When taking any product, it is always important to do your research and CBD is no exception. Maybe you’ve purchased a roll-on to help alleviate achy muscles from exercising or a topical to decrease carpal tunnel inflammation in your hands from typing all day on the computer. Whatever the case may be, CBD can be a great alternative to over-the-counter medications and understanding its effects is vital for optimal results. As much research is still being performed on CBD, here are a range of areas where it has been proven to be effective through clinical studies and things to note if you are interested in integrating CBD into your lifestyle!
Pain Relief
Arguably, the most common use of CBD is its treatment of chronic pain in adults. As the stigma of Cannabis has slowly decreased since the 1990s, advocates have since pushed for a re-evaluation of the plant, noting that it was used as a prominent form of medicine in the 19 th and 20th centuries before the Federal restriction in 1937 under the Marijuana Tax Act. Since then several studies have been performed and solidified its credibility.
A popular study published in the journal Pain in 2017 gained status when cannabidiol was tested for its effects in osteoarthritis. Injecting lab rats with sodium monoidoacetate to induce pain and joint neuropathy, it was affirmed after a 14-day trial that giving the rats local CBD treatment was successful in healing joint inflammation and served as a protectant to the nerves noting it as “safe and therapeutic.”
Epilepsy
The first cannabidiol (CBD) medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was Epidiolex, an anti-convulsant that showed remarkable results especially in children.
In a study performed at Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York, 199 patients averaging 9 years old were closely monitored taking the liquid form Epidiolex and discontinuing their accustomed 3-4 medications. The first group was given 20mg/kg dose per day of Epidiolex while the second group received 10mg/kg dose. After 14 weeks of treatment, total seizures fell 47% in the higher dose group and 56% in the lower dose group. This shocking outcome not only proved its benefits but that even a lower dose could be more effective.
Research is still being done to see its long-term performance.
Acne is the most common skin condition in humans and affects approximately 50 million individuals in the U.S. alone. Although it is commonly known in adolescents, it is also apparent in children and adults. One of the main factors of this condition includes inflammation of the skin. With CBD’s anti-inflammatory abilities, it has been shown to control the overproduction of sebum, the oily substance the skin makes.
According to Medical News Today, a notable 2014 study examined the effects of CBD on sebaceous cells. It was determined that CBD oil effectively prevented the cells from overproducing oily sebum while also triggering an anti-inflammatory reaction in cells and cytokines, which meant fewer future breakouts.
Side Effects
While most users have very positive effects when incorporating CBD into their daily life, it is important to address uncommon but notable side effects:
- Increased/Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
We recommend the way to avoid certain side effects is to ensure you are purchasing high-quality products from reputable CBD companies that have lab tests readily available, take the correct dosage amount noted on the label and speak to your doctor beforehand especially if you are currently taking other medications.
Medication Interactions & Disclaimers
CBD in any form is known to be contradictory to medications with a “Grapefruit Warning,” as CBD and grapefruits interfere with cytochromes P450 enzymes in the gut which may cause a higher than normal amount of CBD to enter the bloodstream.
While there is still ongoing research being performed today about the effects of CBD, its benefits have been scientifically proven in a variety of categories. Our mission here at NATURES WEALTH is to bring you quality and safe products that help enable you to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle!
*Disclaimer: We would like to please remind you to speak to your physician or other health care professional before starting or discontinuing ANY medication/supplements.
