Is CBD Good for Inflammation? Discover The Best CBD Products in the Market for 2020
Inflammation is among the most common issues people take CBD for. After all, inflammation is in some way involved in virtually every health disorder, including conditions as dissimilar as arthritis and depression.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and other cannabinoids are backed by decades of research. There are also multiple animal studies highlighting the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in specific contexts. For example:
- A 2011 mouse study found that CBD reduced intestinal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Another 2011 study in rats with Alzheimer’s reported that CBD reduced brain inflammation and promoted the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis)
- A 2013 study in mice found that CBD reduced inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- A 2016 study of CBD gel reported a reduction of pain and inflammation in mice with arthritis
Although more human research is needed, the anti-inflammatory qualities of CBD are well-established.
Consequently, many people take CBD in the hopes of reducing inflammation associated with arthritis, digestive disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and regular issues such as post-workout soreness and irritated skin.
Virtually type of CBD preparation can be useful for inflammation. However, the problem is that the market is filled with thousands of low-quality products. In addition, certain CBD products will work better for specific cases, such as a topical for dealing with localized rather than systemic inflammation.
This is why we put together this list of the best CBD brands and products for inflammation. These recommendations are based on prices, third-party testing, potency, hemp quality, product formulas, and other criteria. Read on below for our top CBD picks for inflammation, broken down by convenient categories.
Best CBD Oils for Inflammation
- Editor’s Pick – Receptra Naturals CBD Oil
- Best Value – Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture & RSO Oil
- Best Value – CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Best Potency – Endoca Strong CBD Oil
- Best Potency – CbdMD CBD Oil
- Best Non-THC – Green Roads
- Best Non-THC – Nanocraft CBD Oil Pure Formula
Best CBD Topicals for Inflammation
- Editor’s Pick – CBD Medic Muscle & Joint Pain Relief Ointment
- Editor’s Pick – cbdMD Recover Inflammation Cream
- Nanocraft CBD Extra Strength CBD Muscle & Joint Stick
- Receptra Naturals Targeted Topical
- Best Value – Lazarus Naturals
- Best Potency – Endoca Hemp Salve
Editor’s Pick – Receptra Naturals CBD Oil
The CBD oil from Receptra Naturals is one of our top picks. This oil is not only full-spectrum, which is ideal for maximizing the efficacy of CBD but also contains the herbal anti-inflammatory compound turmeric.
Receptra Naturals was founded in Colorado in 2016. The company offers full-spectrum CBD oils, topicals, pet products, and THC-free products in multiple potencies.
Receptra sets itself apart from other brands is a strong focus on athletes and active individuals. To that end, many of its products contain additional ingredients that may help reduce inflammation and promote recovery from exercise, such as turmeric.
Receptra ticks all the right boxes. The company source non-GMO, organic hemp locally in Colorado and offers a variety of products at reasonable prices. It also utilizes third-party testing of its products and provides extensive test reports on its website.
Although Receptra’s regular CBD oil can be used for inflammation, where the company truly stands out from the competition is its turmeric-infused tinctures. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb backed by a growing body of clinical research.
It comes in three convenient CBD potencies ranging from medium to high: 17, 33, or 67 mg per ml. They’re available in 15, 30, and 60 ml bottles with a total of 250 to 4000 mg CBD.
This CBD oil contains full-spectrum hemp extract, the ideal type of CBD for maximizing anti-inflammatory effects, as well as a mix of standard carrier oils, mint/berry flavoring, and turmeric.
Receptra’s turmeric-infused CBD oils cost $24.95 to $249.95. This is equivalent to about $0.08 per mg of CBD, a price that’s slightly cheaper than the average CBD oil.
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Best Value – Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture & RSO Oil
Value-wise, few can compete with Oregon’s Lazarus Naturals. They’re sold at incredibly low prices, costing only about 4 cents per mg of CBD, and come with multiple choice of flavor and potency.
Founded in 2014, Lazarus Naturals is one of the most trusted names in the CBD industry. It offers a wide range of both full-spectrum and CBD isolate oils, capsules, topicals, edibles, and other products with multiple potencies and flavors.
