In recent years, CBD (Cannabidiol) has exploded onto the wellness scene, with a multitude of products available, from oils and edibles to creams and capsules. You've probably heard numerous anecdotes about its potential benefits, but do CBD products actually work? Is anyone actually getting its benefits as promised in numerous researches? In this blog, we'll be looking into the science behind CBD, its potential therapeutic effects, and what you need to know before giving it a try.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient found in cannabis plants, including marijuana and hemp. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is not intoxicating or psychoactive. It is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. CBD is often used in various forms such as oil, capsules, tinctures, food items, beauty products, and more.
CBD has been studied for its potential health benefits. The strongest scientific evidence supports its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In fact, Epidiolex, a medicine containing CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.
Potential Benefits of CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) has been studied for various potential benefits, although further research is needed to confirm some of these effects. Here are some of the potential benefits of CBD:
Pain Management: CBD may help reduce chronic pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and influencing pain receptors.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction: CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, potentially aiding in managing anxiety disorders and stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD's anti-inflammatory properties could make it useful for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Epilepsy Treatment: Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved by the FDA for certain forms of epilepsy, showing promise in reducing seizure frequency.
Neuroprotective Properties: CBD may have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Sleep Improvement: Some users report improved sleep quality with CBD, making it a potential aid for insomnia and sleep disorders.
Antioxidant Effects: CBD's antioxidant properties could help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Anti-Nausea and Anti-Vomiting: CBD may assist in reducing nausea and vomiting, often experienced during chemotherapy or due to other medical conditions.
Skin Health: Topical CBD products are used for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis due to their potential anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects.
Psychiatric Disorders: Research suggests CBD may have a role in managing conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, although more studies are needed.
Addiction Management: There's some evidence that CBD could help with substance abuse disorders by modulating the brain's reward system.
Heart Health: CBD may have potential benefits for heart health by reducing high blood pressure and providing cardioprotective effects.
Anti-Seizure: In addition to epilepsy, CBD might have a role in reducing seizures in other conditions.
Cancer Symptom Management: CBD may help alleviate cancer-related symptoms like pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, often associated with cancer treatments.
Muscle Spasticity: CBD has shown promise in reducing muscle spasms and spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Functions of CBD
The functions of CBD (cannabidiol) are attributed to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating various physiological processes. CBD's functions include:
Interaction with CB1 and CB2 Receptors: CBD indirectly interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. While it doesn't bind directly to these receptors like THC, it can influence their activity, potentially modulating various functions.
Pain Management: CBD may help reduce pain perception by interacting with ECS receptors involved in pain signaling. This makes it a candidate for pain management, including chronic pain conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be useful for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis. It may help reduce inflammation by modulating the ECS.
Neuroprotective Properties: Some research suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The Science Behind CBD
Here are a few notable scientific studies and research findings on CBD (cannabidiol):
Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol in Epilepsy: A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017 demonstrated the efficacy of CBD in reducing seizure frequency in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two severe forms of epilepsy. The study led to the FDA approval of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for these conditions.
Cannabidiol for Anxiety and Sleep: Research published in 2019 in The Permanente Journal indicated that CBD may have potential as a treatment for anxiety and sleep disorders. The study suggested that CBD could help improve sleep and reduce anxiety in a majority of participants.
Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Pain: A review article published in the journal "Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management" in 2018 explored the potential use of CBD in pain management. It concluded that CBD could be a promising option for chronic pain treatment, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis.
CBD and Neuroprotection: Studies in animals have suggested that CBD may have neuroprotective properties, potentially making it useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, more research in humans is needed to confirm these effects.
CBD for Schizophrenia: Research published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2020 investigated the use of CBD as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia. The study found that CBD, when added to existing antipsychotic medications, could improve cognitive function and overall symptom severity in patients with schizophrenia.
CBD and Inflammation: Several studies have explored CBD's anti-inflammatory properties. One such study, published in the European Journal of Pain in 2016, indicated that topical CBD application could reduce pain and inflammation in animal models of arthritis.
CBD and Addiction: Research published in the journal Addiction in 2019 examined the potential of CBD in reducing cravings and anxiety in individuals with a history of heroin use disorder. The study suggested that CBD might help manage addiction-related symptoms.
Real Life Cases of CBD
These are some clinical case studies that signify the use of CannaBliss full-spectrum CBD oil in relieving different health problems such as pain in inflammatory disorders, migraines, muscle soreness etc.
Case Description: Migraine
Age: 29-year-old Male
Occupation: Business Owner
Weight: 75 kg
Height: 5.11 height
Complaints: Severe migraine headaches.
The headaches had been occurring for 7 years. They used to appear almost daily with no relief through OTC painkillers.
Migraines left him incapacitated. He was unable to open his eyes and talk during the episodes.
While napping provided some relief, treatment of any kind [Ayurvedic, allopathic, homeopathic] had failed to help him. Stress was often a trigger for the episodes.
Further Description of Complaints:
- When asked about his pain score, he mentioned that they were frequently between 8 and 10. A lot of his headaches remained at a 10 on the pain scale for more than a day.
- His examination concluded that his appetite, urine, and bowels were normal. However, his sleep was disturbed. While he did manage to sleep for 5 to 6 hours a night, he would consistently wake up at least once a night.
- His lifestyle included junk food in his diet and alcohol once or twice a night.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed to be suffering from Migraine/Sooryavartha after investigation.
Treatment Plan
The following treatment protocol was followed for treating the migraine attack by balancing aggravated Vata dosha using Vijaya extract. Also, a diet and lifestyle plan to balance thetridoshaswere advised:
- Adopt healthy dietary habits. Include fresh fruits, and boiled vegetables in your diet. Avoid junk food, soda, and alcohol
- Drink 3-4 L of water daily
- Practice pranayama - breathing exercises
- CannaBliss Pain relief 5% - 1ml twice a day, sublingual for 1 month.
