CBD for Pain Relief: A Dash of Science for the Pain
With all the hype surrounding using CBD oil for pain management, separating reality from the myth can be difficult. But, no worries, this article is the remedy that will help you understand why people are wondering if it is practical to use CBD for pain relief.
Does CBD Oil Work for Pain?
As we dig into this question, we must start with the basics. CBD (cannabidiol) is an organic compound found in industrial hemp. This kind of hemp contains minimal THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that gives marijuana its intoxicating potency.
Without THC, CBD is free to provide a rejuvenating array of effects without any chance of getting you high or causing a false positive on a drug test. This lack of THC is what makes cannabidiol freely available on the market. In case you’re wondering, all of our CBD products have been refined to eliminate any residual THC.
Now, CBD can be applied topically or ingested in oil, edible, or vaped products. Regardless of the application method, CBD primarily interacts with a specific system found in the human body: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Additionally, cannabidiol can interact with a few receptors outside of this network.
Vital CBD Receptor Targets:
Endocannabinoid CB1 Receptors
Endocannabinoid CB2 Receptors
5HT1-A Serotonin Receptors
TRPV1 Vanilloid Pain Receptors
PPAR-Gamma Receptors
Out of all of these targets, CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 receptors are the most relevant to reducing pain. This is because the activation of these receptors shows immense potential for the regulation of pain. For our readers who are all about the details, it’s good to know that CBD likely interacts directly or indirectly with a few other endocannabinoid receptors that are not listed above.
Receptor Activation and Pain Management: A Closer Look
Let’s examine the specific impact that CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 receptors can have on pain management.
CB1:
CB1 receptors are found throughout the entire body. Typically they like to hang out around the nervous system, where they help to modify various sensations running through your body. For example, CB1 helps with pain regulation and memory processing. This means that it shows promising potential to reduce intense feelings while reducing the impact of the stress that comes along with the experience of discomfort.
CB2:
CB2 receptors are also distributed throughout our entire system. Still, they are found more frequently in the peripheral body, the tissues beyond the nervous system. CB2 receptors are well known for modifying nociception, or the perception of direct and impending pain. In addition, research has shown that CB2 activation has a broad reach, reducing acute discomfort, inflammatory pain, post-surgery tension, and neuropathic injury.
TRPV1:
TRPV1 vanilloid pain receptors are typically found in nociceptive neurons or specialized cells that modulate our experience of pain. Ongoing activation of TRPV1 receptors encourages analgesia (pain reduction) while releasing an array of neurotransmitters and amino acids. As these transmitters and vital aminos are released, other neurons in the area are also desensitized. These details clearly explain why “TRPV1 has become a viable drug target for clinical use in the management of pain.”
As you can see, cannabidiol can reach many crucial targets that are relevant for the reduction of tension and discomfort. However, it’s essential to recognize that our daily activities, food intake, and stress levels will also impact the activation of these receptors. So while you enjoy our signature CBD products, be sure to pursue complete holistic care to encourage the best results.
CBD and the Bliss Molecule
On some level, we’re all chasing a little bliss. And with CBD, achieving that sweet state may be closer than you think.
CBD inhibits the mammalian enzyme FAAH. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of AEA, anandamide, the bliss compound (Ananda means bliss in Sanskrit). As FAAH is inhibited, our internal levels of AEA can soar.
Anandamide, a naturally produced neurotransmitter, has a solid affinity for CB1 receptors, which provides all of the delicious benefits mentioned above. In addition, this reduces pain initiation, meaning it can help get to the root of the issue before it begins.
AEA has also been shown to play a role in the experience of the “runner’s high” or exercise-induced relaxation and pain reduction. It was once thought that this experience depended solely on the release of endorphins (naturally produced compounds with an affinity to our internal opioid receptors). However, modern research shows that it’s probably a balance of the two, offering the endocannabinoid system a chance to boast its pleasurable and analgesic potential.
How Does this Translate into Real CBD Use?
Okay, so we’ve been nerding out for a bit, but why shouldn’t we? Natural cannabinoid science is exciting because it shows that holistic, natural solutions are backed by real science! But at this point, many of our readers are probably just wondering how to achieve success with CBD use.
You might be saying to yourself, “this is cool, but how many CBD gummies should I eat?” or “What’s the best CBD for inflammation?”
In earnest, the answer to these types of questions are subjective and depend on your unique physiology, weight, activity levels, stress levels, etc. So the best approach is, start with a low dose (maybe 5mg of CBD, 3x per day) and be consistent. Remember, TRPV1 vanilloid pain receptors are most effective at reducing pain when activated regularly.
Realistically, the best type of CBD for any situation is a lab-tested product backed by various customer testimonials. At Herbal Health, every batch is tested for potency and purity. And our customer reviews? Well, they speak for themselves.
To get the most out of your routine, it’s highly recommended to combine a few different types of products. The most straightforward approach here would be to take one orally ingested product (oils, gummies, teas, etc.) along with a topical CBD product. This will allow the orally ingested CBD to gently caress your internal receptors while the topical application soaks into the superficial and deep tissues for fast-acting relief. In addition, consider adding vaping products into your routine, as their quick onset allows you to modify your experience with ease.
Herbal Health products are one of a kind. Our effort is a labour of love, and we’re inspired every day by the feedback from our incredible clientele. Our formulas are the perfect way to promote happiness and ease, so load up your cart, and find some relief today!
