The Ultimate Guide to Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia: Benefits, Uses, and Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
It’s hardly easy to live with fibromyalgia. Having been someone who personally went through this, I recognize the challenge to keep dealing with the body’s most sensitive parts, pain, exhaustion, and other symptoms that can deeply disturb the daily routine. Fibromyalgia is a condition that is common to millions of people around the world. Muscles of the body have pain and soreness, thus people lose sleep, suffer from tiredness, have some memory issues, and have mood changes.
Hemp oil has in recent times been undeniably the most popular natural remedy for fibromyalgia and other disabilities. It’s part of the cannabis plant family, and it’s abundant in cannabinoids, especially CBD, which has been successful for many fibromyalgia symptoms in trials.
In this thorough guide, we will discuss the potential role of hemp oil in the potential healing of fibromyalgia, its benefits, uses, and also everything you need to know that would help you make a wise decision in consulting it as a part of your daily wellness lifestyle.
1. Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Symptoms
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition involving widespread pain in muscles and bones, besides this exhaustion, sleep, memory, and mood disturbances. Although the cause is uncertain, variables such as genetics, infections, emotional trauma, and physical trauma could be important factors.
Fibromyalgia risk factors include:
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.
- Family history: Your chances of getting fibromyalgia might be greater if one of your family members has this disease.
- Other disorders: In case you are suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you may get fibromyalgia.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Tenderness in all parts of the body: A chronic, general complaint that is current for at least three months.
- Tiredness: Patients with fibromyalgia are more likely to wake up feeling tired even after sleeping for a long time.
- Cognitive problems: The term “fibromyalgia fog” is often used to describe this symptom where person struggles with focus, memory, and attention.
Other common symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches, including migraines
- Digestive problems, such as bloating, constipation, or IBS
- Sensitivity to temperature, bright lights or loud noises
How Fibromyalgia Affects Daily Life
Fibromyalgia can lower a person’s life standards. The pain and fatigue that accompany fibromyalgia can result in a slow movement of the body which can affect everyday functions like employment, social life, or even sleep quality. Moreover, many individuals with fibromyalgia are stressed by sleep problems, which might lead to other symptoms and eventually to a circle of pain and fatigue.
2. The Science Behind Hemp Oil
What is Hemp Oil and How Does It Work?
Hemp oil is derived from the cannabis plant called hemp, which is a variety of Cannabis sativa that has high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. The key hemp oil types are as follows:
- Full-spectrum hemp oil: Literally, it is the oil which includes all compounds naturally are found in the plant, such as CBD, other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and the amount of THC that is less than 0.3% of the total weight of the product.
- Broad-spectrum hemp oil: The oil is the same as a full-spectrum one. The only difference is that the THC is removed from it.
- CBD isolate: This compound is the purest extract having just CBD essential oil, and it does not have any other compounds.
The principal function of hemp oil comes from the interaction of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with the body. The ECS is a complicated cell-signaling system which is in charge of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid synthesis, energy balance, cardiovascular functions, immune defense, and so on.
Is Hemp Oil Legal for Use in the U.S.?
Hemp-based products that contain < 0.3% THC by weight are federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. In spite of that, every state has its regulations, and therefore, it is crucial to investigate and comply with the local laws.
How Does Hemp Oil Interact with the Body?
The chief component of hemp oil, CBD, accomplishes ECS’s role in the human body, the restoration of homeostasis. It may work as a part of the system to make the pain more real, decrease inflammation, promote relaxation, and so on, which may ultimately meet the needs of those suffering from fibromyalgia.
3. The Benefits of Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
Natural Pain Relief with Hemp Oil
One of the major potential ups of hemp oil in fibromyalgia is helping easen pain. CBD, the major compound obtained from hemp oil, decreases pain by affecting the endocannabinoid receptors, diminishing the inflammation, and changing the neurotransmitters’ activity.
The 2018 study in the Journal of Pain Research, which was a review of relevant studies, had CBD successfully manage pain with no side effects at all.
Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is thought to be one of the reasons for many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The hemp oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics might be a very useful tool in reducing this inflammation. For now, the current research supports that by lowering inflamed areas, hemp oil could have a pain-killing effect and at the same time improve the overall wellbeing of the fibromyalgia patients.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
People who have fibromyalgia are frequently claimed to have anxiety problems. However, hemp oil is demonstrated to have the possibility of calming the mind and reducing anxiety. In the summer of 2019, a trial, the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reported that CBD was worth mentioning as a successful anti-anxiety therapy for 79.2% of individuals and as a remarkably sleep improvement medicine for 66.7% of the participants.
