CBD for RLS
CBD For RLS
Numerous patients of the RLS, or Restless Legs Syndrome, have stated that Cannabis overall
eases their difficulties in having the RLS. Cannabis, or popularly known as Marijuana, has many
chemicals, which is why it is quite unclear as to which elements of Cannabis have proved
beneficial for people with RLS.
However, Cannabidiol (CBD) is presumed to be the critical component of Cannabis in helping
patients with severe RLS. CBD has significantly potent muscle relaxants, which can efficiently
calm the RLS patient's nerves, thus easing their discomfort overall.
Researcher's Take on CBD for RLS
RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. It is an uncomfortable
disorder that causes a widespread reaction to the nervous system, causing hyperactivity
throughout the legs. Low dopamine levels of the brain cause it. In general, the ailment is most
severe during the night when the patient is trying to be comfortable lying down or when the
patient is trying to sleep.
The ailment can severely impact an individual's mood, memory, and productivity as it may
cause extreme exhaustion during the night resulting in sleep disorders. It will also cause
sleepiness during the day due to a lack of sleep. In some cases, various ailments use
FDA-approved drugs such as anti-seizure, gabapentin enacarbil, and benzodiazepines.
When it comes to Indica, Cannabis, or medical Marijuana, the drug does not let the patient get
high due to it not having THC, the psychoactive counterpart of the drug. When chemicals enter
the patient's body, the chemicals will interact with the endocannabinoid system, resulting in
balancing out the stress, pain sensations, and overall sleep function.
The common RLS symptoms of a patient are having a severe urge or uncompelling desire to
move the legs. It may also have accompanying characteristics such as having a moment of
relief when moving, chronic pain, leg twitching at night, severe sensations after rest, and
symptoms that worsen during the evening.
Symptoms may include uncontrollable twisting of legs, back pain, tingling, spasm, itchy legs,
goosebumps, and burning sensations. Researchers have long suspected that there is a
connection between RLS and having low iron levels, and individuals who have Iron Deficiency
anemia are vulnerable to restless leg syndrome. Also, it affects a third of all the women who
have fibromyalgia.
How Does It Help Restless Leg Syndrome Patients
For patients who have RLS, relief can come from making their legs active, a warm shower,
rubbing of the unpleasant sensations, and walking regularly. Even though RLS has been known
for quite some time now, United States researchers recently discovered various alternative
methods in treating the syndrome during their clinical trials. On top of the list is the oil substance
of Cannabinoids.
Previously, the only method to ease the patient's symptoms of RLS was to use hot and cold
compresses, hot baths, pharmaceutical products, and massaging it. Now, the best CBD oil has
the potential to lessen the symptoms as the chemical and medical cannabis can alleviate the
symptoms and discomfort RLS patients have.
However, Cannabinoids, medical Marijuana, or medical Cannabis from Indica plants cannot
cure an individual's condition. The only benefit it has for RLS is that it will only lessen the
symptoms to have a more bearable quality of life. Other ailments, such as Parkinson's Disease,
can also greatly benefit from Indica products to lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
The How-To's of Using CBD for RLS
There are various ways on how to take CBD oil for Restless Leg Syndrome patients. With all the
available options, an individual can find the best option for their symptoms to give RLS the best
pain relief. Methods that can help ease the symptoms of RLS are as follows:
●
Sublingual: Products that can be consumed sublingually are tinctures that can only be
applied under the individual's tongue. Without swallowing the product, the product must
be under the tongue from 30 seconds up to a minute. The chemicals will be delivered
through the sublingual gland under the tongue, rather than ingested directly. Sublingual
CBD products are often available, and it comes in small bottles with a dropper.
●
Topical: Statistics and testimonials have indicated that the majority of the people who
utilize CBD oil use the form of a cream or ointment. They apply the cream for RLS
because of how the cream hits specified areas and how the effect for restless legs is
fast-acting. Creams can be absorbed through the person's skin rather quickly than
anything else, as it can easily reach the endocannabinoid receptors.
●
Intranasal: Intranasal products is one of the most popular remedies for RLS as it
promotes a much faster way to feel the benefits of CBD. Vaping or vape products
accompanied by CBD E-liquids are considered most efficient as a remedy for the
ailment. The vapor enters the lungs of an individual and rapidly spreads throughout the
body's bloodstream. Overall, the product provides a pleasant experience with many
flavor options while staying nicotine-free. There are also terpenes, and it has a low
boiling point compared to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
●
Edible: Edible products are CBD oils consumed by mouth as the chemicals are mixed
with various foods and drinks. The edible method may take more time than the rest to
have an effect on the product. For convenience, edible CBD can also be bought in the
form of gummies or gummy bears and other similar treats. This method can be a
convenient way for patients to consume CBD without worrying about getting looked at
from passers-by. It is also considered to be the most enjoyable experience.
The Dosage for RLS
Using CBD oil products is not that simple and straightforward, which is why researchers and
doctors have recommended patients to always start with a low dosage. Moreover, patients
should consider their bodies when consuming it, such as tolerance levels, symptom severities,
and body weight. 10-15 mg of CBD oil is most suited for beginners.
Before consuming the product, it is essential to talk to a physician. In doing so, patients would
be aware of how much they need and can take and its possible side effects such as nausea,
low blood pressure, dry mouth, and drowsiness. Moreover, CBD products are not recommended
for patients taking medications for their liver, causing liver damage.
Bottom Line
In 2020, it is recorded that almost 10 percent of the world's population is suffering from Restless
Leg Syndrome, and it is considered to be one of the most unpleasant neurological disorders.
Thus, researchers have considered CBD oil to be the safest and most logical solution for the
ailment. It is also prescribed to people with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease.