10 Benefits of CBD
We’ve all noticed the recent upswing in CBD use, and I’m sure we can all name someone who swears by its healing powers. But what makes this magical cannabis elixir so special? The answer lies within the CBD’s non-psychoactive ability to promote “homeostasis” within the body. In other words, it encourages your brain and body receptors to self-soothe and self-heal, allowing it to operate at its optimally balanced state.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is short for “cannabidiol,” and is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis, the most notable, of course, is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both THC and CBD have important health benefits. THC has “antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating and anti-emetic” properties.
THC is the most active ingredient in marijuana and is known and enjoyed for its “euphoric” effects. While CBD possesses “anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, ,antipsychotic, antioxidant, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory” effects. Unlike THC,
CBD is non-psychoactive meaning those who consume CBD do not experience the “high” feeling associated with THC.
According to Medical News Today, All cannabinoids, including CBD, attach themselves to certain receptors in the body to produce their effects. The human body naturally produces certain cannabinoids, with two receptors for cannabinoids, called CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found all throughout the body, but many of them are in the brain. The CB1 receptors in the brain deal with coordination and movement, pain, emotions and mood, as well as thinking, appetite and memories, to name a few. CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and they affect inflammation and pain.
CBD influences these receptors in the body to use more of its own cannabinoids to self-heal, rather than numb or temporarily “turn off” the body’s natural healing abilities, as some prescription medications may do.
With your body running off of its own “medicine” with the help of CBD, it is able to reach its most optimal state of homeostasis, ridding the body of any extra disturbances such as chronic pain or anxiety.
Folks interested in trying CBD have a wide range of consumption options, from topical CBD oils to antioxidant-rich CBD edibles, all of which deliver the benefits of CBD.
Whether you are a regular user or new to the cannabis scene, CBD has been proven healthy way of healing from the inside out.
We’ve gathered up our favorite top 10 benefits of CBD and why you should be using it as part of your daily routine, from acting as an anti-inflammatory and stress reducer to a cure for sleep disorders and overall relaxation. We encourage you to explore CBD’s benefits and to see if it feels right for you.
Reduces chronic pain and inflammation – One of the most widely known uses for CBD is for reducing inflammation and soothing chronic pain. CBD achieves this by working with the “endocannabinoid system,” which controls pain and inflammation within the body. Diseases such as arthritis benefit greatly from CBDs pain-reducing effects, as the CBD tickles those exact brain receptors that deal with these chronic pain symptoms, helping ease and elevate the body.
Inhibits the spread and growth of cancer cells – The same way the cannabinoids in marijuana target certain brain receptors to alleviate inflammation and pain, CBD also inspires the body to produce “pharmacological effects” in the immune system and the central nervous system. These cannabinoids have been found to act in this way to inhibit cancer cell growth, in addition to shrinking tumors and elevate cancer-related side effects.
Reduces stress and anxiety disorders (PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD and general anxiety disorder). – Everyone from public speakers to those who struggle with anxiety disorders can benefit from CBD. Studies have also found that CBD has even reduced anxiety caused by the use of THC. Now all cannabis users have a way to rid the mind of any surprise THC-induced anxiety attacks.
Helps clear acne – According to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, “CBD decreases lipid synthesis and proliferation of human sebaceous glands and has an anti-inflammatory effect on sebaceous glands, thus having a potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris.”
Sleep aid – Stress and anxiety can manifest themselves in many ways within your body and one easy-to-spot symptom is insomnia. Insomnia or the inability to conduct regular day-to-day functions without anxiety can be results of PTSD events in your life. Research suggests that taking CBD before bed improves sleep in people with insomnia, alleviating anxiety before bed.
May help relieve Multiple Sclerosis symptoms – A combination of CBD and THC has been proved effective and well tolerated in the treatment of muscle tightness, pain, sleep disturbances, and loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) in people with multiple sclerosis.
May treat skin diseases like Psoriasis – Again, because of its great anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has been shown to greatly reduce the growth of skin cells, which plays a vital role in the treatment and spreading of psoriasis.
May help protect from “neurodegenerative diseases,” like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease – CBD possesses an antioxidant activity greater than vitamin C or vitamin E, which assists in protecting brain cells from “beta-amyloid” toxicity, making it a potential therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Also, due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, make it a promising tool to treat and prolong survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)patients.
Relieves nausea – THC has been a long-loved cure for nausea, especially when associated with cancer treatment. Now CBD can offer the same benefits while increasing appetite without the psychoactive high. CBD oil can also greatly reduce certain food sensitivities if that is a struggle as well.
May help in quitting smoking – Research suggests that inhaling CBD daily may help reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by about 40%, without increasing craving for nicotine.
While we remain big advocates for the use of CBD, new perspective CBD patient should discuss its use with a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for the treatment of any condition, so it may be difficult to know whether a product contains a safe or effective level of CBD or whether the product has the properties and contents stated on its packaging and marketing.
