Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition and symptoms include chronic muscle pain and chronic fatigue, as well as headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and an array of problematic digestive issues.
Science has not found a cure to the condition as yet , but there are a number of effective ways to relieve its symptoms.
One approach used by fibromyalgia sufferers is to use CBD, a natural chemical extracted from cannabis and hemp.
CBD, or cannabidiol can offers a whole host of health benefits and unlike some misconceptions, it does not produce any psychoactive effects.
A study conducted on medical cannabis by Laura M. Borgelt, Kari Lanette Franson, and Abraham M. Nussbaum showed that it had the direct potential to relieve pain and muscle aches.
According to preliminary research, these are some of the benefits of CBD:
- Can help treat epilepsy
- It treats anxiety
- Fights inflammation
- Treats acne
- Reduces nicotine cravings
- Stems opiate abuse
- Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
A 2017 paper published in Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets indicated that CBD can be a potential way to reduce the activity of brain cells called glia.
Glia cause central sensitization – the main characteristic of fibromyalgia and they’re also active with other sensitivity syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and severe migraines.
Fibromyalgia is also characterized by an endocannabinoid deficiency. The endocannabinoid system wors with the natural endocannabinoids in the body, as well as any cannabis related products that you may ingest.
Another study from 2016, published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, showed that patients who ingested CBD, gave positive indications of its effectiveness in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and severe migraines, both of which are symptoms linked to fibromyalgia.
Many recent studies have shown that CBD is a great anti-inflammatory. Fibromyalgia isn’t strictly classified as an inflammatory condition but researchers suggest that cases do crop up that involve inflammation throughout the body in a web of connective tissue, called the fascia.
As always, it’s important to do your own research before taking any medication, even CBD. Buy it within the country, and make sure it is legal to do, where products have been regulated and standardized. You should also be aware that “hemp oil” has lower amounts of cannabidiol than “CBD oil” so it is not as effective.
Now, here is how to make these DIY CBD bath bombs:
Ingredients:
- 100mg CBD oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1 teaspoon water
- Natural food coloring (optional)
- 30-40 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk corn starch, baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt.
In another bowl, mix the CBD oil, water, coconut oil, and essential oils and food coloring. Then, add this mixture to the first one.
Mix well, and mold the mixture with the bath bomb mold. Leave them to dry for at least 24 hours.
Then, add one to your warm, soothing bath, and enjoy!