Lazarus Naturals is best known for offering incredibly low prices without sacrificing the quality of its products, living up to its mission of making high-quality CBD accessible to everyone. It even has a 60% discount for veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
The company is also unique for being entirely owned by its employees and sourcing the bulk (70%) of its hemp from its own farm in central Oregon. Lazarus Naturals’ hemp is organic, non-GMO, and undergoes ethanol extraction — a safe and efficient method — to create CBD extracts. All of its products undergo extensive third-party testing.
Lazarus Naturals’ full-spectrum CBD tinctures are one of the most cost-effective ways to use CBD. They have a potency of 15 or 50 mg/ml and are sold in 15, 60, and 120 ml bottles with a total of 225 to 6000 mg of CBD.
This CBD oil contains full-spectrum hemp extract with all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial phytochemicals mixed with coconut MCT oil. It comes in unflavored, chocolate mint, and French vanilla mocha flavors.
Meanwhile, for people with more serious issues, the company’s high-potency RSO CBD oil may be the better option. This full-spectrum tincture is essentially a CBD version of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) and comes with an exceptionally high potency: 100 mg/ml. This oil is sold in 10 or 50 ml syringes with a total of 1000 or 5000 mg CBD.
Lazarus’ CBD oil costs anywhere from $12 and $200, which translates to an incredibly low cost of about $0.04 per mg of CBD. You can even pay as little as $0.03 if you opt for the highest CBD strength oils. This kind of value is unheard of, especially considering the company’s stellar reputation.
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CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil
CBDistillery is another top-tier CBD choice for exceptional value. Available in multiple potencies, the company’s full-spectrum CBD oils are a great all-around pick.
Colorado’s CBDistillery was established in 2016, quickly growing into one of the most popular American CBD companies. Its lineup includes full-spectrum and THC-free CBD oils, capsules, gummies, isolates, topicals, pet products, and vape juice with multiple potencies. All of these products come with clear, informative labels.
CBDistillery is popular for its low prices, transparency, and quality. The company sources hemp from organic, non-GMO Colorado farms. This hemp is extracted with either CO2 or ethanol, the two leading CBD extraction methods.
CBDistillery’s products are also tested by a third-party lab, with the results available on each product page. Better yet, the company is one of the few to be certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, highlighting its compliance with stringest quality standards.
CBDistillery’s full-spectrum oils are one of the most cost-effective ways to use CBD. They cost only about $0.06 per mg of CBD and are available in five potencies ranging from 8 mg/ml (low) to 167 mg/ml (high), making it easy to find the right potency for your specific case.
These tinctures contain full-spectrum CBD alongside MCT oil and come in 30 ml bottles with a total of 250 to 5000 mg CBD. They cost $20–$240 or about $0.06 per mg of CBD, which is considered cheaper than average.
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Best Potency – Endoca Strong CBD Oil
If you’re looking for a high-potency CBD tincture, Endoca’s strong CBD oil fits the bill. This full-spectrum, premium-quality oil comes with a potency of 150 mg of CBD per ml.
One of the oldest and most trusted European CBD companies, Endoca was created in 2008 by Danish biochemist Henry Vincenty.
This affordable brand offers CBD oils, creams, capsules, concentrates, pet formulations, isolates, edibles, and other products.
Endoca stands out for its exceptional quality control. The company grows its own organic, non-GMO hemp in Scandinavia, making sure to test it at every stage from seed to final extract.
This hemp is extracted with CO2, the most advanced, safe method of CBD extraction. Endoca’s products are also tested by an independent third-party lab and posted on the company’s website.
People in need of high-potency CBD can opt for Endoca’s strong CBD oil. This full-spectrum oil contains 150 mg per ml: one of the highest CBD concentrations available. It comes in a 10 ml bottle with a total of 1500 mg of CBD mixed with hemp seed oil.
Endoca also offers a raw version of its CBD oil, which contains unheated and unprocessed hemp extract rich in CBDA — the parent molecule of CBD and other cannabinoids. This product is ideal for people who prefer to use hemp in a form as close to nature as possible.
Endoca’s strong CBD oil costs €115. This is equivalent to €0.08 per mg, a price that’s similar to the average CBD oil.
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Best Potency – CbdMD CBD Oil
CbdMD’s tinctures are another great, high-potency option. The company’s strongest broad-spectrum CBD oil comes at an incredibly high concentration: 250 mg per ml.
