CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a term you may be familiar with. A non-psychoactive compound derived from the marijuana plant of all places is showing marked results as an effective treatment for certain medical conditions. In fact, the variety of conditions treatable with CBD may surprise you.
Though it comes from controversial origins and many in the medical/pharmaceutical industry are unwilling to accept it as a legitimate treatment, studies and countless individual experiences say otherwise.
The science behind how CBD works begins in our own bodies; it starts with Serotonin. One of the most common and one of the most important neurotransmitters in the body, serotonin is responsible for countless functions. Normal serotonin productions inhibits feelings of fear and anxiety, manages blood pressure, limits cortisol, the “stress” hormone, and moderates oxytocin, the “happy” hormone.
The administered, CBD binds with serotonin receptors to trigger its natural effects. The results lead to individuals of a variety of conditions to be treated effectively, from chronic pain to anxiety, and even an offer relief to cancer patients.
For individuals suffering from anxiety and depression, CBD has the potential to offer treatments to those who have found conventional prescriptions and treatments not useful. Those with sleep disorders, some of the most misunderstood medical conditions to this day, may also find relief from CBD usage.
At least 30% of adults experience some type of insomnia and CBD can help us fall asleep, stay asleep, and improve the quality of our REM cycles. CBD is also shown to reduce feelings of chronic nausea, even nausea associated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
For one in four cancer patients, typical nausea treatments offer little or no relief. CBD is shown to alleviate feelings of nausea and vomiting, offering relief to individuals going through some of the most intense treatments of their lives.
Continuing research on CBD and its effects on individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction are also promising. In an early study of drug-addicted and alcohol-addicted rats and the effects CBD has on their behaviors have shown interesting results.
The rats that were administered doses of CBD gel were shown to be less likely to relapse and less likely to exhibit drug-seeking behaviors compared to the rats who were not given CBD.
For the treated rats, positive effects of the doses lasted long after the CBD had already left their system. Trial studies like these hold the key to treating addictions, some of the most complicated conditions and social issues in the world today.
The appeal of using CBD lies within its ability to treat conditions, or their subsequent effects, at the source of the problem. Essentially, CBD gives the body an opportunity to regulate and heal itself, rather than relying on synthetic prescription drugs to mask the symptoms of the underlying cause of the problem. Interested in CBD for yourself or a loved one?
Take a look at this infographic for more on CBD’s properties, how it works, its results, and how it’s promoting a trend of natural, holistic healing.