The use of plants and herbs as medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. The same is true with cannabis. Ancient doctors and healers have witnessed its medical benefits and have taken advantage of its healing properties. But due to its associated political and social controversies, the use of cannabis to treat different health conditions have been a subject of debate for many years. Maybe people will change their mind if they are better educated about cannabis and its other compound cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has several benefits that have not only been researched and studied for years but are also backed by science.

What is CBD?

It is a compound found in the cannabis plant that is all-natural and legal. It come in many forms but the most popular CBD oil, especially because it is easier to consume.

CBD is also available as edible, topical, and as a vape pen. Taken in recommended doses, it will not get you high or show up on drug tests.

It is used as a preventive medicine through cannabinoid therapy. Its efficacy is due to the fact that cannabidiol and its other compounds are similar to the chemicals that the body creates. This makes it easier to integrate into the system compared to many synthetic drugs.

According to the leading scientists that studied endocannabinoids, Bradley E. Alger, “The endocannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind.”

What are the health benefits of CBD?

Prevent or minimize the effects of anxiety

If consuming too much THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) results in paranoia, CBD has the opposite effect. This is why it became popular mainstream, especially because it mitigates the effects of anxiety. Taken in recommended doses, it is an effective anti-anxiety treatment.

Reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity

Several studies showed that:

• People who regularly use cannabis have a lower body mass index and a smaller waist.
• About 1/3 of the 52,000 survey participants showed lower rates of obesity among cannabis users, according to a report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2011.
• Cannabis users have 16% lower fasting-insulin levels, 17% lower levels of resistance to insulin, and higher levels of HDL cholesterol.
• The incidence of diabetes in lab rats were lower as shown in a study on CBD alone.
• CBD converts white fat into brown fat that helps reduce weight and promote sugar metabolism and noatherogenesisrmal insulin production.

All these findings point to a possible breakthrough in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Reduce cancer risk

A 2012 study conducted on laboratory animals showed that, even after being induced with carcinogens, they were less likely to have colon cancer.

Similar findings were discovered in 2015 when scientists analyzed medical records of male patients in California who used cannabis. They showed a 45% below the normal rate of bladder cancer. The over 84,000 patients, however, only used cannabis but not tobacco

Reduced frequency of epileptic seizures

Recent clinical studies showed that children with epilepsy experienced reduced frequency of seizures when administered with CBD. Considering that the well-studied cases of CBD, according to neuroscientist Josh Kaplan, PhD, are related to child with epilepsies, the results of the recent clinical studies provide the best examples of the effectiveness of cannabidiol.

Promote better sleep

The amount of CBD consumed has an impact on sleep. Small doses during the day produce alertness, but larger quantities at night can help induce sleep. It is believed that CBD can help treat pain-related insomnia.

Relieve pain

Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating joint and muscle pain. CBD bath soaks or in topical form is recommended to treat pain and as a great workout recovery aid.

Unlike other pain relief, CBD has been shown to reduce pain caused by inflammation and neuropathic pain.

Maintain brain health

CBD has the ability to help maintain and regulate a healthy brain. A study in 2008 showed that low doses of CBD encourage creation of new nerve cells in aging brains of animal models. It also reduces glutamate toxicity and keeps the brain from becoming overstimulated and causing cell damage or death.

What do you think?

While cannabidiol comes from cannabis, it’s not entirely bad for health, given its many health benefits. As long as consumed in recommended doses it will prove beneficial to you. Do you think it’s a treatment you might consider?

If you do decide to start using CBD in your diet, make sure you do your research on quality, find a CBD Dosage Guide, or medication you may be taking to make sure there will be no issues.