CBD vs Ibuprofen for Pain Relief
CBD vs Ibuprofen for Pain Relief
When we have a headache, or some kind of nagging pain, most of us reach for our trusty bottle of Advil or Ibuprofen. Pain and inflammation will likely affect every adult at some point, and for some, chronic pain conditions can be extremely detrimental to a person's daily life.
These over-the-counter anti-inflammation medications are readily available and commonly used. While they may get the job done in the short term, the effects from long term use could have serious implications on the body. Potential side effects from long term use include heartburn, ulcers, dizziness, liver or kidney diseases, headaches, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.
A safer alternative
Thankfully, mother nature has provided us with a safer, natural alternative that gets the job done just as good, if not better than NSAID’s (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs like Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol), minus the nasty side effects. As Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to make its grand entrance to the world by providing a number of health benefits, one of the most highly touted attributes of this amazing Hemp Plant Extract is its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.
The Hemp plant has been used for centuries to relieve pain. Today, research is looking at the interaction between cannabinoids and their anti-inflammatory effects on the body, confirming CBD as a powerful alternative to NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
How Do NSAIDs work?
When the body suffers an injury, compounds called prostanoids are produced. These include prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation, and thromboxane, which is involved in blood clotting. These compounds are produced by cyclooxyrgenase enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2.
Like other anti-inflammatory and pain-control drugs, ibuprofen inhibits the release of these chemical compounds generated by our body’s response to an injury, trauma, or infection. Ibuprofen inhibits the production of prostaglandins by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxyrgenase, but, just like aspirin, ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor. This means it inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, potentially causing more side effects than other select NSAIDs.
How does CBD work in the body?
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is mostly active in pain control at the central nervous system level. It is also active in the peripheral systems preventing painful and itchy symptoms brought on by inflammation caused by allergies and dermatitis. CBD is also able to modulate pain thresholds and slow the release of inflammatory molecules. This is the same exact way that Advil works! In fact, cannabinoids synergistically work with other body systems that regulate pain, working to get our bodies moving and feeling better faster. So, CBD arguably works just as well, if not better than, NSAIDs. There are a variety of products that can help with pain such as CBD-infused relaxing bath salts, topicals, or salves in addition to CBD oils.
Toss your pills, pick up CBD!
Some CBD users have found that full spectrum CBD products carrying a small amount of THC (<.3%) or broad spectrum has been extremely beneficial for treating pain while still benefitting from the "entourage effect” of all the different cannabinoids and terpenes working synergistically in the body.
When replacing Ibuprofen with CBD, the user will notice comparable relief, without any of the negative health risks, plus the additional therapeutic and health benefits that come with CBD. If you are looking for a natural pain relieving remedy, then CBD may be your answer such as this easy to use CBD roll-on.
Other Natural Pain Relief Remedies that work synergistically w/ CBD
Juicy Kush launched our Ease tincture to "Ease Pain, Naturally." Ease combines 1000mg of Premium Full Spectrum CBD, Turmeric, Glucosamine, and White Willow Bark to provide a potent headache and pain relieving elixir. Combining the pain relieving effects of CBD, the anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric and Glucosamine, and White Willow Bark, also known as "Nature's Advil" makes for a natural pain relieving elixir that can rival NSAIDs without the dreaded side effects!