WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol or better known as CBD, is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. CBD is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Be careful not to confuse CBD with THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, and causes the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is NOT psychoactive. This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting Cannabidiol from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
WHAT DOES IT DO/HOW DOES IT WORK?
CBD is used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, cancer, nausea, eating disorders, pain, arthritis, inflammation, epilepsy & seizures. Many clinical studies have taken place now that Cannabidiol is legal in many states & countries over the globe. It has been proven to aid in many of these issues listed with dramatic results.
PAIN, INFLAMMATION & ARTHRITIS
Natural pain relief is perhaps the most common use for CBD. According to a 2012 study published by the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD may represent a significant step forward in the treatment of chronic pain. This is because CBD inhibits neuronal transmission in pain pathways, which is a fancy way of saying “it stops the message getting through”, as this is what pain is: a message from your brain to your body that something’s wrong. This is useful in everyday life (when you cut or burn yourself, it’s a message to STOP!), but when pain becomes chronic and requires constant treatment, removing it through CBD can be a life-changing experience. Tens of thousands of Aussies have already experienced this.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
Beyond Blue reports that 1-in-5 Australians experience mental health challenges in any given year, while almost 1-in-2 will deal with a mental health condition during their lifetime. Cannabidiol represents a whole new approach mental health challenges, from mild anxiety all the way up to crippling depression. A 2011 study had a fascinating outcome; it set up a scenario in which 24 people who had never tried CBD (Cannabidiol) were studied in a public speaking test. An hour and a half before the test commenced, people were given either CBD or a placebo. Those who received the placebo demonstrated high levels of anxiety, stress and cognitive impairment, while those who had received Cannabidiol saw all of those symptoms significantly reduced. In short, they simply relaxed and calmed down.
CANCER
Responsible for 3-in-10 deaths, cancer is the second most common cause of death in Australia. Sufferers are increasingly turning to CBD not just for its treatment of cancer itself, but for relief from the crippling effects of chemotherapy. There are a number of studies which demonstrate CBD’s considerable strength in treatment of cancer; in multiple studies CBD attacked only the cancerous cells and inhibited their growth, while leaving the non-cancer cells alone – a far better solution than chemo, which ravages the body of those who undergo it.
NAUSEA, VOMITING AND EATING DISORDERS
In a 2012 study the British Journal of Pharmacology proved that CBD helps to remove nausea and vomiting, something which folk medicine practitioners have known for millennia. The effects are often quite dramatic, leading to long-lasting and sustained relief. This is another way in which CBD helps cancer patients, as chemotherapy often results in nausea and lack of appetite. This is why it’s likewise helpful in cases of bulimia and anorexia.
EPILEPSY & SEIZURES
Over 250,000 Australians currently live with epilepsy. Often, the most heartbreaking cases are those which involve children, who represent approximately 40% of the population suffering from epilepsy.
In 2014 Stanford University conducted a survey that demonstrated dramatic results in children affected by seizures. Before using CBD, 63% of the children had been treated with anti-epileptic pharmaceutical medication. 84% of the children saw a reduction in their seizure frequency while taking CBD. 11% completely stopped seizing, 42% saw massive benefits (a reduction in seizure frequency of over 80%), and 32% saw a reduction in seizures of 25-60%. Although side-effects included drowsiness and fatigue, there were other reported benefits in terms of mood, alertness and sleep.
WHEN DO I TAKE IT?
CBD can be used at anytime throughout the day whether its in pure oil form or a supplement infused with Cannabidiol. Such as BCAA’s, sleep formula or pre workouts. CBD infused gummies are now an incredibly popular option.
When taking CBD (Cannabidiol), make sure to read the dosage recommendations on each individual product
