Can CBD Oil Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol oil, also known as CBD oil, is a medicinal product derived from cannabis (marijuana). Many of the primary chemicals in cannabis are cannabidiols. However, CBD oils do not contain THC, the compound in marijuana that makes you “high.”
Researchers have recently starting focusing on CBD oil’s effects on several conditions that cause pain, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). So far, the results are promising. Keep reading to learn more about what recent studies suggest about CBD oil as well as tips on how to use it.
What the research says
The first controlled trial to evaluate the use of cannabis-based medicine to treat RA happened in 2006Trusted Source. Researchers concluded that, after five weeks of use, a cannabis-based medication called Sativex reduced inflammation and significantly improved pain. Participants also reported improved sleep, and most of the side effects were mild.
A 2008 reviewTrusted Source of the use of CBD to treat chronic pain similarly concluded that CBD reduced pain and improved sleep without any negative side effects.
In 2016, another studyTrusted Source was done using CBD gel on rats. Researchers again found that the CBD gel reduced both joint pain and inflammation without any side effects.
While all of this research is very promising, the existing studies have been relatively small. Many more studies, especially on large numbers of human participants, are still needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil and other cannabis-based treatments on RA symptoms.
How does it work?
CBD oil affects brain activity, but not in the same way that THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, does. CBD oil interacts with two receptors, called CB1 and CB2, to reduce pain and the effects of inflammation.
CB2 also plays a role in your immune system. RA involves your immune system attacking the tissue in your joints. So this relationship to the immune system could explain why CBD oil seems to work well for RA symptoms.
In addition, CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects could also help to slow down or stop the progression of RA, which causes permanent damage to your joints over time. These effects could also reduce several other inflammation-related RA symptoms, such as fatigue and fever
How is it used?
CBD oil comes in the form of both a liquid and a capsule. You can take a capsule by mouth or add CBD oil to food or water. You can also mix CBD oil with your favorite lotion and apply it directly to your skin to help with stiff, achy joints. Some brands also offer therapeutic salves you can apply directly to your skin.
Work with your doctor to figure out the best dosage for you. Some products contain as little as 2.5 milligrams (mg) of CBD per dose, while others contain more than 1,000 mg. It’s best to start with a very small dose so you can see how your body reacts. If you don’t notice any side effects, you can try slowly increasing your dosage.
When choosing a CBD oil, make sure it’s from a trusted provider and includes a full list of ingredients.
It is also possible to apply CBD oil topically and many cream and lotion products are becoming available for purchase.
“FDA Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. CBD
Nature Wellness assumes no responsibility for the improper
use of and self-diagnosis and/or treatment using these products. Our
products should not be confused with prescription medicine and they should
not be used as a substitute for medically supervised therapy. If you
suspect you suffer from clinical deficiencies, consult a licensed,
qualified medical doctor. You must be at least 18 years old to visit our
website and make product purchases. We do not make any health claims about
our products. Before taking our products, it’s wise to check with your
physician or medical doctor. It is especially important for people who
are: pregnant, chronically ill, elderly, under 18, taking prescription or
over the counter medicines. None of the information on our website is
intended to be an enticement to purchase and may not be construed as
medical advice or instruction. The use of any of our products for any
reason, other than to increase general health & wellness, is neither,
implied nor advocated by CBD Nature Wellness”