Improved Sleep Quality
It’s okay to mention that sleep disorders are a common finding in this condition and can very well aggravate the symptoms. Consequently, hemp oil may bring a positive impact on the quality of sleep by a multitude of ways such as Noise and light sensitivity (which can cause anxiety and poor sleeping). And a study from 2019 published in the Permanente Journal noted that CBD showed sleep improvement in 66.7% of patients that had been started on the herb within the very first month.
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Position and acknowledge that “Fibro-fog” is the cognition difficulties that many fibromyalgia patients have. While related studies are limited to still have more support of CBD concerning the neuroprotective properties, they are out and suggest that this compound may be of help to someone in their cognition.
4. How to Use Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia Relief
Topical Hemp Oil Applications for Fibromyalgia
Hemp oil is a proven product to be treating of pains in a particular area. The method looks like this:
- Clean the area being treated first.
- Apply a small bit of hemp oil or a CBD cream to the area.
- Massage it gently onto the skin to the point where it will be absorbed.
- Repeat as wanted, normally 2-3 times a day.
Oral Consumption of Hemp Oil
Hemp oil has the entire effect of oral consumption that is why usually oral consumption is preferred. Ways include:
- Sublingual tinctures: Place a little of oil under the tongue and wait for a while to take effect as you ingest it.
- Capsules: Convenient to take for every dose and can always be sure of the right amount.
- Edibles: Examples include gummies, which are fun and secretive at the same time.
Start with a small amount (10-15mg) and increase slowly with each dose until you feel relief from the symptoms. Try to keep the hemp oil dosing at the same time every day.
Best Forms of Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
As to hemp oil, people thank individual preferences for the best type of hemp oil. More of them may prefer these things:
- Tinctures: It’s a fast alternative with exact dose options along with it.
- Capsules: Undemanding zeppelin-like they are characteristically taken, and only maintain consistent doses.
- Creams: Good for being applied to the particular part of painfulness.
- Gummies: You can orally take a gelatin item that is not only palatable but also private. (They may take a bit longer to show you their effect).
5. Choosing the Right Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
How to Choose the Best Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
If you are making a choice of the best hemp oil for fibromyalgia, the pointers you need to have in mind are:
- Potency: The label of products should be clear about the content of CBD. Look for such products online.
- Extraction method: The CO2 way is usually the best in terms of both safety and efficiency. Stick to only the products that were confirmed through CO2 technology.
- Third-party lab testing: There should be the possibility of independent lab certification and it will guarantee the content of a product along with its power. Note that these tests should be run by a lab that is not the one that produces the items in order to have an objective opinion.
- Full-spectrum vs. Isolate: The full-spectrum hemp oil may contribute more benefits due to the appearance of substances that add to the “entourage effect.”
- Brand reputation: Look for the customer’s report on review websites that are positive feedback before you decide on a supplier or a brand.
Organic Hemp Oil vs. Non-Organic
Organic hemp oil, for the most part, is always the better choice of the two for people living with the problem of fibromyalgia. With organic farming practices, the hemp farm is encouraged to grow toxin-free cannabis that might help/ticks.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia
Does Hemp Oil Really Work for Fibromyalgia?
While more research is conducted and the evidence gains more weight, a lot of fibromyalgia patients have declared their remarkable improvement using hemp oil. A 2019 study in Pain Medicine discovered reductions in pain and better quality of life in patients of fibromyalgia who used CBD.
What’s the Best Dosage of Hemp Oil for Fibromyalgia?
The dosage of hemp oil diverges and relies on different factors like a person’s body weight, unique body chemistry, and degree of symptoms. Nevertheless, starting by assuming a low count, something like 10-15mg may work, then you can partially rise until you reach the desired level of getting an effect. The advice of a doctor or a competent professional should be sought for personalized information.
Can Hemp Oil Help with Fibromyalgia Brain Fog?
Although additional research is needed, isolated trials suggest that CBD may have neuroprotective abilities; hence, it may provide success in increasing the cognitive function of patients. Many fibromyalgia patients report an increased ability to think, and to stay focused when they are using hemp oil.
Is Hemp Oil Safe to Use with Other Fibromyalgia Medications?
Albeit, hemp oil is treated as safe; it can still interact with certain remedies. It is always so crucial to consult your healthcare professional before joining hemp oil to your comprehensive therapy even if it’s just fibromyalgia.
Finally, hemp oil is showing great potential in managing fibromyalgia symptoms despite it’s not a cure, but still, most of the people find it useful in the pain reduction simply by taking or sleeping or dressing. Therefore, it is highly necessary to point out that choosing only high-quality products and talking with a doctor are of great importance as with any supplement. A wise approach, hemp oil, if judiciously used, does indeed help manage fibromyalgia.