Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural hemp extract which has been gaining a lot of popularity lately because of its potential health benefits and as a helpful alternative to traditional medicine as we know it.
Keep in mind that CBD hasn’t been officially approved as a treatment option for any diseases or ailments except for Epidiolex which is used to help reduce seizures associated with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 1 year or older.
So this is isn’t a substitute for medical advice and there is still a lot of research underway but here are some of the things we know CBD could help with:
1 – Insomnia
CBD plays a significant role in our Endocannabinoid system (ECS) which helps regulate and maintain balance in our body.
You need a healthy amount of sleep for a variety of reasons but if you struggle with insomnia, this can obviously be a challenge.
What some of the research shows us is that CBD can help improve REM Sleep behavior disorder with certain conditions and it can also interact with some of the receptors that affect our sleep/wake cycle.
There are also many subjective reviews of people who have reported getting much better sleep after using CBD products.
As a word of caution, please make sure you always read the label or ask for Certificates Of Analysis for any CBD product you’re buying.
You want to make sure you’re getting a quality product made with CBD and not just something that’s packed with melatonin or any other sleep-enhancers.
2 – Chronic pain
There are different ways you can use CBD to help alleviate some of your pain.
You can either choose to vape, use oils or tinctures or you can apply a CBD-infused topical to the afflicted area.
CBD users who struggle with chronic pain find it useful not only because it helps with the pain but there are also none of the side effects associated with opioid use.
Always make sure you purchase your products from a reputable and trustworthy seller.
If you’re wondering which ones are the best, this guide on the best CBD oils for back pain can help you figure out which brands to buy from.
Important Note: You need to be aware of the fact that CBD can potentially interact with other medications you’re already taking.
It’s always recommended that you talk with your doctor before taking any CBD products but there’s an even bigger emphasis if you’re already on a different treatment plan or prescriptions.
The reason isn’t only just because of the potential drug interactions but also because the right healthcare professional can help tailor a plan that works best for you and your own needs.
3 – Anti-Inflammatory
This ties directly into the previous point but some there are studies which suggest that CBD could help reduce both acute and chronic inflammation.
This study published in 2019 shows us some of the direct antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.
That means you could potentially use CBD for things such as arthritis relief, post workout recovery, injuries and many other conditions that cause swelling or inflammation.
Once again the associated benefit isn’t just the relief but the fact that CBD in many cases is a non-addictive substance.
4 – Stress and anxiety
One of the most popular reasons why people use CBD is because of its role as a mood stabilizer.
Over 240 million people worldwide struggle from depression and anxiety so you can understand why they’d seek alternatives to help them out.
CBD is well known to help people calm down without causing any of the psychotropic effects you get from THC.
What research shows us is that CBD can help reduce the levels of stress hormones in your system, interact with your serotonin receptors, lower your blood pressure, and induce antidepressant-like effects, the culmination of which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
It could possibly be an excellent natural alternative for anyone struggling with anxiety disorder.
5 – Acne Reduction
One of the complementary benefits of using CBD as an anti-inflammatory is that it can also help reduce acne.
This is also thanks to the fact that CBD has the ability to adjust the levels of sebum production in the body.
Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that lubricates our hair and skin but when it is overproduced and it mixes with dead skin cells, it could clog the pores, leading to pimples and acne.
What research shows us is that CBD can inhibit the action of certain endocannabinoids (Anandamide and 2AG) in our sebaceous glands and in so doing regulates sebum production.