Learn about brain health and nootropics to boost brain function
What Is CBD? What Are The Benefits Of CBD?
Every decade has seen a different set of health trends. This depended on the latest research results of the previous year that helped in determining what the world went gaga for in the health industry. It depends on the individual how they perceive a particular trend – as a beneficial one or as something bizarre.
There was a time when the whole world was going crazy on the concept of exergaming – that has its own intention of combining gaming with exercise. The world then shifted focus to the low carb dieting that introduced many useful and strange ones at the same time.
For instance, the Atkins Diet which focused on the fewer carbs more proteins mantra or the Tapeworm Diet that made people swallow an egg of a tapeworm for various reasons.
The world then saw a shift towards technological advances in the field of healthcare. This paved the path for body monitoring devices and fitness apps that completely transformed the way the world looked at fitness and health. People started taking their health seriously and began taking steps to maintain their health.
The idea of “Drugs kill Drugs”, can be perceived in so many ways. But you won’t have to think about it any differently. Our perception of the same has been revolving around the idea of how some drugs that have been affecting people adversely in terms of overconsumption have already provided remedial benefits for easing their addiction for the same.
Marijuana is one such herb which contains a chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and effects psychoactivity due to which it acts primarily upon the host’s central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.
The same Marijuana, also known as Cannabis sativa, is remedial in nature in the form of oil, the plant secrets called the Cannabidiol or CBD which helps in cutting the host’s urge for overconsumption and has been looked upon as cutting down the overall nicotine urge in humans better than nicotine gum and patches thus lowering the cigarette consumption as well. Due to this, it is considered both a boon and bane.
The latest thing that the world is talking about is CBD oil and its amazing benefits to health. Yes, we are talking about the oil that is obtained from hemp or marijuana.
So, do you think it could be helpful? How do we decide? To do that, first, we need to know what CBD oil is and what are the possible health benefits it boasts about.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for the substance Cannabidiol, that belongs to the set of cannabinoids that are obtained from chemical compounds found in hemp and marijuana.
You might be familiar with the term THC (TetraHydroCannabinol), which is a more popular component found in the cannabis plant. The primary difference between THC and CBD is the psychoactivity it penetrates. CBD is more medical in nature when compared to THC.
Till lately, the most popularly known compound from cannabis was delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the most powerful ingredient in marijuana. But the fact that CBD and THC both exist in marijuana is very less known.
Both of these compounds have different effects on the human body.
THC, when subjected to heat, breaks down, and affects the psychoactivity of the brain when introduced in the body. The human body can consume THC through smoke or in cooked food.
CBD, on the other hand, is different than THC, since it is not psychoactive. It does not meddle with the person’s state of mind like THC.
Legality Of CBD
The legality of CBD oil around the world is dark and gloomy and therefore, is open to differing interpretations because regulations differ across the world, from state-to-state and even from country to country.
Nevertheless, with the advent of brand wars in the advertising world, more and more products claim they have CBD in their products and keep impressing on the added benefits and the overall impact it does on the body. Besides they claim CBD being sold worldwide.
The bottom line that we must never forget here is that as long as CBD oil is extracted from the plants in controlled measures and proper parameters as per the regulations and norms, CBD oil does have benefits for the skin which are visible unquestionably.
Most of the players come with different topical theories regarding CBD and laboratory sciences have also been evolving in terms of their R&Ds, about the added benefits the oil can give by introducing effective topical medicines to the ever-evolving dermal science.
Where Does CBD Come From?
Another form of the cannabis plant is hemp. Both are derived versions of the main plant that cannabis, whose scientific name is “Cannabis Sativa” Hemp is a better source of CBD when compared to marijuana.
Hemp farmers around the world have unusually modified the plant. These hemp plants contain more concentration of CBD that is used for medical purposes.
How Does CBD Work?
Each of the cannabinoids, along with CBD, create impacts on the body by connecting to some recipients.
The human body also generates certain cannabinoids by itself. It additionally has a couple of receptors for cannabinoids, known as CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors exist throughout the body, although most of them are in the brain. CB1 receptors in the brain maintain movement and coordination, emotions, pain, mood, appetite, thinking, and memory, among other functions. THC also connect to these receptors more.
On the other hand, CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the immunity system. They are the main contributors to inflammation and pain.
Initially, researchers assumed that CBD attributed to CB2 receptors, but currently, it has been found that CBD attributes instantly to neither of the receptors. It rather enables the body to use more of its own cannabinoids.
Some Health Benefits Of CBD Oil
Now that we are clear on CBD not being harmful or psychoactive, we can talk about the various health benefits it holds.
A Natural Pain Reliever
There is no doubt that people with acute pains, tend to pop the pills that relieve pain, stiffness, or even chronic pain. These medications are usually prescription or over-the-counter drugs that give temporary relief or gradually reduce the pain.
A more natural way of dealing with such pain is seen with CBD since it is more natural.
Researchers suggest that this non-psychoactive compound could prove to be a more natural and latest treatment for chronic pain.
Drug Withdrawals
Some of the medical benefits of CBD makes it play an important role in addiction treatments.