Established in 2015, cbdMD is one of the most popular American CBD brands. It offers affordably priced CBD oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, and pet products with multiple potency and flavor options.
CbdMD uses broad-spectrum hemp extract for all its products, which means they’re free of THC but maintain all of the cannabinoids, terpenes and other hemp phytochemicals.
CbdMD’s products start out as non-GMO hemp cultivated on American farms. This hemp is then extracted with CO2, the most advanced CBD extraction method. Finally, cbdMD’s finished products are tested for potency by a third-party laboratory, with the results available on the company’s website.
While many brands cap out their oils at a potency of about 30-50mg/ml, cbdMD offers an oil with an exceptionally high CBD concentration of 250 mg/ml. This tincture is an excellent choice for dealing with significant issues.
It contains broad-spectrum CBD and coconut MCT oil. It’s available in a 30 ml bottle containing a total of 7500 mg CBD and comes in natural, berry, orange, and mint flavors.
This CBD oil tincture costs $339.99, or $0.05 per m of CBD — an incredibly low price. Meanwhile, if you prefer less potent options, cbdMD also has three other strong potencies: 50, 100, and 167 mg per ml.
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Best Non-THC CBD Oil – Green Roads
Some people prefer to avoid THC because of extreme sensitivity to its effects or being required to pass employee drug tests. In these cases, Green Roads’ CBD oil is a great option.
Although it’s completely free of THC, it still maintains all of the other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in the hemp plant.
Green Roads was founded in 2012 by a licensed pharmacist and her business executive friend who turned to CBD when he became addicted to prescription opiates. The Florida-based brand is now one of the largest CBD companies in the U.S. and offers CBD oils, gummies, capsules, syrups, pet products, and CBD-infused tea and coffee.
Green Roads’ success is rooted in its superb products and transparency. Its organic, non-GMO hemp comes from the best source in the United States — Colorado — and undergoes the CO2 extraction method preferred by most top-tier CBD companies.
All of Green Roads products contain broad-spectrum CBD and are tested extensively by third-party labs to verify their potency and safety.
Broad-spectrum CBD is the ideal choice for people who want to avoid THC. Unlike CBD isolate, which contains only pure CBD and nothing else, broad-spectrum extracts maintain all of the hemp’s cannabinoids and terpenes, minus THC.
Thanks to this, Green Roads’ CBD tinctures are an excellent choice for THC-free relief. The company offers three CBD oil formulas:
- CBD oil: potency ranging from 7 mg/ml to 58 mg/ml. Available in 15, 30, and 60 ml sizes. Contains broad-spectrum CBD, vegetable glycerin, sunflower lecithin, and hemp seed oil.
- CBD terpenes oil: Broad-spectrum oil with a potency of 6.7 mg/ml mixed with a specific blend of cannabis terpenes and vegetable glycerin. Available in a 15 ml bottle. Comes in multiple flavors.
- CBD daily dose: a single-dose, 1 ml syringe version of Green Roads’ CBD oil and CBD terpenes oil.
These CBD oils cost anywhere from $5 to $342.5. This is equivalent to about $0.16 per mg of CBD, a price that’s more expensive than the average CBD tincture.
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Best Non-THC Nanocraft CBD Oil Pure Formula
The pure formula CBD oil from Nanocraft CBD is another great THC-free option. This oil contains pure CBD isolate with enhanced absorption thanks to the use of nanoemulsion technology.
Nanocraft CBD was founded in California in 2016. It offers THC-free CBD oils, capsules, topicals, and even CBD-infused water.
As the company’s name suggests, its standout feature is the use of nanotechnology. Many of Nanocraft’s products, such as its tinctures and capsules, undergo additional processing to further break down the hemp oil into minuscule, nano-sized particles, in order to improve their absorption in the body.
Given that absorption is one of the major concerns with CBD products, this gives Nanocraft points over competitor brands.
Aside from that, Nanocraft checks off all the right boxes: a non-GMO, organic, Colorado hemp source, CO2 extraction, and third-party testing.
If you’re looking for a THC-free CBD tincture, Nanocraft’s pure CBD oil formula is an effective option. This CBD isolate oil contains 25 mg per ml for a total of 750 mg CBD in a 30 ml bottle. It’s flavored with ginger citrus to give the oil a pleasant taste.
