There is plenty of anecdotal evidence and a growing body of research pointing to the role that CBD plays in minimizing stiffness, soreness, achiness, and mild general discomfort. These complaints are the second most common reason people use CBD (just behind anxiety and just ahead of sleeplessness and mood dysregulation), according to one recent poll of 5,000 individuals.[1]
CBD makes a remarkable difference in allaying irritation related to neuropathy because of its ability to dull neurotransmitters which carry the “Ouch!” message throughout the body. Upper and lower back strain, as one example, is a hallmark of daily life for upwards of 65 million Americans and also represents one of the most significant healthcare costs. There have been a number of clinical trials indicating that CBD, which is quickly growing its reputation as a panacea, may be an ally for those who struggle with nerve and other types of discomfort, in the back or elsewhere.[2]
What is CBD?
The cannabis sativa plant is a full-spectrum botanical rainbow containing more than 100 different cannabinoids, active ingredients which fill the receptor sites of the human endocannabinoid system. Humans – and all vertebrates – naturally create cannabinoids which mimic those produced by the cannabis plant. These compound molecules conduct and influence a huge range of functions within our physiology, from digestive function to pain expression to endocrine system regulation.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Broadly, CBD receptors can be broken down into two categories: CB1 and CB2, each of which controls a different domain of function. Much of the experience of distress, cognition, and motor skill development are within the agency of CB1. Digestive health, endocrine function, the respiratory tract, much of the immune system, and the central nervous system are involved with CB2 receptors.
While the poster child cannabinoid of this herb is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a counterpart to this chemical because it boasts many effects which oppose THC. Where THC can provoke anxiety, addiction, and psychoactivity in some, CBD allays these sensations by ushering in calm, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. Under current regulations, our family-farmed cannabis contains only a miniscule amount of THC, less than 0.3%. No-high, no-risk health benefits are one main message of the medicine that is CBD. Extract made from whole-plant CBD has the synergistic benefit of its flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids working together to provide harmonious relief, which hints at its famous “entourage effect”.
Research on CBD and Discomfort
When cannabinoids from high-quality CBD plug into the body’s receptor sites, they influence the signals the nervous system sends and receives. This changes how the brain perceives irritation and distress, allowing for increased physical and psychological distance between your brain and your strain.
While the data researching CBD’s effect on the body has barely scratched the surface of this herb, the existing studies clearly show its effectiveness as a potential counteractant of inflamma-triggers. Chronic discomfort and neuropathy are notoriously difficult to address through conventional means, though early animal testing points to CBD as able to stymie long-standing issues like these while offering long-term relief without adverse side effects.
One study published in the European Journal of Pain demonstrated that topical application of CBD relieved swollen joints and reduced perception of irritation. It concluded optimistically that CBD offers tremendous therapeutic benefit for those who experience swelling, soreness, and stiffness of the musculoskeletal system.[3] Initial research shows that biomarkers of stress and strain associated with inflamed joints drop significantly with the introduction of CBD into the system.[4]
Managing both acute and chronic discomfort with CBD is possible by pinpointing an effective form of CBD, appropriate dosage level, and use frequency according to one’s needs. Because CBD is capable of targeting the root of the body’s inflamma-cascade which results in discomfort, it avoids the pitfall of becoming less effective over time. Instead, it supports the body by bringing it back into balance and restoring homeostasis through nourishing the endocannabinoid system rather than acting as a bandaid.
How Do I Use CBD?
As a whole plant, CBD is a multifaceted medicinal herb which can be applied and ingested in a variety of ways suited to the individual and particular concern. People and animals alike may address occasional discomfort with both oral and topical forms of CBD:
- Applying a potent full-spectrum salve to unbroken skin
- Consuming subcritical Co2 extract (drops) or gummy edibles
- Smoking hemp flower or vaping with high-potency concentrates
As always, make sure that for optimal effectiveness and safety, you choose 100% organic, lab-tested CBD products made with integrity.
About Us:
Here at Akira Botanicals, we ensure that our hands touch every plant at every part of the growing, extraction, and medicine-making process. On our small family farm, we lovingly cultivate beyond-organic CBD plants which we harvest from living soil at the peak of their phytochemical potency, guaranteeing the maximum medicinal constituents transition from soil to bottle. Our extraction process integrates traditional wisdom with modern efficacy and state of the art lab testing, making for a finished product that represents the best quality and purest product that the CBD industry has to offer. As dedicated farmers and skilled experts in the hemp field, it is our mission to deliver you the green gifts of the land in their most powerful form.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/