The main benefit is stress relief. The consumption of CBD helps people trying to quit smoking due to its stress relieving properties. It significantly reduces stress, tension, irritability, and anxiety associated with withdrawal symptoms.
Some nicotine withdrawals are seen as an inflammation-relieving component, which can be easily replaced by CBD to reduce general headaches and body pains. The bottom line is, there is a lesser reason to reach out for a smoke with the effect of CBD, allowing you to concentrate more.
CBD can also help people with sleep disturbances, which are caused by nicotine withdrawal. After all, when you are at peace and do not have stress or irritability, there is more reason for a sound sleep.
We cannot neglect the fact here that there is still research to do to prove these points. The world is just trying to look at treating certain illnesses with the help of this compound.
Other Disorders
CBD is also known to affect certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Some researchers found that CBD has anti-seizure properties with a profound effect on people with epilepsy.
Some studies also suggest that other neuropsychiatric conditions, like neurodegeneration, can be treated with CBD.
A study by Current Pharmaceutical Design published their finding that CBD is capable of producing similar effects as of certain antipsychotic drugs and that it could provide as a safer and more effective treatment for people who have Schizophrenia.
Benefits Of CBD On Skin
Skin is the only organ in the body that formulates a guarding layer between the other vital organs and the external environment. This makes it prone to environmental toxins, irritants, and most importantly, the ever changing weather conditions. This also makes it inclined towards inflammation like acne, and irritable symptoms of various changing conditions.
Apart from the significant mental and physical health benefits CBD has, it also holds some very astonishing beauty benefits. It has been gaining momentum in the skincare and beauty industry. Here are some facts you need to consider before you choose CBD as your beauty care partner.
The main ingredient in all the beauty care products is CBD oil.
CBD Oil For Nourishment And Moisturizing
CBD oil consists of essential vitamins that nourish and moisturize your skin. The vitamins present are A, D, and E. While Vitamin A is a power source of antioxidants, Vitamins D, and E for protection from skin damage.
CBD oil also contains essential fatty acids that make your skin glow and look more radiant. These acids also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and Omega-6 that promotes moisturization since it does not block pores.
CBD Oil For Acne
It has been discussed that CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. But how does that help with skin?
CBD helps the skin to calm down, especially skin that is acne prone. The basic idea is that acne is an inflammatory condition and CBD’s soothing properties aid in reducing breakouts and redness. Recent findings have shown that CBD has the ability to diminish the production of sebum, and other such triggers of acne.
We know the antioxidant vitamins present in CBD oil – Vitamin A. This vitamin has powerful properties of anti-aging that fight against wrinkles, ruddy skin tone, and skin dullness, by hindering free radical damage.
There are many more antioxidants out there, that actually work equally effectively as CBD oil. This might not be one of the best options, but it is undoubtedly one of the options you could consider because of its other benefits.
CBD Oil For Sensitive Skin
Even if you don’t consider your skin “sensitive” as such, all types of skin are affected by the environment around. So, it is really important to know your skin type before you choose a product for it.
Due to its strong soothing and skin-calming properties, CBD oil is one of the best elements to consider in your skin care regime, when you have sensitive skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin too as it does not adversely affect it.
CBD Oil Relieves Skin Itching
The medicinal properties of CBD oil along with its anti-inflammatory properties make it a very good option for battling with itching and skin irritations caused by general conditions like sores, heat conditions like sunburns or even insect bites.
Side Effects Of Using CBD Oil
Just like every coin has two sides, even though CBD oil comes with a list of health benefits it still suffers from certain side effects which are inevitable. Some research indicates that the use of CBD oil may trigger a number of side effects, including anxiety, changes in appetite, changes in mood, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.
There’s also some concern surrounding the fact that the use of CBD oil may lead to increased levels of liver enzymes which is an indicator of liver damage or inflammation.
Safety Concerns
CBD oil may also come into contact with several medications thus reacting differently on body and this includes some types of anti-epileptic drugs as well.
A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published in the journal Pediatrics highlights a concern towards pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid marijuana use due to possible adverse developmental effects to their baby.
According to a study reviewed for the report, short-term exposure to CBD was found to increase the permeability of the placental barrier, thus impacting the fetus and putting it at risk due to the availability of certain substances.
If you are looking forward to going for CBD oil, then it is impediment of you to take the potential side effects of the same into consideration by discussing the possible adverse effects with your concerned physician.
According to one study, children suffering from refractory epilepsy were treated with CBD and they experienced an increase in seizures, disturbances in digestion, excessive sleepiness, and irritability.
Dt. Mukta Agrawal is a qualified dietitian and has done her post-graduation in clinical nutrition and dietetics, she has done her specialization in diabetes and cardiac care and also she is a certified bariatric nutritionist. She is a lifestyle coach and diabetic educator. She has 12 plus years of experience in the field of health and fitness industry. Mukta is passionate about educating people regarding the truths and myths of health through the INLIFE Blog. Her belief in the fact that good health is for everyone is one of the highlights of her writing.
Click here to view full article