More importantly, it uses nano-emulsion technology to enhance CBD’s absorption by the body, potentially increasing its effectiveness compared to regular tinctures.
This unique CBD oil costs $69.99 or $0.09 per mg of CBD, a price that’s around the average for tinctures.
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Best CBD Topicals for Inflammation
CBD oils are usually the optimal way to use CBD for reducing inflammation. However, when the inflammation is localized in specific joints or muscles, such as your knees, back, or shoulders, topical preparations can be the better option.
By treating the inflammation directly at the site instead of being dispersed throughout the whole body, topical CBD products such as creams, salves, and massage oils can address the problem directly and provide greater relief.
Editor’s Pick – CBD Medic Muscle & Joint Pain Relief Ointment
Our top choice for sore and aching joints is the CBDMEDIC muscle & joint pain relief ointment. A CBD brand that specialized in topicals, CBDMEDIC is known for combining nature-based ingredients with evidence-backed pharmaceuticals.
This product is formulated with menthol (10%) and camphor (15%), two herbal compounds that provide topical pain and inflammation relief. It also contains broad-spectrum CBD and other herbal ingredients, including beeswax, eucalyptus oil, and other essential oils.
This ointment comes in ten packets with 15 mg of hemp extract for a total of 150 mg CBD. It’s also available in a convenient spray version with similar ingredients.
This third-party tested ointment is derived from high-quality hemp plants grown in Oregon and Colorado. At $0.27 per mg, CBDMEDIC’s muscle & joint pain relief ointment is priced slightly above average.
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Editor’s Pick – cbdMD Recover Inflammation Cream
The recover inflammation cream from cbdMD earns our editor’s pick because it’s formulated with additional anti-inflammatory ingredients.
For starters, whereas many competitor creams are too weak to provide significant benefits, this cream comes in three effective potencies: 5, 6.3, or 12.5 mg/ml.
cbdMD’s recover cream contains MSM and arnica, two natural ingredients that have shown anti-inflammatory effects in research studies, as well as other compounds that can help with inflammation, such as vitamin B6, cinnamon leaf oil, and ginger root oil.
Furthermore, this cream is made with broad-spectrum hemp extract, which contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial phytochemicals, making it more effective than topicals made with CBD isolate.
This cream comes in a 2 oz with 300 mg CBD or a 4 oz jar with 750 or 1500 mg. It’s available in a jar or tube and priced between $29.99 and $99.99. This comes out to about $0.08 per mg of CBD, a fairly low price for a CBD topical.
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Nanocraft CBD Extra Strength CBD Muscle & Joint Stick
Nanocraft CBD’s Extra Strength CBD Muscle & Joint Stick is another excellent topical with multiple anti-inflammatory ingredients.
This broad-spectrum roll-on has a potency of 10 mg per gram with a total of 500 mg CBD in a 50 g stick. More importantly, it contains additional herbal ingredients historically used for their topical anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties:
Thanks to this specialized formula, Nanocraft’s CBD stick may be far more effective at helping with inflammation than regular CBD products. It even has menthol, which doesn’t reduce inflammation but can help with its major symptom: pain.
This affordable CBD roll-on costs $0.12 per mg of CBD.
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Receptra Naturals Targeted Topical
Receptra Naturals’ targeted topical salve is also a good option thanks to its whole-plant CBD formula containing additional herbal ingredients.
This full-spectrum product contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial hemp phytochemicals, which work together to maximize the benefits of hemp. It has a potency of about 11 mg/ml and contains other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as arnica and jojoba oil.
Receptra’s targeted topical is available in two container sizes: 1.25 oz with 400 mg CBD and 2.5 oz with 800 mg. It costs about $0.09 per mg, which is cheaper than the average CBD topical.
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Best Value Lazarus Naturals
We’ve already highlighted the incredible value of the CBD oils from Lazarus Naturals and its topicals are no different. The company offers a CBD balm and massage oil at a cost of only $0.04–$0.05 per mg CBD — much cheaper than the average CBD topical. Better yet, they’re made with full-spectrum hemp extract, allowing you to reap the complete benefits of hemp.
