5 Potentially Powerful Medical Uses for CBD
You’ve probably heard of CBD by now; as an industry it has grown exponentially so now there are all kinds of CBD products on the market such as therapeutic products, medical grade, and beauty and skincare. Many users have found CBD (cannabidiol) to be helpful for pain management and relaxation. Meanwhile, there are still many others who are unaware of this powerful substance or wary of it perhaps because of its infamous second cousin, recreational marijuana. With its fascinating properties and effectiveness, it’s worth looking into and knowing about CBD, so here are 5 potential benefits to using CBD.
First, what is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two natural compounds found in a genus of plants called the Cannabis Sativa L, or the hemp plant. Both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoids system, but they have very different effects. THC is the more well-known of the two; it is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling.
Both CBD and THC are chemically similar in structure to the body’s endocannabinoids system. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, which are responsible for relaying signals between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, sleep, stress, and so on. The influence that CBD has on the human brain has many exciting prospects for health and wellness.
Both CBD and THC have different effects on the human body that help with various symptoms. They also work together to synergize their benefits; for example, CBD binds very weakly to CB1 receptors. CBD needs THC for a strong bind to the CB1 receptor and, in turn, can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, such as euphoria or sedation. However, to avoid any side effects of “high” sensation, many prefer using “THC-free” CBD products for their needs.
There are a number of studies and research coming out regarding hemp or cannabis products today; however, for the majority of them, further back up studies are recommended. This may be why medical doctors and other healthcare practitioners still do not know the recommended dosage of CBD and THC products to maximize the benefits and minimize the side effects.
I would like to share 5 potential benefits of medically used CBD products where the research currently stands:
1. Pain Relief
CBD can interact with a core component of the ECS (endocannabinoid receptors), CB1 and CB2, in the human brain and immune system.
Receptors are tiny proteins attached to the cells. They receive signals from different stimuli and help the cells to respond. This response creates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that help with pain management. This means that CBD oil and other CBD products may benefit people with chronic pain, such as chronic back pain. A pre-clinical study sponsored by the National Institute of Health is also looking at the role of cannabis in reducing symptoms resulting from MS pain, spinal cord injury, arthritis, chronic pain, etc. Another study from the European Journal of Pain shows that CBD applied on the skin can help decrease pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
2. Anxiety Relief
CBD may also change the way the brain’s receptors respond to Serotonin, which is a natural chemical in the body that affects mental health in terms of happiness and sense of well-being. It helps the cells respond to different stimuli. Studies have shown that CBD may help with anxiety, depression, and more symptoms related to mental health by reducing stress levels, decreasing the physiological effects of anxiety (ie. increased heart rate, etc.), improving symptoms from PTSD, and even inducing sleep.
3. Cancer Treatment
A number of small studies found that CBD can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. Other studies have found that it has potential to be influential in treatment of neuropathic conditions, meaning pain caused by damaged nerves. More recently, scientists reported that THC and CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce the spread of some forms of cancer and tumors. Of course, as with any research, there needs to be further study, but the headway made and implications of current research are encouraging.
4. Neuro-protection
With the current information around CBD and its functionality, it shows great potential for reducing inflammations that worsen neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and more. Not many are aware of inflammation’s power on the human body, but inflammation commonly plays a large role in pain and other symptoms. Neuro-protection is definitely a wonderful prospect to look out for in CBD science. To learn more about inflammation and how it affects disc health, please check out our post here.
5. Anti-seizure
Lastly, among the wide variety of uses for different health conditions that CBD is becoming known for, it shows the strongest evidence in effectiveness in treatment for childhood Epilepsy Syndrome. In some cases where the body’s response to anti-seizure drugs was relatively low, CBD has shown to help by stimulating the CB1 and CB2, thus helping to calm the nervous system. This is another exciting benefit to look forward to as more research comes out regarding these cases in the world of health and wellness.
As with any other discoveries in today’s healthcare, much research and studies are needed to strengthen the evidence for this powerful extract and its many potential uses. However, as it stands currently, CBD has proven effective and helpful for many users in terms of soothing pain and calming the body. It can be combined with other natural super-ingredients to increase its pain-relieving properties for those with chronic pain or muscle tension. If you have any questions regarding CBD and practical applications, please contact us at Alight Chiropractic to learn more!
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