CBD, a chemical component of cannabis, has recently been added to shampoos, hand lotions and pet treats. Studies suggest it could reduce anxiety, pain and insomnia.
Research needs to be conducted on these claims and can potentially interact with certain medications; so always consult your physician prior to using CBD products.
1. Reduces anxiety
CBD may help alleviate anxiety by stimulating receptors within the endocannabinoid system and creating relaxation. This may prove particularly helpful for individuals suffering from anxiety or depression that is associated with low serotonin levels.
One study discovered that CBD significantly reduced anxiety levels among participants taking part in a public speaking test simulation, while another study conducted with posttraumatic stress disorder patients revealed that CBD can alleviate symptoms related to their condition such as anxiety and sleep disturbance.
However, it should be remembered that research on CBD and anxiety is still in its infancy. Also, individuals on certain medications should take caution when consuming or taking CBD as it may hinder its effectiveness. If you have other health conditions it may also be wise to consult your physician prior to beginning any new supplement regimens.
2. Reduces pain
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays an integral part in controlling pain and the immune system. Some clinical trials have demonstrated its potential use as a pain relief solution in alleviating arthritis, fibromyalgia and other health conditions.
Many people with chronic pain have found relief using CBD products like tinctures, capsules and edibles from CBD plants – such as tinctures, capsules and edibles – but these unregulated products don’t allow anyone to know for certain if their advertised dose or product works for them.
CBD may interact with other medications and supplements, including folic acid dietary supplement and cholesterol-reducing drugs known as statins, so before beginning its use it’s wise to consult your physician first. Also remember not to smoke or vape CBD as doing so could harm your lungs.
3. Reduces inflammation
CBD has long been used to combat inflammation and pain through targeting various biological mechanisms. CBD blocks cytokines and their receptors, thereby decreasing production of pro-inflammatory molecules within the body.
Cancer cells can also be caused to undergo apoptosis through competition for adenosine uptake and activation of mTOR, while this drug also decreases expression of pro-inflammatory genes while simultaneously increasing antioxidant enzyme activity.
Apart from reducing production of proinflammatory cytokines, CBD also reduces oxidative stress and fibrosis in experimental models of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, liver steatosis, and ischemic brain injury.
Topical CBD products such as creams and oils can be applied directly to the skin for fast absorption by affected areas, helping alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis according to one study published in Molecules.
4. Reduces seizures
Studies on CBD have demonstrated its ability to reduce seizures for individuals suffering from certain forms of epilepsy that don’t respond well to conventional medicines, as well as treat other conditions causing seizures, such as PTSD. Furthermore, CBD may even offer therapeutic potential against certain mental disorders that cause seizures.
CBD may interact with certain medicines, including blood thinners, antiepileptic drugs, and immunosuppressants, and may alter their efficacy. If you take these medicines concurrently with CBD treatment, consult with your physician prior to beginning or during your course of CBD therapy to assess how your liver responds.
CBD was shown to significantly reduce seizure frequency among 214 pediatric epilepsy patients with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who were receiving medication, according to a recent study. Researchers believe it works by blocking LPI’s ability to amplified nerve signals in the brain.
5. Reduces insomnia
CBD’s ability to alleviate anxiety may help lead to better restful slumber; however, more research needs to be conducted on its efficacy as an aid for sleep. Furthermore, its interactions with other medicines – specifically those prescribed to treat chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis – remain unknown.
CBD may help improve sleep due to how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, slowing down natural body processes that regulate sleep cycles so people can fall asleep more easily and stay asleep through the night.
Sleep aids may be more effective than sleeping pills as they don’t produce sedating side effects that interfere with quality restful slumber. Furthermore, they’re non-addictive so long-term use won’t pose withdrawal issues.