Observation
The patient did not get a migraine attack while taking the medicine. Then he stopped the medication for 3 weeks and got a mild headache with a pain score of 3-5, twice on a stressful day. He is asked to continue the CannaBliss Pain relief Oil for 2 more months.
Case Description: Fibromyalgia Pain
Age: 49-year-old female
Complaints:
- The patient reported chronic body pain, especially on the left side of the body.
- The pain was especially felt in the shoulder, neck, left arm, and legs.
- Pain score of 8 to 10.
- Diagnosed fibromyalgia.
Further Complaints/Description:
- The patient had tried allopathic medication with no improvement in pain.
- The allopathic medication had the side effect of gastritis.
- The patient reported irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gas.
- There were also reports of disturbed sleeping patterns, fatigue use, and severe mood swings.
- Due to the pain and other symptoms, she was unable to do basic activities and household work.
Treatment plan
The following treatment plan was prescribed to ease the pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
CannaBliss Pain Relief 5 % oil - 1 ml twice a day sublingually. She started by taking 5 drops after breakfast and dinner for the first three days and gradually increased the dose. There was pain relief while taking 1 ml twice a day. So the same dosage continued for the next 30 days.
Diet Changes Advised:
- Avoid raw food. Take boiled vegetable soups or boiled salad.
- Avoid junk food, alcohol, and a heavy diet, especially at night
- Use only warm water for drinking and taking a bath.
- Avoid exposure to cold wind/ sitting directly opposite to AC
- Rest is advised
- Observation
Here are the observations after a month of treatment with CannaBliss Pain Relief:
- The pain score came down between 2 and 4.
- Improved sleep cycle
- Regulated bowel movements
- Reduced menstrual pain
- Reduced mood swings and irritability
- A feeling of lightness in the body
Case Description: Inflammatory Joint Disorder
Age: 42 year-old-male
Height: 5.6 ft
Occupation: Accountant
Complaints:
- History of pain in both shoulder joints
- Upper back and shoulder stiffness
- Mild pain in the right hip that radiates to thighs and feet
- Unable to sit and work for long periods due to pain and stiffness
Further Description:
- History of IBS
- IBS was treated with homeopathic medication and lifestyle changes
- History of kidney stones being treated with Ayurvedic medicine
- Raised ESR and CRP levels
- No changes in the X-ray results.
Examination Results:
Appetite - His appetite is irregular with gas occasionally
Bowels - Once or twice a day
Sleep - Disturbed
Urination - Increased frequency.
Treatment:
The following was the treatment prescribed for inflammatory joint disorder in the patient.
CannaBliss Pain Relief 15 % - started by taking 5 drops after breakfast and dinner for 3 days, then the dosage was increased gradually. He took 15 drops twice a day after breakfast and dinner for 90 days.
Arthritis Relief Oil - for external application, and massage mildly
Diet Changes:
- Avoid all gassy foods like potatoes, tapioca, yam, etc.
- Neck stretch and rotation exercises are to be practiced daily.
- Include boiled vegetables and fruits in your diet
- Drink 3-4 liters of water per day.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Results:
- Within 30 days, stiffness in the upper back and shoulder reduced considerably. The pain in the shoulders and hip joint also reduced.
- Sleep was continuous and not disturbed at night. Bowel movements also improved.
- All symptoms improved in 90 days and he doesn't have to take pain relief medications anymore.
Case description : Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Age: 30-year-old male
Occupation: Athlete
Weight: 75 kg
Height: 5.11 ft
Complaints:
Severe soreness after working out.
Pain score between 6 to 8 but often goes up to 10 after a leg or shoulder day.
Remains extremely tired during the day due to the pain.
Further Complaints/Description:
- The patient is non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, and non-alcoholic.
- He does smoke cigarettes.
- He does not want to take over-the-counter medications.
Treatment Plan
The following treatment plan was prescribed for the DOMS.
CannaBliss Pain Relief - 1 ml twice a day, sublingual daily for 30 days. Initially, he started with 5 drops and gradually increased the dosage up to 1ml twice a day.
Apart from taking Medical cannabis extract, some diet and lifestyle recommendations were advised as follows:
- Include 1-2 bananas in your diet.
- Follow a protein-rich diet. A minimum of 60 grams of protein was recommended. Plant-based hemp protein powder and hemp hearts were also consumed by the patient.
- Stretch well before starting to exercise. Stretching prevents soreness to some extent.
- A hot bath or sauna after a workout.
- Cold compress over inflamed muscles or joints was advised
- Progress slowly into a new workout routine or exercise. Give enough time for muscle recovery.
- Limit smoking.
- Stay hydrated. Drink up to 4-5 L water per day.
Observation
The patient continued the CanaBliss Pain Relief 15% oil for 1 year, on his own will, and here are some observations :
- Muscle soreness is managed effectively and he is able to train better.
- Stopped cigarette smoking completely
- Sleeps deeply
- My appetite and bowels are good.
- Improved mood
- Enthusiastic and active to do daily activities
- Positive mental changes
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD products have emerged as a promising avenue for wellness and potential therapeutic benefits. Scientific research, as well as real-life case studies, offer encouraging evidence of CBD's ability to address various health concerns, from managing pain and anxiety to providing relief for epilepsy and other conditions.
As we continue to explore the vast potential of CBD, there is room for optimism. With ongoing research and increasing awareness, CBD may offer a natural and effective way for many individuals to improve their well-being and quality of life. By staying informed, consulting with healthcare professionals, and adhering to local regulations, individuals can navigate the world of CBD products with confidence, embracing the potential benefits it may bring to their lives.
