The science behind the usage of CBD for pain and inflammation is complex - here, you’ll find all you need to to know about how and why we use CBD in our teas, how CBD can help with pain and inflammation and how all of this all combines in a cup of our Power Up CBD infusion!
JP and CBD
Our introduction of functional and wellbeing blends came from a personal experience of our founder Urvashi (a diagnosis of the autoimmune condition ITP). Seeking alternative, natural solutions to the medication she was prescribed, Urvashi was introduced to CBD and was amazed at the benefits. CBD still continues to support her daily life, especially with sleep, exercise induced inflammation, skin health and daily stresses.
Determined to share these powerful effects but put off by the bitter taste of CBD drops in their conventional form, Urvashi set about creating a range of great-tasting, natural and functional tea blends infused with the highest quality, water soluable CBD. Our wellbeing CBD infusions include the holy trinity: Power Up, Soul Soother and Sleep Deep, each with their own specific functions and benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant cannabis sativa. Unlike THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive. This makes it an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the side effects that are related to some pharmaceutical drugs.
How does it work?
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C.! More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of it, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions in the body including sleep, appetite, pain sensation and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system) - studies have shown that CBD may help to reduce chronic pain and inflammation by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity and interacting with neurotransmitters. (Healthline, 2021)
So, how does CBD help with pain and inflammation?
CBD is emerging as a promising pharmaceutical agent to treat pain, inflammation, seizures, anxiety and more. Experts’ understanding of the role of CBD in pain management continues to evolve, with promising evidence from animal studies (Harvard Health, 2020). CBD has also been shown to be anti-inflammatory, meaning it has potential to reduce joint pain associated with arthritis. Specific conditions that may be helped by CBD include neuropathic pain, anxiety and systematic inflammation.
CBD exerts a wide array of effects on the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems. It works in conjunction with our endocannabinoid system to function in an anti-oxidant capacity, to decrease inflammation and to act as a pain reliever. CBD may even slow the progression of osteoarthritis and prevent nerve damage, according to early model studies. (Practical Pain Management, 2021)
Research suggests that CBD may be effective for other types of pain, including nerve and back pain, and that CBD may relieve symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia. A study that included survey data from 2701 people with fibromyalgia found that those who used CBD for pain relief generally reported slight to significant improvement in symptoms. (Healthline, 2021)
One 2017 review found that CBD’s anti-infammatory properties may help with a number of other conditions, including the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- General pain
- Inflammatory conditions
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
(Medical News Today, 2022)
What about CBD tea?
Although research is still in its early stages, there is lots of evidence to support the uses of CBD to treat pain and inflammation. If you haven’t tried one of our wellbeing CBD infusions yet, we recommend Power Up! This invigorating tea blend contains turmeric and ginger - two ingredients with powerful anti-inflammatory properties which help to decrease pain and protect against disease.
Did you know that ginger and turmeric are two of the most extensively studied ingredients in herbal medicine?
Chronic inflammation is thought to play a central role in the development of conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but one study in 120 people with osteoarthritis found that taking one gram of ginger extract per day for three months effectively reduced inflammation. Meanwhile, test-tube and human studies indicate that turmeric extract can decrease several markers of inflammation, with some research noting that it may be as effective as anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and asprin!
Both ginger and turmeric have also been studied for their ability to provide relief from chronic pain. (Healthline, 2019)
With an invigorating mix of ginger, turmeric and the highest quality CBD, as well as lemon myrtle, yerba mate and cinnamon, our Power Up CBD infusion is the perfect brew for energy, focus and wellbeing to make you feel fully charged. Here are some of the other benefits of the ingredients in our Power Up CBD infusion:
CBD - believed to improve sleep cycles, assist recovery from exercise induced inflammation & provide relief from everyday stresses.
Ginger - helps fight fatigue by improving blood circulation, balancing blood sugar levels and boosting immunity.
Lemongrass - this fragrant, antioxidant rich plant is a mood lifter, relieves pain and swelling and improves the immune system.
Yerba mate - the gentle, natural caffeine means a dose of this prior to exercise can improve athletic performance. Also thought to improve mental focus, increase energy and brighten moods.
Turmeric - this antioxidant powerhouse is an amazing anti-inflammatory, eases pain, aids cell repair in the body and improves blood flow. We’ve added a pinch of black pepper to activate the turmeric and turbocharge the benefits.
We hope this post has been helpful! Now why not pour yourself an invigorating cup of Power Up?
Written by Olivia Wells
Some useful links if you’d like to read more about CBD for pain and inflammation:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-tinctures-for-inflammation
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221#benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-for-inflammation