Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of rheumatism today. Unfortunately, however, it is a chronic condition with few possible pharmaceutical treatments, and those available are not always effective and some may even have unwanted or dangerous side effects. Fortunately, a growing body of research shows the potential of natural remedies, such as CBD oil, as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of rheumatism.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
According to the WHO, more than 23 million people worldwide are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. One of the most common chronic disorders in the world, 
rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term (or chronic,) autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints. Some of the best known symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiff, painful, hot and swollen joints, which leads to impaired mobility in most cases. These symptoms may worsen due to lack of exercise.
The disorder may affect other parts of the body. Like most autoimmune diseases, there are several ways to manifest them in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis could also cause a low number of red blood cells and inflammation around the lungs and heart, for example.
Although the disorder is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, it remains unclear what causes rheumatoid arthritis. However, we know that it triggers the immune system to overreact, as in most autoimmune diseases, causing the body to unnecessarily attack its own joints. This results in inflammation and swelling of the joint, which can be very painful and can reduce mobility.
Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are several treatments available to try to reduce symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Most of them focus on reducing pain and inflammation. Non-steroidal steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes used to help reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Other commonly used medications are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). But these commonly used drugs are not always so effective. Moreover, people who use them say that they even have unwanted side effects, possible addiction or even toxicity, which can be life threatening.
CBD, potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Fortunately, cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be one of the natural remedies capable of helping to effectively treat disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of studies that show promising results of using this cannabinoid against rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune disorders.
First, CBD has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Proven by this research from the University of Kentucky, cannabidiol can reduce inflammation and pain related to rheumatism. More importantly, it does so without the unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects associated with some of the most widely used pharmaceuticals. CBD is a natural plant substance that is safe to use, without unwanted side effects.
Hemp cannabinoids could also provide significant improvements in mobility and associated pain, reducing pain at rest and providing better rest, as demonstrated by another study by the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in the UK. Given that sleep and rest are extremely important for the body’s ability to recover, CBD could be very good for patients experiencing rheumatoid arthritis. Especially when combined with a healthy dose of exercise, within the limits of each person, of course.