“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help it in its work.” –Hippocrates

Happy January!

January isn’t just about making resolutions; it’s also about discovering new ways to support your wellness goals.

In my last post, I emphasized the pivotal role of cultivating hope as a vital wellness strategy. Embracing this transformative mindset can significantly uplift our spirits, alter our perspective, and improve our overall wellbeing in remarkable ways!

In this post, I am excited to share how topical CBD and aromatherapy can significantly improve the lives of individuals experiencing joint pain. I’ll explore the many advantages of CBD, emphasizing its role in reducing pain and inflammation and in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, repetitive strain injury (RSI), and nerve pain.

Chronic Joint Pain

Chronic joint pain affects millions of individuals worldwide. Finding effective, long-term pain management solutions remains a challenge for both patients and healthcare providers.

Many adults over 50 experience joint pain, particularly in the knees and hands. Chronic joint pain can impair daily activities and reduce quality of life, and often leads to other conditions, such as poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and overall reduction in quality of life.

Pain, especially chronic pain, is a deeply personal, complex, and distressing experience. This complexity also offers multiple paths to recovery.

We can respond appropriately and take good care.

Like other chronic pain treatments, standard methods mainly address symptoms rather than root causes. Many older adults seek complementary therapies for relief.

While traditional medications like opioids and NSAIDs are often prescribed, they come with their own set of risks and side effects. In recent years, CBD (Cannabidiol) has gained attention as a promising alternative for managing pain without the harmful effects of more conventional treatments.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic joint problems that affects quality of life and is a significant cause of disability.

The term “arthritis” derives from the Greek words “arthron” and “itis”, which mean inflammation of the joint. It is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by pain, swelling, and joint rigidity.

The first signs of arthritis in fingers often include

• dull aching pain
• stiffness (especially in the morning)
• swelling
• warmth
• tenderness
• and sometimes a grinding sensation when moving joints, making fine tasks difficult and grip weaker.

These early symptoms, affecting knuckles or fingertips, indicate inflammation and cartilage changes, leading to discomfort, limited movement, and potential bony bumps (nodules) as the condition progresses. 

Living with arthritis can be an arduous journey, as chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation infiltrate almost every aspect of daily life.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Another joint condition involves tendons and nerves that are subjected to repetitive motion or excessive overuse.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) often occur near joints, as these areas are critical for essential daily activities such as walking, lifting, climbing stairs, and exercising. These types of injuries, which affect muscles and tendons, often occur among individuals who spend long hours typing or performing repetitive manual tasks.

I recently sustained this type of strain injury around my elbow while weeding the garden. Common issues include back pain or tendonitis caused by stooping, digging, weeding, and pruning. RSIs can affect anyone who engages in repetitive movements, including active individuals and athletes.

Enhancing Wellness with CBD

January is National CBD Month!

This is the perfect time to explore joint pain relief and discover how Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil can enhance your comfort and overall wellbeing!

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp plant that offers a range of potential benefits.

CBD does not create the psychoactive effects associated with a “high.” Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters. This system is essential for regulating various physiological and psychological processes.

Research has shown that the ECS system regulates our sleep, mood, appetite, pain, memory, and reproductive/fertility systems. This system produces natural cannabinoids as needed. This system is designed to keep our bodies in a healthy, comfortable state of wellbeing as we go about our daily lives.

Cannabis as Medicine

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana or ganja, among other names, is a non-chemically uniform psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. It has been used medicinally for centuries, with some of the earliest records dating back to 2900 BC in China.

In the past decade, interest in the therapeutic benefits of cannabis has grown significantly. This has prompted research into cannabis use for various health conditions, its medicinal benefits, and the potential risks associated with long-term use.

Cannabis has shown potential benefits in treating both acute and chronic pain in patients. One of the most compelling reasons patients and doctors alike are turning to topical CBD for joint pain management is its potential to offer relief without the risks associated with traditional pain medications.

CBD is Not Cannabis

Although CBD is different from marijuana and does not produce a high, it is primarily derived from the hemp plant, which is the primary source for most CBD products available today.

