Arthritis is one of the most common ailments that develop as we age. It begins as an aching, a stiffness, and a swelling of joints. It commonly affects the areas of the body under the most pressure, such as the hands, hips, and knees. You might not know that even though medical professionals and patients all refer to arthritis as a single affliction, it actually is a collection of illnesses, such as osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis.
Despite the large number of people who suffer from this painful joint swelling and inflammation, which affects movement and quality of life in severe cases, only a limited number of patchwork treatments exist. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. Some of the treatments are anti-inflammatory prescriptions and topical over-the-counter soothing creams, but no treatment has been found to alleviate 100% of the symptoms and pain.
While some people turn to prescriptions to relieve arthritis pain, others turn to more natural remedies. Age-old remedies passed along from relatives and other cultural traditions include the use of topical salves and balms, such as tiger balm, to help reduce inflammation and promote mobility. However, a relatively new natural alternative medicine has been making waves in the treatment of arthritis: CBD oil.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil
Typically associated with medical marijuana, CBD is actually one of many non-psychoactive compounds found within the cannabis plant. While THC might make you high, CBD typically has the opposite effect, producing feelings of calmness and relaxation. Because federal regulation of the non-psychoactive compounds of cannabis is lacking, CBD oil can be marketed under a variety of names, including under hemp oil. Hemp oils are still potent sources of CBD, but instead of being derived from medical marijuana strains of cannabis, they are derived from legal varieties of hemp.
Cannabidiol is one of the dozens of cannabinoids found in cannabis that now is being studied by major medical research centers for a wide range of exciting medical applications. These applications include epilepsy, anxiety, depression, cancer treatment, and much more. Another of these new and interesting applications is arthritis treatment.
CBD for Arthritis
In a 2006 study by the British Royal National Hospital, researchers received the first indications in human trials that cannabinoids were able to effectively treat common arthritis symptoms. In this trial, participants were given Sativex, which is an approved and regulated extract of cannabis, over a five-week period. Changes in their symptoms were reported to be positive. Researchers noted the patients slept better, experienced milder bouts of pain, and had reduced overall inflammation. Over the five weeks, the participants overwhelmingly experienced less pain when moving and less pain when resting.
Even more exciting, beyond the improvements to the quality of life reported in this 2006 study, a study published in the journal Rheumatology found that CBD oil treatments also might reduce the disease’s progression. In their small study of 56 people, they discovered that those being treated with CBD had greatly reduced symptoms compared to those being treated with a placebo. This discovery hopefully will encourage larger scale clinical trials.
Since we launched our CBD balm, we have heard from many of our customers that it's helpful in reducing swelling and joint pain. The combination of CBD and botanicals works to decrease arthritis inflammation, allowing for a better range of motion and quality of life.
Other Natural Alternatives
Many people suffering from arthritis tend to use a variety of remedies to achieve the most potent relief. If you already are using CBD oil to reduce pain and swelling and help increase mobility, some other safe and natural options can be added to your repertoire. Not all these suggestions will work for everyone, but every little bit helps in the battle to control often crippling arthritis symptoms.
One of the most recommended natural and nonprescription remedies for pain and inflammation control is using alternating sessions of cold and hot therapy. This can be as simple as an ice pack and a microwaveable bean bag. Another option is using magnetic therapy on the affected areas. However, this method doesn’t work for all types of arthritis. Many medical practitioners also highly recommend lifestyle changes to reduce stress, which can help reduce painful flare-ups. Finally, many herbs and spices have been proven to reduce inflammation, including ginger and turmeric. There are many ways to start incorporating these into your diet, whether via supplements, through culinary dishes, or in smoothies.
Many medical practitioners also highly recommend lifestyle changes to reduce stress, which can help reduce painful flare-ups. Finally, many herbs and spices have been proven to reduce inflammation, including ginger and turmeric. There are many ways to start incorporating these into your diet, whether via supplements, through culinary dishes, or in smoothies.
Through a combination of therapies, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes, many people are able to keep their arthritis pain and inflammation under control. While there still remains no known cure for arthritis, there are many ways people can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and a high quality of life, even into old age.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/understanding-arthritis-basics#1
