If you haven't noticed, CBD has been a hot topic lately! I'm guessing we've all heard about it on the media. Over the past year, I've started doing a little more research myself, and have found some promising benefits to CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is one of the active ingredients of cannabis (aka marijuana). It is derived directly from the hemp plant. Even though CBD is a component of marijuana, when extracted, it does not cause any psychoactive effects, also known as a “high”. THC, another cannabinoid in marijuana, is what produces marijuana's psychoactive effects, as well as potentially increasing anxiety and addiction.
What health benefits does CBD have?
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Using CBD for pain is possibly the most commonly reported use. Marijuana itself has actually been used to treat pain all the way back to 2900 B.C. One of the pain relieving components of marijuana is shown to come from CBD. This is great, since CBD is void of any of the psychoactive side effects. CBD has been shown to be helpful in treating chronic pain – both neuropathic and inflammatory pain. As a pharmacist, I know that the opioid epidemic is real, and this makes CBD very appealing. It can be a great option for those looking for pain relief, and want to avoid mind-altering side effects of narcotic pain medications or marijuana. CBD works as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the release of inflammatory agents, like glutamate. This helps to decrease sensations like burning, prickling, and tingling, which are associated with neuropathic pain, as well as with inflammation.
Anxiolytic and Antidepressant
At higher doses, it has been found that CBD has antidepressant-like effects, due to its ability to act on the brain's receptors for serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters that helps regulate mood and behavior. Cannabidiol has also shown to produce calming effects by changing the activity of brain regions that normally cause anxiety. Studies have shown that CBD can significantly decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol at doses of 300mg or higher.
Insomnia
At higher doses, CBD can exhibit sedative properties, which can promote more restful sleep, and reduce insomnia. Studies have shown that CBD doses of 160mg/day can result in increased total sleep time and less waking up throughout the night.
Neuroprotection
Research suggests that due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD, it might offer neuroprotective activity in several diseases, including ALS, Parkinson's, Huntington's, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's.
Overall, CBD has been shown to have success as a remedy for an array of ailments, including pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In my professional opinion, the safety profile of CBD is negligible, making it a great remedy for those who are wanting to treat themselves more naturally, versus relying on prescription or over the counter medications.
Fueled4Wellness has partnered with Ned, and feel that they have very clean and effective products. This is a local Colorado company, that we've personally used. Below is a summary of a couple of their products that we've tried and tested as useful and effective:
Ned Sleep Blend:
This is a full spectrum hemp oil used for sleep. The Sleep Blend is a natural path to deeper sleep. This tincture blends CBN, a powerful cannabinoid that promotes sleep, and 750mg of full spectrum CBD from the purest single source hemp flower extract, with organic and wildcrafted botanicals used in traditional medicine. Sleep deeper longer and wake up refreshed.
Ned Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
De-stress your wellness routine with a single all-natural remedy for your mind and body. Ned's full spectrum hemp oil is pure, potent, and crafted from hemp flowers grown organically on a small, independent farm in Paonia, Colorado. Use it daily to support better sleep, reduced anxiety, and pain relief.
You can received a 15% discount on your first order with Ned by using our discount code -->