Many people are curious about CBD as a health supplement due to positive reports found online and in the media. But the big question is: can CBD really help you stay healthy, active, and relaxed?
Let’s take a closer look at CBD as a health supplement to get a better understanding.
One of the well-documented benefits of CBD is pain relief. Since CBD doesn’t get you high like marijuana, it can be used to manage chronic pain. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory properties because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system works by binding endocannabinoids to receptors in your body, which signals the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help relieve pain.
Epidiolex is an FDA-approved product made from CBD that helps relieve epilepsy in children with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastault syndrome, which are severe but rare forms of epilepsy. This product has shown in clinical trials to reduce the frequency of seizures when combined with other anti-epilepsy medications.
Many people who struggle with sleep find relief using CBD. If chronic pain is the reason you can’t fall or stay asleep, reducing that pain with CBD can lead to better sleep. Knowing the difference between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD can help you decide which type is right for effective pain management, potentially alleviating pain, stress, and anxiety that contribute to insomnia. However, there isn’t enough evidence yet to say CBD can definitively cure insomnia.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy might get some relief from symptoms like nausea and vomiting by using CBD. Additionally, if chronic pain from cancer or its treatment is reduced, patients may find some relief. Nonetheless, more research is needed to determine if CBD can stop cancer from spreading.
CBD may also help lower resting blood pressure, suggesting it could be an option for treating high blood pressure. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects, which could help blood vessels remain relaxed. Moreover, there’s some evidence that CBD can treat stress and anxiety.
Using CBD can relieve symptoms of various illnesses, contributing to a general sense of well-being and enabling you to engage more in activities you enjoy. There are different types of CBD—like isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum—that can suit your needs. If you prefer to avoid the smell of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils, CBD isolate is a good choice because it’s pure and free of terpenes.
CBD isolate is made using carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction or other methods to remove other plant compounds, resulting in a clear, transparent oil. It’s ideal if you want to avoid any trace of THC, the compound that causes psychoactive effects. If you want all the beneficial compounds of CBD, full-spectrum CBD oil includes both cannabidiol and THC but in amounts low enough not to cause psychoactive effects. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all plant compounds except THC.
CBD is believed to relieve symptoms of several illnesses like chronic pain, epilepsy, insomnia, cancer, and high blood pressure. If symptoms are reduced, patients might experience an improved sense of well-being and a more active lifestyle.
However, it’s important to know that evidence isn’t conclusive that CBD can cure any illness, and more research is needed. CBD can have side effects such as fatigue, appetite changes, weight fluctuations, and diarrhea. It may also interact adversely with other medications, so it’s crucial to consult a doctor before trying CBD for any illness.