Cannabidiol (CBD) has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries - in fact, the first accounts of its use date back to 5000 years ago!
This powerful cannabinoid has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly with the advancement of research surrounding its potential benefits over the last few decades.
Both animal studies and public anecdotes have shown promising benefits of CBD for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even arthritis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many people use CBD to reduce stress and improve their overall mood, while some even claim that CBD helps them sleep better at night.
Here's what you need to know about CBD to determine if it may be helpful for your needs…
PROMOTE SLEEP
Struggling to sleep? Tossing and turning at night? Finding yourself awake in the early hours of the morning with little to no shut-eye? Waking up tired?
The body needs rest to function properly, but disrupted sleep can lead to increased stress levels, low mood, memory problems and poor performance. There are many factors that may interfere with our sleep, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Supplements containing CBD are ideal for anyone who has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. CBD can also help people who wake up early in the morning due to racing thoughts or an overactive mind that won't shut off at bedtime.
Studies show that CBD can act as an effective natural sleep aid, helping to improve sleep quality, sleep duration, and reduce insomnia. But how, you ask?
The process of falling asleep requires a complex interaction of several systems in your body including the nervous, immune, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. At the same time, you need to have a relaxed mental state. CBD interacts with your Endocannabinoid System to regulate these processes and help induce relaxation and a sense of calmness, without being sedating.
Learn more about the Endocannabinoid System and how CBD works here.
To help you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and stay asleep longer, you can use CBD oil before going to bed. The calming effects of this cannabinoid can help create a positive sleep environment that promotes restful, restorative sleep from night to night. The best thing about it? It doesn’t cause drowsiness or lethargy!
RELIEVE STRESS & ANXIETY
Anyone who suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, or stress in their life knows how it can consume their thoughts and daily activities.
One of the major causes of stress and anxiety is the body's natural response to physical or mental threat. During stressful situations, the body releases adrenaline (the ‘fight or flight hormone’) and cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) which causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and respiration.
Evidence from studies supports that CBD has a strong potential to provide relief for stress and anxiety. It is believed that the effects are due to its ability to act as an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety agent. This cannabinoid is thought to interact with your limbic, paralimbic, and Endocannabinoid System to regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviours; lowering cortisol levels and promoting calmness and a general feeling of wellness.
Did you know? Self-reports show that some people use CBD to treat their social anxiety disorder which allows them to engage with people freely without feeling anxious or awkward.
IMPROVE MOOD & MOTIVATION
Depression, low mood and anxiety disorders are thought to be related to an imbalance of serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’) and a deficiency of dopamine (the ‘feel good hormone’).
Researchers believe that CBD can improve mood by regulating serotonin levels and triggering the release of dopamine - two neurotransmitters that help you feel happy. Various studies also suggest that CBD may help boost energy levels and improve concentration as well.
Serotonin plays a key role in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, social behaviour and more. Dopamine is responsible for the regulation of a number of functions such as memory, focus, emotions, and motivation. While serotonin regulates mood, dopamine regulates motivation and has a crucial role in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems which give the drive and focus needed to increase productivity and creativity.
Animal studies also show that cannabidiol displays rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects, showing that CBD may have the therapeutic potential to treat and relieve anxiety, depression, mood swings, and depressive-related behaviours.
REDUCE PAIN
Although further conclusive data is required, experts agree that cannabidiol has the potential to help control and lower pain and inflammation in the body, without causing drug intoxication and dependence.
Animal studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, whilst clinical trials have also found CBD to be effective at relieving chronic pain, including neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
By supporting the body’s Endocannabinoid System, CBD could provide relief for arthritis, migraines, joint inflammation and back pain, for example, without any known side effects like some prescription medications do.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to its unique properties, this cannabinoid can positively influence many aspects of our wellbeing, which makes it an excellent supplement to consider taking regularly. Whether you want to improve your mental health or treat a physical condition, CBD could be the perfect natural solution for you. But remember, it is important to choose high-quality Full Spectrum CBD products from reputable suppliers to ensure that you get the most benefits - take a look at these.
CBD is thought to have a number of different health benefits and the list seems to grow with each new study. Although further conclusive data is required to determine the full scope of its benefits, it is clear to see that this natural cannabinoid has huge potential to support our mental and physical wellbeing, without causing intoxication or dependence. From anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects to alleviating anxiety and improving mood and motivation, there's a whole range of ailments CBD could help with.
While CBD is considered a safe and non-addictive substance, we understand that there are still some people who remain skeptical over its use due to preconceived notions or because they’re misled by inaccurate information. That’s why Natural Greens work hard to not only source the best products on the market, but also share reliable information and research in order to educate people and break the negative stigmas out there.
Try our CBD products today and make your own verdict!