Many are curious about CBD’s potential to help individuals with arthritis and similar conditions manage their pain. Early anecdotal reports and promising initial studies indicate its benefits, though further scientific research is needed to understand its impact fully.

How CBD Relieves Chronic Pain

CBD enhances the body’s existing endocannabinoid system by delivering additional beneficial cannabinoids that promote proper bodily function and overall wellbeing. These cannabinoids are directed to the affected areas to provide pain relief, elevate mood, and improve cognitive function.

CBD interacts with the ECS in several ways

• Altering Pain Signaling: CBD influences CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system. By modulating these receptors, CBD may affect pain signaling pathways, potentially reducing pain perception.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation. CBD has shown anti-inflammatory properties by interacting with receptors involved in the immune response. By reducing inflammation, CBD may help alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions.
• Neuroprotective Properties: CBD offers promising neuroprotective effects that could enhance brain health. This insight is crucial in chronic pain conditions, where the impact of nerve damage or dysfunction can drive persistent and often overwhelming discomfort.

Recognizing this link not only sheds light on the complexities of pain but also opens the door to more effective management strategies, offering hope for relief to those affected.

CBD Isolate

In my formula, I use pure CBD isolate, CO2-extracted from organic, non-GMO hemp. It contains 0% THC and is non-psychoactive, making it ideal for topical transdermal use.

CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol, typically a tasteless, odorless white crystalline powder or slab that has had all other plant compounds, including minor cannabinoids and terpenes, removed during extraction. The isolate is the most concentrated form of CBD.

I infuse it into jojoba oil, which can be absorbed into joints for localized relief. CBD isolate and jojoba oil naturally complement each other, targeting local cannabinoid receptors in the joints and helping balance and moisturize your skin.

Combining CBD Isolate with Aromatherapy

Healthcare professionals treat pain, including arthritis, with anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these medications may be costly and cause adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal and organ damage, in some people.

Aromatherapy often uses essential oils to relieve joint pain, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Topical aromatherapy solutions readily meet this need for pain management.

CBD and aromatherapy provide complementary, non-addictive methods for managing chronic joint pain by reducing inflammation, modulating pain signals, and promoting relaxation.

Our blend of organic essential oils has a rich history of traditional topical use in folk medicine. For people experiencing joint discomfort, Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil offers a natural way to ease pain.

I have carefully crafted a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ingredients. Applied topically, it significantly reduces joint discomfort and improves comfort and mobility.

This was my ultimate solution for the elbow pain I experienced after pulling weeds, and it truly made a remarkable difference.

Essential Oils for Joint Pain

It is well known that many botanical essential oils (EO) have analgesic properties. Low toxicity and reduced toxicity are among the advantages of using them for joint pain relief. These oils penetrate the joints to enhance blood circulation, reduce swelling, improve metabolic function, and temporarily relieve joint pain.

Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil contains a holistic blend of the following essential oils to help soothe inflammation and, in turn, pain. They are expertly diluted in a premium carrier oil blend that features Jojoba, CBD, and Arnica oils, ensuring maximum effectiveness and absorption.

Lavender 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil helps relieve joint pain, providing a natural alternative to traditional pain management methods. The benefits of lavender for joint pain are mainly due to its proven anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and calming properties.

Research indicates it can reduce arthritis-related pain. This effect is achieved by interacting with receptors on sensory nerve endings, reducing pain perception and calming the nervous system, making it a go-to option for arthritis management.

Tumeric 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), primarily through its active compound curcumin, is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory effects that may help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Turmeric benefits include its high effectiveness in helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis. Research, including clinical studies and meta-analyses, indicates that curcumin can significantly reduce inflammation, improve pain and function, and demonstrate efficacy comparable to NSAIDs but with fewer side effects. 

Ginger 

Warm and spicy, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) oil is packed with gingerols and shogaols, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects. Its remarkable properties make it an invaluable addition to aromatherapy formulas, helping reduce joint swelling and discomfort.

For arthritis, Ginger oil helps reduce stiffness, increase flexibility, and ease discomfort during movement.

