CBD Benefits for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, often shortened to OA, is a degenerative condition in which the natural cushioning between bones wears down.This “wear and tear” arthritis is the most common type, leaving millions suffering with symptoms like inflammation, pain, stiffness, and lost range of motion.
Whether it’s caused by an injury, genetic predisposition or years of physical activity, the effects of osteoarthritis can be exhausting and disabling. Standard osteoarthritis hip treatment with steroid medications can be very effective for a time, but they pose a serious long-term risk of physical damage. For those who haven’t found relief through conventional medicine, cannabidiol (CBD) products may be a good fit.
What Is CBD Hemp Oil?
Hemp is the name for a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is commonly grown as an industrial crop. By definition (and by law), hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC. At such trace amounts, THC doesn’t create the psychoactive effects that it does with other types of cannabis. The 2018 Farm Bill deemed hemp and other low-THC crops legal for sale in the U.S.
Hemp oil is a product made by combining hemp extract compounds with carrier oils. Here’s a rough outline of how it’s made:
- First, the full hemp plant (stems, leaves and all) is processed to produce a liquid extract.
- The raw extract is then further processed to remove or amplify certain compounds as desired. This is the formulation stage.
- The refined product is combined with a carrier oil to make it spreadable and ingestible. At Reclaim Labs, we use a highly bioavailable form of coconut oil that makes it easier for the body to digest and absorb.
Just like the plant it’s made from, CBD hemp oil is also legal for sale and use in the U.S. so long as it meets regulatory standards.
How to Take CBD Oil for Osteoarthritis
Hemp oil is primarily used in two ways: by applying it topically to the skin, or by ingesting it orally as a dietary supplement. For localized relief, you can massage a topical product into the symptomatic area. For example: to help with osteoarthritis back treatment, simply apply it to the back and gently massage it in. To incorporate it into your daily diet, simply add the appropriate amount to food or drinks and enjoy them as normal.
The Potential Benefits of CBD Hemp Oil for Osteoarthritis
For a long time, there wasn’t much research into the possible benefits of compounds like CBD. That area of research is still growing, but the results have been promising. Combined with users’ personal testimonies, it seems hemp oil can be an effective, game-changing product for people with arthritis.
There are a number of ways in which hemp oil may be able to provide relief from symptoms, including:
- Reduced inflammation: Studies and testimonials suggest that CBD can combat inflammation, which may help ease arthritis pain and swelling. Studies suggest that CBD affects the body’s metabolic processes in ways that produce an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.¹
- Pain relief: As inflammation improves, pain can also start to improve. In a 2020 clinical trial with chronic pain patients, an overwhelming 95% of participants reported improved quality of life after adding a CBD-rich hemp extract to their routines.²
- Overall physical relaxation: Hemp oil users commonly report feeling physically relaxed throughout their body. This may help ease muscle tension and allow the body to rest comfortably.
- A sense of calm and peace: Cannabinoids are well known for their potential to relieve anxiety and stress. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of many conditions, so this calming effect may help keep them at bay.
- Improved sleep: The combination of symptom relief, physical relaxation and mental peace may help make it easier to get comfortable, fall asleep and stay asleep.
Does CBD Help with Osteoarthritis?
As with any other supplement or medication, each individual’s response to CBD hemp oil is unique. The FDA has not medically reviewed hemp seed oil for osteoarthritis treatment, and our products aren’t meant to prevent, treat, or cure osteoarthritis.
We can’t say whether CBD has any direct impact on osteoarthritis. As an option for symptom management, however, satisfied users continue to rave about the positive effects.
Our Founder’s Success Story
Reclaim Labs founder Ron Lev is no stranger to the physical and mental challenges of arthritis. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a teenager, Ron and his family spent many years trying to find relief for his symptoms. Doctors did the best they could with conventional treatments like steroids, but they were never quite enough.
After years of harsh medications, Ron found himself seeking better relief with fewer risks. In 2017, he began studying the effects of hemp extract compounds on the body’s endocannabinoid system. Eventually, he began to experiment with hemp oil formulas. Through persistent research, trial and error, Ron finally developed the formula that would become Reclaim Labs’ flagship product.
The relief Ron found with this formula was life-changing. Eventually, after 23 years of addictive, damaging steroid treatment, Ron was able to completely taper off of his medications and manage his symptoms with CBD oil. He knew he had to share this formula with others, and Reclaim Labs was born.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about using CBD oil for things like neck osteoarthritis pain management, our answers to these frequently asked questions might be helpful. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
Is hemp oil legal?
Yes. Hemp specifically refers to a legal variety of cannabis plant that is commonly grown as an industrial crop. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp and other low-THC cannabis varieties legal to grow and sell in the United States. In order to be considered a legal hemp product, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
All Reclaim Labs products are tested by a third-party laboratory to make sure they comply with all regulations. We also offer a completely THC-free formula for those who don’t want to ingest even trace amounts of THC.
What do “full spectrum” and “broad spectrum” mean?
A full-spectrum product is one that contains a little bit of all naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, including a small (legal) amount of THC. A broad-spectrum product contains many of these compounds, but not all of them.
Although the THC in full-spectrum oil is insufficient to affect things like drug test results, some people still prefer to avoid THC for their own reasons. Our THC-free broad-spectrum formula is ideal for these folks.
How do I use CBD oil for osteoarthritis?
People primarily use CBD for osteoarthritis in two ways: as a topical roll-on or a dietary supplement.
The dietary supplement can be added to food or water per instructions, and can be taken daily for full-body support. Our topical CBD product can be applied directly onto an affected area. To supplement osteoarthritis shoulder treatment, for example, simply use the roll-on applicator to apply a layer to the shoulder area, then gently rub it in.
Is hemp oil safe for daily use?
Absolutely. Research into CBD is still growing, but hemp oil has generally been found to be well tolerated. Some may experience mild side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea and dry mouth, but it doesn’t pose any known risk of serious long-term harm.
Of course, safety also depends on the dose. Always follow the dosage instructions to get the appropriate amount of active ingredients. Exceeding this daily dosage may increase the risk of side effects. We at Reclaim Labs can’t offer medical advice, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns.
All of our products are regularly tested by a third-party laboratory to ensure the right formulation with no harmful contaminants. If you’d like, you can ask to see the certificates of analysis for our products.
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