What is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy that has been part of a healthy lifestyle for thousands of years. Commonly known as CBD, it is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis, Cannabis Sativa. THC is the best-known psychotropic cannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” that is often associated with cannabis. Unlike THC, however, CBD is not psychotropic. This property makes CBD attractive to those who would like relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs. It is gaining ground in the world of health and wellness, and many leading doctors, scientists and studies support its ability to help with regeneration, sleep, regulate our daily rhythms, find daily peace and relieve symptoms of certain diseases, such as chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.

Our body's endocannabinoid system

We all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate our bodies and help maintain balance. Pain, stress, appetite, energy, cardiovascular function, reproduction, and sleep are just a few of the processes in which the ECS is involved. The human endocannabinoid system consists of three main components: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that break them down. This system is present throughout the body. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids, and these interact with our body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. While these two receptors have been studied the most, there are many other receptors that cannabinoids can bind to. Since our bodies naturally use “household” endocannabinoids to regulate many functions, there are many potential sites in our bodies where the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis can be activated.

Anxiety, depression
Anxiety and depression are common mental health problems that can have a detrimental impact on health and well-being, and are usually treated with medication, which can have numerous side effects and lead to drug addiction. CBD has shown promise in treating both depression and anxiety. It has also been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been shown to have antidepressant-like effects in several studies. These properties are related to CBD’s ability to affect serotonin receptors in the brain, which regulate mood and social behavior.
Pain relief
Cannabis has been used for pain relief since ancient times. Recently, it has been discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters. Several human studies have shown that the combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain caused by multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Cardiovascular system
Research suggests that CBD has a number of positive effects on the heart and circulatory system, including reducing high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke and heart attack. In one study, healthy men were treated with CBD oil and found that it reduced resting blood pressure compared to a placebo. Researchers believe that CBD’s stress- and anxiety-reducing properties are due to its blood pressure-lowering effects.
Skin problems
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. Scientific studies have shown that CBD may be an effective and safe way to treat acne. A lab study found that CBD prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, had anti-inflammatory effects, and prevented the activation of inflammatory cytokines.
Neurological disorders
CBD’s ability to influence the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits to people with neurological disorders. In one study, people with severe epilepsy were treated with CBD oil and their seizures were reduced by an average of 36%. Several studies have shown that treatment with CBD has improved the quality of life and sleep quality of people with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, animal and laboratory studies have shown that CBD may reduce inflammation and help prevent neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tumor diseases
CBD may help reduce cancer-related symptoms and chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and pain. The effects of CBD and THC have been studied in people with cancer-related pain, with patients treated with both compounds experiencing significant pain relief compared to those given THC extract alone. In a laboratory study, CBD has even been shown to have anti-cancer properties, with concentrated CBD inducing cell death in human breast cancer cells and inhibiting the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells.