Known for it’s mood boosting effects, CBD oil in a hot health trend of 2018.
I’ve been curious about the stuff for some time so when I saw that my local Huron, Ohio coffee shop was hosting a pop up shop in collaboration with Green Roads CBD, I had to stop by and learn more! I just happened to be there for the 4th of July week that the pop-up was occurring… Boy, did I get lucky! We LOADED up on product and tried some free samples too. I learned so much and heard amazing healing stories about the product, so I had to give it a try. Once bit by the CBD bug, I did some research. Here’s what I found:
What Is CBD Oil, exactly?
CBD Oil stands for Cannabidiol. It is a compound found in the cannabis plant that contains many medicinal + therapeutic benefits for people and animals. CBD is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids in cannabis, and it’s been well-documented to possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-anxiety effects. Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it won’t make you high.
3 Key Components:
- No THC – THC (the psychoactive) and CBD are two different compounds. This is why CBD alone doesn’t get you high. In fact, in the cannabis plant, there are at least 113 active cannabinoids, of these, THC is the ONLY psychoactive.
- Naturally Occurring – Humans & animals alike evolved with cannabis in our systems. Our endocannabinoid receptors developed overtime, meaning our bodies naturally know how to receive, produce, and store CBD.
- Medicinal – CBD has been seen to treat symptoms including; cancer, autism, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and more (treatment is continued to be explored). Not to mention, it’s a natural mood booster!
How CBD Works in our Body:
CBD stimulates the body’s natural cannabinoids which sends signals to activate those receptors to do their job naturally. CB1 receptors are in the nervous system, glands, organs and connective tissue. CB2 receptors have an effect on the immune system and your functioning health. The natural cannabinoids within your body work with these receptors to prevent your nervous system from misfiring or acting defectively.
Cannabinoids work on the endocannabinoid system in our brain system. The endocannabinoid system controls a lot of of our bodies functions: sleep, our mood, immunity, reproduction, pleasure, pain, and memory.
While THC can alter the normal state we should be in, CBD can help correct homeostasis on a need be basis by helping the body to naturally produce its own endocannabinoids that are responsible for regulating our bodies.
Proven Benefits of CBD
- Relieves Anxiety: As noted earlier, it’s a mood booster! Why? Studies have shown CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors in our brain. An animal study using mice found repeated administration of CBD helped the hippocampus (a huge area in our brain) regenerate neurons, which could be useful for treating anxiety or depression.
- Neuroprotective (a fancy word for protects the brain): CBD has a high level of antioxidants that are essential to protect our body from our toxic environment (think toxic beauty products, unfiltered water, toxic cleaning products.. and that’s just INSIDE). Antioxidants are able to neutralize these damaging oxidizing agents from the bloodstream to improve the health of cells and reduce the risk of developing a diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. As a neuroprotectant, CBD helps reduce damage to the brain and nervous system and encourages the growth and development of new neurons. Oxidative stress caused by ischemia, traumatic
blows, or autoimmune and genetic disorders can cause temporary or permanent neural damage, but studies have shown that CBD is able to protect against this damage and improve recovery. CBD’s neuroprotective properties are also potentially beneficial in helping prevent and limit the progression of neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease. - Reduced Risk of Artery Blockage: A 2013 study found that isolated CBD acted as a potent vasorelaxant. Vasorelaxation is the reduction in tension of the walls of the blood vessels, or a decrease of vascular pressure.
- Anti-Inflammatory: On one test on rats, scientists removed all the naturally occurring CBD from the animals and founds noticeable inflammation on the tags on their ears – a symptom never before see in these animals in a normal or placebo effect. So, if our bodies had NO CBD, we’re be constantly inflamed at every point that our body is touch or irritated by a foreign object (shoes on our feet, pants on our waste, bra, ear piercings, you name it). Our body counts on the anti-inflammatory nature of CBD produced naturally and with added, high-quality CBD, we see even more dramatic health improvements of a reduction in inflammation from disease & immune system to brain fog to joint health, you name it.
- Promotes Bone Growth: In patients with fractured or broken bones, administered CBD helped to strengthen fracture callus; the cartilage which mends the bone fracture. CBD protects against age-related bone loss by regulating bone cells.
- Relieves Pain: Researchers think that CBD interacts with receptors in your brain and immune system – this creates anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects that help with pain management.
CBD vs. Hemp Seed Oil
CBD oil from hemp is different from hemp seed oil, which is mainly used for cooking, so don’t be fooled into thinking you’re buying CBD when the label says hemp seed oil. When shopping for CBD, you want to look for an organic, full-spectrum oil from hemp. Unlike other CBD oils out there organic, full-spectrum varieties contain phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and antioxidants from the whole hemp plant that work together to enhance the effects of CBD. This is what’s known as the “entourage effect.” – Nutrition Stripped
Products I’ve Tried
Coffee – Green Roads has been highly recognized for their CBD Oil Coffee. I’m into it… although over the last few days, I can’t say I notice a huge difference. This product is CBD Infused Coffee grounds and 100% Industrial Organic Hemp. It’s touted as an alternative to fend away the jitters and increased anxiety as a result of coffee. I’ll report back on this one over time. This seems like a really easy way to get a regular dose of CBD for those struggling with any of the symptoms noted above.
Camomile Tea – this made me fall asleep at 8:30pm and sleep like a baby ALL NIGHT LONG. The taste is amazing, as well. If you’re a tea drinker and struggle with sleep, I HIGHLY recommend.
Daily Dose Sticks – these made me HAPPY. I had a free sample & I think I may be back for more.
Sources:
*I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Consult your physician before trying this product if you have serious health issues. These are just my findings based on the following articles:
https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cbd-for-treating-anxiety
Nutrition Stripped
The Well Necessities
https://realhealthresource.simplecast.fm/cbd-oil
https://echoconnection.org/cbd-has-antioxidant-and-neuroprotective-properties-what-does-that-mean/
