Using CBD For Lymphedema

Lymphedema is more than just swelling.

It’s also the inability to fit into your old clothes, the embarrassment, and the constant feeling of heaviness.

Luckily, just because it’s chronic doesn’t mean these feelings are forever. Taking CBD can help reduce the worst of your symptoms and bring you to a new normal.

What is Lymphedema? 113

Lymphedema is a condition where the body's tissues become swollen due to a build-up of protein-rich fluid. Typically, lymphedema affects the arms and legs, making it difficult to move around as usual. Lymphedema can also cause a tight or heavy feeling in the affected region.

Since the cells which typically fight infection can’t reach the affected region due to swelling, lymphedema can also increase your risk of infection. The skin in this region can also become scarred or thickened over time.

While lymphedema will initially come and go, it will become more permanent if left untreated. It will also grow more severe with time and spread to neighboring regions.

What Causes Lymphedema?

Lymphedema develops due to damage to a person’s lymphatic system and is often chronic. This damage can occur for several reasons, depending on the type of lymphedema one has.

Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is caused by genetic mutations that cause some defects in one’s lymphatic system. Since this is a genetic condition, it tends to run in families and is a life-long condition.

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to a functioning lymphatic system. Most commonly, this is caused by cancer, cancer treatment, and infection. Obesity, certain diseases, and severe injury can also cause the disease, though they are less common.

Related: CBD for Sunburns: What You Need to Know

The Lymphatic System 122

Since the underlying cause of lymphedema is damage to the lymphatic system, it may be helpful to understand what the lymphatic system is to see how CBD can alleviate its symptoms.

As blood circulates, lymph fluid will sometimes leak from the bloodstream and into nearby lymphatic tissue. These tissues will filter the lymph for any waste and then pass it on to lymph nodes, which then bring the lymph back to the bloodstream. The network of tissue and vessels used in the process makes up the lymphatic system.

What does this process accomplish? Through the lymphatic system, the body can maintain healthy fluid levels, prevent infection/disease, and remove any waste from the body and bloodstream.

How CBD Can Help Lymphedema

Though lymphedema is a chronic condition, using a high-quality CBD cream can help alleviate symptoms. One of the most widely-known effects of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. Naturally, this means that any inflammation caused by lymphedema can be reduced using CBD, in addition to relieving area-specific pain or soreness that may be caused by lymphedema.

Though there is currently little research on the subject, some believe that topical CBD can support the lymphatic system. While CBD itself is considered to have detoxifying effects on the lymphatic system, simply applying it can help since massaging is known to boost drainage.

Related: CBN vs CBG vs CBD

How to Choose CBD for Lymphedema

The endless jargon concerning CBD can make it an intimidating product to buy. Luckily, there are really only three things to keep in mind as you shop for CBD: the dosage, spectrum type, and third-party testing. Looking for products with these qualities will ensure that you get an effective product for your lymphedema symptoms:

Mind your Dosage

Since CBD affects every person differently, it’s best to keep your ideal dosage in mind when buying CBD to ensure you’re getting a long-lasting product. Most products recommend 3 to 8 milligrams per application though high-strength CBD products may need less.

If you don’t have much experience with CBD, it’s best to start on the lower end of the spectrum and work your way up gradually to find what’s most effective for you. If you think you’ll need a higher dosage, however, it’s best to look for larger products that last a long time.

Look for Full-Spectrum

CBD can be made as either an isolate, broad-spectrum or a full-spectrum product. While isolates and broad-spectrums have a lower THC content, full-spectrum products are better for lymphedema symptoms.

Full-spectrum is ideal for lymphedema because of the entourage effect, which states that the benefits of CBD tend to be increased when it’s combined with other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum products include several other cannabinoids, which means that they will be more effective. And, though they contain higher concentrations of THC than isolates or broad-spectrum products, all full-spectrum CBD products must have under 0.3% THC, which isn’t enough to get you high.

Find a Third-Party tested product

The number one thing to look for in a CBD product is always third-party testing. Since the federal regulation of CBD is fairly relaxed, many CBD companies will lie about what’s in their products. Luckily, third-party tested products guarantee that you get what you’re paying for since they’re sent to independent labs to test potency and quality.

Related: Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD

Our Top Choice

If you’re considering CBD for your lymphedema symptoms, consider Bordertown Farm’s 1000mg topical CBD liniment. and the 1300mg pain relief ointment.

As a small, family-owned business, we know the importance of hard work and strive to create the highest-quality CBD for all of our products. Our extra-strength CBD linament is made using all organic ingredients and is infused with a pleasant, lavender scent to create a luxurious application process. This is also a full-spectrum, third-party tested product, so it’s sure to improve inflammation and pain, leaving the worst of your lymphedema symptoms in the past.

Final Words

Dealing with lymphedema can be tough. Whether it’s genetic or developed later in life, the constant swelling, tightness, and lack of motion is frustrating. And, as with any chronic disease, the feeling of helplessness can make it infinitely worse.

Luckily, using the right CBD product can alleviate lymphedema symptoms and bring a little more peace and control to a seemingly hopeless situation. And, by choosing a farm that grows organic, high-quality hemp like Bordertown Farm, you’re guaranteed to get a product made with love.

Ready to see if CBD is the right solution for your lymphedema symptoms? Check out our CBD linament today!