CBD is everywhere. You’ve seen it in your morning coffee, on the menu of your local smoothie shop, and advertised in the windows of your favorite store.
But what is CBD, how does it help with inflammation, and how do you know which is the best one to choose?
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or allergy. Acute inflammation tends to be short-lived and may occur in response to a burn or cut on the skin. Chronic inflammation may last for a long time, with symptoms that flare up and subside. Some scientists believe that chronic inflammation may contribute to health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Natural remedies for inflammation may reduce overall inflammation levels in the body and improve general health. Some people may also find that lowering inflammation eases symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.
In this article, I’ll discuss natural remedies for inflammation, including CBD. I’ll also include products I think are helpful for inflammation, so you have a helping hand when choosing the right CBD product.
Bottom Line up Front
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoids from cannabis sativa that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory conditions, including arthritis. Since it’s non-toxic, CBD could be a great way to treat inflammation.
Quick Look: My Top Picks
For my top picks, I chose two strikingly different products. The gummy is an edible that will take longer for the effects to be felt, whereas the topical spray will provide rapid localized relief to the affected area. I chose the CBDFX gummies for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I like the extra ingredients they have added to the product. I have been a long-term fan of spirulina and continue to take it regularly, I feel a massive difference in my energy levels when I fall off my health bandwagon and forget to take it for a few days. I also come from a family that touts turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent, and my mother takes it as a morning shot just before her morning coffee to help manage inflammation from her arthritis. And the second reason? I always take time to review a company before I support their products, and I have a soft spot for CBDFX- they do the right due diligence when creating their products and offer third party lab reports to put my mind at ease- their products are effective, and I trust the brand.
As for the Vertlly cooling spray, I like to always have a product on hand like this. My family and I are an active bunch, and if we aren’t feeling the effects from overdoing it in the surf there’s a cricket or golf muscle strain lurking around the corner for at least one of us. The Vertly spray is an effective spray that we all feel the effects of immediately. I always look at supporting the underdogs, and Vertly is not a huge name that you see shouting their wares on every internet corner. But most importantly, I like the focus Vertly places on producing good, clean, premium products. They use a host of natural plant ingredients and provide ample information for people to learn and understand more about the natural kingdom.
CBDFX Turmeric & Spirulina Gummies
Are you looking for a tasty way to manage your daily inflammation? These gummies might be the answer.
Why I love them:
- 5mg CBD per gummy
- Solvent-free
- Cruelty-free & vegan
- Made in the USA
- Made with spirulina
I was a little hesitant to try these because I’ve tried other turmeric products before and didn’t like the taste. But these were different! They tasted just like normal sweets. Turmeric is an excellent ingredient for health reasons, but it doesn’t always add much taste to food, so this was a pleasant surprise!
If you want to try CBD in a familiar format that won’t cause any alarm with your colleagues or family members, a gummy is a perfect product for you.
Vertly Cooling Workout Recovery Body Spray
At some point, you’ve probably felt the tension and pain of a sprained ankle. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, you’ve probably watched someone struggle with it. It’s deeply uncomfortable—and, more often than not, there doesn’t seem to be much you can do to speed up the healing process.
This body spray contains comfrey leaves and roots, peppermint menthol, aloe vera, and full spectrum CBD. Together these ingredients help reduce inflammation and pain associated with sprains and other injuries. All you have to do is spray it on the affected area 4-6 times per day for 2-4 weeks, or until desired results are reached.
So next time your ankle is giving you trouble after an epic soccer game or a relaxing stroll through the park, try a topical. You’ll be back to kicking goals in no time!
Why I love this product:
- a unique blend of comfrey leaves and roots, peppermint menthol, and aloe vera, plus full spectrum CBD
- Mad in the USA
- Vegan
- Free from petroleum and other harmful ingredients
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a good thing—in small doses.
It’s part of the body’s natural response to injury and illness, and it’s actually super helpful for healing your body and fighting off infection in the short term. But if inflammation is chronic, it can cause or worsen chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and even cancer. So we need to do what we can to prevent that!
In the short term, inflammation helps the body heal. However, long-term inflammation can cause or worsen chronic health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, stroke, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases.
You may be able to reduce your risk of chronic disease by taking steps to combat inflammation with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management.
What are the Symptoms?
Some common signs of inflammation include redness and swelling in joints or muscles, pain, soreness, and fatigue. However, it is difficult to detect internal inflammation through symptoms alone, so discussing your risks with your doctor is essential.
What are the Typical Causes of Inflammation?
What Causes Inflammation?
Inflammation can occur in response to a wide variety of irritants, including:
- Physical injuries such as sprains and fractures
- Illnesses that make you feel unwell, such as the flu or a common cold
- Allergens that cause an allergic reaction
- Irritants that cause a contact dermatitis reaction (for example, poison ivy)
- Immune system responses (the body’s defense against foreign cells)
Tips for Treating Inflammation
The human body is a complex, interconnected system, and inflammation is part of the response to injuries or threats. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to joint pain and even heart disease problems. Some people find that making lifestyle changes helps lower levels of inflammation in their bodies.
