Interested in CBD? Here's What You Need To Know
Lauren Klesser
Have you ever tried CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is everywhere nowadays. If you go to a coffee shop, you’ll find CDB teas and lattes. Beauty shops sell CBD-infused products such as lotions. Spas and wellness centers offer specialized CBD facials and other similar services. Some pharmacies sell CBD vitamins. Even virtual stores have joined the rush by selling CBD oil online.
What is it with CBD that makes it popular among so many people? Is it true that it has numerous health benefits? How can women benefit from using CBD products? Is CBD legal? These are a few questions you may have in your head if you are thinking about using CBD.
Here, we’re sharing more information about CBD so you can make the best, informed, decision for yourself!
Photo courtesy of Half Day CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound that originates from the cannabis plant called hemp. It is non-psychoactive, which means it is non-intoxicating and does not make you feel high. Unlike its counterpart, marijuana, cannabidiol contains only 0.3% (or less) of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabis’ psychoactive ingredient.
In states where you are allowed to use medical and recreational cannabis, CBD is legal. People use it to help them with several health issues. It comes with therapeutic properties, too, which is why it’s a popular ingredient for oils, lotions, and some dietary supplements.
How Does CBD Work?
There are several ways of using CBD. Besides consuming it in edible products and capsules, you can also use CBD in tinctures and vaping. People who use it guarantee its healing properties. It helps treat illnesses and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological and mental disorders.
CBD works as an anti-anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and anti-inflammatory, element. It is also touted to have anti-cancer properties. It helps make cancer treatment side effects easier to handle.
Other factors help make cannabidiol an effective treatment for various conditions, one of which is endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by the body’s Endocannabinoid System or ECS. This system uses receptors found in the immune system, central nervous system, and the brain to translate signals sent by cannabinoids. It produces its cannabinoids and helps regulate sleep, appetite, immune system responses, and sensitivity to pain.
The endocannabinoids receptors interact with the plant-based cannabinoids (also called phytocannabinoids) inside the body, and this is what triggers and brings out all the benefits and relief from pain, anxiety, and other illnesses and conditions.
The Most Common CBD Forms
As mentioned earlier, CBD is used in different ways: as edibles, in pills or capsules, as tinctures and oils, in lotion and cream form, and through vaping.
Edibles like CBD-infused brownies and gummies are some of the most popular choices because they taste well, are discreet and easy to handle, and affordable. Pills and capsules are ideal for treating digestive problems and seizures. Tinctures and oils are also popular, specifically among those who have a difficult time ingesting tablets and capsules.
CBD-infused lotions and creams are ideal for skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema and muscle and joint pain. Vaping uses CBD oils and is considered the quickest way to feel the effects of cannabidiol.
Is There a Correct Dosage for CBD?
If you are just starting, go with a low dosage first. Do not increase your dose right away. Give it some time, and take it slow. You have to listen to your body and understand its reaction to CBD. The safest thing to do is to follow the dosage your doctor recommended and wait for him to give you the go-signal to increase it. Certain diseases require low doses to prevent side effects.
Also, do take note that CBD content varies from one product to another.
Photo courtesy of Miss Grass.
Is CBD Beneficial for Women? How?
There are several ways that CBD can benefit women.
1. CBD is essential for reducing anxiety.
Everybody suffers from anxiety, but it is more severe and prevalent in women. If left untreated or unattended, anxiety can affect your day-to-day activities and your life in general. It can also be confusing, scary, and painful. CBD has anti-anxiety properties and can help relieve symptoms and reduce anxiety in women.
2. CBD helps women deal with hormonal imbalance.
CBD products contain gamma-linolenic acid and omega fatty acids, elements that are essential for regulating hormones.
3. CBD helps alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Premenstrual syndrome is one of the most painful experiences women go through every month. Headaches that appear out of nowhere, mood swings, insomnia, and painful menstrual cramps are easier to manage with CBD products' help.
Cannabidiol has properties that help you relax more and lessen your anxiety, regulate sleep, and improve your mood.
4. CBD is a pain reliever.
Aside from anti-anxiety properties, CBD also contains analgesic properties, which can help women with hard-to-detect illnesses and chronic pain. CBD can reduce inflammation and pain.
5. CBD helps women fight and prevent certain illnesses.
Cannabidiol has properties that protect women from certain diseases and illnesses. First off, it can help stop cervical cancer cells from spreading. Autoimmune diseases among women are also common, and CBD helps alleviate symptoms like pain and inflammation. Examples of autoimmune disorders include multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and diabetes.
CBD also protects women from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
6. CBD helps women deal with menopause.
Although there is no substantial evidence that cannabidiol helps women deal with menopause symptoms, it does reduce sleep problems due to insomnia and improves mood.
In summary, CBD helps women feel generally better.
Knowing these basic details about CBD will help you determine which direction to take in your journey. Before anything else, speak with your doctor or any healthcare professional to ensure that CBD is right for you.
Lauren Klesser is the Content Marketing Strategist for Half Day CBD, a thoughtfully-curated brand of organic hemp-derived products like CBD oils, CBD vape, and CBD gummies, which are designed to help manage pain, anxiety, stress and sleep issues. In her spare time, she plays axe throwing and escape games with her family and friends.
References
Felton, K. (2019). Every question you have about CBD answered. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/
Pahr, K. (2018). Beginner’s guide to CBD. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/
Olson, R.M. M.D. & Rittenberg, E. M.D. (2019). Why are women using CBD products, and do they work? Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/
Feintuch, S. (2019). CBD for women: What are women using CBD for? Retrieved from https://www.healthywomen.org/