CBD for Gout: Guide 2020
The full extent of CBD’s medicinal properties is still being determined by modern medicine. But cannabidiol, or better known as CBD, is already being used to reduce symptoms of mental health problems, relieve cancer-related conditions, and treat chronic pain.
The best CBD products have also demonstrated its effectiveness in suppressing inflammatory pain, so CBD for gout is also a popular choice among patients. So how to use CBD for gout?
What is CBD?
Before delving into the ways you can use CBD oil for gout pain, it is important to define what CBD is in the first place. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the hundreds of active compounds found in cannabis plants. The most prevalent active compound is THC which is known for producing a high.
Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is the second most prevalent compound. Many know this compound for its therapeutic properties, among them, using CBD for gout.
The human body has a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS serves a variety of important functions including regulating sleep, appetite, and pain. It even affects the immune system.
Endocannabinoids are the neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors found in the nervous system.
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CBD and the ECS
According to studies, CBD may be an effective treatment for chronic pain by tapping into endocannabinoid receptor activity and interacting with neurotransmitters. Researchers theorize that CBD works by attaching to an ECS receptor known as CB2.
Alternatively, it is also possible that CBD works by causing the body to naturally produce cannabinoids that attach to CB2 receptors.
How do you use CBD for gout? There is evidence that cannabis use for pain and inflammation goes back thousands of years. In particular, the Chinese and other ancient civilizations from as early as 2900 BCE used cannabis for joint pain and other forms of arthritis.
It is not a stretch to imagine that they used CBD for gout too as gout is a type of arthritis.
Causes of Gout
Although a common medical issue for many, gout affects the joints in a complex manner. Gout is caused by hyperuricemia or the excess of uric acid in the body. It creates uric acid when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in the body as well as food.
When there is too much uric acid, possibly caused by rich foods, the body crystallizes it. These crystals then build up in joints, fluids, and tissues. Affected joints, such as the big toe and knees, swell and become inflamed, red, and tender.
There are some factors that make you more at risk of gout. Being male or obese, as well as health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, contribute to gout risk factors. Lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol can also eventually lead to gout.
So is CBD oil good for gout? Patients who suffer from gout experience inflammation and pain as primary symptoms of this condition. CBD oil for gout pain has demonstrated its effectiveness in suppressing inflammations.
Moreover, patients widely report that cannabidiol CBD for gout has no negative side effects.
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CBD for Gout: Research and Studies
Initial studies that explored CBD for gout pain yielded promising results. In 2015, a study by the European Journal of Pain tested the effects of topical CBD in a rat model of arthritis. They observed long-lasting therapeutic effects without psychoactive side-effects in their tests.
Furthermore, a 2018 literature review by the Current Opinion in Pharmacology summarized that cannabinoids are a potential treatment for pain caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, in turn, is one of the most common types of arthritis.
The report noted that the human body’s ECS plays a central role in joint-related pain.
Another 2018 study by the Journal of Headache Pain found that some cannabis varieties which contain high amounts of terpenes called caryophyllene and myrcene were effective at treating headaches, migraines, and other types of pain including inflammatory arthritis.
So is CBD oil good for gout? Such scientific findings already echo the positive results experienced by patients who have tried using CBD for gout pain.
CBD Topical for Gout Pain
CBD comes in many different forms including oil tinctures and gummy edibles. The past few years however have also highlighted the possible therapeutic effects of topical CBD ointments and sprays.
Unlike edibles that are taken sublingually, topical creams and ointments are applied directly over the painful joints where gout flare is present.
Some high profile patients champion the use of CBD for gout pain. Patrick Stewart, a Hollywood actor, suffers from osteoarthritis and reports relief from a combination of topical cannabis ointment, spray, and edibles.
In 2017, when asked is CBD oil good for gout? He said that cannabis treatments significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands.
Stewart would use the ointment at night and would apply the spray on his hands several times a day. He could make a fist after starting the treatment, something which he could not do prior because of intensely painful arthritis.
Many patients prefer a natural pain reliever like CBD oil for gout pain for its effectiveness and lack of negative side effects.
Traditional medication includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and Naproxen, anti-inflammatory drug colchicine, and steroids like prednisone which can cause adverse reactions in some people.
Ultimately, we need more in-depth research to conclude the effectiveness of CBD topical for gout.
Is Turmeric Good for Gout?
Turmeric is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine used to treat a variety of conditions. Similar to cannabis, it has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties for thousands of years. The active compound in turmeric that patients use is curcumin.
Experts have made studies to determine how effective it is in treating gout pain.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends turmeric for patients suffering from arthritis. A review found that taking up to 1,000 milligrams of curcumin helped relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
However, similar to CBD topical for gout, the claims for turmeric as gout treatment are not definitive. In fact, the authors of the turmeric study have released a statement along with their report saying their study was not large enough to produce definitive results.
Many topical CBD salve products contain turmeric essentials oils. The combination of Ayurvedic herbs with CBD may enhance its pain-relieving effects on the body.
Nevertheless, turmeric may have positive effects on gout pain. Since it is a food spice, turmeric is safe to consume and can be prepared in a number of ways to possibly boost anti-inflammatory action throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
CBD holds a lot of potential as a possible treatment for gout especially if you are taking a full-spectrum CBD oil. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that you must do your due diligence on your state’s CBD laws.
Even though full-spectrum oils are available online, it is best to be on the right side of the law and avoid issues with the FDA.
CBD for gout pain, when combined with other changes in lifestyle, can provide the long-lasting joint relief you are looking for.
Be sure to regularly check with your physician especially if you feel you are experiencing allergic reactions to CBD, whether by ingesting oil tinctures or through topical CBD ointments.
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CBD for Gout FAQs
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How to use CBD for gout?
A physician may determine your CBD dosage for gout. CBD may have interactions with other medications you are taking such as blood thinners. You can take CBD orally as an oil tincture, capsule, or spray, as well as apply topical CBD ointments directly onto the affected areas.
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How to take CBD oil for gout?
There are different ways to take CBD. The most common products in the market include oil tinctures, capsules, and gummies. However, more manufacturers are creating products for more localized CBD effects, such as infused topicals for joint and muscle pain.
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CBD oil for gout how to use?
CBD oil is prepared as oil tinctures, capsules, sprays, or infused into topical ointments. Try a full-spectrum CBD oil that contains other natural cannabis compounds for more prominent healing effects. CBD is generally safe but side effects may include fatigue and weight changes.
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How much CBD oil should I take for gout?
Full-spectrum CBD oil usually contains 0.3% THC. This level of THC is not enough to produce psychoactive effects nor will it show up in drug tests. We advise users to consult with a physician for their optimum dosage of CBD for gout.