Frankincense 

Frankincense oil, specifically the Boswellia serrata variety, inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules linked to conditions like arthritis and may help prevent cartilage breakdown. It has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation, offering a natural option for treating pain related to muscles, joints, and tendons.

Myrrh 

Similar to frankincense, Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) oil contains compounds that may help block inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing swelling and chronic pain associated with arthritis. When used together with frankincense, these essential oils work synergistically to suppress inflammation and reduce pain intensity.

Sweet Birch 

Sweet Birch (Betula lenta) oil is an exceptional remedy that provides powerful relief from joint and muscle pain. Its effectiveness makes it a must-have for anyone seeking comfort and relief.

The main compound in birch oil, making up over 99%, is Methyl Salicylate. This compound is used in many commercial over-the-counter pain ointments and creams in minimal amounts. It takes very little to do the job.

Wintergreen 

Like birch oil, Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) oil contains methyl salicylate, which in small amounts provides notable anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It offers powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects when diluted and applied topically.

Chamomile 

Known for its gentle nature, Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) oil is surprisingly effective at reducing inflammation. It contains compounds such as chamazulene and bisabolol, which are deeply soothing to sore, swollen joints.

The use of chamomile oil for carpal tunnel syndrome (a nerve compression in the wrist) has also been examined, with results indicating that a diluted topical solution reduced symptom severity after 4 weeks.

Black Pepper 

Although less common, Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) oil plays a significant role in the treatment of arthritis. This oil is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to enhance the effectiveness of other oils.

It provides circulation-boosting benefits, helping loosen stiff joints and relieve muscle tension. Studies indicate that it may function as a powerful natural pain reliever by transforming the way we perceive pain.

Specialty Ingredients

Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil offers a unique, natural way to reduce inflammation and promote pain relief through a proprietary alchemical blend infused with DMSO, CBD, and organic essential oils. These ingredients have potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that effectively relieve joint pain.

DMSO

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a potent free-radical scavenger and an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It also has pain-relieving, collagen-softening, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it an incredibly effective natural pain reliever.

According to Dr. Morton Walker in his book, DMSO, Nature’s Healer, applied topically.

1. It penetrates the synovial fluid to diminish swelling and joint inflammation.
2. It blocks pain by interrupting the conduction in the small C-fibers, the nonmyelinated nerve fibers.
3. It transports essential oils across membranes to enhance penetration.
4. It tends to soften collagen, especially scar tissue.

Comfrey Root

Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) herbal extract is uniquely capable of penetrating the skin deeply enough to reach the synovial fluid, thereby helping reduce joint inflammation.

This unique ingredient enhances CBD’s potency, improving bioavailability and helping maximize its benefits. It is clinically proven to relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, significantly improving function and allowing some users to reduce pain medication.

Summary

“When painful sensations arise, we can simply meet them with clarity and presence; we can see that pain is just pain. We can listen to pain’s message and respond appropriately—taking good care.”       –Tara Brach

I’ve explored a holistic approach to managing chronic joint pain, with a focus on topical CBD and aromatherapy.

Chronic joint pain, often stemming from arthritis and other conditions such as RSI and nerve pain, significantly impacts daily life, especially for adults over 50. Standard treatments like NSAIDs and opioids may have adverse side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies.

If you or someone you know is suffering from joint pain, Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil offers temporary relief from stiffness and inflammation. It is particularly effective for the knees, hands, shoulders, and hips.

Our exclusive alchemical wellness blend quickly absorbs, providing pain relief within minutes. Its formulation enhances absorption and deep tissue penetration, increasing overall effectiveness. This exceptional oil also reduces discomfort from various joint conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, and tendonitis, which are common sources of pain.

Sandhi Soothing Joint Relief Oil combines CBD and aromatherapy to provide temporary relief from stiffness and inflammation. It is especially effective for the knees, hands, elbows, and shoulders. This natural, non-addictive option helps manage chronic joint pain, improving comfort and mobility. It offers hope to those seeking alternatives to conventional treatments.

All my aromatic love,

Vidya