Is CBD a Good Alternative for Ibuprofen?

When dealing with aches and pains, many people turn to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for effective pain relief. But can CBD work as an alternative pain relief option?

What Is Ibuprofen & How Does It Manage Pain?

Ibuprofen may be one of the most recognizable NSAIDs currently available. It’s a popular over-the-counter drug that’s known for helping relieve aches and pains, such as muscle soreness, joint pain, headaches, and fever reduction.

So what is it that ibuprofen does? It blocks a certain type of hormone known as prostaglandins. Unlike typical hormones, prostaglandins aren’t secreted by any type of gland, but instead form by way of a chemical reaction at the site where they’re needed—that is, a site where there has been tissue damage or infection, which causes the inflammation, pain, and/or fever.

Taking ibuprofen limits the production of enzymes from cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, which releases extra prostaglandins when the body experiences an injury, leading to the excess inflammation and pain. But with ibuprofen, the compound that makes up the drug binds to COX-2 and limits the release of prostaglandins. With less prostaglandins being created, there’s less inflammation.

Common Side Effects

No matter how well known or wide spread its use, ibuprofen still brings with it a number of side effects that may be experienced when taken in large quantities. Like any over-the-counter medication, ibuprofen should only be taken when necessary and in small dosages. Unfortunately, even when taken correctly, you may still experience issues like:

• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
• Dizziness or headaches
• Decreased appetite
• Mild itching or rashes

Unfortunately, this is not a complete list, as there are many other side effects associated with ibuprofen.

What Makes CBD Different?

CBD and ibuprofen differ primarily in how they interact with the body. CBD binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, while ibuprofen blocks COX-2 from producing extra prostaglandins. That said, research has found that CBD may be able to effectively help manage pain and inflammation, headaches, and even blood pressure, all of which are reasons why people take ibuprofen on a regular basis.

What may make CBD a better option, though, is the way it utilizes the “entourage effect.” As an all-natural product, full spectrum CBD hemp oils have a variety of ingredients that occur naturally in cannabis plants. When taken together in the form of a CBD product, the body receives an added boost that can push certain pain-relieving effects more.

Long-Term Benefit

While side effects from CBD can occur, one benefit to using CBD is that, unlike ibuprofen, research hasn’t yet shown a negative side effect of using CBD long term. Other NSAIDs and opioids have been known to create stomach and dependency issues when not used properly. CBD is safe, does not get you high, and interacts with the body seamlessly to provide relief.

Can CBD Replace Ibuprofen for Pain?

The answer: Potentially.

Though many of the believed benefits of CBD are still being studied, CBD has a high potential for serving as the all-natural solution many seek when looking for better pain management solutions. Better yet, CBD comes in many different forms, offering the ability to take CBD in a way that’s easiest—whether that’s as a capsule, an oil, or even an edible gummy.

Take your first step toward living a more balanced, healthier lifestyle and manage the daily aches and pains with great full spectrum CBD products from Frontier Jackson.