CBD is everywhere these days, from tinctures to creams, from gummies to in our coffee- so what is the appeal? Why is CBD being touted as a cure for anxiety, tension, and soreness? CBD stands for cannabidiol and it is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana, by itself it does not cause a “high”- which is why it’s legal in all 50 states. Here are the Top 10 health benefits of CBD (we always recommend you consult your doctor before taking any supplements):
- Can Aid with Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression are two prevalent mental health issues that are an issue on peoples health and well-being. Common treatments include pharmaceutical antidepressants, which can cause a number of adverse effects, including headaches, drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, addiction, sexual dysfunction, and suicidal thoughts. During a study, preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrated CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD, with a notable lack of anxiogenic effects.
- Pain Relief: The human body has a regulatory network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in maintaining a balance between important functions in the body, such as sleep, appetite, immune system response, and pain perception. The ECS releases its own neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. An article review of recent research on cannabinoid analgesia via the endocannabinoid system shows that Cannabinoid analgesics have generally been well tolerated in clinical trials with acceptable adverse event profiles.
- Get Rid of Acne: Acne is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors including bacteria, underlying inflammation, the overproduction of sebum, and genetics. Recent research has shown that CBD oil may help reduce acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate the oily secretion made by sebaceous glands in the skin.
- Neuroprotection: CBD has been shown to decrease inflammation and help prevent neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. CBD may help prevent cognitive decline and slow down the buildup of amyloid plaque — the main contributor to the disease.
- Reduces Inflammation: CBD regulates the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. This applies to both chronic inflammation and acute inflammation. A study on rats found that CBD reduced inflammation in rats with osteoarthritis.
- Cardiovascular Health: Hypertension is a major risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including metabolic syndrome, heart attack, or stroke. The benefits of using CBD oil for cardiovascular health has been a well researched area. Some studies have associated CBD with several positive effects on the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). In a 2009 study, rats were subjected to a stressful situation that caused their blood pressure and heart rate to increase. A dose of CBD lowered both their blood pressure and heart rate. In a 2017 study, healthy human volunteers were subjected to stress and then given a dose of CBD. The CBD lowered their blood pressure, as compared to volunteers given a placebo.
- May Promote Weight Loss: There have been some researchers that believe that CBD can promote a process called “fat browning,” which converts white fat cells to brown fat cells. White fat is known as the “bad” fat that you begin to store when the body burns fewer calories than it receives. Brown fat cells, on the other hand, are known for their ability to fuel the body with energy more efficiently. With more brown fat cells in the body, you may be able to burn off more calories as a result. Additionally, animal studies indicate that CBD affects weight by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in lymphoid tissue and the brain. These receptors are thought to play important roles in metabolism and food intake
- Better Sleep: Having sleeping issues are not uncommon and mant sleeping aids are known to create habit forming tendencies that make it hard to sleep without them. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating sleep- CBD acts to improve sleep patterns. The added benefit is that CBD won’t lead to morning grogginess, which is common when using melatonin (or prescription sleep aids) to relax at night. One investigation found that, compared with a placebo, a CBD dosage of 160 mg increased sleep duration. The researchers also concluded that the placebo, 5 mg of the insomnia drug nitrazepam, and 40, 80, and 160 mg of CBD helped the participants fall asleep. Another study found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took 300 or 600 mg of CBD oil. These results suggest that CBD affects the release of cortisol, possibly acting as a sedative.
- May Help with Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. CBD has been studied over the years and has promising results for treatment of epilepsy. This study encourages the use of CBD associated with AEDs (anti-epilepsy drugs). In 2018, the first FDA- approved drug Epidiolex containing CBD was released to help treat two types of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- A Potential Treatment for Cancer and Post-chemotherapy Side Effects: CBD may help to alleviate cancer-related symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is also known to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by acting on the brain areas that trigger processes. This study showed that CBD From Marijuana paired with chemotherapy tripled cancer survival rates in mice.