The balm costs $15–$50 and contains 300 mg CBD in a 0.5 oz jar or 1200 mg in a 2 oz jar. It has a concentration of 20 mg/ml, a fairly potent strength for a CBD topical. It also contains standard balm ingredients such as beeswax and mango butter.
The balm comes in five scents: unscented, Portland rose, lavender, cedar citrus, and soothing mint.
Meanwhile, the massage oil costs $12–$70 for 200–1600 mg of CBD in a 2, 8, or 16 oz bottle. It has a potency of 50 mg per tbsp and contains other natural oils commonly used in massage oils, such as sweet almond, jojoba, and coconut.
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Best Potency – Endoca Hemp Salve
At 25 mg/ml, Endoca’s hemp salve is one of the most potent CBD topicals on the market. For comparison, most CBD salves have a potency of about 3–10 mg/ml.
Endoca’s salve contains broad-spectrum hemp extract, making it more effective than topicals made with CBD isolate. Its formula also includes vitamin E, another anti-inflammatory compound, as well as beeswax, lemon peel oil, and other standard skincare ingredients.
The salve has a total of 750 mg CBD in a 1 oz (30 ml) jar. It costs $57 or about $0.08 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than the average CBD product.
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How CBD Oil Can Help Inflammation
Table of Contents
- The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
- CBD Legality
- CBD Benefits
- CBD Safety
- How CBD oil can help Inflammation
- Finding The Right Form
- Choosing a Product
- The Bottom Line
- References
Cannabidiol, most widely known as CBD, is a chemical naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of approximately 113 cannabinoids, a classification of natural chemicals found in cannabis.
The two cannabinoids in cannabis that have the most therapeutic effects are CBD and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the cannabinoid known to produce the psychoactive effect associated with marijuana while CBD does not produce this effect.
CBD seems to have good effects on inflammation. By working with an existing body system, discussed at length, CBD is able to achieve what many pharmaceuticals and over the counter products are unable to achieve.
In this article we will address what CBD is and how people may be able to benefit from it with a focus on inflammation. In addition, we will help you understand how to choose the right CBD product for your needs.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
These cannabinoids work in the body to produce therapeutic effects by interacting with a system known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is a component of the nervous system. The endocannabinoid system may be activated by the body’s natural occurring cannabinoids and by those taken in through outside sources. These are known as endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids.
When CBD is taken in, whether orally, topically, or inhaled, it interacts two receptors in the ECS; CB1 and CB2. These interactions activate certain processes in the body such as the release of messengers that reduce inflammation and the release of serotonin that can improve sleep quality and duration.
CBD VS. Marijuana
Cannabidiol should not be confused with THC. While both are compounds found in the marijuana plant, CBD has been extracted from the plant and may be used for its therapeutic benefits. Cannabidiol is primarily sourced from industrial hemp which has been modified so that the plant produces little to no THC. The THC production of the hemp plant has been modified for the purpose of providing a pure product for consumers.
Due to its very low, nearly zero, THC content, CBD products do not produce the high generally associated with marijuana. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD does not produce effects likely to lead to abuse or addiction.1
CBD Legality
Because CBD is sourced from industrial Hemp with only traces of THC, less than 0.3 percent, it does not produce a psychoactive effect and is therefore legal in the U.S. Cannabidiol sourced from marijuana, on the other hand, is not legal as it almost always contains THC at a level greater than 0.3 percent.
CBD’s legality is in a state of flux, however. It can be obtained and used in all 50 states, but restrictions placed upon it vary from state to state. The federal government views CBD in the same manner as they view marijuana, but federal agencies do not actively enforce any restrictions. Because of this, the laws surrounding CBD can be quite confusing.
Why Use CBD?
With the growth of the CBD industry the question has to be asked; why? Why are so many people turning to CBD products? What started out as a fad has quickly become a major component of the alternative medicine field.
We are seeing more and more people turn to cannabidiol products to treat and prevent a host of health concerns. The ECS was discovered in the early 1990’s and through the past two decades research has continued to uncover information concerning just how far the health benefits of CBD can reach.
CBD Benefits
Credible sources are continuing to discover and affirm the therapeutic benefits of
CBD. Cannabidiol products are being used to treat and prevent conditions ranging from anxiety, inflammation, sleeplessness, chronic pain, and seizures among others.
