Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the hemp plant that is currently being studied to determine potential use in a wide range of medical treatments and therapeutics. Currently, it’s considered more of a supplemental or alternative remedy, but still has plenty of benefits in treating certain conditions and complaints. Here are seven common uses for CBD.
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Pain Relief
Many proponents of CBD say that it can provide some measure of pain relief. This potential benefit is currently being studied, and it isn’t yet known how much of an effect CBD has on pain. Research regarding pain relief for certain kinds of terminal illnesses is promising, and research is ongoing for various types of nerve pain, muscle pain and chronic conditions such as arthritis. For now, the pain relief qualities of CBD are largely subjective. Some people do find relief using such products; others don’t.
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Relaxation Aid
Right now, the primary use of products such as a CBDfx tincture is to aid relaxation. CBD has been proven to have a relaxing and calming effect on the body, so you can take it as a way to help you calm down after a stressful day, for example. You could also use it as part of a routine for winding down at the end of the day or settling into another relaxation technique, such as meditation or breathing exercises. It’s also a separate compound from THC, the chemical in marijuana that results in intoxication, so you’ll get the calming effects without risking intoxication.
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Sleep Aid
Because of its calming effects, CBD is commonly used as a sleep aid. It relaxes your body and calms your mind so you can feel more relaxed and ready to fall asleep at bedtime instead of dealing with restless energy or racing thoughts. You can find many types of CBD products with a variety of dosages to see what works for you. There are oral options in the form of tinctures or capsules, topical applications such as gels or creams and aerosol varieties. A CBD product may be a good option if you don’t want to take a prescription sleep aid but also feel like physical therapies, such as exercise and stimulus control aren’t working for you.
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Anxiety Reduction
CBD’s calming effects can also be used to aid in treating anxiety. This may be caused by CBD interacting with certain receptors in the brain, improving the receptors’ response to mood-related chemicals such as serotonin. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce feelings of anxiety brought on by immediate stressors such as public speaking, help reduce symptoms of PTSD and decrease many of the physiological symptoms of stress and anxiety, including high blood pressure and fast heart rate. However, it’s important to remember that studies are still ongoing and thus far, CBD is not an approved treatment for anxiety disorders. It may help alleviate some symptoms, but you should still discuss with your doctor or therapist whether to incorporate CBD into your anxiety treatment plan. For example, if you’re taking an antidepressant, you should check whether CBD can interact negatively with your medication. If it does, it may not be the best option for you.
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Acne Reduction
Another common possible use for CBD products is treating acne. In some studies, CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. in others, it’s been shown to help reduce oil production in sebaceous glands. As both inflammation and excessive oil production can cause acne, CBD may be a worthwhile potential treatment option. Keep in mind that more human trials are necessary to determine how effective CBD is for acne treatment. If you’re interested in using it, talk to a dermatologist first.
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Cancer Symptom Relief
Medical marijuana has been touted as a great option for reducing and managing symptoms of various cancers and their treatments. CBD can provide many similar benefits. Remember, neither medical marijuana or CBD are considered cancer treatments, they just help alleviate symptoms, such as nausea, pain and anxiety. There is some early research to suggest CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial to cancer treatment. Other research suggests it may be able to help prevent the growth of certain types of tumors.
Alternative medicine and homeopathy are best used in conjunction with professional medical care. Before trying CBD or any other alternative treatment option, talk to your doctor about the best choices for your needs and how best to incorporate them into your life.