These days, we hear a lot about supposedly anti-inflammatory diets. But what does that mean? Can changing your diet really reduce inflammation?
The answer is yes! Certain foods can help prevent inflammation in the body. Consider incorporating these foods into your diet:
-Salmon
-Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits
-Pineapple
-Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts
-Boswellia
-Healthy fats found in extra virgin olive oil and avocados
-many spices such as turmeric
-fish oil supplements
Research suggests that natural remedies may help reduce inflammation and improve health in people with chronic inflammation. These remedies include:
-meditation
-yoga
-exercise may also reduce inflammation by improving blood flow.
Remember that Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or illness. Our immune system uses this reaction to help fight infection and repair damaged tissue.
This means that inflammation is a normal part of the healing process. However, inflammation can also cause pain and swelling, which many people want to avoid.
If you are considering taking herbal supplements for anti-inflammatory benefits, you should speak with your doctor first. They can advise you on whether any supplements may benefit you.
Can CBD Help Inflammation?
So, you know CBD comes from marijuana and hemp plants, but what else do you need to know about this compound? First, it’s important to note that CBD does not produce intoxicating effects like those produced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is found primarily in marijuana. So, how does CBD work?
Well, the body itself actually produces certain cannabinoids on its own. These are called endocannabinoids, and they interact with type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) and type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2). CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found primarily in peripheral tissues like the immune system. These receptors are involved in regulating many functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, inflammation.
Some research suggests that applying CBD topically can help reduce inflammation and pain related to arthritis. While more research is needed, a 2018 study published in the European Journal of Pain found that an ointment containing CBD helped lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to the skin.
While more research is needed on the topic, some studies suggest that CBD may benefit people with chronic pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
Numerous preclinical studies demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In 2017, a pilot clinical study was published evaluating the use of CBD gel in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over 4 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in pain and improvements in physical function at 4 weeks compared with the placebo group. The researchers concluded that CBD has the potential to reduce pain and improve joint function without evident side effects.
Pros and Cons of CBD for Inflammation
Pros
- Natural alternative to NSAIDs or other pharmaceutical medication
- There is no danger for developing a dependency on CBD
- CBD can be good for overall health (both physical and mental)
- There are many product choices and types available to suit anyone’s preferences.
Cons
- If a person uses CBD alongside other medications, such as valproate, it can increase the risk of liver damage.
- CBD can cause drowsiness and sleepiness. (This is actually useful and a ‘pro’ for people with insomnia or sleep disorders)
- CBD can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Finding the Best CBD for Inflammation
If you’re interested in trying CBD, you’ll probably find that there are a range of ways you can consume it. For example, you can apply it topically as a cream or lotion, take it as a tincture (by mouth), eat it in food products, or even inhale it by smoking or vaping.
You can choose from a variety of products. Still, one common question we hear from people who want to use CBD for inflammation is: “What’s the difference between taking CBD orally and applying it topically?” While there isn’t currently a lot of research on this topic, studies have shown that topical CBD may be more effective than oral CBD at treating conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Which is Better? Topicals or Tinctures?
You may be wondering which is the best CBD for inflammation. If you are looking to treat symptoms of inflammation on your skin, then applying CBD topically would be the most effective. This also works well if you have athletic injuries like strained muscles and swollen joints.
Plus, topical CBD is perfect for use in the morning or throughout the day! You don’t have to worry about any “head high” or other potential side effects because there’s just no way to get enough CBD through your skin to create that kind of effect. So go ahead and apply it as needed throughout the day! Topical CBD products are great for pain relief, but they may not provide the same mental benefits and full-body effects as other forms of CBD. When applied directly to the skin, CBD can offer localized relief—meaning it won’t affect your whole body like an oral solution might. If you’re looking to take your CBD experience to the next level, you might want to try a tincture. And if you are looking to treat internal inflammation, taking CBD as a tincture or eating it in food products is an excellent way to get the relief you need.
Tinctures provide a balance between immediate effects and lasting relief. They can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or simply swallowed with water. They also come in a wide range of flavors, making them more appealing than other forms of CBD for folks who don’t like the natural taste of hemp.
Top CBD Choices for Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. When it flares up, it can be a sign of injury or even serious illness. Fortunately, there are several foods and herbs that you can use to help lower inflammation in your body and keep yourself healthy.
The human body creates anti-inflammatory compounds naturally, but it can also produce inflammatory chemicals. This can lead to the development of conditions such as arthritis, which causes painful swelling in the joints. A few lifestyle changes may help reduce overall levels of inflammation in the body, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Some people may find that inflammation eases after making these changes, but others may need extra support from natural remedies for inflammation. One of these remedies is CBD. But how do you know which one to choose?
