Top 5 Benefits of CBD

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Here Are The Top 5 Benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol)The cannabis plant is most widely used for the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which causes users to feel marijuana’s most sought after euphoric feeling of being high. CBD, or Cannabidiol, which is similar to THC in its chemical makeup does not cause those who consume cannabis to get stoned due to its inability to bind to CB1 receptors in the brain. Since CBD does not cause any of the mind altering, mood changing effects that THC does, there are numerous benefits to CBD, especially when used in oil form for those who seek it. Because CBD oil works to harmonize the entire endocannabinoid system in your body by binding to CB2 receptors, it can ease a range of health issues across all body systems. Here are just 5 of the most well-known benefits of CBD derived from weed:

  1. Sleep Aid. CBD has very few side effects and its ability to cause sleepiness may not be considered one of them by those looking to get a better night of restful sleep. Big pharma’s sleep solutions are often highly addictive and keep their users in somewhat of a half-drowsy state throughout the day. Using CBD oil or strains that have high levels of CBD before bed may provide a more natural alternative to over-the-counter sleeping pills, or prescription sleep aids.1
  2. Mental Health Support. CBD is known to be an effective way to help manage potential psychological issues including chronic stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. When used by itself, CBD has been known to ease common mental health concerns, due to its ability to remove and block fears (as well as their memories) in the brain during times of psychological, or physical stress.

In one clinical study, the use of CBD oil on a young girl suffering with post traumatic stress disorder showed improvements in both her anxiety levels, and sleep quality.2  

  1. Gastrointestinal Upset.  Due to the natural anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil, ingesting it may offer soothing effects to the gastrointestinal system.3 The GI tract is full of CB2 cannabinoid receptors which CBD can effectively bind to, thus helping to regulate the enteric nervous system (ENS) and relieving gut inflammation, which has been associated with all types of health concerns including irregularity, cramping, pains, low nutrient absorption, and low immunity.
  2.  Epileptic Seizures. CBD is known to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures for those who suffer from epilepsy. Seizures are most commonly caused by over-stimulation of neural activity in the brain, and so using CBD may help to improve the function of endocannabinoid system in the brain. In doing this, the person suffering with seizures may find it easier to maintain overall neural balance. The Endocannabinoid system helps modulate the over activity of the neurotransmitters that is responsible for seizures.

  1. Common Aches & Pains. When you need something as strong as an over-the-counter pain reliever like Aspirin, reach for CBD instead! The natural anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil have been confirmed by science to relieve pain.5

Use CBD oil to reduce common aches and pains by simply rubbing the oil into the affected area topically, or by taking CBD capsules for the most therapeutic doses. CBD oil is just one type of the cannabinoids (active phytochemicals) derived from marijuana plants. But today, it is becoming more highly valued for its medicinal qualities. Add CBD oil to your everyday health regimen for these 5 benefits, and many more!  References:

  1. Pava MJ, Makriyannis A. Endocannabinoid Signaling Regulates Sleep Stability. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 31;11(3):e0152473.
  2. Shannon S, Opila-Lehman J. Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. Perm J. 2016 Fall;20(4):108-111.
  3. Tzadok M, Uliel-Siboni S. Nagarkatti, Rupal Pandey. Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Med Chem. 2009 Oct; 1(7): 1333–1349.
  4. CBD-enriched medical cannabis for intractable pediatric epilepsy: The current Israeli experience. Seizure. 2016 Feb;35:41-4.
  5. Ethan B Russo. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Feb; 4(1): 245–259.

 

HealthConnor MacNeil