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CBD oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Know All About It

Written By

Nishant Garund

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni Agarwal

Dr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.

CBD oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Know All About It

CBD oil has emerged as a promising substitute for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, promises to provide pain and inflammation relief. Research has indeed proven the fact that CBD may help manage the  symptoms; the quality of life was improved after taking the CBD oil. Studies state that nearly 30 percent of all persons afflicted with arthritis have tried CBD at some point in time, and most report that it was helpful in the management of pain. Many research is still going on, but CBD oil could prove a good add-on for traditional therapies. In this blog, you are going to explore about how CBD could help in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Does CBD Oil Work for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

cannabidiol oil may cure health issues like rheumatoid arthritis

Yes, cannabidiol oil may cure health issues like rheumatoid arthritis. Let's find out ways in which CBD oil can help with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: RA is inflammation in the joints, leading to painful symptoms, stiffness, and swelling. CBD is anti-inflammatory, which could be beneficial in reducing the inflammation underlying RA symptoms. Stimulation of the body's ECS, CBD may reduce the immune response contributing to joint inflammation, therefore soothing the discomfort.
  • Pain Relief: Symptoms of RA is chronic pain. CBD may relieve such pains by interacting with pain receptors inside the brain. According to a study, the influence of CBD dampens pain signals and thus offers some relief for those in pain due to arthritis. Many people testify to having lesser joint pain after the use of CBD oil, though individual experiences can vary.
  • Improvement in Sleep Quality: Individuals with RA have a lot of sleep problems due to the symptoms of discomfort and pain. CBD oil can improve sleep since it reduces anxiety, builds on relaxation, and reduces pain. Ensuring better rest, which is vital in general health and the management of symptoms of RA.
  • Reducing Anxiety and Depression: Chronic conditions, like RA, come a lot of issues with mental health, such as anxiety and depression. The calming nature of CBD may help reduce emotional challenges in different ways. The management of stress and anxiety suffering from RA focus on overall health without being weighed down by their mental health concerns.
  • Non-Psychoactive Nature: Unlike THC, the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, CBD does not get you "high." This diminish cognitive function and affecting daily activities. For someone who is dealing with chronic condition, this is a big win because it relieves them without affecting their mental capacities.
  • Minimal Side Effects: Side effects are well-tolerated. Some people using CBD report side effects like fatigue, changes in appetite, or diarrhea. Adverse side effects of CBD are typically much softer compared to traditional RA medications, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Consulting healthcare professional before starting the use, especially if you already take medication for RA.
  • Limited but promising research: Research into CBD and rheumatoid arthritis is still very much in its infancy. Several animal studies have shown promise, but human research has thus far been scarce. It has identified that it may prevent pain and inflammation; many more clinical trials will be needed to indicate a full efficacy and safety profile in RA patients.
  • Holistic Approach: For many people with RA, CBD is a part of a bigger holistic approach toward handling the disease. It can be used in physical therapy, changing dietary habits, and traditional drugs, to enhance patients' quality of life. Remember, though, that at this point, CBD is not considered a cure for RA but a symptom modifier.

CBD treatment for rheumatoid arthritis 

CBD is being considered a supplementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis due to the anti-inflammatory and relieving effects it has. Here are a few treatments: 

  • Pain and Inflammation Relief: It reduces  joints pain and inflammation related to RA. Its anti-inflammatory properties target the body's immune system. 
  • Oral and Topical Administration:  Oral oils, capsules, or edibles, provide systemic relief. For pain, topical creams or balms can be applied to swollen or painful joints. Oral options offer a more systemic symptom alleviation, while topicals are more targeted. 
  • Complementary to Traditional Therapies: It is essential to note, however, that CBD is not a replacement for traditional RA treatments, such as DMARDs or biologics. Instead, it's part of an overall pain management package with medications to enhance the quality of life.
  • Gradual Dosing: Start with a low dose, about 20–40 mg per day, and gradually increase, as needed and as your body allows. Consult a doctor for treating CBD is recommended, before self medication like corticosteroids or NSAID.
  • Holistic Approach: RA patients can include holistic treatment plan involving lifestyle changes like diet and exercise and also dealing with stress management.

CBD Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

cannabidiol oil may cure health issues like rheumatoid arthritis

There is no established normal dosage; according to expert recommendations, it should be "start low, go slow." A typical starting dose could be around 5 to 10 mg twice, usually in sublingual form. The dose of  25 mg offers adequate relief for pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbance, as most find it.

Dosage influenced by multiple variables: body weight, rate of metabolism, and the tolerance of cannabinoids. For example, lighter-weight people or those with slower metabolisms may need to take smaller doses, whereas larger or quicker metabolisms may require greater doses.

Choosing the proper form of CBD is important. Sublingual tinctures absorbed much quicker, while topical creams can be applied directly to aching joints. The ingested forms of CBD edibles works far more slowly.

You should never start CBD without discussing it with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking other medications due to the potential interactions. Remember that CBD is not a replacement treatment for RA treatments, which have disease-modifying effects.

Conclusion

CBD oil promises symptomatic relief in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly related to pain and inflammation. Some patients reported quality of life, sleep, and mobility after regular use. However, scientific research on this is scant, and the mechanism of action of CBD could cause interactions with medications like corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Consulting heathcare professional is suggested. So possible side effects and interactions may be avoided. For interested patients, starting at a low dose and following the symptoms works best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use CBD for rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, you can use CBD to cure health issues like rheumatoid arthritis. Even though most of the research is still going on, many people with RA have resorted to CBD. Here are some ways that may help with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: RA is inflammation in the joints, leading to painful symptoms, stiffness, and swelling. CBD is anti-inflammatory, which could be beneficial in reducing the inflammation underlying RA symptoms. 
  • Pain Relief: RA is a chronic pain. CBD may relieve such pains by interacting with pain receptors inside the brain. The influence of CBD on such receptors lessen pain signals and thus offers some relief for those in pain due to arthritis. Many people testify to having lesser joint pain after the use of CBD oil, though individual experiences can vary.
  • Improvement in Sleep Quality: Individuals with RA have a lot of sleep problems due to the symptoms of discomfort and pain. CBD oil can improve sleep since it reduces anxiety, builds on relaxation, and reduces pain. Ensuring better rest, which is vital in general health and the management of symptoms of RA.

Q. Does CBD reduce arthritis inflammation?

Yes, CBD oil could reduce the effects of inflammation in arthritis. CBD involves a reaction with the endocannabinoid system in the body, targeted to CB2 receptors; most of these are located in the immune system and tissue, which produces inflammation. It reduce swelling in the joints and the pains experienced by arthritis. It does not cure arthritis but can supplement traditional approaches. A person should consult a health provider before using it since CBD may interact with other medications.

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