CBD oil is an oil made from cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and has recently been hailed for having various health benefits, such as for the treatment of epilepsy – although in-depth studies have yet to prove a definite benefit. CBD oil is being studied in trials for the treatment of symptoms of a host of other health conditions, such as cancer, although research is still in early stages. One British man with arthritis has ditched paracetamol and ibuprofen for the treatment of his condition, in favour of CBD oil, which he says has improved his symptoms.
Mike, 76, suffers with arthritis of the hips, hands and feet – a condition which he has been living with for years.
Previously relying on paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage the pain associated with his arthritis, Mike decided to search for a natural alternative to soothe his symptoms.
“I didn’t feel comfortable taking painkiller tablets long term. They also made me feel nauseous due to taking them with medication which I take for my heart,” Mike said.
As a result, Mike started taking Celtic Wind CBD oil, in the hope of finding a natural remedy to improve his arthritis symptoms.
The 76-year-old found the CBD oil so effective that he has been able to completely stop taking paracetamol and ibuprofen.
“The Celtic Wind CBD Oil doesn’t make me feel nauseous like the painkillers so I’ve been able to stop taking paracetamol and ibuprofen,” he said.
“I like to stay active by gardening and walking so it’s important for me to keep as supple as possible.
“The effects of CBD oil take time to become noticeable but after a week of taking it I started to really notice a difference in my ability to move around and I notice that I’m a lot less agile if I stop taking it, which is testament to how well it works for me.”
“It’s not a dramatic or quick impact like a painkiller but if I run out of it, I really notice a difference.”
He explained: “For example, when I am taking CBD oil I am able to wear smart brogues which is nice as my feet also fare worse with my arthritis, but if I stop taking it I am only able to wear very loose shoes.
“I broke my foot years ago which exacerbated my arthritis symptoms but with the CBD oil it’s much better.”
The 76-year-old also noted CBD oil helps to ease symptoms of arthritis in the winter, when the cold weather worsens the condition.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, some preliminary research suggests CBD oil may help with arthritis pain, with animal studies showing a reduction in pain and inflammation.
However, the arthritis expert notes that the results of human studies are mixed.
“For example, a 2016 analysis of human trials for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia found that CBD improved pain and sleep, but the studies were small and of poor quality,” said the Arthritis Foundation.
“If you want to try CBD, discuss it with your doctor first and do your homework. Talk to a practitioner who is familiar with CBD oil and contact the manufacturer to see proof of a third-party analysis for purity and potency,” said the Arthritis Foundation.