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If you’ve read about CBD – or even heard about the boom in these products at all – you’re probably curious about it. It promises big strides in the management of chronic pain, of some mental health issues and even a solution to insomnia, but knowing where to start can be difficult.
Today we’re taking a look at CBD oils to help you understand what they’re good for and how to take them, so you can make the best choices for your health.
The first thing to note is that clinical studies of CBD are in their early stages, and inconclusive. There is little medical evidence saying definitively what CBD does for you and how good it is. Research is ongoing, however, and claims about the efficacy of these products will likely gain weight as time goes on. You may even see CBD based medications being prescribed more by the NHS.
There is, however a wealth of early phase studies and anecdotal evidence, ancient and modern, that can guide as to the therapeutic applications of CBD – or cannabidiol. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, which is a controlled substance but also has a long, long history of being therapeutically (and spiritually).
Early studies indicate that CBD has some anti-inflammatory properties, which can make it useful to soothe symptoms of arthritis (which manifests as a swelling around the joints), as well as a neuropathic painkiller.
It’s also reputed to be useful in stabilising mood and producing feelings of calmness and tranquillity, making it popular as a remedy for feelings of depression, anxiety and also for insomnia. Again, initial studies back this up to an extent, indicating that CBD can act on the brain in similar ways to antidepressant drugs. While many people have seen good results from taking CBD oil, if you are concerned about your mental, complimentary products are no substitute for a doctor’s appointment.
The most common form of CBD is an oil tincture (as a lipid, CBD doesn’t dissolve in water). You can use a dropper to measure out a dose under your tongue, where it can be quickly absorbed by the body.
This is far from your only option, however. Some people dislike the bitter taste of the tincture and instead drop it into food or drink to mask the flavour. Be aware that this can reduce how much of the compound your body absorbs and how fast it does so. If you’re brewing a CBD tea from the leaves and buds of a plant, remember to add milk or butter to give the molecules something to dissolve in.
If you’re using CBD to manage pain, especially arthritis, it may be worth considering a topical cream. While the compound won’t enter the bloodstream, it can stimulate nearby endocannabinoid receptors to produce a local effect, and treat a specific problem.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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