Whether you are just hearing about it or have been following it for some time, CBD is gaining momentum as a novel treatment to several challenging ailments. Backed by scientific research and reliable sources, we are here to tell you everything you need to know about CBD to stay in the loop.
If you are interested in learning about or trying CBD oil, we will answer any questions or concerns you might have about this exciting molecule. From its available products to its possible health benefits to whether or not it is safe, this is your ultimate guide to CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, famously known as CBD, is becoming a common treatment option for many diseases. It is one of many chemical compounds that you would find in the cannabis sativa plant. It is usually derived from the hemp plant in specific.
Contrary to the marijuana plant which can get you high due to the presence of the THC compound, CBD does not get you high. Hemp, on the other hand, contains very little amounts of THC so the extracted CBD has all the health benefits without any of the psychoactive ingredients.
That’s why, people struggling with chronic pain or other uncomfortable conditions have been turning to CBD for some relief without any intoxication.
How Does CBD Work?
In order to find out how CBD works, we need to have an understanding of the endocannabinoid system. The answer is between its three components which are the receptors, the enzymes, and the endocannabinoids so let’s examine them.
Receptors
These proteins exist all over our bodies and they bind to different components to cause reactions in our immunity systems. In this case, they bind to endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors are the ones who pretty much rule the central nervous system. They manage things like coordination, mobility, pain, appetite, memory, mood, and others in our body. The CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found in the peripheral nervous system and play a role in pain and inflammation.
Receptor CB1
Receptor CB2
Enzymes
These components come in various forms but two types in specific break down endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids
These molecules are made by our bodies to keep our internal functions properly running.
All these different components of the endocannabinoid system work together naturally in our bodies all the time. The enzymes work to break down the cannabinoids. Later, the endocannabinoids try to bind with receptors. As far as we understand, CBD has some kind of influence over the receptor but does not completely bind to it. This influence is behind a lot of the positive effects CBD has on our bodies.
The Health Benefits Behind CBD Oil
There are some studies worth mentioning that give us a glimpse of what we can expect from the natural drug.
Anxiety and Mental Health
A lot of people may question the therapeutic effects of CBD on people suffering from mental health issues due to the remaining stigma surrounding these kinds of drugs. This concern is not totally without grounds since health care professionals do advise against using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety or stress.
This is because the THC compound found within cannabis can do more harm than good in this case. Some people with chronic anxiety have reported feeling even more anxious and sometimes paranoid under the influence of THC.
But this does not apply to CBD. People who use CBD oil or other CBD related products have actually found that it helps them manage their anxiety. A study conducted in 2019 reveals that CBD considerably decreased symptoms of anxiety in mice.
We keep unraveling more and more about CBD and the fact that it can help other anxiety disorders as well. A 2015 review suggests that people suffering from mental conditions including PTSD, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and general anxiety disorder can greatly benefit from the extraordinary effects of CBD.
Pain and Inflammation
The Cannabis Sativa plant in general has been utilized for medicinal purposes for millennia all over the world. Many civilizations throughout history have recorded their use of the plant for a range of ailments ranging from joint pain and muscular spasms to gout and malaria, beginning with the Chinese as early as 2900 B.C.
This is incredibly astonishing since many people today say that CBD has helped them with a variety of other health issues that include chronic musculoskeletal or nerve pain. More and more studies are showing that by influencing certain receptors, CBD is able to suppress a lot of long term pain caused by chronic conditions.
CBD decreases inflammation by blocking the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body, according to mouse experiments conducted in 2018. These anti-inflammatory properties make it incredibly valuable in a number of ways. For example, a study shows that CBD has the capacity to protect against inflammation-induced vascular damage. So not only can CBD help your heart but it can also greatly improve inflammatory skin conditions like acne.
Skin Care and Health
CBD is remarkably diverse with therapeutic powers that span across every system in our bodies. Recently, there have been more and more sources validating the efficiency of CBD in the field of dermatology. By introducing topical CBD options like face creams or serums, we can provide a safer and perhaps more beneficial treatment to some of the most challenging skin diseases.
People suffering from uncomfortable skin diseases that cause inflammation, pain, redness, itchiness, and anxiety often inquire about CBD products to help them find some relief. Even challenging ailments like acne have shown promising results with CBD. The American Academy of Dermatology has advised utilising topical CBD products as an additional treatment for acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
CBD has an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and sebostatic impact on human sebocytes. These features demonstrate an encouraging start for a potential anti-acne treatment. Cannabidiol can be an option to relieve the pain and irritation without resorting to traditional drugs that have negative side effects.
