A chemical compound from the family of cannabinoids, cannabidiol or CBD occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. It’s been a popular and natural remedy for pain relief that some even use it as an alternative form of medication for pain management, thanks to its different forms you can choose from.

Forms of CBD

Depending on your preferences and personal needs, CBD, as mentioned, comes in various forms. When you’re unsure about how CBD alleviates pain, you must first understand its forms as follows:

• Pills and Capsules – These commonly contain CBD isolates or CBD oils that you can take orally.
• Edibles – These are products like chocolates or gummies that you can take anywhere. It can take effect between 20 minutes and four hours.
• Oils and Tinctures – These are forms of CBD that are concentrated and processed. They are taken sublingually via a dropper, allowing it to go into the bloodstream faster. These are often used for pain management.
• Topicals – These are CBD infused oils, lotions, and creams that can help relieve localized body pain. They are also effective for hair care and skincare, as well as a massage oil.
• Vaping – It’s possible to mix nicotine and CBD but, usually, nicotine is not present if CBD is present.

Why You Should Consider CBD as a Pain Reliever

1. CBD is Non-Psychoactive

CBD influences the body to use its endocannabinoids more effectively, but it neither alters a person’s state of mind nor produces an effect that gets you “high”. Thus, CBD doesn’t show up on drug tests. According to a study, CBD does very little to the endocannabinoid system (ECS); instead, it inhibits or activates other endocannabinoid system compounds.

2. CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD is naturally-sourced and when added to products like oil, it may act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Thus, it helps ease pain, oxidation, inflammation, as well as provides a soothing sensation. Cannabidiol limits the inflammation in the nervous system and brain, which benefits people who experience immune-system responses, insomnia, and pain.

3. Non-Addictive and Safe to Use

CBD is not addictive. Its products are standardized to contain a regulated cannabidiol dose. Researchers suggest that the active ingredients of CBD oil are safe. On the other hand, over-the-counter painkillers can affect your health negatively and may even cause addiction. When painkillers are abused, you can expect side effects such as the following:

• Acute hepatitis
• Liver failure
• Risk of heart disease
• High blood pressures
• Kidney damage
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Extreme allergic reactions

Although there is no 100% assurance that CBD has no side effects, it doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects.

4. Helps Control Your Sleep and Mood

CBD affects the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) as it’s part of the body’s regulatory system that helps control everything, from stress to sleep and reproduction, and mood to memory. When you’re in pain, you’re most likely to suffer from sleep deprivation because the pain will keep you awake at most times. Not only are suffering from the pain itself, but also the effects of sleep deprivation that can be detrimental to your health. And when your health suffers, it will be impossible for your body to tolerate more pain.

With CBD, you are assured of a good night’s sleep because it will help you relax and sleep soundly, as the pain will no longer keep you awake.

5. CBD is a Great Relaxant

The best thing to do if you are sick is to sleep. While sleeping, the body can accelerate the healing process, replacing and repairing damaged cells. This is not possible if you are suffering from intense pain that prevents you from sleeping. Taking CBD will relax the body and induce deep sleep, thus helping your body heal faster.

6. Easy to Use

CBD products are handy. You can take them anywhere, just like with CBD edibles. Depending on the form it comes in, pain relief may come slowly or immediately. For manageable pain, taking oral CBD products can be acceptable as pain relief comes slower. But when you want to experience immediate effects, you might need to take CBD through dabs or vape pens, which can provide the fastest effects.

When your pain is more about inflammation, CBD forms lotions and creams may be suitable. Since these types reach local targets only, they won’t have to enter your bloodstream for them to take effect.

7. Pain Relief for Chemotherapy Side Effects

CBD helps relieve the most common chemotherapy side effects for cancer patients like vomiting and nausea. Other drugs can help with these distressing symptoms, but they are sometimes ineffective, which leads some patients to seek alternatives.

8. Has Many other Health Benefits

Aside from simple pain management, CBD can specifically help with more severe types of pain associated with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It can also be used for acne, headaches, neuropathic conditions, joint pain, arthritis, muscle aches, and skin conditions like bug bites, sunburn, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.

Moreover, because of its properties that can reduce stress and anxiety, CBD has the ability to help lower blood pressure and prevent heart problems.

Conclusion

CBD is generally considered safe, but just like any other medical drug, it may have a different effect on every individual. Some may incur positive effects from CBD, but there’s no guarantee that everyone will experience the same. Thus, it is best to consult your doctor first for their professional opinion before using CBD.