7 health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and how does cannabidiol CBD work?
Cannabidiol is commonly known as CBD. It is widely used for medical purposes due to its famous health benefits. Topical application of CBD or inhalation of CBD through smoke can help keep your body in homeostasis. Let’s see why CBD is so popular.
The most common cannabinoid in medical marijuana is CBD. This component can be manufactured in laboratories or derived directly from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a breed similar to the Sativa cannabis plant. The two main components of marijuana are THC and CBD. Where tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known to cause a « high », CBD has no such implications in mind. Cannabidiol has several health benefits and is therefore gaining popularity in the medical world. In this article, we will discuss 7 investigated health benefits of CBD.
How does Cannabidiol CBD work?
Our body has a dedicated system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), through which our body manages to remain in homeostasis. Our body produces endocannabinoids that are densely packed into all the cells and tissues of our body.
Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that adhere to cannabinoid receptors in our body. Receptors also exist throughout the central and peripheral nervous system of our body. If a body system does not work well, neurotransmitters work accurately and send signals between nerve cells. This process helps bring that particular system back to normal.
Once the endocannabinoids finish their work, the body’s enzymes break them down. In this way the ESA manages to regulate the proper functioning of the body’s systems, such as sleep, appetite, motor control, alertness, etc. (1)
Once CBD enters the body, it binds to the cannabinoid receptors present in our body, as do endocannabinoids, and provides immediate feedback to regulate the proper functioning of systems.
1. Relief from pain
For centuries, cannabis plants have been well known for being used to treat pain. There are hundreds of components in marijuana. According to research, several components of marijuana help relieve pain, and CBD is one of them. (2)
According to studies, CBD interconnects with neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation, thus helping to reduce chronic pain by affecting neurotransmitters. (3)
According to other research, CBD was found to have a positive impact on pain relief when ingested in rats. Treatment significantly minimized inflammation and nerve pain in rats. (4)
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An oral spray made by combining the two main components of cannabis, namely THC and CBD, is legal in several countries to treat arthritis-related pain and multiple sclerosis. The spray is called Sativex. According to one study, the effects of Sativex were examined in 47 people, and the study population experienced an improvement in muscle spasms, gait and pain. (6)
According to another study, Sativex oral spray showed an improvement in sleep quality, and pain during movement and rest, in people with rheumatoid arthritis. (7)
2. Anxiety and Depression
Most of us are victims of anxiety and depression today. Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders, which can have catastrophic effects on our health. These mental disorders are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs. These drugs may be additives, such as benzodiazepines, and therefore those affected may be subject to substance abuse. In addition, these medications may also have side effects, such as sleepiness, insomnia, headache, agitation, and sexual dysfunction. (8) (9)
CBD is a natural and safe choice for treating anxiety and depression, and in many cases has shown a positive result. CBD can act on brain receptors for a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates mood and social behavior.
The effect of taking oral CBD or placebo was investigated in a Brazilian study, where 57 people received a placebo or CBD 90 minutes before experiencing an artificial public speaking test. Research identified that after taking a 300 mg dose of CBD, anxiety was significantly reduced. However, placebo had little or no effect on anxiety. (10) (10)(10)
Children with PTSD, who had insomnia and anxiety, were also safely treated with CBD oil.
3. Treating opioid addiction
Opioid-dependent people can be treated with CBD. Clinical trials in humans and preclinical animals support this.
According to one study, CBD has the potential to help with heroin use disorder. Reduces signal-induced cravings and anxiety of heroin users, without harmful side effects. (11)
According to another study, CBD can help patients who have opioid addiction. It can reduce mental disorders and medical symptoms in patients with substance use disorders, such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia. (12)
4. Symptoms related to cancer
One study investigated the results of combined intake of CBD and THC in patients with cancer-related pain, who did not get relief with pharmaceutical drugs. The study found that an extract with both cannabinoids was more beneficial in reducing pain than with THC alone. (13)
The most common side effects of chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting. CBD may help reduce chemotherapy-induced symptoms. (14)
5. Health of the heart
Research has also linked cannabidiol with several heart benefits and benefits related to the circulatory system, including the ability of CBD to lower blood pressure.
CBD has antioxidant and stress-reducing properties, so it can reduce cell death and inflammation related to heart disease. According to research in mice with heart disease, CBD reduces oxidative stress and stops heart damage. (15)
6. Arthritis
CBD is also known to improve the symptoms of different types of arthritis.
A 2006 study compared the CBD-based drug, Sativex, with a placebo, and the study showed that Sativex improved sleep quality and pain in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, compared to placebo. (7)
7. Diabetes
According to research, CBD can be used as a natural treatment in cases of high blood sugar levels and can regulate insulin-related hormone levels.
In a small study of 13 people who had type 2 diabetes, cannabidiol increased the degree of insulin-dependent peptide and reduced insulin resistance in patients who were not on insulin treatment. (16)
Various health problems can be treated with cannabidiol, and it is widely used for medical purposes. In addition to the problems described above, CBD can be used against neurological diseases, for symptoms of PTSD, epilepsy syndromes, to reduce acne, etc.
Adding Omega 3 fatty acids to CBD can help make CBD supplements more effective and therefore active hemp and Omega phytocannabinoids can be effective for the proper functioning of your endocannabinoid system.