Cannabidiol, popularly called CBD, is the new cool kid of the health and wellness industry. It has found its way to our makeup box, medicine box and also our food menu. Celebrities are swearing by the healing powers of CBD and the ingredient is appearing in several nutritional supplements and beauty products.
CBD is one of the hundreds of other cannabinoids found mostly in cannabis plants. It doesn’t give the cannabis “high” because it lacks the psychoactive component, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The human body also produces cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids that regulate several physiological and cognitive processes in the body. When you consume cannabidiol, you trigger the body to activate endocannabinoids and put them to work.
Take a look at five surprising ways people are using CBD and find out how authentic these claims are:
1. Claim: CBD Boosts Skin Health
American actress and model Olivia Wilde recently confirmed in an interview, she uses a body lotion that contains CBD. She believes the lotion has relaxing effects on her body. Like Olivia, several people including dermatologists and skincare experts believe in the healing properties of CBD for the skin.
According to experts, CBD contains antioxidants that make skin more radiant and youthful and reduce visible signs of aging. This is why CBD oil is used in several anti-aging products. Dermatologist Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, also confirmed the claim in an interview with Marie Claire. Moreover, studies prove that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for treating acne.
As a rich source of fatty acids, CBD oil improves skin hydration and reduces the loss of moisture.
Verdict: The hypothesis that CBD can inhibit the growth of acne has only been tested in laboratories and not on humans. Therefore, more research is likely needed to prove the claim, but preliminary research on other skin related claims seem to be potentially promising.
2. Claim: CBD Improves Oral and Dental Health
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of CBD keep bad breath away. By acting as a bone stimulant, CBD prevents cavity and decay, and repairs damaged teeth and bone structure. One research shows that CBD reduces inflammation and prevents the destruction of the jawbone.
The analgesic potential of CBD relieves the pain that comes with cavities, erosion, inflammation, and displacement. One of the most common reasons of tooth decay is bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. Studies show that CBD fights the bacteria and prevents dental erosion.
Verdict: Though more and more evidence is surfacing on the potential of CBD for dental pain and oral hygiene, further research is needed before dentists can prescribe it for treating periodontal diseases.
3. Claim: CBD Helps to Quit Smoking
Despite the availability of numerous nicotine patches and gum products in markets, smokers find it extremely difficult to quit smoking.
University College London conducted a study in which 24 smokers were split into two groups. One group of smokers was given a placebo inhaler and the other was given a CBD inhaler. For one week, participants were asked to use the inhaler when they felt the urge to smoke.
By the end of the week, it was found that the group using CBD inhalers smoked about 40% fewer cigarettes than the other group.
The study concluded that CBD helps to quit smoking by reformatting the reward and memory center in the brain. It breaks the smoking cycle by reducing anxiety and interfering in reconsolidation, a memory process linked to the reward section of the brain.
Verdict: Although the study suggested CBD to be a potential treatment for nicotine addiction, researchers agreed that their findings are preliminary. Larger, long-term studies are needed to establish that CBD is helpful for smokers looking to quit the habit.
4. Claim: CBD Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Actress Busy Philipps is a strong proponent of using CBD and THC gummies to fight anxiety and panic attacks. Foods infused with CBD, like almonds, tea and biscuits are also in popular demand among consumers to calm their mind and body.
People have been using cannabis to relieve anxiety for years. However, it was assumed that the THC in the plant created the “high” responsible for producing stress-relieving effects. However, recent research, suggests that CBD can improve both, depression and anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.
An old study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that when CBD was given to people before a public-speaking event, it reduced stress in them. Another study concluded that it was an effective treatment for social anxiety.
CBD also alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Verdict: The role of CBD for the treatment of stress and anxiety related disorders remain unclear. More long-term studies are required to assess the benefits of the compound. However, anxiety patients who haven’t got any relief from other treatments can try CBD oil as a potential alternative solution.
5. Claim: CBD Improves Sleep Quality
A 2016 study explored whether cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of sleeping disorders caused due to anxiety in a child suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder. It was found that CBD reduced the child’s anxiety and helped her sleep better.
CBD may increase overall sleep amounts, and improve insomnia in patients suffering from chronic pain, according to research. It also reduces pain and improves sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
However, one study also suggests that CBD is a wake-inducing agent that enhances wakefulness and makes you feel energized.
Verdict: CBD has both, sleep and wake inducing powers. What effect it will have on an individual depends on the dose that he/she takes. A high dose may lead a person to feel sleepy, and a lower dose may make him/her feel more energized. Experts suggest taking 5 mg of CBD to kick-start the morning. If you want to use CBD as a sleep aid, 15 mg should do the trick.
Conclusion
If you live in a state that allows you to use CBD for medical purposes, you may find the above-mentioned applications useful. However, research is still limited in most of these areas and CBD isn’t well-regulated in most states. You should, therefore, be careful if you are planning to include this wonder-drug in your routine. Do your research and consult your doctor before you start any of these applications.
About The Author:
Joy Smith is a speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, mother of four, and grandmother of six. After trying a number of poor quality CBD products, she teamed up with her family to develop an organically grown, full spectrum hemp oil to help people who suffer from a wide array of ailments. Visit Joy’s website to learn more https://joyorganics.com/
