As CBD oils are being brought into the limelight, there are more studies being carried out to show the positive health benefits it can have. Here, we’ll give you an inside look into what CBD is, how it’s made, how it works and much more.
So…what is CBD?
CBD is seen everywhere at the moment, from your local supermarket to online stores like Area 52. But what is it? CBD is one of more than 80 compounds found in the cannabis plant or hemp plant that doesn’t have the psychoactive properties found in THC which, until recently, was the most well-known compound in cannabis due to it’s mind-altering ‘high’. CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive and therefore doesn’t alter a person’s state of mind, however it’s been found to make significant changes in the body and therefore showing medical benefits which we will look at later in this post.
The CBD supplement comes in many forms, such as edibles (gummies, chocolate, brownies, teas etc.), vapes, oils and tinctures, pills and topicals such as lotions and creams.
How it’s Made
CBD oils are made by extracting CBD from the cannabis or hemp plant seeds that contain less than 0.2% THC. There are then many different techniques for extracting CBD, but generally, commercial extractions will use solvents that separate the CBD molecule from the other compounds. Afterwards, the solvent evaporates leaving behind CBD which is then diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
How it Works
The human body is made up of many different receptors that receive signal from different stimuli. CBD is thought to interact with some of the receptors found in the central nervous system and peripheral system that can alter serotonin levels. CBD also serves as an anti-inflammatory which can help produce pain-relieving effects on the body.
What it’s Used For
More and more research is coming to light that CBD can help with a variety of problems from mental health to skin issues. Because of its all-natural appeal with minimal side effects compared to modern medicine, it’s quickly becoming a popular alternative. Here are just a few of the ways CBD is currently used.
Anxiety & Depression
CBD works with the endocannabinoid system in your body which controls every function we have including pain, temperature, mood, memory, immune response etc. CBD supports the work in this system and encourages it to create more cannabinoids that can raise serotonin levels in the brain which can help with depression. It can also slow down a naturally occurring brain chemical that causes stress and anxiety.
Pain Management
Many people who suffer from chronic pain take CBD to reduce or manage the pain. As CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can have great effects on arthritis pain, multiple sclerosis, cancer treatment pain and even migraines.
Skin Issues
The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD also work great for certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne. The CBD reduces the excess oil production in the sebaceous glands that cause acne, and an reduce the redness and itching of eczema.
CBD is a great supplement to include in your diet that can help with many ailments or just improve your health. However, if you’re currently on medication, we recommend speaking to your doctor before taking any extra supplements.
