CBD (cannabidiol) has become a popular natural remedy that people have used around the world over the last decade or so that has shown promise in helping to treat certain conditions.
While studies continue to take place to try and understand its full potential and uses, many have found that the best CBD products available on the market have helped to enhance their lives in various ways.
What is CBD?
Before understanding the possible benefits that can be derived when using CBD, it can be best to know what it is and how it is produced.
There are several products available today that come in many different forms, which include food, drinks, and dietary supplements. However, they will each follow the same processes. This involves the extraction of the ingredients used from the cannabis plant and diluting it with coconut or hemp seed oils.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in cannabis, but not all CBD oils will use it. It can create a natural high, but for those who don’t want to experience it, it’s entirely possible to find options that do not contain it or have very small amounts included.
There are three different types of CBD that are available:
- Pure CBD – which doesn’t contain any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Full Spectrum CBD – contains THC but to a small amount (no more than 0.3% usually).
- Broad Spectrum CBD – similar to ‘Full Spectrum’ but will only have small traces of THC.
What benefits can CBD provide users?
Now that we have an understanding of what CBD contains, it can become easier to understand the certain health benefits that are linked with the product and why there have been many to use them to try and enhance their lifestyles.
As mentioned earlier, there are still studies being made that continually shed light on new findings. It’s always worth being cautious when using them and understanding that they may not always provide the same results due to the uniqueness of each individual and their body.
Pain Management
For many, CBD has been used as a means of being able to regulate and manage any pain(s) that they may be dealing with. For example, there are many who suffer with chronic and severe pain or continued pain that have used the product because of its healing properties. Studies have been conducted that have found the cannabinoid works by interacting with the human’s endocannabinoid system, as this is where pain is managed. As chemicals are released, they are thought to interact with this part of the body and then ease the pain that is being experienced.
Better Sleep
There have been several studies that have suggested that CBD can help promote better sleep. It is thought that it can have a calming property that can promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, which can then have an impact on the quality of sleep. Some studies have suggested that CBD may have sedative effects, helping people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders. It may also help regulate sleep patterns by interacting with receptors in the brain involved in the sleep-wake cycle.
Help with Addiction
Some may find that the usage of CBD can help them with addiction. A study has been done that found it can be used to help lower the cravings that individuals may have for tobacco or even certain drugs like heroin when used. When tested on animals, it has been suggested that the use of CBD can help to lessen the cravings an individual might have for things like alcohol, cannabis, and other stimulants.
Neuroprotective Properties
Although studies still need to be carried out and findings need to continue to be made, there is some evidence and suggestions that CBD can have neuroprotective effects. Individuals who have neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MS) have been known to take the product and relay that they have felt better doing so. This could be due to the chemicals involved, as they have the ability to reduce inflammation and stress on the brain, which will protect and improve cognitive functions in the process.
Anxiety and Stress Management
As noted in ‘Better Sleep’, CBD has been shown to promote a sense of relaxation. As a result, there are many who have been widely using the product to manage stress and anxiety on a daily basis because of its properties. Many studies and research findings have shown that CBD can reduce these conditions due to its capability to influence serotonin receptors in the brain. By doing this, it can enhance an individual’s mood, thus stopping them from being on edge all the time.
Act with Caution
As stated earlier, everybody is different and the benefits mentioned may not always be experienced. It’s worth taking caution when picking a CBD product to use and ensuring expectations are limited. Remember to stay safe and only use expert advice when using cannabinoids.
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