CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the cannabis plant and is becoming increasingly popular. As more people begin to take notice of CBD, they may have some general questions that need to be answered first.
What is CBD Oil?
While every form of CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD oil is diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. You ingest CBD oil under your tongue to allow your body to reap the benefits. The oil form acts fast as it is a liquid, which gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
What is CBD Oil Used For?
CBD can be used as a holistic approach to many things including sickness, mental health issues, and pain management. Below are some examples:
Reduces Pain
Those who suffer from painful medical conditions, find CBD to be extremely helpful. CBD affects the endocannabinoid receptors within the body, which are neurotransmitters responsible for how the body perceives pain. Cannabinoid receptors (or CBD) create a different interaction with the brain and body so the pain message to your brain is ultimately blocked.
Aids in Workout Recovery
Besides helping to reduce inflammation by altering neurotransmitter interactions, CBD is extremely beneficial post-workout. Workouts require a lot of oxygen and redirect blood flow to muscles and skin, causing your body to respond by producing lactic acid. For some, an increase in lactic acid can cause feelings of nausea, an upset stomach, and an overall feeling of weakness, or like they’re going to faint. CBD acts as an anti-emetic and analgesic, reducing those upset stomach feelings.
Exercise also tells the body to produce a stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol reduces protein synthesis and prevents the growth of new tissues, thereby causing muscle soreness and potential muscle pain or damage. CBD is an anti-catabolic, which reduces cortisol levels in the body which not only reduces inflammation but promotes protein to synthesize and regenerate muscle.
Reduces Anxiety
Many mental health problems are caused by either an excess or lack of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of calmness and happiness. CBD seemingly activates serotonin receptors within the body, promoting positive feelings within the body. This is a good holistic choice for those that may not want to feel dependent upon prescription medications.
Eases Insomnia
Many people who deal with insomnia also deal with either anxiety or chronic pain. CBD can aid in both matters, but also improves symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder, which is often associated with poor quality of sleep and frequent nightmares. Insomniacs are also usually groggy in the morning due to a lack of sleep, and CBD has properties that promote wakefulness as well.
What are the Side Effects of CBD?
Experiencing negative side effects from CBD is not typically common, but could include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or dry mouth.
Oftentimes the side effects that are reported occur in people who are taking other medication. In some cases, the interaction of the medication and CBD itself can create potentially harmful situations if used long-term, such as liver damage.
CBD oil continues to be researched and could potentially be very helpful for certain individuals. It’s not a bad idea to consult a doctor and see if this is a good route for you to try.
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