Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most exciting supplement to hit the market in recent times. This compound from the cannabis plant boasts several of the herb’s therapeutic benefits. But it’s much more viable as a mainstream product than cannabis at present because it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects.
While cannabis has been appreciated for its medicinal value by cultures for thousands of years, the brain-altering properties of the plant have made it controversial, and were behind the banning of the substance which occurred throughout the world in the first half of the 20th century.
However, modern-day research is uprooting outdated narratives about cannabis, and non-intoxicating CBD wholesale products are helping to end the stigma. Head online or walk into a health store nowadays and you’ll find a selection of CBD-infused choices, including e-liquids, edibles and creams. These products are typically hemp-based, which ensures they remain non-psychoactive thanks to the low THC content.
Here are seven health benefits of CBD supplements.
Reduced inflammation
CBD helps to reduce and control inflammation by indirectly sending regulating messages to the immune system, via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD facilitates interactions between anandamide and CB2 receptors, which are situated in immune tissues. Agonists of these receptors can help to suppress activity among inflammatory proteins.
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are very promising, as they may ultimately help to replace aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) which can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers.
Enhanced mood
Taking CBD regularly can help to clear away anxiety and mental blockages, and enhance mood by promoting one of the body’s most powerful antidepressants, anandamide (AEA). This chemical is a neurotransmitter that binds to the CB1 receptor in the ECS, producing a more moderate effect than the psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound from cannabis.
The stabilizing effect that CBD has on mood may help to relieve symptoms of depression, and also ease conditions such as mania and bipolar disorder, although much more research is necessary in these areas.
Better cognition
The cognitive benefits of CBD can be useful for improving memory. This appears to be down to the presence of the ECS in the hippocampus, and the positive neurogenesis effects that CBD has in this brain region. Stimulating neural growth in the hippocampus is key to protecting memory and motivation levels, and supplementing the body with CBD may reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in old age.
CBD may also help to enhance concentration and focus, and is growing in popularity as a natural study aid.
Less stress
Reducing stress levels to a minimum is essential for combatting or preventing a multitude of physical and mental illnesses, such as depression, gastrointestinal problems, obesity and heart disease. CBD has a calming psychological effect on the body, but also alleviates stress by blocking secretion of cortisol hormones. Excess cortisol levels have been linked to muscle weakness and increased weight gain.
Preventing cortisol from flourishing in the body may also help with exercise, and particularly strength training. Cannabis-savvy athletes are already utilizing muscle rubs and soothing creams from the likes of Select CBD.
Reduced sensitivity to pain
AEA is not just an antidepressant, but a natural analgesic, too, and appears to combat high pain levels as an agonist of the CB1 receptor in the ECS, and TRPV-1 receptors which are found in the peripheral nervous system, and have a notable presence in the skin.
Taking CBD e-liquid or tinctures is the most effective way of managing sudden and intense pain, but lingering discomfort, like that caused by inflammation, may be better remedied with edibles or capsules. CBD creams can be used to calm pain in the lower back, neck and knees, and also to ease swelling.
Good bone health
As we get older, our bones start to become more brittle – this is why elderly people tend to suffer from more fractures. Research has shown that the ECS is involved with the bone formation process – osteoblasts and osteoclasts create AEA and another endocannabinoid known as 2-AG, as well as CB2 receptors.
Endocannabinoid system regulation
All of the above benefits are a result of CBD regulating the endocannabinoid system, but it’s also vital to take into account the general advantage of keeping this system functional. Studies have showed that those with a dysfunctional ECS experience higher pain levels, volatile mood and appetite issues as their bodies are unable to make enough endocannabinoids. Such deficiencies have been linked to migraines, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Supplementing the body with CBD helps to block the reabsorption of AEA, which in turn increases the endocannabinoid’s availability so it can bind with CB receptors.