When you hear the word “CBD,” the term “wellness” tags along. Why is it so? Because CBD has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for your health and wellness. The most common use of CBD oil is in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied topically. It may also be taken orally as a capsule, pill, or liquid extract.
Let’s first talk a bit about what CBD is. Then we’ll dive deeper into the top reasons why it’s so beneficial. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants. It does not produce a “high” as it does not contain THC. THC is the cannabis-derived compound that generates the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Instead, CBD has been shown to have numerous health benefits. The reason for this is that CBD has an effect on our endocannabinoid system (which is responsible for regulating our body’s internal systems).
You may be wondering what ECS is and how it works. The ECS is an endocannabinoid system (ECS) found throughout the body. CBD engages with the CB1 & CB2 receptors, mostly found in your central nervous system, digestive, and immunological systems. These receptors play a vital role in regulating many important daily functions including appetite, immune function, memory, pain and inflammatory control, and more. There have been ongoing studies on how the cannabinoids found in hemp oil can be used to mitigate pain and inflammation. Additional studies are being carried out on how CBD might be helpful for treating mental and psychiatric disorders. It is an exciting time for researchers and the research is ongoing.
CBD has become very popular over the last couple of years. What exactly is CBD oil? And why should you consider using it?
“CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that acts on specific receptors throughout the body,” says Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “It helps regulate sleep, appetite, pain perception, mood, memory, stress levels, and immune function.”
It is due to these amazing, neuroprotective effects, CBD has gained so much popularity over the past several years. The more we get to know about CBD benefits, the more inclined we are to use it. So while most of us are turning to herbal remedies to stay healthier and stronger or take control of long-term health conditions, this dietary supplement, CBD, is the principal ingredient.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. To be exact, it is from the hemp plant which is a cannabis-derived ingredient that contains (>0.3%) THC. This is extremely important as THC is the element responsible for reacting with our brain’s chemistry to create a “high” or euphoric feeling. But CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause that “high” feeling. This property of CBD allows for all the health benefits without the fear of a euphoric side effect. It attracts many wellness enthusiasts who are seeking to supplement their daily regimen with natural components to promote their well-being.
What Are The Different Ways To Take CBD And Which One Is The Best?
CBD products come in different delivery methods such as capsules, tinctures, gummies, and many topic solutions. Millions of people rely on CBD products to manage stress and other health-related issues, especially CBD oil. It is considered the best and most popularly used form of this cannabis-derived compound. For starters, CBD oil contains the highest cannabinoid component or, in simple terms, it is the most concentrated form of the delivery method compared to all others. Secondly, CBD oil undergoes very few chemical changes during the manufacturing process, hence preserving the compound terpene. Terpenes are another beneficial antioxidant molecule that has therapeutic properties that might help us with anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and more. There are ongoing studies to discover additional benefits of terpenes and how they can improve wellness.
Let’s now discuss the more specific uses of CBD and might help with emotional strain and psychological disorders.
Coping With Stress
Stress is the most common mental health issue that people suffer from. They affect the quality of life and impact their well-being.
Drugs used to treat stress have side effects like insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood disorders, making treatment outcomes unfavorable. Also, some antipsychotic drugs have the potential to become addictive, like benzodiazepines.
CBD can help with stress. CBD calms the body by its impact on stress-related hormones like cortisol and serotonin. The action of CBD is said to act on these hormone receptors cells that can curb stress and lower it. CBD can help one keep stress under control and manage the situation better by regulating the endocannabinoid system.
Some studies also show CBD effects on different stress-related disorders. For example, a peer-reviewed study published by Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011 suggested that CBD may effectively reduce symptoms of SAD.
Analgesia And Chronic Pain
This is another way to show the relationship between wellness and CBD. The treatment of chronic pain is one of the main reasons why many people switch to alternative medicine or herbal remedies.
This dietary supplement might help manage chronic pain due to its potential, natural occurring, anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can work by activating and binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which results in a feeling of analgesia. In addition, these activated receptors can help reduce inflammation. This, in turn, may lessen discomfort.
Studies suggest that CBD can have a powerful effect on treating persistent pain, including a decrease in inflammation. Chronic pain might be caused by different conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain caused by injury. CBD may be taken to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by menstrual cramps and assist in alleviating PMS symptoms.
Many prefer CBD for its pain-relieving properties. This is not surprising as chronic discomfort affects more people than cancer and diabetes.
Helps With Improper Sleeping Habits
The American Sleep Association has reported that sleeping disorders affect almost 70 million people in the United States alone. Nearly 9 million of them take prescription sleeping aids for this problem. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or a chronic illness, your medication regimen can also alter your sleep pattern. Side effects can disrupt your ability to rest. It’s understandable why more adults are looking for a healthier, more natural solution to sleep. Researchers studied the effects of CBD on sleep and found promising results and improvement in the length of time people stayed asleep. This was due to the calming effect of CBD on the endocannabinoid system. If you want to start taking CBD, always consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment option.
CBD Can Be Neuroprotective
CBD can protect the brain. Certain mental health disorders can be challenging, particularly when conventional medicine fails to produce results. However, CBD can show effectiveness in protecting brain cells.
Recent studies show positive effects of CBD in treating a group of patients having epilepsy who did not respond to other treatments.
The FDA approved the first CBD oil-based drug, Epidiolex, to treat rare epilepsy syndromes like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. People suffering from these conditions have reported reduced seizures after using CBD oil.
Good For Heart Health
CBD can be taken to improve heart health. Several studies on CBD have shown benefits for the heart and circulatory system. For example, high blood pressure can cause many health conditions, including stroke and heart attacks.
Research conducted on a healthy study group found encouraging results with CBD in reducing blood pressure rates better than a placebo-treated group. They also showed an increase in their ability to handle stressful situations, which generally increased blood pressure.
CBD’s antioxidant and stress-reducing properties can contribute to its ability to lower blood pressure.
BOTTOM LINE
There is an abundant amount of anecdotal reports and peer-reviewed studies that illustrate the wide range of health benefits that hemp-derived CBD products can provide. It’s as easy as taking it with your morning cup of coffee! CBD has proven to have beneficial effects on overall health and well-being. Always make sure to consult a professional before using CBD to treat your health issues.