Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, has taken the wellness world by storm, promising relief from a variety of ailments. In fact, 60% of Americans have tried at least one CBD product.
But amidst all the hype, one question remains: Does CBD really work?
In this post, we’ll explore what CBD is, its potential health benefits, and what science says about its effectiveness. Keep reading below!
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100 natural compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce a psychoactive “high.” This distinction makes CBD an attractive option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the mind-altering effects of marijuana.
CBD is typically extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis with low THC levels. It can be found in various forms, including massage oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topical creams. The increasing popularity of CBD products has sparked interest and curiosity about their potential benefits.
CBD Health Benefits
With that overview in mind, let’s consider some potential health benefits of CBD.
1. Pain Relief
One of the most well-known benefits of CBD is its potential to alleviate pain. Research suggests that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is crucial in regulating pain, inflammation, and immune responses. By influencing ECS receptors, CBD may help reduce chronic pain and inflammation.
2. Anxiety and Depression
CBD has shown promise as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression. Studies indicate that CBD can impact serotonin levels in the brain, which are essential for mood regulation. A 2019 study found that CBD significantly reduced anxiety in teenagers with social anxiety disorder.
3. Sleep Disorders
Insomnia and other sleep disorders can be debilitating. CBD might offer a solution by promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. Some users report falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper sleep after using CBD.
4. Epilepsy and Seizures
One of the most compelling uses of CBD is in the treatment of epilepsy. The FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, which contains CBD, has been shown to reduce seizures in patients with certain types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
5. Skin Health
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It may help reduce acne, soothe irritated skin, and combat signs of aging.
So Does CBD Really Work?
To be sure, the scientific community is actively researching CBD. But we still haven’t answered our initial question: Does CBD really work?
While initial findings are promising, more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses. Let’s briefly consider a few.
Pain Management
A 2018 review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted CBD’s potential in managing chronic pain.
Anxiety and Depression
A review in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD showed potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.
Sleep
Research on CBD and sleep is still in its early stages. A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that 66.7% of participants experienced improved sleep after using CBD, but the study also called for larger trials.
Epilepsy
The approval of Epidiolex by the FDA is a significant milestone, backed by robust clinical evidence. Studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing seizures, offering hope to patients and families affected by severe epilepsy.
Skin Health
A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD can inhibit the production of sebum, suggesting potential benefits for acne treatment.
CBD Massage in Vail, Colorado
So, does CBD really work? The answer is that it shows significant promise for a variety of conditions!
As the scientific community continues to explore CBD, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of its benefits.
In the meantime, have you ever tried CBD massage? At Simply Massage, we offer a premium CBD salve that you can add to any treatment to melt away those aches and pains.
Call us at 970-748-1600 to learn more, or schedule your next massage with our online booking form.