What are the Benefits of CBD?
What is CBD?
CBD is a type of cannabinoid—a chemical naturally derived from cannabis. Although related to the marijuana plant, this powerful plant extract isn’t psychoactive. It won’t get you “high” or create any form of intoxication. That’s caused by another cannabinoid, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate a variety of functions including pain perception, sleep quality and the immune system.
It can be taken in a variety of forms:
- Oils and tinctures
- Topical creams and salves
- Pills and capsules
- Edibles, like gummies
- Vape concentrates
CBD is a popular, natural treatment with a narrow side-effect profile when compared to other mainstream medications.
The key benefits of CBD
Pain relief
CBD is an ancient method of pain relief and recent studies show that CBD can have anti-inflammatory, muscle-soothing and pain-reducing benefits.
CBD impacts the body’s endocannabinoid receptor activity to help reduce inflammation that often causes chronic pain. It can interact with the brain’s receptors to help manage pain perception, helping:
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritis pain
- Chronic pain
- MS pain
CBD products, like Isospec, can be ingested or applied topically on localised pain points for faster relief.
Mental health benefits
CBD has shown promise as a natural treatment for stress, depression and anxiety. Researchers have found that it may improve the way your brain responds to serotonin, the body’s natural mood stabiliser.
This helps people relax, which can reduce nervousness and the physiological effects of stress and anxiety, such as an increased heart rate and poor sleep.
Improved sleep quality
CBD can also be used to treat insomnia. It can help with both falling asleep and staying asleep, because it helps tackle some of the root causes of insomnia by stabilising mood, decreasing anxiety and relieving pain.
Athletic recovery
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can not only help alleviate muscle soreness and pain, but also help your body recover faster after exercise.
Most muscle repair happens during sleep. Improving sleep quality with CBD can help lower cortisol levels that often cause muscles to break down, and produce the hormones responsible for building and repairing muscle fibres.
Other potential health benefits of CBD
There are a range of other CBD health benefits that scientists continue to test and research.
Anti-seizure
Some of the strongest scientific evidence for CBD is in its treatment of seizures in children. In numerous studies CBD out-performed antiseizure medications by reducing the number of seizures, and in some cases, stopping them altogether.
Neuroprotective
Because CBD interacts with the brain’s receptors and reduces inflammation, researchers believe it could decrease the effects of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-acne
CBD’s effect on the immune system and reducing overall inflammation may help acne sufferers.
Cancer treatment
Scientists continue to research CBD’s effect on cancer. The pain relief properties of CBD can alleviate chronic pain that comes with cancer. Some studies suggest CBD might even stunt tumour growth and reduce tumor size.
CBD has a range of known benefits, and this is only the beginning as scientists continue to research the effects of this powerful plant extract. Consult your doctor about using CBD and find out more about how Isospec CBD products can help you.