CBD oil and CBD products have emerged onto the market but there are many people who don’t really understand what it does or what it’s all about. CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s one of many chemicals found in cannabis sativa plants, a species that includes hemp (a cousin of marijuana) and marijuana. I decided to investigate the CBD phenomenon and tried two products and this is what I found.
The benefits of CBD oil and CBD products
I tried CBDNA’s CBD oil and found that it was really effective at reducing anxiety. Researchers think that CBD may treat depression and anxiety in the same way: by altering serotonin levels. In fact, in recent years, CBD has been marketed as a treatment for a number of medical conditions, including: cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
CBD may evenhelp with insomnia – there are untold benefits, many of which are still being discovered.
Link: CBDNA’s CBD oil
It’s still not completely clear how CBD oil reduces anxiety but I found that it definitely made a difference in my mood. If I felt anxious, a few drops of CBD oil under my tongue calmed me and left me with a sense of calm and well-being. I hadn’t expected this result but I am happy to report that it worked for me. It takes 10-15 minutes for the CBD to enter your bloodstream and leaving it under your tongue for a few minutes is the most effective way for it to be absorbed by your body.
Life is stressful and we can all use a little help when t comes to facing the daily challenges that are thrown at us.
Animal studies, and self-reports or research in humans, suggest CBD may also help with:
- Anxiety Studies and clinical trials are exploring the common report that CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Insomnia. Studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Chronic pain. Further human studies are needed to substantiate claims that CBD helps control pain. One animal study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to skin. Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult treat.
- Addiction. CBD can help lower cravings for tobacco and heroin under certain conditions, according to some research in humans. Animal models of addiction suggest it may also help lessen cravings for alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants.
I also tried a CBD face and body cream:
It smells divine and nourishes and soothed my skin. I love it and find it isn’t oily or lumpy. In fact, it’s my go-to cream that I use now with long-lasting results. My skin is softer and the cream seems to last longer than traditional creams. I also made sure to only use products that are vegan certified. Ginger also contains anti-bacterial qualities and it almost feels slightly tingly on my skin – a sensation I love. Each tub contains vitamins and nutrients so it really refreshes and nourishes. I highly recommend it!
Link: CBDNA’s CBD face and body cream
Some early evidence, mostly from animal studies, suggests that topical cannabidiol (CBD) cream may help with arthritis, inflammation, and chronic pain -what’s not to like!? Although -this means it may require long-term use for noticeable results to occur.
The research on CBD so far
According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
A 2016 studyTrusted Source on rats found that they displayed fewer pain-related behaviors and had fewer inflammation markers after 4 consecutive days of treatment with CBD cream.
An older 2006 preliminary assessment of the CBD drug Sativex, an oral mucosal spray, found that the drug could ease arthritis pain over 5 weeks. Sativex offered better pain relief than a placebo, but the study was small and did not specifically use a CBD cream.
Many similar studies use CBD alongside other derivatives of cannabis, so it is uncertain whether any apparent benefits come from cannabis, from other cannabis derivatives, such as THC, or from CBD alone.
According to a 2020 Consumer Reports survey, one-third of adults in the U.S. have used CBD in the past 2 years, with some using it to self-medicate health conditions.
However, CBD products are not a replacement for the medication individuals with arthritis may need to take for their condition.
CBD products are a supplement NOT a medication
People should always discuss using CBD products with a healthcare professional to ensure that the product will not interact with any existing prescription and nonprescription medication or health conditions.
For more information on the products I tried – I have included the link to all their products – there is something for everyone:
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-cream-for-arthritis#does-it-work
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5#:~:text=the%20selection%20biases.-,Conclusion,used%20doses%20below%2050%20mg.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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