It’s been long known that components of the cannabis plant have healing properties. The potential medicinal properties of marijuana and its components have been the subject of research and heated debate for decades.
The first cannabis-based medicine became available in the UK under prescription in 2015 and CBD was legalized for medicinal use in 2017.
Since then its popularity has grown and CBD has become more popular than ever before.
CBD is usually derived from the industrial hemp plant. A variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species specifically grown for industrial use. Not only can it be used to make a wide range of products, hemp is also one of the fastest growing plants on Earth.
I’ve not yet tried this natural medicine, but I am interested in its healing properties.
If you’re also curious about the benefits of CBD, how it works, and why it’s gained so much traction in the world of health and wellness, then read on.
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant has over 60 compounds that belong to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids. One of those cannabinoids is THC, which is the psychoactive and mind-altering chemical we associate with getting high.
Another cannabinoid is CBD, which the medical world is realising has a long list of health benefits for all kinds of ailments and medical conditions.
It’s important to note that CBD, unlike THC, does not have any mind-altering effects and can be consumed safely.
How does CBD interact with our bodies?
All cannabinoids work by docking onto protein components of a cell. From there they can change a receptor’s behavior; sending signals to the brain about pain and sensory perception, emotion, memory, cognition, autonomic and endocrine functions.
Interestingly our bodies are actually built with an endocannabinoid system in place, ready to process chemicals like CBD! Proof for me that nature is always our best medicine!
Pain relief from CBD
Among the many uses of CBD oil, pain relief is by far the most popular. It’s been used to ease chronic pain for some time so it came as a relief to so many when it was legalised!
CBD can ease a variety of problems including arthritis, back pain, menstrual cramps and multiple sclerosis. If you suffer from any type of chronic pain, CBD could offer you the relief you need!
Treating anxiety and mental health with CBD
Research has shown that treatment with CBD significantly reduces anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort.
For people living with a social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, CBD could be a beneficial treatment.
Anti-seizure properties of CBD
Perhaps the most popular and well-known use for CBD is to prevent and treat seizures.
It appears that CBD works on receptors which alter brain chemistry in a way that reduces the chances of a seizure. Making it an effective preventative measure for some people, including those with epilepsy.
There are many studies still in the process of being published, and the outlook so far is looking good!
Fighting nausea with CBD
For centuries, cannabis has been used as a method for suppressing nausea and vomiting. This makes CBD a fantastic addition to your day if you have trouble keeping food down because of a medication you’re taking or if you’re experiencing nausea from sickness, anxiety, motion sickness, or any other reason.
Getting a good night’s sleep with CBD
In modest doses, CBD can act as a mild stimulant since it activates the same adenosine receptors as caffeine. But curiously enough, many people also report that when taken at night, CBD can provide a balancing effect that helps to ensure a good night’s sleep. Go figure!
Do you have trouble getting to sleep? CBD could be a fantastic addition to your nighttime routine!
CBD and your skin
Because CBD is an anti-inflammatory, it can help treat an array of skin woes, from acne to rosacea.
CBD is also full of antioxidants, which makes it a nice addition to any anti-aging skin treatment or regimen.
Some studies indicate that CBD could also help inhibit triggers for disorders like psoriasis and improve eczema-prone skin, but more research is needed to verify it.
Using CBD to ease menopause symptoms
Because of the many benefits mentioned above, many women in perimenopause and menopause are turning to CBD products to help ease symptoms.
CBD can communicate with the endocannabinoid system in your body to help you deal with mood swings, regulate hormone imbalance, improve sleep and reduce menopause associated pain such as headaches, joint pain and breast pain.
Different types of CBD Products
CBD can be used and administered in a variety of ways and there are many products on the market.
My advice is to do your research and buy from a reputable company. As always, the higher-end products are usually the best, so source them from a good health food store rather than a high street chain.
You can find CBD in bath bombs and salts, good for soaking away soreness and achy muscles.
Grab a topical cream to massage into your skin for skin health and pain relief.
Choose CBD-infused drinks, chocolates, gummies, and other edible items
Raw oils, capsules, tinctures, and liquid drops are also available to treat a variety of conditions, and in my opinion this form is the best.
I would love to know if you have used CBD to treat a condition? If so, what’s your favorite way to enjoy the medicinal benefits?
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