Benefits of CBD
In the UK, all ingestible CBD products are classed as food supplements. As a result, no medical claims can be made upon products to cure ills and pains as it would be illegal.
However, CBD is used around the world to aid numerous body and mind ailments and its health benefits are highly regarded by many Scientists and Health experts.
In trying to understand the reasons behind why CBD has so many health benefits, we first must recognise the part our bodies play in ‘digesting’ the molecules.
The ECS (Endocannabinoid system) comprises of fatty ligands called endocannabinoids which bind to a vast network of cannabinoid receptors in our brain, nervous system, immune system, and organs.
These receptors are known as CB1 and CB2. The receptors are tirelessly working to ensure all our physiological systems remain in balance. These receptors are also thought to play a key role in our reproductive system.
In simple terms - our bodies have a built-in system that interacts with cannabinoids - which is useful! As a result, our bodies can reap the benefits of CBD and below are just a few of the health benefits and why and how….
CBD has been known to help symptoms and to name a few: anxiety and depression, skin and acne treatment, pain management and sleep disorders.
Moisturising Skin and Acne treatment
CBD oil is full of essential ingredients such as fatty acids and vitamins C, D and E. Fatty acids are essential for keeping the skin’s moisture barrier happy and healthy, which in turn protects the skin from environmental damage and harmful bacteria.
While CBD oil works as an effective treatment for dry skin conditions, it’s anti-inflammatory properties can also be particularly helpful in fighting inflammatory skin issues like acne. Through interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, CBD can effectively soothe acne breakouts, while reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups by keeping the skin balanced and healthy.
The mixture of fatty acids, vitamins and inflammatory properties is a winning formula in protecting and the self-healing of one’s skin.
To further understand the benefits that CBD could bring to your skincare regime and aid with existing skin problems read our article What is all the buzz about CBD skincare?
Anxiety and Depression
The ECS, as we have seen, bind a vast network of cannabinoid receptors in our brain, nervous system, immune system, and organs, helping to ensure all our physiological systems remain in balance.
However, chronic stress itself can eventually impair our endocannabinoid system. Prolonged exposure to stress that regulates CB1 receptor signalling in brain regions involved in emotional processing. Chronic stress also increases levels of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme that breaks anandamide down in the body, resulting in lower concentrations of the feel-good endocannabinoid.
With weakened endocannabinoid signalling, we are more vulnerable to developing forms of anxiety and depression. Several studies have confirmed that administering CBD enhances CB1 signalling. By activating CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system it has been found to calm feelings of anxiety.
One common theory is that by boosting CB1 signalling, it could be a potential therapeutic target for both protecting against and treating anxiety disorders.
Sleep disorders
Due to CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety it can also be helpful in reducing sleep difficulties and improving sleep quality. According to some research, CBD may increase our overall sleep time, and counter insomnia. CBD has especially been shown to reduce insomnia in people who suffer from chronic pain.
In 2019 research was carried and published in the Permanente Journal to look at whether CBD could improve sleep and or reduce anxiety. The study, which involved 72 subjects in total, 47 of them experiencing anxiety and 25 experiencing either insomnia or general sleep problems. Each subject was given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD each day. In the first month, 79.2 percent of the patients reordered that their anxiety levels had reduced and 66.7 percent reported better sleep.
In small doses, CBD stimulates alertness and reduces daytime sleepiness. As a result, our sleep -wake cycle is strengthened and becomes more consistent, helping us have a deeper and more undisturbed sleep at night.
The team here at CBD guide UK are huge fans of a few drops of CBD oil before we go to sleep at night. A few of us have had huge problems with insomnia in the past or just drifting off to sleep at the end of a stressful day. CBD has been a game changer. There are also no side effects the next morning, as opposed to sleeping pills, another huge bonus in our eyes.
Read our top three reasons as to why CBD could help you get a better nights sleep.
Pain management
CBD is widely recognised and regarded as an effective means to treat and manage pain. This is thought to be achieved in several ways.
Firstly, by reducing inflammation by decreasing the levels of a chemical called cytokines being produced in the body. Secondly, as we have previously discussed, the cannabinoids bind and block receptors in the central nervous system that are associated with pain. As a result, this reduces anxiety and can act as a natural form of antidepressant.
CBD creams and lotions can also be used on localised joint or muscle pains to help sooth and reduce the discomfort. Therefore, they are the perfect choice for many sporting injuries or post recovery muscle treatments. CBD is also a popular choice for those experiencing arthritis. CBD cream in particular, is a convenient way to treat chronic joint pain. The CBD focuses on the inflamed areas and successfully helps reduce discomfort for arthritis sufferers.
Disclaimer:
CBD is sold as a food supplement, and as a result, It’s illegal to claim it treats, prevents, or helps cure an illness or disease. No health claims have been made in this article, if you are suffering from cholesterol problems always seek professional medical advice.