Author: Brian Cusack

Last updated: October 2026. Inflammation has become a buzzword. It is blamed for everything from tiredness to sore joints, and countless products claim to “fight” it. But inflammation is not the enemy. It is one of the body’s most important defence and repair systems, and without it you would not survive a cut finger. This guide explains what inflammation actually is, why it sometimes causes pain, the difference between short-term and long-term inflammation, and the everyday habits that research links with a healthier balance. The short answer Important: this is general information, not medical advice. If you live with pain, work with your GP or a pain specialist. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, chest pain, or pain with weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. What is inflammation? When tissue is injured or infected, the immune system sends in a rapid response team. Blood vessels widen to bring more blood to the area, and become leakier so that immune cells and proteins can reach the tissue. White blood cells clear away germs and damaged cells, and repair begins. This process is coordinated by chemical messengers, including histamine, prostaglandins and cytokines. Some of these messengers also make nerve endings more sensitive, which is why inflamed areas hurt. That sensitivity is useful: it encourages you to protect the injured area while it heals. The five classic signs Doctors have described the signs of acute inflammation for nearly two thousand years: Sign Latin term Why it happens Redness Rubor Increased blood flow Heat Calor Increased blood flow and metabolic activity Swelling Tumor Fluid and cells leaking into tissue Pain Dolor Chemical messengers sensitise nerves Loss of function Functio laesa Pain and swelling limit movement Acute vs chronic inflammation Acute inflammation Acute inflammation is fast and short-lived. A sprained ankle, a sore throat or a splinter all trigger it. It usually peaks within a day or two and settles as healing progresses. This is healthy and necessary. Chronic inflammation Sometimes inflammation does not switch off properly. Chronic inflammation can be part of specific conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis, which need medical diagnosis and treatment. There is also a less visible “low-grade” inflammation, measurable in blood tests, that researchers have linked with lifestyle factors and with a higher risk of long-term conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Inflammation and pain Not all pain is caused by inflammation, and not all inflammation causes pain. Pain is produced by the nervous system, and it can be influenced by many factors, including sleep, stress, mood and past experiences. In persistent pain, the nervous system itself can become more sensitive, so pain continues even after tissue has healed. This is why understanding pain usually requires a broader view than inflammation alone. Our article on pain and mental health explores this. Lifestyle factors linked with low-grade inflammation Habits with the best evidence Move regularly Regular physical activity has some of the most consistent evidence for lowering inflammatory markers over time. Aim for the HSE guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, plus strength exercises twice a week. Eat a Mediterranean-style diet Diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil and oily fish are associated with lower inflammatory markers in research. In Irish terms, that might mean porridge with berries, more beans and lentils in stews, oily fish such as mackerel or salmon twice a week, a handful of nuts as a snack, and plenty of vegetables with every meal. Sleep well Aim for consistent sleep and wake times. Our guide to the circadian rhythm explains how. Stop smoking and limit alcohol The HSE QUIT service offers free support to stop smoking. For alcohol, keep within the low-risk guidelines: less than 11 standard drinks a week for women and less than 17 for men, with alcohol-free days. Manage stress Regular movement, time outdoors, social connection, and techniques such as slow breathing or mindfulness all help. See our breathing techniques guide. A week of inflammation-friendly meals You do not need special foods or expensive powders. Small swaps in an ordinary Irish diet go a long way: Meal Simple swap Breakfast Porridge with frozen berries and a spoon of seeds instead of sugary cereal Lunch Wholegrain bread or a bean soup instead of white bread and processed meats Snack A handful of nuts or a piece of fruit instead of biscuits Dinner Baked mackerel or salmon twice a week, with plenty of vegetables Cooking Olive or rapeseed oil instead of butter for most cooking Drinks Water, tea or coffee instead of sugary drinks; alcohol-free evenings in the week Irish rapeseed oil is a good, locally produced choice for cooking and is lower in saturated fat than butter. Frozen fruit and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and help reduce waste. Inflammation after exercise If you are sore a day or two after a new workout, that is usually delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a normal part of muscles adapting. It typically peaks 24 to 72 hours after exercise and settles on its own. Gentle movement, a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated and building up training gradually are the best approaches. Many athletes also use heat, massage and topical products as part of their recovery routine. Sharp pain, significant swelling or pain that does not improve after a week should be checked by a GP or physiotherapist. What about supplements and CBD? Many supplements are marketed as “anti-inflammatory”. The evidence for most is limited, and none should replace medical treatment for an inflammatory condition. Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish have been widely studied. Researchers are also interested in how CBD and other compounds from hemp interact with the immune system, but this research is mostly in the laboratory and in animals. CBD sold as a food supplement in Ireland is not intended to treat, prevent or reduce inflammation or any condition, and we make no