I’ve got you covered!
The best CBD for inflammation can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on your preference.
Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
If you’re looking for a concentrated dose of CBD, that’s also convenient to administer and transport, I recommend the Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture.
Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture is made from 100% organic, raw hemp oil that’s been third-party tested for purity and potency. It comes in different sizes, but each ml will contain 50mg CBD. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting with the lowest strength and increasing it gradually to avoid overdoing it!
Our favorite way to take the Lazarus Tincture is by dropping it under your tongue (also called sublingual administration) and holding it there for about 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the CBD to enter your bloodstream quickly and effectively, bypassing your digestive system completely.
Pros
- Certified USDA organic
- Full Spectrum
- Third-Party Tested
- Convenient dropper bottle for easy dosing
- Well priced compared to other oils on the market
Cons
- It contains grapefruit and coconut, so check your allergies before taking this oil.
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
Did you know that arnica extract, organic menthol, and full spectrum CBD can all be used for pain relief?
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream is made with arnica extract and organic menthol, which give it a powerful punch of pain-relieving power. In addition to those two ingredients, we added full spectrum CBD, which is just one more ingredient to help keep your mind free from the pain you’re experiencing. It also has a small amount of THC, which can be helpful due to the entourage effect, which theorizes that CBD and THC work better together than they do alone.
The best thing about this cream? It also absorbs quickly so that you can feel fast relief from even the most persistent pain.
Pros
- Full spectrum for full plant benefits
- Organic menthol for a relieving cooling effect
- Arnica extract helps to support painful muscles due to inflammation.
Cons
- A small amount of THC in full spectrum products
- This cream is priced higher than similar products
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that packs a serious punch, look no further than Charlotte’s Web.
This full spectrum oil is made with lots of terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids—and it doesn’t mess around!
It’s available in orange blossom, mint chocolate, and lemon twist flavors. Sounds tasty! But, I must admit- I am not a fan of flavors, so I have not tried any others except for the orange blossom flavor, which wasn’t too bad as far as flavors go.
Charlotte’s Web is a full spectrum CBD oil that contains a host of terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids. This potent blend of compounds gives you more opportunities to manage your health by boosting the effects of CBD, so you can take less oil but get more out of it. If you’re looking for great value, this isn’t the product for you. But if you want quality over quantity, Charlotte’s Web is a great place to start.
Pros
- Full spectrum
- COA is available
- Three different flavors to choose from
- Made from organic hemp certified by the US Hemp authority
- It’s super potent! (1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle)
- Offers veteran and subscription discount programs
Cons
- It is priced higher than other similar products.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is cannabidiol different from marijuana, cannabis, and hemp?
Answer: “What are the differences between hemp, marijuana, cannabis, and cannabidiol? Aren’t they all the same thing?”
You could be forgiven for getting a little confused about this one. After all, these plants and products have a lot in common—but there are some important distinctions you’ll want to keep in mind.
The cannabis plant is actually made up of three different species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The term “cannabis” can refer to any of these strains, and their products can be used interchangeably.
Let’s start with the basics: cannabis is a type of plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. There are many strains of cannabis, and each has varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) present.
Hemp and marijuana are both types of cannabis. The most significant difference between the two is their chemical composition, particularly their levels of THC.
But where things get really interesting is when we start talking about cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana strains. A cannabinoid is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, which acts on specific receptors in the brain to produce a variety of effects. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC.
CBD can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. The difference lies in its level of THC—the cannabinoid known for producing psychoactive effects. Marijuana has higher levels of THC (5%–35%), while hemp has lower levels (0.3% or less).
Question: Is CBD Legal?
Answer: CBD is legal and available in all 50 states. In fact, you may be able to find it right on the shelves of your local grocery store.
All 50 states have some type of laws that legalize CBD, although its legal status is still a bit confusing. Each state has laws legalizing CBD, but they all have different rules.
Question: How Fast does CBD Work for Inflammation?
Answer: How quickly you feel the effects of CBD depends on how you take it. The most predictable way to take CBD is sublingual, by putting a spray or tincture under your tongue. The American Arthritis Foundation says that this method takes effect within 15 to 45 minutes.
Conclusion
Your body is a machine, and inflammation is one of the ways it heals itself. When you get sick or injured, your body releases proteins that help fight off infection and repair damage. That’s a good thing!
But sometimes, the body gets stuck in this state of inflammation. And that can actually cause a lot of harm—including chronic health issues like heart disease or arthritis.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory conditions, including arthritis. If you’re looking for an effective way to treat your pain and inflammation, CBD may be for you. Always check a CBD company’s products for their Certificate of Analysis before buying their products. There are many CBD products to choose from, so it can be challenging to decide which is best! It’s essential to opt for quality over quantity, so keep your standards high, and you’ll be sure to find the best CBD for your needs.
