CBD or Cannabidiol is a type of cannabinoids that can be extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa. Both CBD and Marijuana is extracted from the same plant but CBD or Cannabidiol does not consist of a considerable amount of THC.
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive component which is responsible for making a person high and can also affect a person’s central nervous system. However, CBD, with a lesser amount of THC in it, is not sufficient enough to influence someone’s mind.
Well, CBD oil is a useful remedy for various ailments like heart, the brain as well as conditions like chronic pain. But did you know CBD is a beneficial component for conditions like inflammation? In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of CBD for inflammation.
Can CBD Make You High?
CBD is extracted from the same plant as that of marijuana, that is why a question may arise in your mind whether CBD can make you high. Well, CBD cannot make you high, as THC is the component responsible for making a person high in Cannabis. CBD is extracted individually for therapeutic purposes.
Inflammation: Brief Discussion, Causes, and Symptoms
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant. The irritant here signifies certain foreign object, any germ or any other destructive component that harms the body. The inflammation is not always a result of an infection caused by a bacteria but may also be the body’s response to fighting an irritant.
Causes of an Inflammation
Inflammation is not always the cause of certain infection or foreign object. It can occur due to several discrete infirmities and thus its diagnosis, prognosis, as well as treatment, depends on the reason for the inflammation. Here, we have listed some of the reasons that might cause these inflammations.
- Pathogens and germs like bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
- Effects of radiation as well as harmful chemicals.
- Injuries like scrapes or damage due to any foreign objects
- Inflammation of bladder or Cystitis
- Any Inflammation of bronchus or Bronchitis
- Middle Ear Inflammation
- Skin Inflammation like Dermatitis
If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, make sure to consult a health care professional first. Do not self prescribe CBD yourself. If however, you choose to do so, always discuss the correct amount and procedure of usage with your doctor.
Symptoms of Inflammation
If you are suffering from any chronic inflammation you may face certain symptoms. Hence, if you face any of the symptoms as mentioned below, make sure to consult a doctor first, as inflammation may be a result of something as casual as a cut to a serious disease like cancer.
- fatigue
- fever
- mouth sores
- rashes
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
CBD’s Role in Treating Inflammation
Inflammation can be acute as well as chronic. It is associated with many diseases like coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s diseases, etc. However, CBD has got an equal recognization just as that of curcumin in turmeric as well as ginger.
CBD provides an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the immune cells. It reduces inflammation by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity, diminishing pain and communicating with neurotransmitters.
CBD in Different Consumable Forms for Inflammation
There are different ways through which you can consume CBD. Each consumable way has its own benefits. Here are some of the ways through which you can consume CBD
- Edibles like food and drinks
- Lotions and creams
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Skin Patches
- Vaporizers
Side Effects of CBD
CBD oil is potentially safe for treating any kind of inflammation. However, there are certain mild side effects that may get triggered on excessive use. Here, we have listed some of the potential side effects below.
- Anxiety and Stress
- Appetite changes
- Mood Swings
- Diarrhoea or Digestive Problems
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth or Increased Thirst
- Nausea and Vomiting
These side effects are mild and do not seriously affect a person. However, it is important to consult a doctor before using CBD oil for inflammation as these side effects may get intense for some people.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Before taking CBD, it is important to keep one thing in mind that CBD can interact with certain drugs. Thus, if you are using any other drug for a particular disease, make sure to check with this drug interaction list. Here we have listed some of the drugs that may interact with CBD.
- Clobazam
- Valproic acid
- Eslicarbazepine
- Steroids
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antihistamines
- Prokinetics
- HIV antivirals
- Immune modulators
- Benzodiazepines
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antibiotics
- Anaesthetics
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-epileptics
- Beta-blockers
- PPIs
- NSAIDs
- Angiotensin II blockers
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
- Sulfonylureas
Thus, to avoid these interactions, it is important to talk to a health professional who is well recognized in this sector. Also, make sure people who suffer from certain dangerous ailments should not take CBD in any form.
Caution
People who are on blood thinners should not consume CBD as it may further dilute the blood and cause extreme bleeding. Apart from that, make sure not to consume CBD if you have any surgery scheduled in one month, as it may thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding.
People, who are allergic to CBD should avoid its consumption as it may trigger certain side effects. Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised not to consume CBD in any form as it may affect them as well as their children.
Thus if you are facing any of the above conditions make sure to consult a health care professional before consuming CBD.
Summing Up
Inflammation is quite a common response to almost every ailment and can be quite irritating. Modern drugs can provide a beneficial effect for some time but after a certain time, the inflammation may recur.
CBD is an organic and natural alternative for various ailments that involves inflammation. It provides an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant effect on the inflamed region and provides relief from it.
CBD can be consumed in many forms like tinctures, oils, skin patches, vapes, etc. However, make sure to consult a health professional before using CBD in any form as it may trigger certain side effects and drug interactions.
Apart from that, if you are on blood thinners, allergic, lactating or pregnant do not consume CBD or consult a doctor before its intake.