. How do CBD oil and its different products help with inflammation? This article unearths how the cannabinoid may help with CBD oil,  but it’s worth noting that a person should not take CBD oil without first consulting a doctor, at least to get dosage instructions.

The Basics About CBD Oil

Studies have revealed the definition of CBD oil as one of the many active compounds (cannabinoids) in cannabis plants. CBD oil can come from hemp or marijuana plants, but the Farm Bill of 2018 considers hemp-derived CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC is legal. The following are the three types of CBD oil;

Full-spectrum CBD oil

It has terpenes, flavonoids, and multiple cannabinoids such as CBD, CBT, CBN, CBG, the psychoactive THC, and more.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil

This one has as many components as full-spectrum CBD oil but not does not have psychoactive THC. Broad- and full-spectrum CBD oils are known for the full entourage effect of multiple cannabinoids.

Isolate-based CBD oil

It has CBD but no other compound, including terpenes, flavonoids, and additional cannabinoids.

In either of the three types of CBD oil, you can have edibles (gummies, mints, lozenges), topicals (serums, lotions, massage oils, shampoos, etc.), softgels & capsules, vapes, and pre-rolled hemp flowers. CBD oil presents users with a wide selection to pick their favorites from.

Can CBD Oils, Topicals, and Orals Help With Inflammation?

CBD oil has been widely marketed to help with many conditions, and inflammation is one of them. Some early studies, like that of Jamontt, et al (2010). and anecdotals show evidence that CBD oil might help with inflammation, and it’s no wonder that CBD oil products claim to help with many conditions caused, characterized, or exacerbated by inflammation. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can help with inflammation. In line with this,studies do not recommend CBD oil for inflammation. What’s more, the FDA has not approved CBD oil and its products for inflammation, so there is no recommended dosage for CBD oil. As such,consult the doctor before taking any CBD oil product, whether for inflammation or any other purpose.

Why CBD Oil Might Help With Inflammation

Although not enough scientific evidence can claim that CBD oil helps with inflammation, early research and anecdotal evidence report connections between CBD oil and inflammation. Much is unknown about CBD oil, including how it works. However, research believes that the human body has a network of endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes, forming the endocannabinoid system. The very ECS supposedly has receptors all over the body, which interact with cannabinoids such as CBD oil and THC when consumed. Further, the ECS is believed to affect almost every critical process and function in the body, including inflammation, immunity, pain, stress, mood regulation, temperature changes, and more. As such, the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids like CBD oil seems to be behind the effects of CBD oils, topicals, and edibles on inflammation.

The Effectiveness of CBD Oil and Topicals in Reducing Inflammation in Arthritic Patients

Many arthritic patients have been using CBD oil to manage pain, and you might wonder if the cannabinoid is effective for inflammation. In a study conducted in 2016, CBD oil gels (topicals) were applied on rats in 0.3, 3.13, 6.2, and 62 mg potencies. The rats were arthritic, and the study intended to note any significant changes in pain and inflammation. Surprisingly, it was observed that the rats experienced improvements in pain and inflammation. Besides, 3.1 mg onward dosages revealed better improvements in pain and inflammation. However, 6.2 and 62 mg doses resulted in the same effects in reducing pain and inflammation, showing that unnecessarily high doses might not result in significant changes.

Can CBD Oil Help With Arthritis in Human Beings?

Based on the study quoted above, one can assume that CBD oil may help with inflammation, including among arthritic patients. However, this study included animals, and there is no certainty that the results can be replicated 100% on human beings. What’s more, advanced scientific studies used to make assumptions usually involve many subjects, which is not true for the mentioned studies. As such, until more advanced research is conducted on the efficacy and effectiveness of CBD oil for inflammation and arthritis, the cannabinoid should not be recommended for these roles. What’s more, there is a need for more in-depth clinical trials on CBD oil for inflammation to clear the doubts in these two parameters.

Consult the Doctor and Go Slow on Doses

Since the FDA has not approved CBD oil for inflammation, there is no recommended dosage for CBD oil. Consult your doctor before taking any CBD oil product, including tinctures, orals, or topicals. Always keep the doses low at the start of this new regimen. Keeping track of the CBD doses versus the effects on the body will help to know when to adjust the dosages. All the same, remember that CBD oil has not been scientifically proven for inflammation.

Conclusion

Scientific studies have not generated enough evidence to confidently state that CBD oil can help with inflammation. However, one research found that topically applying CBD oil on arthritic rats reduced inflammation and pain. Still, the study had its limitations, so it cannot be used to assume that CBD oil helps with inflammation. Whether using CBD oil, orals, or topicals for any pain, consult the doctor beforehand.

References Jamontt, J. M., Molleman, A., Pertwee, R. G., & Parsons, M. E. (2010). The Effects Of Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol And Cannabidiol Alone And In Combination On Damage, Inflammation And In Vitro Motility Disturbances In Rat Colitis. British Journal Of Pharmacology, 160(3), 712-723.

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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