The studies pointing to the benefits of CBD for treating anxiety are vast.2 CBD
has been shown to improve symptoms of a variety of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).3
A 2011 study looked at the effect of CBD on sufferers of social anxiety disorder.4 Participants were given either 400mg of CBD orally or a placebo. CBD recipients in the study experienced an overall significant reduction in anxiety.
Anyone suffering from insomnia or just general poor sleep knows the devastating impact it can have on your overall health. Much more than that, pharmaceutical interventions are often either ineffective or pose threats of addiction and negative side effects. Studies have shown, and consumers are becoming aware that CBD is highly effective in treating sleeplessness and insomnia.5
CBD is proven to be a much more effective sleep aid when compared to traditional cannabis usage due to the lack of THC content in CBD products. THC has been shown to impact sleep quality in a negative way when used long-term.5
As with any alternative treatment, advice from your healthcare provider should be sought before beginning a new treatment or ending any prescribed treatment. CBD is not intended to replace current interventions without the clearance of a healthcare provider.
CBD Safety
Not only is CBD generally recognized as a safe compound, but it is also becoming a popular treatment alternative for other drug addictions. One study looking at 42 men and women, all with a history of heroin addiction, showed that CBD substantially reduced their potential for relapse.6 Participants who were given CBD and subsequently exposed to drug related cues had less cue-induced anxiety and fewer episodes of drug craving when compared to those who were given a placebo.
A point of concern with CBD products marketed to the public is their potency and rate of absorption. While concerns related to product strength can be avoided by purchasing CBD products from a reputable supplier, there are many CBD product manufacturers that are more than willing to cut corners on quality in an attempt to make a larger profit. Because CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unfortunately these companies are able to continue to falsely market their products. In 2017, a Bonn-Miller study looking at CBD quality found 7 out of 10 CBD products did not contain the amount of cannabidiol it claimed to provide.7
Side effects from CBD may include nausea, irritability, and fatigue.1 When taking blood thinners or medications that require you to avoid grapefruit, you should consult your physician first as CBD can cause these medications to reach unsafe levels in your blood.
How CBD oil can help Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural immune response the body produces when it is threatened through illness or injury.8 This is known as acute inflammation and it is normal and actually desired since acute inflammation represents an attack upon disease causing organisms. Chronic inflammation is defined as a condition where issues arise that interfere with our health and overall wellness. For a variety of reasons, ranging from diet to disease, chronic inflammation is reaching near epidemic proportions in today’s society.
Chronic inflammation will lead to cellular damage and oxidative stress that is known to result in diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, and obesity among others.
A major benefit associated with CBD is its active and effective role in reducing chronic inflammation in the body. It is helpful to understand the science behind how CBD reduces inflammation. When CBD is applied, consumed, or ingested, it interacts with the ECS via the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are responsible for mediating the immune response in the body. When they are activated the inflammatory immune response is moderated.
Once these receptors are activated, the body begins to produce added endogenous cannabinoids which act in concert with the exogenous cannabinoids that have been taken in. With extra endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids flowing through the body, their anti-inflammatory properties are fully expressed.
A second, and important, way by which CBD reduces inflammation is through its Omega Fatty Acid content. This group of essential fatty acids are known for their joint lubricating properties and for their ability to reduce inflammation.
A 2018 review of studies and publications points to the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of pain and inflammation.9 A study published in the European Journal of Pain used animal models to study CBD’s impact on pain. The study showed a significant reduction of pain associated with inflammation from arthritis.
Finding The Right Form
As previously mentioned, the FDA does not regulate CBD, or any supplement for that matter. Product efficacy is not monitored and product purity is not regulated or controlled during the manufacturing of CBD products. Because of this lack of regulation it is impossible to know if the CBD product you are taking has the dose stated on the label.
There are five primary methods for consuming CBD; oils, capsules & isolates, edibles, vapes, and topical.
Oils (tinctures)
This type of CBD formulation is popular due to its versatility. It may be used in a number of different ways. Oils can be ingested or applied to the skin. This is beneficial because when applied to the skin it is able to bypass first-pass metabolism while also getting directly to the site of pain.
