Millions of people the world over who experience physical and mental health conditions are in desperate need of solutions. And while traditional medications help to alleviate some of these issues, for many, they simply aren’t enough.
Doctors are increasingly turning to hemp extracts like cannabidiol (CBD) to complement existing treatment regimens, and they’re seeing positive results.
A decade ago, the hemp-based extract was barely on anyone’s radar, but as new clinical research emerges, it’s impossible to ignore the many benefits that cannabis-based natural medicines can offer.
CBD can be taken orally or under the tongue and has fast-acting effects when absorbed by the body and into the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This system is a complex signaling network that plays a crucial role in regulating emotional balance in the human body. Among other things, it regulates various physiological processes such as mood, energy levels, and immune activity. It’s comprised of a number of different elements, including endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Research has found that CBD binds to receptors in the ECS and targets specific aspects of wellness. If your body is in pain, for example, it may release bio-chemicals to combat this sensation. If you’re under stress, it may interact with specific neurotransmitters like serotonin which are known for calming.
In short, CBD is like a superhero for the body. Wherever there is a need, cannabidiol provides the body with the necessary compounds it needs to come to the rescue.
The “in vitro” studies conducted by research teams around the world have shown that CBD supplementation produces real biological and chemical effects in the body.
But do those effects translate to health benefits?
According to Organica Naturals CBD and a large body of clinical evidence, the answer is yes. High-quality hemp extracts have been shown to be a safe and effective natural medicine to address a variety of natural wellness concerns.
Research has investigated CBD’s effects and potential benefits for mental health disorders such as social anxiety disorder and PTSD. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology gave participants with social anxiety disorder either a high dose of CBD with 600 mg of cannabidiol or a placebo before a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety compared to those who took the placebo.
Its calming effects are further evidenced in a recent study involving participants who experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. In one study highlighted by Veterans Today, nine out of ten participants reported lower levels of PTSD following CBD use.
Doctors are finding that patients using CBD are seeing lowered levels of anxiety and improved sleep. For example, a study published in The Permanente Journal notes that 79% of users taking CBD for one month showed lowered levels of anxiety and 66% of patients experienced improved sleep.
The findings can no longer be ignored and integrated medicine practitioners have taken notice.
The centuries-old hemp medicine not only benefits those with anxiety related emotional health concerns but also shows promise for those with pain related to arthritis, joints, and inflammation.
CBD is a well known anti-inflammatory. A large portion of CBD users take the natural compound to address issues related to pain. Patients taking CBD for this purpose reported a 30% reduction in pain over the duration of 2019 study.
This suggests that cannabidiol may be an excellent addition to treatment plans focused on pain reduction, especially in people who suffer from arthritis or aging related conditions. Moreover, because CBD is a non-psychotropic, taking the cannabinoid does not have the mind-altering effects often associated with its hemp-based cousin THC.
But this natural super hero doesn’t stop there. Though CBD is most commonly recognized as an anxiolytic and used for stress reduction or mood balance, it also helps support gastrointestinal health. The same endocannabinoid system that signals the body’s stress response also plays a role in regulating gut motility. This means that taking CBD may help to efficiently process food in the digestive system. Moreover, it reduces inflammation in the gut lining.
Thus, using CBD for gut support could offer several benefits. For instance, cannabis-based products have been found to significantly improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms in users of the hemp compound versus those who did not use any CBD at all. Additionally, it could be used as an effective wellness option for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Interestingly, because CBD plays a role in reducing stress and anxiety, it’s effects may be closely linked to gut health, as it is commonly known that stress may be partly responsible for digestive issues.
While research into novel hemp extraction methods and CBD’s use for health and wellness support continues, contemporary science shows that the compound is an effective solution for a number of common ailments caused by everyday stress and pain. It has been recognized by top research organizations across the Western world and is being suggested to patients as an addition to daily health routines.
For those experiencing stress, anxiety, mood imbalance, sleep problems, gut troubles and more, CBD may be an effective complementary medicine to conventional medical therapies.
