If you’ve been staying on top of news from the marijuana industry over the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly heard about CBD and its various, reportedly positive effects on mental health and pain management. While many studies have been conducted on the subject—with enlightening and exciting results—there is still the question of whether or not using CBD is going to be right for you. So, the question becomes should you use CBD to improve your health and wellness? It’s always best to discuss any medical concerns with your physician, but understanding CBD and what it’s used for can give you a good basis for having that conversation with your doctor or making the decision on your own to add it to your wellness routine. Here is some background info on CBD to help get you started.
CBD Ingredients
CBD is a part of the marijuana plant that isn’t psychoactive. CBD oils and other products will usually contain flavonoids and terpenes, in addition to cannabinoids. CBD is processed from the entire hemp plant, too, so it goes without saying that some pieces of the leaves and flowers will also be used in creating the oil. It typically contains very little THC (the compound in cannabis sativa that gets you high). The best oils use what’s known as the entourage effect (a blend of various and unique cannabinoids) to maximize effectiveness. With that in mind, it’s always good practice to thoroughly check the label or product description to ensure you’re getting the absolute best CBD with the lowest levels of THC.
How CBD Affects the Body
CBD interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). A unique system in the body, the ECS can affect appetite, regulate mood, improve memory, and several other functions. It has receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that work together to perform these functions. CBD impacts the body by working with this system, raising serotonin levels in the brain, and blocking pain signals from the rest of the body. Any good online CBD store will stock a wide variety of unique CBD products intended to help treat pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and more.
CBD For Workout Recovery
After an intense workout, nothing hits the spot quite like some rest and some protein. Working out and building muscle causes small microtears in your muscle fibers that slowly repair themselves to increase muscle mass. Unfortunately, it can lead to prolonged soreness while your body makes those repairs. The muscles become inflamed, causing that pain and soreness. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be an effective workout recovery aid. Rubbing it (in ointment form or taken orally) on muscles following your next gym session can help aid in workout recovery and muscle building without getting you high.
CBD for Focus and Sleep
If you’ve ever had trouble falling or remaining asleep, you’re not alone. If you’re one of the 70 million Americans who suffer from insomnia, CBD might be able to help. High cortisol levels can keep you awake at night. Recent research demonstrates CBD can help reduce those levels effectively, contributing to better and more consistent sleep. A small dose of CBD can also increase sleep duration. Some studies suggest that CBD can be effective for improving one’s focus as well, and there are several products with that specific purpose in mind. Ultimately it just comes down to finding what will work for you, doing some research, and consulting with your doctor as needed.
CBD For Pain Management
Everyone can use a little less pain in their lives. CBD can help. Most of the recent studies on CBD and its effects focus on chronic pain management. It’s a promising and extensive area of study when it comes to CBD. There is quite a bit of evidence suggesting CBD to be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, arthritis, addiction, and chronic pain. Whether it’s tremendous pain from multiple sclerosis, the stiff joints of arthritis, or relieving pain from cancer treatments, epilepsy, CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory agent to help manage several chronic conditions and supply some relief from the burden of chronic pain. Using a little bit of CBD oil can supply the relief you need for managing pain.
