Although herbal medicines are considered traditional, they are still highly sought after (read more) in the alternative medicine community in modern times. Not only because they can be seen more easily and are less expensive than synthetic alternatives, but also because of the promise they hold.
One of the buzziest herbal medicines (for centuries ’till now!) is cannabis. People have been using medical marijuana, or cannabis, to treat their ailments. However, it is deemed “unsafe” by most people and communities. The medicinal promises of marijuana remain shrouded with confusion with the controversies surrounding it. One thing that reminds each of us about marijuana is that it causes a euphoric sensation that makes you mind-altered, which isn’t wrong because of its component called THC, a psychoactive compound.
Several states have legalized it, but some are not. Since it outweighs the therapeutic properties, of course, it would not be advisable to consume because you’ll never know how it will affect you, given the side effects.
But with the growing research, hemp is considered a safer alternative than cannabis. There is one promising compound that piques the interest of many consumers in recent years, and that is CBD.
Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis
Cannabidiol has been prohibited for years, not until the Farm Bill 2019 has passed where hemp cultivation is legalized. In comparison to medical marijuana, hemp has a number of greater advantages. As a result, it is regarded as a substitute for the medicinal purpose of cannabis.
Hemp and cannabis have two same active components: THC and CBD. But the amount present in each plant differs. In cannabis, it contains a more serious amount of THC, which makes it psychoactive, in nature. Users have reported increased appetite and laughter and distorted time and sensory perception. Others say that it can get you into euphoria.
While hemp only contains trace amounts of THC. Hence, hemp wouldn’t make you high. Simultaneously, CBD was found in a significant part of the plant, making hemp-derived products potent and more therapeutic.
How Cannabidiol Works
Based on research, CBD works on an extensive system on our bodies called the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of cannabinoid receptors, which are found to react simultaneously with the compound CBD. This helps maintain homeostasis (balance) in our bodies, which helps keep the regular activities in our brain.
Part of this herbal’s appeal stems from the fact that it is claimed to be “non-psychoactive,” which means consumers can reap the plant’s healing properties without getting high (link: https://cfah.org/does-cbd-oil-get-you-high/).
The healing properties of cannabidiol, according to studies, help with the following:
Anxiety
A recent study found that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 31.1 percent of adults in the United States.
Cannabidiol has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety-related symptoms, according to research. Those who consumed CBD reported that their situation was better than usual. Others noted that after they take CBD, the occurrence of having nightmares and replaying negative memories lessened.
Pain And Inflammation
CBD is known for having several significant pharmacological effects, including pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. A study from 2017 reveals CBD as an excellent treatment option for joint pain connected with arthritis. It is also believed that it has the potential to reduce acne, wound, and muscle recovery.
Aside from physical pain, cannabidiol has also become a popular treatment for the CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptor due to its response to neuropathic pain and inflammation.
Cannabidiol has been shown in recent studies to reduce the buildup of oxygen in the brain and the degeneration of brain cells. It also acts as a neuroprotectant, which helps reduce the onset of memory loss and other cognitive declines.
Sleep
One of the popular claims of CBD is that it is excellent for those people who have sleeping difficulties.
Research reveals that having sleeping disorders like insomnia can result from several things, including anxiety and pain. Given that CBD has shown promise in treating pain and anxiety, it stands to reason that it may also help people sleep better.
Oral Administration
Due to the widespread claims of its therapeutic properties, the CBD industry has been booming lately, with several brands manufacturing different cannabidiol products. It can be consumed in various ways: inhalation (vaping/ or smoking), topical application, ingestion, and sublingual use.
You might wonder what’s best for absorption, but it actually varies from person to person. With that being said, you can administer CBD on what works best for you. Some forms are best for faster absorption, and others can be slow yet long-lasting! And the latter are capsules.
Capsules
In recent years, the popularity of on-the-go products such as CBD pills and capsules, among other forms, has grown significantly. This is a convenient option when it comes to supplementing your wellness plan with CBD, especially if you prefer easy-to-take capsules option when you’re in a hurry or traveling. Alternatively, capsules can be your best bet if you don’t like the weedy flavor of most CBD products.
You will be taking it orally through capsules, which seems to be the easiest among all other applications. However, if you’re looking for the results right after taking the CBD product, pills might not be for you since it might take up to 5 days before your body reacts to its purpose. But if you continuously take it orally, this can make the benefits last longer.