Patients with the condition epidermolysis bullosa (EBS) who were treated with topical CBD expressed less discomfort, pain, and blistering. Not only that, they also showed quicker healing to their wounds and scars according to research. So there is hope on multiple fronts.
Results with Epilepsy
CBD is sought after for a number of health conditions. It is in wide demand for the relief of chronic pain resulting from Cancer, Arthritis, and so much more. But not a lot of studies have been made to confirm its wide ranging health benefits. So far, the most comprehensive research supports its efficacy in combating some of the toughest pediatric epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS).
These conditions do not usually respond to anti-seizure drugs but CBD has been shown in several trials to decrease the frequency of seizures and, in several cases, to completely suppress them. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, was recently licensed by the FDA as the first cannabis-derived drug for these disorders.
In the Epidiolex trials done to find out whether using CBD would be deemed safe or not for long term use, some side effects have been found. Diarrhea, sleepiness, nausea, exhaustion, rash, reduced appetite, and elevated liver enzymes were all recorded as side effects.
Battle Against Cancer
Cancer still remains one of the deadliest diseases known to man. Unfortunately, it is still, in some cases, incurable. But there are studies out there that offer promising data when it comes to cancer’s response to CBD.
It may seem like science fiction that there is something actually capable of slowing down cancer but data does not lie. A 2012 review described CBD as a possible ‘anticancer drug’. It provides evidence that cannabidiol suppresses the growth of some types of cancer and prevents their migration to other parts of the body. More research suggests that CBD may decrease the anxiety of people suffering cancer, enhance the effects of chemotherapy, and even diminish its harsh side effects. A 2020 review talks about the influence of CBD on breast cancer treatment in specific. It suggests combining CBD with the chemotherapy treatment plan to boost the immune system’s response and increase the treatment’s efficiency.
How to Use CBD?
All of these health benefits and others more that we are still finding out make a compelling argument in favor of CBD. There are so many kinds out there that you will even find options for your pet. Yep, CBD for cats exists. However, for human consumption, you might want to identify which kind matches your needs best so you get the most out of your experience.
So whether you have decided to give it a try or not, here is some crucial information to know about the types of CBD products out there and how you can use them.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD oil differs from full-spectrum CBD, which contains a small amount of THC, and CBD isolates, which are pure CBD with no other cannabis compounds.
The absence of THC in broad-spectrum CBD products makes them a popular choice for people who want to experience the potential benefits of the plant’s other compounds without worrying about the psychoactive effects of THC.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
This type of CBD oil is derived from the entire cannabis plant with all its natural components including THC, all other cannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils. This is why it is sometimes referred to as “whole-plant CBD”. The entourage effect suggests that more cannabinoids working together are better than just one. So if you want to get the most out of your dose, you may want to consider the full-spectrum CBD oil option, which is enriched with natural terpenes.
Did you know: All Cannadoca CBD oils and CBD capsules are rich in natural terpenes.
CBD Oil Capsules
CBD capsules are a fantastic alternative for those who want the health benefits without the specific taste of CBD oil. Its earthy taste can be pleasant for some people and unpleasant for others. In this case, capsules are the answer. Some CBD capsules even contain other vitamins and nutrients alongside the CBD concentration to give you extra benefits.
For example, Cannadoca CBD capsules are rich in natural terpenes. Terpenes help to enhance the effects of cannabidiol and support the “entourage effect” in the body.
CBD creams and topicals
There are a number of skincare products that contain CBD, such as CBD face creams, CBD face serums and CBD foot creams. Not only do they help you relax, but they also offer great results. You apply it to your skin, massage it in and wait for the impressive results, which of course vary depending on what you use it for. CBD topicals usually relieve pain pretty quickly, but other conditions may take longer to show effects.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD has been widely proven to be safe and beneficial for regular use. Not only does it have minimal to no side effects, it can actually be a more potent neuroprotective antioxidant than vitamins C and E.
While it is generally considered harmless, some people may experience negative side effects. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, fatigue and changes in appetite have been reported.
That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor before using CBD. This will ensure it doesn’t interact with any medications you’re taking. It will also help you manage any side effects you may experience.
In Conclusion
CBD oil has been researched for its possible powers in relieving and perhaps eliminating the symptoms of a variety of common health problems. It can help so many people with chronic conditions that make their lives difficult on a daily basis, including depression, anxiety and acne.
It can give cancer patients an alternative, side-effect-free treatment to manage their symptoms. Although there is still a lot to learn about CBD, what we have so far can point us down a promising path in the treatment of heart disease, cancer and more.
CBD oil is still being studied for its potential health benefits, but it gives us nuanced hope for improving our daily quality of life through a more natural approach.