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Do you wonder if the benefits of CBD oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain is as good as it’s rumored to be?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic arthritis that affects about 1.5 million people in the United States and rhose afflicted with this condition suffer from joint pain, swelling, stiffness (especially in the morning), weakness, and fatigue.
They can often experience difficulty sleeping as well.
RA most often affects the hands, knees, and feet.
If you have RA, you know how painful – and sometimes debilitating – it can be.
Perhaps standard prescriptions and drugs aren’t helping anymore, or you’re tired of the side effects, and you’re ready to try a more natural route to pain management.
RA sufferers who have tried everything and are fed up with the lack of results now have another promising option – cannabidiol or CBD.
As people discover the benefits of CBD, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a safe, effective and natural treatment for chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy.
And, of course, rheumatoid arthritis.
Let’s learn a little more about using CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of about 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
It can be extracted in oil form from both marijuana and hemp.
When it’s derived from hemp, it’s legal in all 50 states.
But when it’s derived from marijuana, it may only be legal in states where medical marijuana is legal.
In the states where medical marijuana is not legal, CBD may or may not be legal, depending on things like whether or not that state has passed a law specifically legalizing CBD and exactly what condition you are using CBD to treat.
If you’re uncertain whether you can legally buy or use CBD in your state, do some research on your own to get a little more comfortable with it before moving forward.
In the meantime, let’s look at the benefits of CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD oil won’t make you ‘high’
After learning about cannabidiol, and that it comes from the cannabis plant, the first question most people ask is, “Will CBD make me high?”
The answer is a resounding “No!” Using CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis will not produce any mind-altering effects.
Unlike THC – which is the chemical compound in cannabis responsible for making you feel high – CBD is non-psychoactive.
That means you can take advantage of CBD’s incredible medical benefits without worrying about it dulling your senses.
You can still perform daily tasks like driving, working, and taking care of your kids.
Cannabis growers have even begun creating strains of the plant that include high levels of CBD and very low levels – often next to none – of THC.
CBD oil offers chronic pain relief
The number one benefit of using CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis is that it offers relief from chronic pain.
People who suffer from RA are found to have an unusually high level of CB2 receptors in their joint tissue.
CBD increases our body’s amount of endocannabinoids, which directly engage with and activate the CB2 receptors to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
CBD has even been shown in studies to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD comes in different forms
There are many options when it comes to taking CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD Oil Tinctures
Tinctures are the most common form of CBD oil. It also tends to be the purest, although some manufacturers do add some flavor to make it a little more enjoyable to take.
The oil comes in a small bottle with a dropper.
Simply squeeze a few drops directly into your mouth, under your tongue.
But don’t swallow right away, as it works better if you ingest it slowly.
Dosage can range significantly, so if you decide to take CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis, be sure to research exactly how much you should take.
CBD Oil Capsules
Capsules are the easiest and least messy way to take CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
You just take one or more capsules as needed with a glass of water.
It’s incredibly simple to integrate it into your life as a daily supplement, especially if you already take vitamins or other pills regularly.
Since each capsule offers an exact dosage, you can easily keep track of how much you are taking and quickly adapt that amount if necessary.
The downside of taking capsules is unlike with tinctures the dosage amount is predetermined, so you don’t have as much flexibility as you do with liquid drops.
One way around this is to combine tinctures and capsules until you determine the exact right dosage.
CBD Oil Concentrates
Concentrates offer the most potent dosage of CBD.
They can be up to 10 times stronger than other forms of CBD products.
Since concentrates aren’t usually flavored, you may find them difficult to swallow unless you’re okay with CBD oil’s natural taste (which many people find displeasing).
Concentrates come in pre-filled syringes.
Like tinctures, you place a drop or two of the concentrate directly into your mouth.
Ingest it slowly for greater benefits.
CBD Oil Sprays
Sprays typically offer the weakest dosage of CBD and because of the delivery method, it’s difficult to measure your exact dosage.
However, CBD sprays can be extremely convenient to use while on the go.
You can easily carry the bottle around with you and apply a quick spritz as necessary.
To use, simply spray one serving (which should be clearly labeled on the bottle) into your mouth as needed.
CBD Oil Topicals
Lotions, salves, and lip balms that have been infused with CBD oil are a great way to help ease joint-related symptoms.
When researching a topical, pay close attention to the label to ensure that the product uses nano-technology or encapsulation.
Those processes help the CBD oil absorb into your skin, rather than it just sitting on top of the skin.
To use, apply the cream or balm as the label instructs to the affected areas.
CBD Oil Vapes
CBD comes in the form of vape oils, which you can then smoke by using an e-cigarette, vape pen, or vaporizer.
Simply add the oil to the device of your choice, then heat and inhale.
Vape oil tends to be less effective overall than other forms of CBD but absorbs into your system more quickly for a faster response.
Which is best for you?
These are just some of the delivery methods for using CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
You can also try edibles, patches, gums, gel pens, and more.
Which one is right for you? It’s all a matter of preference.
Do as much research as you can on each type, including the brands that manufacture them.
If possible, sample a few different types to determine what works best for you, your lifestyle, and your symptoms.
Other benefits of CBD oil
Beyond just using CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis, it also has other amazing benefits, many of which the medical world is just beginning to uncover and understand.
Here are just a few:
- Studies into CBD have shown that it can help treat epilepsy and many of the disorders linked to epilepsy, such as neurodegeneration and psychiatric diseases.
- Research is beginning to uncover that CBD is effective in treating schizophrenia.
- CPD is thought to suppress the growth of cancer cells, so researchers are looking into using it to aid with cancer treatment.
- CBD may also reduce the anxiety symptoms for people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and more.
- Very early research shows promising effects of CBD on the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
- CBD oil might even help your dog! It’s been shown to interact naturally with your pet’s immune and nervous systems to improve circulation, promote bone growth, and improve their overall health.
Potential side effects
Although the use of CBD oil does not come with a high level of risk, there are possible side effects to be aware of (for you and your dog).
The most common side effect is fatigue, followed by possible changes in appetite or weight.
There’s a possibility of experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the product, but this is a much lower risk than with other addictive substances.
CBD oil is not recommended for children, as it’s possible that its use could affect brain development.
But to date, no tests have been carried out on children to determine for sure what the side effects are.
It’s also important to be aware that CBD oil has not been regulated by the FDA, and there is not yet a significant amount of long-term data on its usage.
As with any alternative treatment, you should talk to a qualified medical practitioner about usage, risks, and dosage before you begin using CBD oil.
Is CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis right for you?
Is CBD oil right for you in your fight against RA?
While it has many wonderful benefits, the choice of whether or not to use it is a personal one.
Do your research.
Determine for yourself if this is the right path for you.
And in the meantime, keep fighting back in every way you can.
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