Seven Benefits and Uses of CBD
What’s the biggest trend in wellness? It’s not keto or CoolSculpting – it’s CBD!
CBD is a cannabinoid derived from hemp or marijuna plants. It’s not psychoactive, so it won’t get you high. This makes CBD more approachable than other marijuana products, and additional research studies show that it can also be used as medication to potentially treat symptoms of anxiety, arthritis, and more.
Should you try out CBD? Whether you use a tincture to add CBD to your protein shake, use CBD lotions, or enjoy CBD edibles, we bet you can find a use for this hot new trend. Check out (just some of) the benefits and uses of CBD, backed by science and the quick-growing fan base of CBD products and treatments.
Treatment for Anxiety and Other Mental Health Disorders
CBD doesn’t have to be an ingredient for people who visit the doctor weekly for pain or other serious illnesses. If you experience any level of stress or anxiety (and who doesn’t these days,) you can get something out of CBD.
There are many types of anxiety and stress – not everyone worries about the same thing. However, one of the most fearful activities for adults is public speaking. In 2011, researchers gave 600mg of CBD or placebo supplements to 36 adults before they gave a speech in public. The group that took the CBD enjoyed their speech more, had significantly less anxiety, and were more alert than the group that took the placebo.
Various animal studies have shown that CBD has the potential to work as an antidepressant and treat symptoms of PTSD. Researchers are looking at how CBD can increase the production of the serotonin 1A receptor to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Better Sleep
You don’t have to commit to a heavy indica to help you help at night. (But if you do, we have some options for you.) Studies going back decades have shown that CBD can increase sleep in patients:
“Doses of 40, 80, and 160 mg cannabidiol were compared to placebo and 5 mg nitrazepam in 15 insomniac volunteers. Subjects receiving 160 mg cannabidiol reported having slept significantly more than those receiving placebo; the volunteers also reported significantly less dream recall; with the three doses of cannabidiol than with placebo.”
A more recent study (as recent as January 2019) has also backed up claims that CBD can help to increase sleep – at least in the short term. One sample from the study had 72 patients; “Sleep scores improved within the first month in 48 patients but fluctuated over time.”
The Best Bath You’ve Ever Had
Since CBD has become a key player in the wellness industry, the number of uses for CBD oil and CBD products has skyrocketed. Oh yeah, you can get a CBD bath bomb. You can get a CBD bath bomb and enjoy a hit of your vape that contains CBD oil. Munch on some CBD chocolate while you’re at it. What we’re saying is, there are plenty of ways that you can turn your home into a paradise with CBD.
A Great Addition To Your Next Spa Treatment
The beauty and wellness industry has truly opened its arms to CBD. In addition to bath bombs, CBD can be found in massage products, including oils and scrubs. At some spas, you can even add CBD into your pedicure! The next time you’re looking to treat yourself to a day at the spa, take a look around for menus that include CBD.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the reasons that the wellness industry has fallen in love with CBD is its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a central function of the immune system – it’s the increased production of white blood cells, immune cells, and cytokines. Without inflammation, we could not fight infection or recover after an injury. However, too much inflammation could cause a range of short- and long-term symptoms, from acne to pain to tissue damage and serious diseases.
Studies show that a range of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, can reduce cytokines and other substances that are produced through inflammation. Talk to your doctor about using CBD to reduce inflammation.
Pain Relief
Patients use CBD products to treat symptoms of many chronic illnesses, including:
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
The symptom that ties all of these illnesses, along with many more, is chronic pain. CBD users claim that CBD can be used to treat pain throughout the body, from migraines to joint pain. Animal studies showed that CBD, when applied topically, can reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain, reducing the pain typically experienced by people with arthritis.
Want to learn more about topical CBD products for pain relief? Try out the Cooling CBD Pain Bar from Pure Relief.
Aid In Curbing Addiction
One of the benefits of marijuana and hemp plants is that they are not physically addictive. This makes weed a more positive choice compared to opioids, prescription drugs, and even alcohol. But can cannabis help you end a current addiction?
Results from studies are looking positive. Researchers from the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and Université de Montréal took a close look at dozens of studies that linked CBD with the parts of the brain that worked with addiction. Their analysis showed the potential for CBD to be used as the center of many treatments that would aid addiction:
“CBD has been associated with many neural circuits involved in the acquisition of addiction and subsequent drugseeking behaviors, making it an interesting pharmacological candidate to treat substance-use disorders.”
Remember, there is a lot of research to be done on this subject and on the long-term effects of CBD in general. Talk to a medical professional before using CBD products, especially in addition to (or to potentially replace) your current medications.
There are many ways to treat pain, stress, and inflammation with CBD. New edibles, tinctures, and topicals are popping up everywhere, everyday. As new products hit the market, enjoy the experimentation and see what CBD can do for you.