Last updated: October 2026. People often ask us whether CBD is “better than” painkillers. It is an understandable question: many people living with aches want an option that fits into a more natural routine. But it is the wrong comparison, and the honest answer matters. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are licensed medicines with decades of research behind them. CBD is sold in Ireland as a food supplement and is not licensed to treat pain. This guide explains how they differ, what each is, the safety points for both, and how to make informed choices with your GP or pharmacist. The short answer Important: this is general information, not medical advice. If you live with pain, work with your GP or a pain specialist. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, chest pain, or pain with weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. How common painkillers work Medicine Type How it works (simplified) Key safety points Paracetamol Analgesic Thought to act mainly in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain signals and fever Safe at recommended doses; overdose can cause serious liver damage. Never exceed the stated dose or combine products containing paracetamol. Ibuprofen, naproxen NSAIDs Reduce production of prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation and pain Can irritate the stomach, affect kidneys and raise blood pressure. Not suitable for everyone, including some people with asthma, heart, kidney or stomach problems. Codeine combinations Opioid Converted in the body to morphine, which acts on opioid receptors Pharmacy-only in Ireland under pharmacist supervision. Can cause drowsiness, constipation and dependence; generally recommended for no more than three days. In Ireland, pack sizes of paracetamol are limited to reduce the risk of accidental and deliberate overdose, and codeine-containing products are sold only in pharmacies with a pharmacist involved in the sale. These rules exist because these medicines are effective but carry real risks if misused. What is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it is not intoxicating. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and signalling molecules found throughout the body, as well as with several other receptor systems. We explain this in more detail in the hidden system inside you. Research into CBD and pain is ongoing. Laboratory and animal studies have explored how CBD interacts with pain and inflammation pathways, and a number of small human studies have been carried out, with mixed results. Systematic reviews have generally concluded that there is not yet good-quality evidence that CBD on its own relieves pain in humans. CBD products sold as food supplements in Ireland cannot claim to treat, relieve or prevent pain, and we do not make such claims. The key differences Over-the-counter painkillers CBD food supplements Regulation Licensed medicines regulated by the HPRA Food supplements; not licensed as medicines Evidence for pain Established through many clinical trials Early and mixed; not proven Dosing Clear, tested doses on the pack Serving suggestions on the label; no established “pain dose” Claims allowed Can state indications such as headache or period pain Cannot claim to treat, cure or prevent any condition Interactions Listed in the patient leaflet Can interact with some medicines; check with a pharmacist Why people are interested in CBD Many people tell us they like CBD because it fits into a daily routine, it is not intoxicating, and they want to feel more in control of their own wellbeing. Some use topical products such as our CBD Muscle & Joint Cream after exercise or a long day on their feet, or CBD oil such as our CBD Oil 20% as part of an evening wind-down. These are personal choices about general wellbeing, not treatments. Can you take CBD with painkillers? This is a question for your GP or pharmacist, and the answer depends on what you take. CBD is broken down in the liver by the same enzymes (part of the cytochrome P450 system) that process many medicines. This means CBD could change the levels of some medicines in your blood. Medicines where interactions are a particular concern include blood thinners such as warfarin, some epilepsy medicines, some antidepressants and sedatives, and opioids. Taking CBD with paracetamol has also raised questions about the liver in research settings, so check with your pharmacist if you use both regularly. Never stop or reduce prescribed medication to replace it with CBD. If your pain is not well controlled, talk to your GP about options. Beyond tablets: approaches with good evidence For long-term pain in particular, the most effective plans usually combine several approaches. Ask your GP about: Our guides to five ways to manage pain, natural approaches to pain in Ireland and pain and mental health cover these in more depth. Questions to ask your GP or pharmacist If you are thinking about adding CBD to your routine while using pain medication, going in with clear questions helps you get the most from the conversation: Bring a list of everything you take, including supplements, so your GP or pharmacist has the full picture. Short-term pain vs long-term pain It helps to understand the difference between short-term (acute) pain and long-term (chronic or persistent) pain. Acute pain, from a sprained ankle, a dental problem or a headache, is usually linked to a clear cause and settles as the body heals. Over-the-counter painkillers are designed for this kind of pain, used for a short time. Persistent pain lasts more than three months. It is more complex: the nervous system can become more sensitive over time, so pain can continue even after tissues have healed. Long-term use of painkillers is often less helpful for this type of pain and can bring side effects. That is why pain specialists usually recommend a combination of approaches, including activity, sleep, stress management and psychological support, tailored to the individual. If you have had pain for three months or more, ask your GP about a full review and, where appropriate, a referral to physiotherapy or