You may have heard of CBD oil (Cannabidiol – oil made from industrial hemp without the the “high” that cannabis contains, read more below) being helpful for people with conditions like Parkinson’s and MS, but it turns out its scope is far wider.
We recently had a good conversation with Christine Cannon, a qualified herbalist in the USA about how CBD oil can help with many conditions and even general wellbeing. Christine has been advising and supporting many people with impairments and conditions around the use of CBD oil and can support people here in the UK too. Our sister company Spokz is now supplying Christine’s oil, but there are obviously other online shops.
As an emotional support service, we are interested to see if CBD oil would be a good adjunct to therapy, especially for certain conditions (e.g. EDS and pain conditions) as well as for those of you who have experienced trauma (in childhood or medical trauma). We also know that many of us live in a heightened state of anxiety due to how we are treated in society. We are interested to see if CBD oil can reduce anxiety and help engaging in therapy easier.
If you decide to try CBD oil, you may find Christine’s blog on dosing helpful (click on the link). It covers starting dose and helpful information about potency and which oil is purest and therefore more likely to be effective. The blog below is one Christine wrote introducing CBD oil.
Understanding CBD Oil: 5 Things I’ve Learned
In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has gone from a relative unknown to an increasingly in-demand health and wellness supplement supported by a growing body of research documenting its many benefits. Along with the rising popularity of CBD oil and CBD products – tinctures, lotions, and capsules, to name a few – there is still a great deal of misunderstanding around what CBD is, what it’s not, and how it can be used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
To gain a better understanding and to learn the facts about CBD – for my students, patients and myself – I did some research. Here’s what I’ve learned.
1. CBD is not marijuana
CBD is a natural constituent of the cannabis sativa plant and for decades has been wrongly associated with that other more famous cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the source of the well-documented psychoactive ‘high’.
Fact is, CBD oil from industrial hemp is non-psychoactive, safe for all age groups, non-addictive, and loaded with healthy nutrients and antioxidants. In addition, CBD hemp oil is completely legal and can be delivered right to your door in all 50 US states, and to over 40 countries.
2. CBD is full of nutrients
CBD oil is a rich source of naturally occurring nutrients essential for overall health, including omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and beta-carotene.
CBD oil is also a rich source of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins essential for tissue formation, and for keratin production essential for healthy, strong hair and nails.
3. How CBD works
When ingested, CBD engages with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system of receptors that regulate homeostasis in the human body – our overall state of balance – impacting biological processes like mood, memory, sleep, appetite, hormone regulation, and pain and immune response. CBD activates protein molecule receptors—called cannabinoid receptors—on the surface of cells throughout our body, and particularly abundant in our brain and also our immune system.
Current research is demonstrating that when a person supplements their endocannabinoid system with non-psychoactive, non-habit-forming CBD oil, a healthier endocannabinoid system results, and thus, a healthier you.
4. CBD is an alternative to pharmaceuticals
Many people today seek viable alternatives to prescription medication, and CBD is proving itself to be just that. Clinical studies indicate that CBD has been shown to:
• Ease anxiety and depression
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Help with insomnia and sleep disorders
• Regulate mood
• Lower blood pressure
• Help relieve seizures
• Help reduce stress
• and much more…
5. CBD for everyday use
While numerous clinical studies highlight the health benefits from CBD use for those with cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and extreme anxiety and depression, it’s important to note that the benefits of CBD oil aren’t just for those with major health issues and illnesses. CBD can be used daily as a dietary supplement by anyone to help support balance, focus, pain reduction, inflammation, mood, and daily stress reduction, just to name a few. And for a calm, clear mind, CBD can be effectively combined with anxiety control techniques, and meditation and relaxation exercises.
Consumption of CBD oil is easy and may be done several ways. Some CBD oils are meant to be taken orally, such as tinctures, drops, or capsules, while others, such as lotions or creams, can be applied directly to the skin. CBD may also be inhaled and ingested by spray bottle.
Conclusion
Supported by a growing body of research and clinical studies highlighting the role CBD plays in treating numerous medical conditions, and supporting a healthy lifestyle for anyone using it as a dietary supplement, there is compelling reason to make CBD hemp oil a part of our daily life.
If you would like more information on CBD oil, please contact Christine on www.thecontemporaryherbalist.com
Update January 2021:
As of March 2021, CBD oil will no longer be on sale in the UK unless it is through a pharmacy due to new restrictions and licensing. It is a real shame a natural plant is being restricted in such a way. Spokz no longer sell it, nor The Contemporary Herbalist as mentioned in the above blog. I have kept the blog live because of the importance of it’s content. You may still be able to track down a good quality source of CBD after this date, if you purchase from pharmacies, our advice is to try and find one that is organic, whole plant (not just an isolated part of the plant called an ‘isolate’ as a whole plant contains many unknown healing aspects) and with natural other ingredients. Good luck with the hunt!
