It can be difficult to deal with the various aches and pains that can come with aging. The older you get, the more medications you are likely to be on to improve your quality of life, but they may come with their own side effects that can cause more problems.
If you want to manage pain without dealing with many of those side effects, CBD might be right for you. CBD is a cannabinoid that works as a mild sedative and helps the body return its many of its systems to a state of rest. Here are six ways that it can help you manage your pain:
1. Inflammation reduction
Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting off infections and protecting injured parts of the body. Unfortunately, as we age, the injuries are more likely to be arthritis or joint issues. For conditions that create an over-abundance of inflammation, CBD can help reduce it and make you feel more like yourself. It does this without being addictive or causing other negative side effects, like many opiates and other prescription pain medications do. You can use it as either a topical lotion applied directly to the affected area or ingest it.
2. Clearer skin
If you struggle with dry skin or eczema, CBD might be able to help. As an oil, it’s already has moisturizing benefits. However, if you ingest CBD, you’ll also be able to reduce the amount of sebum your glands produce, making it easier for you to manage your adult acne and other skin conditions. It can be useful as part of your daily skin care routine. Look for CBD-infused in facial wash or creams. You can also ingest it in oil form or vape it as a liquid.
3. Better sleep quality
It becomes more difficult to get a good night’s sleep the older we get for many reasons. However, CBD can help. It assists your body with the production of melatonin, which makes you feel tired and more able to fall asleep. You may be able to stay asleep longer. The best way to use CBD for its sleep benefits is to ingest it as an oil or in some sort of food.
4. A boost to emotional health
If you struggle with anxiety and depression, you know that they can make it even harder to manage any other issues or pain you are dealing with. CBD oil may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. More research and clinical trials are needed, but anecdotally, some people find it is useful. CBD can be taken alongside your other medications on a regular basis, or take a larger dose of oil under your tongue as needed. It is most useful when taken as an oil, rather than in topical preparations like a lotion or cream. Though it cannot treat mental illness, it can help lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. Lessen side effects of medication
Whether you are working with basic over the counter medications or going through radiation and chemotherapy for cancer, CBD can alleviate the side effects that come with these treatments. It may reduce nausea and reduce the discomfort that comes with things like neuropathy, making it possible to use less of the prescription medications that create other side effects.
Before you start taking CBD, talk to your doctor. Even though CBD is a natural phytocannabinoid, it can still interact with other medications or be contraindicated for some medical conditions. CBD is metabolized in the liver. If you vape it, you can create additional strain on your lungs and throat. It can also change the way that your body processes other medications like anticonvulsants and pain medicines. Your doctor can discuss any potential problems that come with your particular medications and help you make an informed decision about whether CBD is right for you and your health needs.
Main photo courtesy of Hinterland co
