CBD, the healing compound
We still know very little about Cannabis, what we think we know is largely based on speculation. In this article, we tell you all about this amazing plant and cannabidiol (CBD) in particular, which is one of its most promising components in terms of its potential health benefits.
3 things you may not know about CBD
3 things you did not know about CBD
CBD is extracted from the cannabis flower, and its medicinal properties have been scientifically and medically proven by experts all over the world. It is a safe substance that is neither addictive nor does it produce hallucinogenic effects. For centuries, CBD was used for its healing properties, but as cannabis became popular as a recreational drug, things got a bit more complicated.
CBD is one of over a hundred different “phytocannabinoids” exclusive to cannabis, which give the plant its medicinal properties. Essential cannabis extract is one of the most popular products, as it helps with a huge variety of medical disorders, such as epileptic seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, among others.
Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol
CBD is closely related to another medically active phytocannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This component is the reason why cannabis is commonly known as a recreational drug.
Both components have important therapeutic attributes, however, CBD does not alter the senses like THC does. In fact, when used together, CBD can even reduce or neutralize the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD and THC have important therapeutic attributes
Both CBD and THC affect the most important protection system in the body, the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating bodily functions.
These two compounds interact with the endocannabinoids in our body (anandamide ANA and 2-arachidonoylglycerol 2-AG), binding to receptors and influencing important factors such as pain control, appetite, temperature regulation, sleep, coordination of movements, modulation of cardiovascular and immune responses, and more…!
Learn more about THC and CBD here
Diseases that can be helped by CBD
CBD has shown to help counteract various diseases
The medicinal potential of CBD has been found to help a wide range of diseases, as this compound has achieved results that were not possible with traditional medicine, such as relieving side effects of conventional treatments. The therapeutic aspects of CBD have shown to help the following diseases:
- Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, brain damage, traumatic brain injury)
- Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
- Neuropsychiatric disease (autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD, Post-traumatic stress Disorder – PTSD, alcoholism)
- Digestive disorder (colitis, Crohn’s disease)
- Cardiovascular dysfunction (aterosclerosis, arritmia)
- Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)
More discoveries are being made that reveal the significant medicinal benefits of cannabinoids
An increasing amount of studies are being carried out to investigate how CBD increases the inhibitory effects of THC against the spread and survival of glioblastoma cells, an aggressive type of cancer cell that affects the brain and spinal cord. These studies suggest that CBD actually makes THC even more effective in combating cancer.
Another study carried out in Germany (2010) on the generation of new stem cells, suggests that CBD can also stimulate the growth of new brain cells. More and more discoveries are being made that reveal the significant medicinal benefits of CBD and THC.
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