Many people have begun to use CBD has an alternative treatment for a variety of ailments and disorders. CBD is advertised as safe to administer to adults, children, and even pets. What exactly is CBD and what is it used for?
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, a chemical compound, found within the cannabis plant (i.e., marijuana). CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce the high effect that is usually associated with marijuana use. The high feeling is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is not found in CBD medications or supplements. CBD is produced through the extraction of CBD from the cannabis or hemp plant and diluting it with oil (e.g, coconut oil or hemp oil). Popular products containing CBD include Enveed hemp oil and gummies.
Common Health Benefits of CBD
CBD has been shown to provide relief for many chronic disorders and ailments including pain, anxiety, and depression. Individuals with depression or anxiety typically take pharmaceutical drugs that have many side effects including agitation, drowsiness, headache, sexual dysfunction, or insomnia. Many of the treatments for anxiety can have addictive properties (i.e., benzodiazepines) and may lead to substance abuse disorders. Many people with depression and anxiety have opted to treat their symptoms with CBD, as it is a natural and non-addictive treatment method. CBD has the ability to stimulate the brain receptors related to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates social behavior as well as mood.
Other Health Benefits of CBD
CBD has been shown to be effective in the reduction of pain for individuals with multiple sclerosis or arthritis. Further, CBD has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia in children who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD has also been used in the reduction of cancer symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy including pain, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals with common skin problems, such as acne, may benefit from the use of CBD oil. CBD oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is able to reduce the production of sebum. There is some evidence that CBD may be able to provide beneficial treatment to individuals with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system in the brain as well as other signaling systems within the brain, which allows it to reduce seizure activity and spasms.
CBD: Slowing the Development of Disease
CBD has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in animal studies. CBD may also help individuals suffering from high blood pressure. There is some evidence that CBD has the ability to lower blood pressure. This is important, as high blood pressure may cause several other health conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or metabolic syndromes. It has been suggested that CBD is able to lower blood pressure due to its properties related to anxiety and stress reduction. CBD may also help individuals with schizophrenia, as it has been shown to reduce psychotic symptoms. CBD has also been shown to reduce drug-seeking behavior in animal studies, and may be able to modify the brain circuitry related to drug addiction. There is evidence that CBD can prevent the spread of brain, colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancers in animals. There is also some evidence linking CBD treatment to the reduction of diabetes incidence.
