CBD for inflammation, how does it work?

Q: What kind of inflammation can CBD help relieve?

CBD, as an oil or a cream, is ideal for relieving occasional inflammation, such as that resulting from excessive physical exertion , for example. It can also help with certain types of chronic inflammation. However, if you find that you’re suffering from any type of inflammation that persists over time, it’s best to consult a medical professional . At The Tree CBD, we remind you that CBD products aren’t intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or curing of any disease. We recommend that you consult a doctor on a case-by-case basis, and follow the recommendations given to you by your medical specialist.

CBD can help treat various types of swelling relarted to inlamations. Applied on the skin, it can help relieve joint and muscle pain thanks to their naturally occurring active ingredients, most notably CBD, but some terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

CBD for inflammation

According to the study by García, E. C., & Sánchez, J. P. E., published in 2006, One of the most remarkable benefits of CBD is its anti-inflammatory capacity. Thanks to this capacity, CBD can help modulate the body’s inflammatory response and reduce the resulting discomfort.

The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis have been known for thousands of years, as in ancient China it was used to treat these types of ailments. In classical Greece, cannabis was also used as a medicine for inflammation. Dioscorides, the ancient physician and pharmacologist, described the properties of cannabis to relieve pain, oedema, and the “hard matter” of joints¹.

However, it was not known until recently which component of cannabis had this anti-inflammatory effect. Nowadays, as the properties of CBD are well known, it’s the main ingredient in many creams to combat inflammation and the discomfort associated with it.

Studies on CBD’s anti-inflammatory capacity

This property of CBD is one of the most studied properties of this organic compound. In fact, if nowadays there are many creams and balms available to us that contain it as a main ingredient, it’s because its anti-inflammatory capacity has been extensively researched.

Almost 20 years ago, a study carried out on laboratory mice concluded that administering CBD transdermally has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies also suggest that this is possible due to the ability of this cannabinoid to penetrate tissues through the skin².

Over a decade later, in 2015, a systematic review of scientific research and various studies was conducted in order to clarify the potential uses of CBD in treating various conditions. In other words, it was a meta-analysis that sought to examine and summarise the evidence available to date on the possible uses of CBD.

In this comprehensive analysis, there were findings supporting CBD’s potential to treat inflammatory diseases and conditions, such as arthritis, ear infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and inflammatory lung disease, among many others³.

The anti-inflammatory capacity of CBD is one of the most appealing for professional athletes, among whom the use of this type of product has skyrocketed. In this regard, another systematic review published in 2021 suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are one of the main reasons why it has great potential to form part of muscle recovery strategies⁴.

Routes of administration of CBD for the treatment of inflammation

There are mainly two CBD products that can help soothe inflammation: CBD oil and CBD creams. Both can be applied topically, although CBD oil can also be administered in other ways.

CBD oil can be taken orally and sublingually, as well as applied topically. However, in Europe, only the latter form of use is legally permitted, as cannabinoids cannot be sold for use as a food product in EU member states.

In some non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, Canada, or the United States, for example, both oral and sublingual consumption are permitted. In other words, the same product can be taken in one way or the other, depending on the legislation in force.

On this page we explain how to take CBD oil, but you should bear in mind that in Europe it is only legally permitted to apply it topically.

Oral and sublingual administration of CBD to relieve inflammation

In countries where oral or sublingual consumption of CBD is allowed, first of all, the recommended dose needs to be calculated for each consumer because the amount of oil depends on several factors such as the person’s weight, the purpose of the CBD intake, or the concentration of the CBD.

Once you know the right dosage, you can proceed with the administration. For sublingual administration, several drops of CBD oil are placed under the tongue and held there for 30 to 60 seconds. The most common way to take it orally is to add the CBD oil to a drink, such as juice or coffee, and drink the resulting liquid.

You should avoid eating or drinking before taking CBD oil sublingually, as well as after, to maximise its effect. Just allow 20 to 30 minutes for it to take effect.

In our CBD consumption guide, you can find a full section on how to take CBD oil sublingually. We recommend reading it if you would like more information in this regard.

Likewise, our CBD consumption guide also has a section dedicated to the oral administration of CBD. We also recommend you take a look at it if you want more information on the subject.

Topical administration of CBD for the relief of inflammation

There are mainly two types of products that allow CBD to be used topically to tackle inflammation: CBD oil and cosmetics with CBD. Although you can use cosmetics with CBD on your skin, which is indeed very effective, doing so usually ends up being quite expensive. For this reason, users prefer CBD-based creams.

In terms of administration, simply apply a little CBD cream or oil to clean skin, and massage it in gently until it is completely absorbed. The advantage of the topical route is that it allows CBD to be applied directly to the inflamed area and is highly effective.

CBD can be effective for treating occasional inflammation, but if you’re suffering from long-term inflammation, it’s best to see a doctor. At The Tree CBD, we remind you that CBD products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. We recommend that you consult a doctor on a case-by-case basis, and follow the recommendations given to you by your medical specialist.

References

García, E. C., & Sánchez, J. P. E. (2006). Una revisión histórica sobre los usos del cannabis y su regulación. Salud y drogas, 6(1), 47-70.
Lodzki, M., Godin, B., Rakou, L., Mechoulam, R., Gallily, R., & Touitou, E. (2003). Cannabidiol—transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model. Journal of controlled release, 93(3), 377-387.
Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.
Rojas-Valverde, D. (2021). Potential role of cannabidiol (CBD) on sport recovery: A narrative review. Frontiers in Physiology, 1210.

Frequently asked questions about CBD products for inflammation

How does CBD fight inflammation?

Inflammation is a complex physiological response to harmful environmental agents (internal or external). In other words, it’s a reaction triggered by the body itself that aims to isolate and eliminate the harmful agent.

According to the study by García, E. C., & Sánchez, J. P. E., published in 2006, CBD has the ability to inhibit the production of certain enzymes and molecules that trigger this inflammatory response. It therefore prevents and reduces inflammation. In addition, it can also help to reduce pain due to its analgesic properties.

What kind of inflammation can CBD help relieve?

CBD, as an oil or a cream, is ideal for relieving occasional inflammation, such as that resulting from excessive physical exertion, for example. It can also help with certain types of chronic inflammation.

However, if you find that you’re suffering from any type of inflammation that persists over time, it’s best to consult a medical professional. At The Tree CBD, we remind you that CBD products aren’t intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or curing of any disease. We recommend that you consult a doctor on a case-by-case basis, and follow the recommendations given to you by your medical specialist.

What's the right dosage of CBD for inflammation?

There’s no universal dosage of CBD to treat inflammation, as it varies depending on several factors such as the type of inflammation, the weight of the person, the concentration of the oil, etc. Therefore, you need to use a dosage calculator to know approximately how much oil to take.

We remind you that in Europe, the oral and sublingual consumption of CBD oil is considered an improper use of the product from a legal point of view.

As for topical use, the usual practice is to apply oil or cream two or three times a day, although you may apply it more often if the discomfort is severe. This type of consumption is perfectly legal in EU member states.