The Benefits of CBD Oil for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, inflammatory condition that affects millions of people on a daily basis. For some, a combination of self-care, lifestyle changes, and prescription medications offer sufficient relief. For others, however, the typical treatment options are not effective or ideal. As a result, many fibromyalgia patients are turning to CBD hemp oil to help ease their symptoms.
What Is CBD Hemp Oil?
CBD oil is a natural product containing compounds extracted from hemp, a particular strain of Cannabis sativa. It can be extracted from the harvested plant matter using a variety of methods, but the result is a liquid extract that is high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The raw hemp extract may be processed further to isolate, amplify or remove various compounds as desired. Once the right formula is achieved, it can then be combined with carrier oils to create a product that’s ready for consumption. Reclaim Labs products, for example, are made with highly bioavailable coconut oil for easy absorption and use by the body.
Is Hemp Oil Legal? Will It Make Me High?
Because it’s made from cannabis, one of the first questions people have about CBD hemp oil is whether it’s actually legal. The answer is yes, hemp oil is considered legal for sale in the U.S. so long as the product meets specific standards.
In 2018, the signing of the Farm Bill separated hemp (and other low-THC cannabis derivatives) from the definition of marijuana. Per the bill, so long as a hemp product contains less than 0.3% THC, it is legal and is not considered a controlled substance.
The trace amount of THC in a full- or broad-spectrum extract is not enough to make a person high. If you are still concerned for any reason about the presence of THC in your CBD oil, we also offer a completely THC-free version of our hemp extract formula.
Does Hemp Oil Help With Fibromyalgia?
Anyone living with this chronic condition knows just how challenging and uncomfortable the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be. In addition to persistent musculoskeletal pain all over the body, symptoms like fatigue, weakness, sleep problems, irritable bowels, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties (brain fog) can turn even the most basic daily activities into a struggle.
Some of the possible benefits of CBD oil for fibromyalgia include:
- Natural pain relief: Whether it’s localized or all over, CBD oil may help relieve chronic fibromyalgia pain, improving activity and quality of life.
- Reduction of inflammation: Ongoing research suggests that CBD may be an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent.1 Less inflammation means a reduction in the symptoms it causes.
- An overall feeling of physical relaxation: CBD oil is well-loved for its pleasant, all-over relaxation effects. This may help to relieve tension and soothe the body.
- Relief from stress: The mental calming effect of hemp oil may help relieve fibromyalgia related anxiety and other issues triggered by stress.
- Improved sleep: In addition to creating a relaxed feeling for bedtime, CBD may help improve your sleep. Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that regular treatment with CBD greatly increased rats’ sleep percentage.2
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated any claims regarding hemp oil’s use as a medical treatment for disease. When we talk about CBD and fibromyalgia, we’re referring to CBD hemp oil’s potential benefits for easing the symptoms of the condition. We at Reclaim Labs do not offer any medical advice.
Our Founder’s Personal Journey With Pain
Reclaim Labs founder Ron Lev was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 15. He spent much of his young life treating his condition with the usual methods and medications, some of which had serious side effects. Steroids can be powerful tools against inflammation, but they’re also very harsh drugs with known long-term health risks. For people living with chronic pain, potent medications like these are often seen as a necessary evil.
In 2017, Ron’s path would take an important turn. Still struggling with daily pain and concerned about long-term steroid use, he began considering possible alternatives for managing his condition. He started learning about the endocannabinoid system and the ways in which natural cannabis compounds interact with the body.
Ron was especially interested in the “entourage effect,” where different cannabis plant compounds work together in the body to create beneficial effects. With a hemp oil containing just the right mix, Ron suspected he could achieve relief. After plenty of attempts and adjustments, Ron developed what would become our flagship formula.
After 23 years of steroid treatment, Ron had finally found effective, natural relief. Not only did the oil successfully ease the pain and inflammation, he was also eventually able to wean off his steroid medications completely. Today, he continues to manage his symptoms with the same formula we offer to you.
How to Use CBD Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
As hemp-derived CBD products have become more popular, we’ve seen everything from CBD gummies to CBD-infused makeup, toothpaste, and even toilet paper. For people with fibromyalgia seeking serious pain relief, however, there are two main options: ingesting CBD hemp oil as a dietary supplement or applying it to the skin.
Using Hemp Oil as a Dietary Supplement
One of the most effective ways to use CBD oil for full-body effects is to take it as a regular dietary supplement. Our 2800 mg broad- and full-spectrum hemp extracts are formulated with highly bioavailable organic coconut oil, making it easier for the body to metabolize. Use the included dropper to add the oil to any food or drink for easy ingestion.
Applying Hemp Oil Topically
Topical use of hemp oil is ideal for localized pain and other symptoms. Just like any other topical pain relief product, it can be applied directly to the skin and gently rubbed in. The compounds can then be absorbed into the skin to numb pain in the area.
Our 1000 mg CBD pain freeze gel comes in a convenient roll-on stick for fast, mess-free application. Simply roll the cooling formula onto the area of discomfort to relieve joint pain, aching muscles, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about CBD and fibromyalgia, take a look at our answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for more information.
Is It Legal to Sell & Use Hemp Oil in the U.S.?
Yes! Per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products are legal in the United States so long as they contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). However, some state and local usage restrictions do exist. Make sure you know what the laws are where you live.
Does Hemp Extract Make You Feel High?
THC is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, which means it’s the main compound that makes a person feel high. According to United States law, hemp oil products may contain no more than 0.3% THC. At these trace amounts, it is not enough to create a high. You may feel a physical and mental sense of calm and relaxation, but this should not interfere with your functioning.
Will CBD Hemp Oil Affect Drug Test Results?
If your job requires occasional drug testing, you might be concerned about how hemp extract might affect your results. Fortunately, all hemp products are required by law to contain less than 0.3% THC, which should not be enough to show up on a drug test. If you’d prefer to be extra cautious, however, we also offer a completely THC-free hemp extract formula.
Is Treating Fibromyalgia With CBD Oil Safe?
First, it’s important to note that Reclaim Labs’ products are intended to help relieve symptoms, not as a medical treatment for the cure or prevention of fibromyalgia. When used as a natural supplement, CBD hemp oil tends to be well tolerated by the body. Side effects are uncommon, but issues like fatigue, agitation, nausea, and appetite changes are sometimes reported.3
All of our products are also tested by a third-party laboratory to ensure the oils are safe and free of contaminants. If you’d like to see the data for yourself, you can request a certificate of analysis for any of our products.
Reclaim Labs CBD products are gentle, natural supplements that are safe for use by all kinds of adults, including fibromyalgia patients. If you do have any concerns, you should discuss them with your doctor before adding our products to your routine.
What’s the Difference Between Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum and CBD Isolate Products?
A full-spectrum oil contains some amount of all naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the hemp plant. A broad-spectrum oil contains a wide range of these compounds, but not all of them (a THC-free hemp formula is a broad-spectrum hemp formula, for example). A CBD isolate is a product that contains only pure CBD. Isolates don’t offer the entourage effect, which can only occur when different compounds work together.
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