CBD For Hand Tremors

Hand tremors are small, rhythmic, involuntary muscle contractions that cause your hands to shake or tremble. There are two types of tremors, resting and active. Resting tremors occur when a person is physically still. Active tremors occur when the person is engaged in activity involving the arms or hands. The symptoms of hand tremors range from non-serious to debilitating. Tremors can often signal a larger underlying health issue. Several things may cause hand tremors including:

• Essential Tremor 
• Parkinson’s Disease 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Hyperthyroidism
• Caffeine overconsumption
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Lack of sleep
• Low blood sugar
• Stress
• Certain medications 
• Cigarettes
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Pheochromocytoma
• Liver disorders
• Strokes
• Brain Injuries
• Dystonia

CBD and other cannabinoids have shown to be effective in providing relief from symptoms that accompany the above issues, such as muscle tension, seizures, and shaking. CBD is a safe and accessible alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Conventional medication often comes with many serious side effects, and CBD is a natural way to avoid these side effects. 

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the most prevalent active cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It’s present in marijuana, but most CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant. Unlike its well-known counterpart THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that it doesn’t produce the mind altering effects that THC is famous for. Studies have shown CBD to have potential for a number of therapeutic effects. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory 
• Anti-anxiety
• Relief from chemotherapy side effects
• Multiple sclerosis relief
• Epilepsy and seizure relief
• Glaucoma relief
• Relief from Parkinson’s disease induced tremors
• Relief from brain and spinal cord injuries

The FDA has approved CBD’s therapeutic benefits. Also, the epilepsy drug, Epidiolex, is the first ever CBD-based drug to be FDA-approved.

CBD helps to control hand tremor symptoms by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a bodily system composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. This system has been shown to help regulate a number of functions within the body. The ECS is believed to have started its evolution over 500 million years ago and it exists in all vertebrates and invertebrates.

Endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters exist as messengers that help cells communicate with each other. Endocannabinoids are produced by the body as necessary to help with several bodily functions. 

Cannabinoids (or phytocannabinoids) are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant (and other plants). They are similar to endocannabinoids produced by the body, and they too affect the endocannabinoid system. 

Endocannabinoid receptors are on the surface of cells throughout the entire body. Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bind with these receptors which signal to the ECS to trigger a response. 

The enzymes create and also break down endocannabinoids when they are no longer needed. 

Research has shown that endocannabinoids play a role in regulating many bodily functions including:

• Pain sensation
• Thermoregulation
• Mood
• Memory
• Appetite
• Stress
• Sleep
• Metabolism 
• Immune function
• Reproduction
• Digestion
• Inflammatory response

How Does CBD Help With Hand Tremors?

CBD can specifically target the ECS receptors responsible for muscle movement. This allows for enhanced relaxation and lowered inflammation, easing the symptoms of hand tremors. CBD’s neuroprotectant qualities play a part in successfully treating neurological diseases such as hand tremors. 

A 2020 study performed on mice tested several different doses of CBD. The results revealed effective suppression of tremors without the unwanted side effects of impairment or sedation. This discovery could make CBD a potential alternative to pharmaceutical drugs that are laden with side effects. 

The anti-seizure and antispasmodic effects of cannabinoids create relaxation and tranquility in the body. These qualities lend themselves to calming or resolving hand tremors. Patients with Parkinson’s disease show lower than normal levels of dopamine. CBD reacts with dopamine neurotransmitters, and this could be why CBD is effective in treating tremors. More studies are needed in regards to cannabinoids and dopamine regulation. 

CBD blocks the release of pro-inflammatory proteins known to damage the nervous system. By providing this protection against inflammation, the ECS and the nervous system can work together to sustain healthy, high-functioning neural pathways. This contributes to a lower risk of developing neurological disorders such as tremors. 

Types of CBD Available

There are three main types of CBD on the market: full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. The difference between the three is the chemical compound content in each one. 

• Full spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids found in the cannabis plant. This includes THC but under federal US law the amount of THC must be 0.3% or less. Full spectrum CBD is a great option as the entourage effect of having a full range of compounds increases the therapeutic benefits of the product.
• Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and other plant compounds, minus THC. This is a great option for people that do not want any THC in their system. 
• CBD isolate contains CBD only. 

CBD Dosage for Tremors and How to Administer

According to this 2018 review of CBD studies, the recommended dose for individuals treating brain and nervous system conditions is 1 to 50 milligrams. As always when trying new cannabis products, it’s best to start with a very low dose, and work your way up from there. Cannabis affects everyone differently and it takes time to know how your body will respond to the compounds. High doses of CBD are not recommended as the potential for side effects is increased. These side effects include dry mouth, sedation, appetite fluctuation, lethargy, and diarrhea. CBD is contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical medications. If you are taking any prescription meds, consult with your doctor before commencing CBD treatment. 

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CBD comes in many different forms such as oil, tincture, capsules, and liquid for vaping. Each type has its benefits. 

CBD oil and tinctures are taken from a dropper sublingually (under the tongue). The benefit of oil and tinctures is that it’s easy to monitor the dosage as it is administered one drop at a time. The skin under the tongue is thinner, making this area optimal for absorption. Tinctures have the longest shelf-life out of the two options. 

CBD capsules are handy if you don’t want to experience the taste of CBD. Also, they are convenient to take if you are following a dosage schedule or need medicine that is mobile and easy to administer. The effects of capsules last longer than oil because the CBD is released gradually from the liver.

Vaping CBD is effective if you would like the benefits to kick in quickly. The effects of CBD inhaled through aerosols or vaporization can be felt in 10 minutes or less. 

Making CBD Choices

As always when beginning a journey with a new cannabis product, it is best to do ample research. When treating a serious condition such as hand tremors and related ailments, speak with your doctor before trying anything new. Also, the staff at The Green Dragon CBD are knowledgeable and always happy to help. Contact us here with any cannabis-related questions. The blog section of The Green Dragon CBD website is full of CBD information and is updated frequently. 

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