Unless you’re completely living under a rock, you’ve probably heard one of this century’s hottest buzzwords: CBD. And whether you don’t even know what it stands for (the answer is cannabidiol) or are using it regularly, there’s always something new to learn about this natural, magical remedy that is taking the world by storm.
CBD is not new. Its medicinal, anti-stress, and health-boosting properties have been in practice for centuries whether by American Indian to Ancient Chinese medicine. Over the years, CBD has proven to be the non-habit forming go-to for pain, inflammation, stress, and yes, wellness. We are only beginning to learn all of the incredible benefits of CBD, with research providing new insights regularly. If you’ve come to learn about CBD, you’ve come to the right place, because here is everything we do know about this gift from nature.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural botanical compound that is found in either hemp or cannabis plants. Hemp can be defined as any part of the cannabis Sativa plant that contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. As THC is the part of the plant that gets you “high,” CBD does not cause the same impairment.
How is CBD made?
CBD is sourced by extracting it from the industrial hemp plant and then diluting it with another oil for consumption (usually coconut or hemp seed oil). As we stated before, CBD can be derived from either hemp or marijuana (THC), but the CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant is the one more commonly used in products for the market.
How does CBD work?
Upon entering your system, CBD interacts with receptors in your brain, encouraging the body to produce more of its own cannabinoids. This promotes relief for pain and inflammation, improves mood, reduces anxiety, and causes better balance in your system overall.
How will CBD make me feel?
This is perhaps the most common question we hear, as those who have never tried CBD are a bit apprehensive as to what the substance will do to them. Again, it depends on what plant your CBD is derived from (hemp or cannabis). Most hemp-based CBD contains little to no THC, and will not get you “high”, (i.e. have no psychoactive effects). The “feeling” of CBD is far more subtle. Overall, people report feeling less anxious, more energized, better rested, less pain or discomfort and an improved mood. The fascinating part is it turns out your body has an endocannabinoid (ESC) system that controls neuronal synaptic communications in your body (anxiety, pain, satiety to name a few).
What types of conditions can CBD treat?
CBD’s healing properties were first noticed when treating epilepsy in children. From there, it has been a boom of discovery finding conditions it provides relief for. Some of the conditions it helps to alleviate are:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Sleep
- Digestive Disorders (IBS, Crohns, Colitis)
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression and PTSD
- Psychosis
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability or mood changes
- Change in appetite
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Adverse reaction when paired with certain medications