CBD WORKS ITS WAY TO THE BONE

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant, offering an array of benefits for the mind and body – including when it comes to bone and joint health.

Unlike its fellow cannabinoid THC (the compound associated with the feeling of being ‘high’ after consuming cannabis), CBD is completely non-intoxicating and will not impair mental judgment or clarity in any way. It is also 100% legal and does not require a medical prescription.

CBD has therefore become a popular treatment in older patients who suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and general joint pain, which are conditions that can severely limit an individual’s movement, activity and quality of life.

SO, HOW DOES IT WORK?

CBD’s ability to treat arthritis in general is due to one of its best-known and widely reported benefits, which is as an antiinflammatory.

Arthritis is a condition of pain and stiffness caused by inflammation around the affected joints, so as CBD works to restore homeostasis (‘balance’) in the body, it helps to counteract and decrease the intensity of inflammation and pain in these areas.

Sustained use of CBD also helps to relieve the pain and swelling of joints by regulating the body’s response to pain signals. Reduced swelling and inflammation decreases the pace of damage to the tissue and cartilage in the area, and provides greater mobility for sufferers.

Research has also shown that we have a skeletal endocannabinoid system in our body that works to regulate bone mass, with cannabinoids like CBD interacting with receptors in this system to promote the strength, healing and growth of our bones.

This can be hugely beneficial for those suffering from osteoporosis, or anyone who has a broken or fractured bone, as studies show regular intake of CBD results in a significant enhancement of their healing process.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Another profound benefit of CBD is that there is no negative impact on the body as a by-product of treatment. A 2016 study found that the topical application of CBD could effectively relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis without any evident side effects.

The study’s test subjects applied CBD topically for four consecutive days, and researchers found that this significantly reduced joint swelling, improved posture and prevented further tissue damage in affected areas.

CHOOSING A CBD PRODUCT

While topical CBD products like our Pain Cream are great options for arthritis sufferers as they can be applied directly to the affected areas for targeted relief, treatment is also highly effective in the form of oral products, which work from the inside out.

These include CBD tinctures, such as our 600mg CBD oil, and CBD sachets, which can be stirred into a hot beverage each day for a precisely measured and tasteless dose.

Should you have any queries regarding CBD in general, or about any of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 021 286 9319 or emailing theherbalist@goodleaf.co.za •