CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring substance found in the cannabis and hemp plant. After the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized the production and sale of hemp in most of the states, there came a boom in the use of CBD oil and derived products. Today, you can find vaporizers, food items, beauty products and eatables containing CBD oil.
The fact that it is a naturally occurring substance makes it a great substitute to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is for this reason that you will find CBD being marketed as a relaxant, as well as for treating chronic pains. Let us take a look at the various health benefits associated with CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. CBD is a purely naturally occurring substance which can be consumed to impart a feeling of calm and relaxation. Today, CBD is used in a number of products including oils and edibles.
CBD and THC are two of the most well-known compounds from the cannabis plant, with different effects. THC is the major active constituent of the plant and where it creates a feeling of high, CBD has no psychoactive effects at all. CBD does not change the state of mind when consumed. However, it does interact with the nervous system to produce significant changes in the body, hence the medical benefits.
Epilepsy
In 2018, after years of research into the effectiveness of CBD oil in the treatment of epilepsy, FDA finally approved Epidolex, a pure form of CBD. Patients aged three years and older were legally allowed to take Epidolex for the treatment of the two forms of epilepsy, namely Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These are rare forms of epilepsy which involve seizures and CBD worked wonders in preventing seizures.
Alzheimer’s disease
In Alzheimer’s, people have a knack of losing the ability to recognize faces and things. In recent years, various studies have been in effect to treat this disease using CBD. In 2014, it was shown that CBD does help people retain the ability of recognition, and even help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s.
Cancer Treatment
In multiple studies, evidence suggests that CBD has a promising potential to help prevent some types of cancers, suppressing the growth of cancerous cells, and promoting their destruction. The fact that CBD has almost zero levels of toxicity also called for more research in this field.
Moreover, CBD is found to help cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, improving the immunity system and lessening the side effects which are caused by chemo, including nausea and vomiting.
Anxiety Management
Where THC is known to elevate anxiety and paranoia, CBD is found to help reduce chronic anxiety and depression. Some studies show that a small dose helps people with social anxiety give a speech in front of large crowds. Others have concluded that CBD greatly improves symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Acne
Treatment for Acne is another promising application of CBD, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Acne, in part, is caused by inflammation and the overworking of the sebaceous glands in the skin. CBD helps lower the production of sebum, which in effect decreases the inflammation.
Today, there are numerous skin care products and ointments that have CBD as a key ingredient. Applying CBD topically reduces psoriasis and other skin diseases.
Conclusion
There is no doubt about the therapeutic and health benefits of CBD, but not all products are approved by the FDA. As regulations will increase, more specific prescriptions and dosages will emerge. It is always a great idea to consult your health care advisor about which CBD products to use and how much you should take. Moreover, ensure that the products you are using are following the local and regional laws.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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