How to use CBD Oil for Arthritis?
Learn more about proper dosing.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are natural compounds that are mainly responsible for the medicinal and psychoactive properties of cannabis plants. CBD has multiple health benefits, and the most recognized include decrease of inflammation and pain, and reduction of anxiety and stress.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most associated with cannabis, CBD does not have any intoxicating effects. As a result, CBD has dramatic increase in popularity as more and more people seek to acquire the health benefits of cannabis without its mind-altering effects.
CBD is now being utilized to help with a wide variety of medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, sleep problems, and arthritis. Recent researches recommends that much like THC, CBD can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with this joint disorder.
How CBD Might Help With Joint Health
Cannabidiol is known to work through multiple mechanisms of action, many of which remain unknown or poorly understood. At the most basic level, CBD either blocks or activates several receptors that control inflammation, the sensation of pain, and immune system function.
More specifically, CBD activates the TRPV1 (vanilloid) receptor, which controls inflammation and sensitivity to pain. It blocks the GPR55 receptor, which controls nociception, the response of the nervous system to potentially harmful stimuli. CBD increases the levels of the neurotransmitters, anandamide and adenosine.
CBD reduces the breakdown of anandamide, a neurotransmitter and the main endocannabinoid produced in the body. As an effect, it increases the levels of anandamide, which may result in reduction of inflammation and pain through increased activation of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Moreover, CBD also reduces the uptake, and thus increases the levels of adenosine, another neurotransmitter that suppresses inflammation and immune system function. This effect explains how CBD prevents the overactive immune response observed in rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD is becoming popular as a way to reduce pain and inflammation. It helps improve overall joint function seen in the two main types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are clinical trials to back these uses of CBD. An increasing number of research studies in animals supports these medical benefits.
How to Use CBD Oil
Various tried-and-true arthritis treatments include CBD oil, tinctures, balms, and topicals. One of the most frequently asked questions that is how CBD oil should be used. Although a user manual is included in every package of CBD oil, it should serve as a guide. CBD oil works differently for each individual. In order for you to get the right amount of CBD oil, you should listen to your body and feel what CBD can do for you. There are many ongoing studies concerning the exact dosing schedules of medical cannabis and CBD.
The correct CBD dosage differs from one person to another because every person has a different endocannabinoid system, a physiological system in your body that is important for the improvement and maintenance of your physical and mental health. CBD might help support this system to ensure that it will keep on working properly.
Your weight or height does not influence or affect the right dosage of CBD that will work for your body, which could be the case with other medications. It is best to start with a small dosage of CBD and then gradually increase this dosage until you get the desired result. You have to listen to your body and note if you notice any changes.
A common mistake that people make is that they use CBD only for a short period. Most often, CBD is used to help treat health issues that have been built up for years. Most people want to have instant treatment and automatic cure of their illnesses, but you have to give your body enough time to heal and recover. Using CBD can also provide support during your recovery.
Standard Dosing Recommendations for CBD Oil
The dosing recommendations for CBD often differs according to the brand. Some recommend too much CBD oil and some recommend too less. This may lead to a lot of confusion for the users.
On the first day, start by taking one drop of CBD oil. Increase the amount to two drops each day during the first three to four weeks or until you experience a decrease of your symptoms. Do not take the drops all at once. Spread the usage evenly over the day. For instance, in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and before you go to bed.
If you do not experience a reduction of the symptoms after three to four weeks of taking this CBD dosage, you should increase the number of drops until you experience the desired result. Experiment a little and try to examine what you are feeling. Think whether the dosage works well for you. After a certain period, you will find the right dosage for you.
If your symptoms get worse, decrease the number of drops until you experience the desired result again. You should note carefully how much drops you should take to reach 25 mg for each CBD brand.
You have to put the drops under your tongue. Wait for thirty seconds to let them take effect. You can drink water or juice afterwards to rinse of the after taste. Keep the bottle of oil in a dark and cool place such as the refrigerator.
Dosing for Arthritis
Cannabis can provide significant relief to patients suffering from debilitating pain associated by arthritis. The best medical cannabis for arthritis depends upon the type of arthritis, whether it is rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or psoriatic. It also depends on the site of the condition as well as the primary symptom the patient is attempting to treat.
CBD is the cannabinoid most sought after for rheumatoid arthritis because of its ability to relieve inflammation and act as an immunosuppressant. If you experience stiffness and pain caused by these arthritis symptoms, then CBD-rich topicals and oral tinctures or capsules are most suitable for your condition. The anti-inflammatory potential of CBD minimizes existing discomfort, while the immune-suppressant quality can prevent worsening outbreaks of the disease.
If you want to treat your arthritis with CBD-based medications, it is best to start with a high dose for up to 20 mg. Then, gradually reduce the dosage until you reach the minimum amount that still provides relief. Unlike THC-rich cannabis, high CBD products will not provoke any psychoactive reaction, so there is no danger in taking a large dose.
If the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant qualities of CBD just don’t work on you, you may want to turn to cannabis products with a higher percentage of THC. THC-rich products will act as a more direct painkiller.
In general, patients with rheumatoid arthritis see the best results with CBD, while those with osteoarthritis tend to prefer THC. If you plan to use THC to treat your arthritis pain, it is recommended that you begin with a very low dose, and you will gradually increase until you reach the lowest dose that provides the necessary relief.
The average daily dosage of CBD that is used to treat the pain associated with arthritis is 2.5-20 mg per day orally. However, a physician only can authentically recommend this dose.
