CBD and Ibuprofen: Is One Better Than the Other?

I don’t know about the household you grew up in, but I knew what ibuprofen was before I was old enough to tolerate bread crust on a sandwich. It was a go-to for headaches and pain relief–and for good reason–but as I’ve grown older and learned more about more naturally-derived alternatives, I now keep a different staple laying around to help me through periods of discomfort; hemp! Let’s see how CBD and ibuprofen stack up.

Why Try Hemp When Ibuprofen Exists?

Hemp flower and hemp extracts contain high levels of compounds known as cannabinoids, the most well-known of those–at least in the last few years–is Cannabidiol (CBD). This makes hemp-derived CBD products a great thing to keep in your medicine cabinet (and elsewhere) because science is proving CBD to be effective in treating inflammation–among many other things–making it a natural alternative to pharmaceutical remedies like ibuprofen.

CBD and Ibuprofen: How They Can Provide Relief

Ibuprofen is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps lower fevers and ease minor pain by reducing the level of prostaglandins made by the human body. This provides relief because prostaglandins are natural, hormone-like substances that get released after an injury and contribute to inflammation through swelling, fever, and pain sensitivity.  

Similar to NSAIDs, CBD affects certain enzymes and molecules in our bodies that cause inflammation. It does so by interacting with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system which reaches throughout our bodies and allows for the benefits of CBD to potentially be experienced through ingestion, inhalation, and topical application. In other words; unlike ibuprofen, you don’t necessarily need to swallow a pill to enjoy hemp-derived relief from various ailments.

CBD and Ibuprofen: Known Side Effects  

Common side effects of ibuprofen include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. However, those effects are usually mild and for most people can be avoided by taking their dose with milk or food. There are certainly more serious side effects associated with taking too much Ibuprofen (AKA an overdose) or taking it for too long of a time period–which means there are higher risks of negative effects in older adults. These can include heart attack, stroke, increased blood pressure, decreased kidney function, ulcers, stomach bleeding, and liver failure. 

There are also a few possible negative side effects associated with the use of certain CBD extracts; most notably a change in appetite, irritability, diarrhea, and fatigue. It’s worth mentioning, though, that these side effects are extremely rare–especially when the CBD extract is of a high quality and from a trusted, verified source. 

Why Choose One Over The Other?

Ibuprofen has been a staple in over-the-counter pain relief for decades, but when the range of uses and potential side effects are compared to CBD extracts; CBD appears to be superior in a lot of ways. It’s available in a wider variety of forms, is more naturally-derived, has a longer list of potential health benefits, and has a much shorter list of negative potential side effects.

The next time you’re feeling discomfort due to inflammation of any kind, try something hemp-derived before reaching for the pharmaceuticals. If you aren’t quite sure where to start or how to get the most out of your selection, visit our Phoenix storefront or shop our webstore. Root your health and happiness in the gifts of nature!