CBD has become a popular alternative for clinical drugs. If you have researched on non-conventional methods of treating illnesses, you must have come across CBD. Well, this is a fascinating compound that has taken both the science & clinical fields by storm. And its momentum isn’t about to slow down anytime soon. More people are now turning to natural treatment alternatives including herbal-based remedies and CBD is one of them. But what has made this Cannabis sativa compound so popular?
What is CBD?
It’s a short-term for cannabidiol which is a compound that’s found in cannabis. CBD has gained popularity recently. It’s one of two compounds that are found in the cannabis plant in large amounts. The extract can be used to make CBD Oil, CBD gummies, CBD Cream, CBD Cookies etc. with an aim to treat various ailments. The compound has powerful therapeutic effects and that’s why some patients have turned to it. According to reports, CBD can combat issues such as anxiety, seizures, pain, stress and a myriad of other medical conditions. It has been described as the “It” medication because it’s natural, safe, and effective. Its non-psychoactive property also means that users don’t need to worry about getting “high”.
How to Use CBD
This compound can be used in a number of ways. CBD is normally packed as a concentrated cream or oil. For medical purposes, it’s used in form of pills, capsules, and cream. Users who want to take this compound for overall wellness can take it as vaporizers, mints, candy, gummies, beauty creams, cookies, and shampoos. For fun and entertainment, CBD can be taken with cocktail drinks and food.
Health Benefits of CBD
This compound is a popular and effective remedy for a number of health conditions. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is obtained from Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC and some pharmaceutical drugs, it doesn’t alter the mind. It is normally extracted from the plant and then diluted with a good carrier oil such as the hemp seed oil or coconut oil. The use of CBD is gaining massive momentum globally. So, what are some of the benefits of this compound?
Pain Relief
Currently, brands are manufacturing various CBD for pain products to cater to the large consumer demand. The endocannabinoid system in the human body is responsible for regulating multiple functions including the immune system and pain response. CBD has a huge impact on the endocannabinoid system. It binds the pain receptors, reducing their response. It interacts with the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain by slowing them down. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatories which help to soothe the body. You can use CBD Oil or CBD Cream to treat joint pain, muscle injuries, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
There are numerous CBD for anxiety products which can be found on the market. Depression and anxiety are some of the mental conditions that are affecting a large group of people globally. They have devastating effects on the patient’s health as well as their overall well-being. Reports from the WHO show that these two conditions are rare among the top ten diseases that cause disability and death.
Though these mental disorders are normally treated with pharmaceutical drugs, over the last couple of years patients have reported feeling suicidal after using conventional medications. Some of them also ended up suffering from headaches, agitation, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and drowsiness. The use of CBD can be a natural and safer approach to remedy depression and anxiety. A study that was conducted on a group of people with social anxiety indicates that over 90 percent of them ended up with improved cognitive functions as well as better speech performance. It can also be used to treat children who have anxiety and post-traumatic stress issues. Its ability to regulate the serotonin neurotransmitter leads to improved social behavior and good mood.
Improved Heart Health
CBD has the ability to improve the functions of the circulatory system, lowering high blood pressure, and cholesterol. All these have a direct impact on the heart’s health. Medical reports show that high blood pressure, for instance, usually leads to an increased possibility of heart attack, metabolic syndrome, and stroke. This compound reduces high blood pressure in a natural way. Note that anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties of this compound are responsible for lowering the blood pressure. The powerful antioxidants that are found in CBD help to reduce the death of cells which cause heart diseases. It reduces oxidative stress that may cause heart damage.
Neuroprotective Benefits
Note that CBD oil usually interacts with the endocannabinoid system as well as other systems that regulate the brain signals. It’s therefore beneficial in treating various neurological disorders. CBD Oil is used to treat disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy which affect the neurological system.
Beauty Products
There is so much hype behind the use of CBD to create skin products. This is because it has compounds which treat various skin conditions. This compound has the ability to ease inflammatory issues such as acne, eczema, scars, and itch. There are even reports that it can heal wounds and improve the symptoms of blister skin disorders. It’s normally used with skincare products such as creams, potions, and lotions.
Other Benefits of CBD
- Anti-tumor: CBD has anti-tumor properties. A study that was conducted on animals shows that it can reduce the spread of malignant tumor e.g. lung, breast, colon, and brain cancers.
- Treating Diabetes: It can be used by diabetics to reduce the harmful symptoms of diabetes by up to 55 percent.
- Anti-psychotic: CBD can ease the symptoms of schizophrenia as well as other psychotic problems.
- Drug Abuse withdrawal: By modifying the brain circuits that are responsible for drug addiction this compound helps to reduce withdrawal effects of drugs such as morphine, heroin etc.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
Note that compound is well-tolerated generally. From user reviews and medical researches, CBD doesn’t have a negative your consciousness, sensory perception, sleep patterns, awareness or alertness, inhibitions, and food intake. However, some people have reported that they ended up feeling very sleeping or they experienced a significant drop in the blood pressure. Others have reported adverse reactions which include:
- Diarrhea
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Users should be aware that CBD can interact with various medications. It is therefore important to discuss with your healthcare provider before using a CBD product.
CBD Safety Concerns
Note that CBD can interact with certain medications including some anti-epileptic drugs. Reports published by the American Academy of Paediatrics outlines that pregnant women should avoid taking products with CBD oil. This is because it can affect the baby’s development and cause birth defects.
CBD Intake
CBD products including CBD cookies, CBD gummies, etc. are all considered to be food supplements hence they are not regulated by the FDA. Besides that, there is no any other regulatory body from the body that oversees its use. An as much as there are many kinds of research regarding CBD, there is very little information regarding its safety. This is why breastfeeding and pregnant women are usually advised against taking CBD products.
However, research reports show that it is much safer compared to THC and according to the FDA, this compound has minimal risks and few chances of addiction. It’s been reported that taking high doses of CBD leads to fatigue, dehydration, and diarrhea. Additionally, it may affect your appetite.
There are thousands of CBD products on the market and they exist in many forms. It’s also still unclear to determine the forms and doses which CBD may work best and under what conditions. This means that recommending a dose is almost impossible. To determine the appropriate dosage, ask the manufacturer, consult with your doctor, and don’t forget to check the label for other ingredients.
Is CBD Legal?
There have been reports that the use of CBD products for medical purposes in all the US states is legal. Well, this isn’t true. CBD oil that’s derived from hemp or marijuana is legal in most states but not in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Idaho. The other states have either legalized CBD alone or along with THC. Note that the legal details from one state to another and you might need a doctor’s recommendation. There is ambiguity if the CBD is derived from marijuana because the FDA approves the use of CBD extract for medical purposes while the feds consider it to be illegal. If you want to use CBD Oil, simply check your state’s law regarding its use.
Final Thoughts
This cannabis compound has numerous medical benefits. The fact that it doesn’t make you feel stoned and provides a relaxing feeling means that it’s one of the best alternatives to conventional drugs. The non-psychoactive compound is perfect in treating a myriad of conditions without causing addiction, dysphoria, or a lethargic feeling. There are multiple clinical and scientific which are still ongoing to determine how effective CBD is.
