The cannabis plant. Many call it a miracle herb, while others are still on the fence. We’re sharing a list of health benefits of CBD that are backed by science.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to light up if you don’t want to. CBD can be used topically for pain or by ingestion for mental health symptoms. There are many ways to put CBD to use.
Here are some of the facts proven by scientists.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the many naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis sativa plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids that have been identified in the plant, and is known for its potential therapeutic benefits.
THC, on the other hand, which is short for (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient responsible for the ‘high’ experienced by people who use cannabis recreationally.
CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce a ‘high’ or alter one’s state of mind.
CBD is commonly used in various products such as oils, tinctures, gummies, and creams for a range of potential health benefits.
What science says about CBD
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps to regulate various bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, mood, and immune function.
Let’s look at 6 health benefits CBD has been praised for:
1. CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent
According to the National Library of Medicine, CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting T cell proliferation, inducing T cell apoptosis and reducing migration and the adhesion of immune cells, which may be helpful for treating conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
2. CBD for insulin resistance and diabetes
Since diabetes is an inflammatory disease and CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent, it has proven to reduce insulin resistance and moderate blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes, who are not taking insulin.
3. CBD can help people with epilepsy
There are some studies that suggest that CBD can effectively reduce uncontrolled seizures in people living with epilepsy, particularly in children with rare forms of epilepsy.
John Hopkins Medicine conducted an observational study with participant-reported data in 2021. The study found that CBD products helped people who suffer from seizures fight the adverse effects of their anti-seizure medication. This means that taking their medication was more tolerable, leading to fewer seizures.
4. CBD can aid in neurodegenerative disorders
CBD contains neuroprotective properties, which may be helpful in treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
5. CBD can relieve pain
In Canada, CBD has been used for cancer-related pain in cases where patients were unresponsive to other pain medication. In the USA, medical practitioners found CBD to be effective for chronic, non-cancer-related pain. It can be used topically and will treat localised pain in specific areas.
6. CBD is non-addictive
As opposed to many other pain relief solutions that are highly addictive, CBD is not.
On the contrary, both preclinical animal and human clinical trials have been done that indicate CBD has been used to treat opioid addiction. In one particular case, CBD was given to individuals addicted to heroin. Within a week, the heroin users’ cravings were reduced, they experienced less anxiety, and their resting heart rate and salivary cortisol levels were lowered.
In addition, none of the participants suffered adverse side effects.
As CBD continues to garner attention, are you willing to give it a go? It is best to find a reputable brand and start with the lowest recommended dose.
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