Tinctures are made by soaked the Hemp leaf in a solution which extracts the CBD from the plant. It is then added to a carrier oil and bottled for easy use. Tinctures are commonly added to both drinks and food so they can be ingested quickly.
Capsules & Isolate
Capsules represent an easy way to consume CBD in the form of CBD isolate powder. CBD isolate is CBD which has been extracted from Hemp. It has been isolated from the other Hemp compounds. This ensures a pure product free of additives and THC.
Edible
CBD is available in gummy form and in other edible options. Many CBD users
prefer to experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD through edible forms. The primary reasons behind this preference are easy dosing and the ability to exercise discretion in consuming them. There is no need to measure drops or weight out a powder in order to determine the amount of CBD that is being consumed as CBD edibles are pre-measured.
Taking an edible CBD product is discreet and the act appears similar to just eating a snack. This may be convenient for those who travel often or need to access CBD’s benefits in an area where vaping or lotions aren’t convenient.
Vaping
Inhaling CBD through vapes or ingesting it through tinctures is a popular method of consumption among every-day CBD users. This method allows the consumer to experiment with a variety of flavors and dosing levels.
Topicals
This category of CBD products offers the user almost complete discretion. There is always a trade off between discretion and not being able to dose effectively. Topicals are great options for those seeking to use CBD for its pain relief effects, especially as it relates to arthritis and joint pain.
Dosing CBD
Because we are all unique with different genetic make-ups, sensitivities, and conditions, it is best to begin dosing CBD at a low level. You can work up to what appears to be an effective dose for you and the condition being addressed.
As with any supplement, it is important to obtain clearance and guidance from your healthcare provider before beginning to use any dose of CBD. Dosing will vary from person to person depending on weight and severity of symptoms. The average CBD dose is between 10mg and 75mg daily.
Choosing a Product
The growth of the CBD industry is promising and points to the cannabinoid’s efficacy and the benefits experienced by CBD users. However, because of this high rate of growth there are an innumerable CBD manufacturers that have flooded the market. The process of selecting a reputable supplier can be overwhelming. When the market proves to be too much, you can turn to us for unbiased information and guidance on selecting the product that will meet your needs and desires.
When it comes to choosing the right product for you there are a few important factors to consider. Extraction method, hemp source, THC level, and third party lab results are four of the top considerations when selecting a CBD product. It can be tempting to only look at a product’s dose amount and price, but these two elements of a product won’t give you the information you need to ensure you are getting a quality product.
Extraction
Safe extraction processes should be a top consideration when selecting a CBD product. Ethanol is a safe extraction agent. It works by cleaning the hemp plant of toxins and additives that are unwanted and potentially harmful.
Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) is another extraction agent that works by stripping potentially harmful materials from the hemp plant. The process works through temperature and pressure.
Hemp Source / THC Level
Industrial hemp is used to make commercial CBD products. This hemp has been engineered to contain 0.3 percent or less THC content, making the CBD products derived from it legal. Poor vendors of CBD products either do not have this level checked or permit more THC content than the law allows. This can be dangerous for consumers.
Organically grown industrial hemp is the optimum source of hemp-derived CBD. Organic hemp gives the consumer the assurance that their product is safe and the manufacturer cared enough about product quality to use organic hemp.
Third-Party Lab Results
A CBD company that uses third-party lab testing and makes the results available
to their consumers is one to be trusted. This company shows their consumers they have nothing to hide from them. They trust their manufacturing process enough to subject their products to testing above and beyond what is required.
Because the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products these types of testing are not required. A company that voluntarily chooses to use a third-party testing lsb is communicating their faith in their products and processes. Purchasing from a company that offers third-party testing will give you peace of mind when using your product.
The Bottom Line
CBD’s therapeutic benefits have been studied and affirmed over the last two decades and interest in the topic doesn’t seem to be moderating. It’s role in treating inflammation, anxiety, pain and other conditions is impressive and should give hope to those suffering without relief who have been treated using traditional means.
However, consuming CBD might cause side effects and possible interactions with other medicines. This needs to be considered before starting to use CBD regularly.
If you think you may benefit from including a CBD product in your health regimen, speak to your healthcare provider and let us help you decide which product is best for you.
References
- Grinspoon, P. Cannabidiol (CBD) – What We Know and What We Don’t. Harvard Health Publishing. 2018.
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