CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause a psychoactive effect.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a regulatory system that helps maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body. It consists of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body, as well as endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids produced by the body.
The ECS plays an important role in many bodily functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and pain and immune response. When something is out of balance, the ECS works to restore balance.
CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors. This helps to regulate various functions in the body, including sleep, pain, and inflammation. CBD also has the ability to increase levels of endocannabinoids in the body, which helps to further restore balance.
There are many potential benefits of CBD. Some of these include:
– Reducing anxiety and depression
– relieving pain
– reducing inflammation
– improving sleep
– promoting cardiovascular health
– fighting cancer
– protecting against Alzheimer’s disease
CBD is generally considered safe and well tolerated by most people. However, some side effects have been reported, such as tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking CBD, especially if you’re taking other medications.
CBD is available in many forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and topical creams. It can also be added to food and drinks or taken as a supplement.
Benefits of CBD
Anxiety and Depression
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies.
A 2014 study found that CBD oil was effective in treating anxiety and improving sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder.
A 2018 review looked at the findings of several studies and concluded that CBD oil may be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
Pain Relief
CBD is a natural pain reliever and has been shown to be effective in treating various types of pain, including:
– Arthritis pain
– Multiple sclerosis-related pain
– Chronic pain
A 2016 study found that CBD oil was an effective treatment for chronic inflammation and pain in rats.
A 2017 study found that CBD was effective in treating osteoarthritis pain.
Inflammation
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat various conditions characterized by inflammation, such as:
– Crohn’s disease
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Psoriasis
A 2016 study found that CBD oil was an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases.
A 2017 study found that CBD was effective in reducing joint inflammation in rats.
Sleep
CBD has been shown to improve sleep in animal studies. A human study also found that CBD may be an effective treatment for insomnia.
Alzheimer’s Disease
CBD has been shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in animal studies.
A 2016 study found that CBD oil was an effective treatment for reducing inflammation and preventing cognitive decline in rats.
Cancer
CBD has anti-cancer properties and can be used to treat various types of cancer.
A 2013 study found that CBD may be an effective treatment for breast cancer.
A 2015 study found that CBD was effective in treating colon cancer.
Cardiovascular Health
CBD has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by:
– Reducing blood pressure
– Reducing inflammation
– Preventing heart damage
A 2017 study found that CBD was effective in reducing blood pressure in rats.
A 2018 review looked at the findings of several studies and concluded that CBD may be an effective treatment for reducing inflammation and preventing heart damage.
We hope this article was helpful in answering the question “How does CBD work?” For more information on CBD and its potential benefits, please consult with a healthcare professional. Stay safe and have a good one!
Nina Martin
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- How Does CBD Work and What are its Benefits? - July 20, 2022
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