CBD may provide relief for anxiety, pain and depression. Furthermore, it could also assist in alleviating cancer symptoms and chemotherapy-induced side effects.
CBD shows promise for relieving drug cravings among those suffering from addiction disorders such as heroin use disorder. Additional research must be completed, however.
1. Anxiety
CBD works to alleviate anxiety by stimulating more than 65 receptors that regulate serotonin levels – many of which impact serotonin production and regulation. Since many medications already used to treat depression and anxiety also work by increasing serotonin, CBD may complement those treatments well.
Studies conducted on both lab animals and humans have demonstrated that CBD can significantly decrease anxiety, decreasing stress levels and increasing feelings of calm. CBD interacts with nerve terminals which impact arousal, body temperature and emotion – stimulating or inhibiting these receptors is how CBD helps people feel more at ease.
Before taking any new health supplement, including CBD, it’s best to consult your physician first. This is especially important if you are taking medications such as antidepressants such as Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft or benzodiazepine sedatives such as Klonopin (clonazepam) which could increase its effects.
2. Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. People living with this condition must inject insulin in order to break down carbohydrates found in food and drinks and utilize glucose, the body’s preferred energy source. Carb counting is critical in managing this condition as is eating a balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, nonfat dairy, plant proteins and healthy fats for managing this disease effectively.
Clinical studies indicate CBD may help decrease resistance to insulin and boost levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, a hormone which regulates insulin related hormone levels. Additional research must be completed to verify these findings.
Notifying your endocrinologist of any CBD use is imperative as this could interfere with certain medications–including blood thinners and antiepileptic agents–as well as compete for liver enzymes needed to break down other substances (acetaminophen (Tylenol). This could result in abnormalities to liver-related blood tests.
3. Chronic pain
CBD is an effective painkiller that reduces inflammation and can provide relief for many types of chronic pain, according to a 2019 study. Topical CBD was shown to significantly decrease neuropathic pain caused by diabetes or nerve damage, according to this research.
Chronic pain refers to any pain lasting more than three months and can manifest in various forms and locations around the body, whether constant or episodic.
Studies on both humans and mice indicate that CBD can assist with chronic pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, and relieving stress. CBD can be taken orally or applied directly to skin as a cream; additionally it may be combined with other medications; always consult your healthcare provider prior to trying CBD as a painkiller.
4. Arthritis
CBD may help ease arthritis pain by decreasing inflammation and inhibiting the release of new pain signals, relieving swelling and stiffness in joints. There are various forms of CBD oil available – capsules and liquid drops can both help – while some formulations also exist as therapeutic salves to be directly applied over affected areas.
Basic science studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system plays an integral part in pain behavior for both humans and animal synovial joints (Hammmell et al., 2016). Many of these studies have reported how CBD can significantly decrease pain intensity and post-traumatic inflammation categorical score of arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions among both animals and humans alike.
Before beginning with any CBD product, it is a good idea to consult your physician first. Be sure that it forms part of an overall pain management strategy rather than the sole means of controlling chronic discomfort.
5. Epilepsy
CBD oils may help address many medical concerns, with epilepsy being one of the strongest cases. CBD has been scientifically demonstrated to both reduce seizures and stop future ones from happening; and in 2018, FDA approved a prescription medication containing CBD to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in children.
CBD has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, providing relief from arthritis, headaches and body aches. Furthermore, it may improve mood while decreasing anxiety and depression levels; furthermore it has also been demonstrated to aid opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as help manage substance use disorders like heroin addiction.
CBD appears to help ease social anxiety; according to a 2022 study, participants who took CBD 90 minutes prior to a public speaking exam experienced less stress than their placebo-receiving peers. CBD may also ease insomnia and improve sleep quality – although further research needs to be conducted.
