Hemp Flower For Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when white blood cells perform a series of protective functions against any detected foreign pathogens.

Occasional inflammation is a good thing, but when this becomes a constant issue, this is usually diagnosed as an autoimmune disease, like arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus, which revolves around the immune system attacking perfectly healthy tissue. 

One of the most common methods to treat inflammation and pain is by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, and while the occasional use of these drugs is generally safe, overuse can lead to liver damage, kidney failure and ulcers. So because of this, NSAIDs are just not sustainable for those who need a long-term form of inflammation relief.

Hemp flower is a natural, gentle way to relieve inflammation, reduce swelling, and relax inflamed muscle tissue.

What is Hemp Flower?

Hemp is a plant with a variety of nutritious and practical properties. When female plants flower, they create buds that look and smell very similar to cannabis trichomes.

However, the distinction between hemp flower and cannabis buds lies in their THC levels. While cannabis contains enough of this psychoactive component to give users the hugh it’s known for, hemp flower contains less than .3%, which is a pretty insignificant amount.

That being said, hemp contains all other beneficial properties that cannabis is known for, including other cannabinoids like CBD, which has become a wellness hot topic, and a wide variety of medicinal organic compounds known as terpenes.

The high CBD levels along with terpenes and just a tab of THC make hemp flower the ultimate “entourage effect” mechanism and is known to help a wide variety of issues including chronic pain, achy joints and sore muscles. 

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How CBD Reduces Inflammation

When we take CBD, it affects a series of receptors in our bodies that make up the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. 

The ECS plays a major role in maintaining balance through changes in mood, stress levels and wakefulness by releasing cannabinoids.

CBD, though, is also a cannabinoid, so it’s naturally drawn to these receptors and attaches to them. Through this interaction, CBD helps promote pain management functions by dulling pain receptors, improve the reception of serotonin, and reduce inflammation.

How Terpenes Reduce Inflammation

Terpenes, on the other hand, exist in a variety of plants, and are responsible for the aromatic quality of many medicinal and culinary herbs, such as hops, lavender, oregano, and of course, cannabis and hemp.

It’s believed that terpenes help to protect plants from foraging animals, but they also contain a great deal of healing potential for ailments ranging from anxiety and insomnia to joint and muscle pain.

Both CBD and terpenes have some compelling evidence touting their individual benefits, but what about together?

Apparently, they don’t just mix well, they appear to actually enhance each other.

Studies such as this 2008 trial show that when terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD and (even in small amounts) THC work in tandem, they create a type of synergy that appears to improve the overall effects of hemp flower on pain and inflammation. 

This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the entourage effect, and while it can be found in hemp flowers, you can also achieve it from full-spectrum CBD products, like full spectrum CBD balm or transdermal CBD patches.

Moreover, the terpene profile in a strand of hemp flower will determine not only its aroma and flavor, but also the way in which it affects the user’s ailments.

The following terpenes are especially beneficial against inflammation, though keep in mind that these are not the only benefits that these terpenes hold:

• Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-pinene is known for its benefits as an anti-inflammatory compound, and can even help respiratory flow by dilating the bronchial tubes as well as kill bacteria.

Aroma: pine

Found in: rosemary, basil, dill

• Beta-Myrcene

Beta-myrcene acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and relaxes the muscles, and can cause a mild sedative effect, making it particularly useful for sleep-inducing strains like Kush-E.

Aroma: mango, fruity, earthy, grape

Found in: hops, mango, lemongrass, thyme

• Limonene

Limonene is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate inflammation. This sunny terpene can also stimulate your immune system, better protecting yourself from getting sick.

Aroma: citrus

Found in: fruit rinds, peppermint, rosemary

• Linalool

Linalool is a relaxing terpene most commonly used for anxiety and pain, as its soothing effects relax the muscles, regulate breathing and reduce inflammation.

Aroma: floral, sweet

Found in: lavender

Reducing Inflammation with Hemp Flower 

If you are thinking about purchasing hemp flower to treat your inflammation, here are some factors to consider: 

CBD/THC Balance

As mentioned in the beginning, the dose of THC in hemp flower is too low to get you high, but the amounts within that .3{61a9c4ebdbb811fd2382c102d8e69c6b7b78aa8e69b88e3f73a4ac056945b5db} limit is still significant.

This is not only because even low doses of THC can promote the entourage effect, but the ratio of CBD to THC can play a role in your hemp flower product’s performance against inflammation.

For instance, CBD might be more effective against seizures, inflammation, depression and psychosis, whereas THC may play a more important role against muscle plasticity, glaucoma and insomnia.

Moreover, the THC in hemp flower probably isn’t high enough to make the user drowsy, but some individuals report that strains with higher CBD levels can have a sleep-inducing effect, so keep this in mind if you don’t plan on resting after taking hemp flower.

Terpene Profiles for Inflammation

When considering the hemp flower product for your muscle pain, selecting a strain with a compatible terpene profile is highly recommended.

As mentioned, terpenes will play a massive role in how your strain will affect you, so when deciding on a strain for inflammation, especially keep an eye out for those containing alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, limonene and linalool.

For a more in-depth look of the best terpenes for inflammation, check out this blog post. 

Our Favorite Hemp Flower Strains for Inflammation

With CBD/THC levels and terpene profiles considered, here are some of our favorite strains for inflammation, which are sourced from reputable, high-quality brands that offer certificates of analysis from independent labs for all of their products.

• NY CBDiesel from Dr. Ganga 

NY CBDiesel is a strain high in alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene, which alleviate inflammation and relax the muscles, but because of its sativa dominance, it shouldn’t get you too drowsy. Great for when you need pain relief in order to keep powering on.

• Purple Panties from Industrial Hemp Farms

This indoor-grown strain delivers a piney, fruity aroma that unmistakably reveals those anti-inflammatory terpenes a high amount of cannabinoids.

• Ceiba from Mr. Hemp Flower

This Vermont-grown strain contains a balance of the anti-inflammatory terpenes we’ve featured in this blog, while also containing 14{61a9c4ebdbb811fd2382c102d8e69c6b7b78aa8e69b88e3f73a4ac056945b5db} CBD. Ceiba will soothe muscle and joint pain without making you feel drowsy, and is one of the best strains for those with arthritis.

While inflammation can be a complicated ailment, hemp flower may be versatile enough to effectively reduce the pain and swelling that comes with it.

When selecting a strain, keep an eye out for anti-inflammatory strains like limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene and linalool, and make sure to shop from reputable brands.

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