Are you having sleep problems or anxiety issues? Or maybe you are one of those people experiencing chronic pain. CBD might just be the natural approach you've been waiting for to help find relief that complements more traditional treatments. Let us explore the hype surrounding CBD and discover just how this simple compound is transforming modern wellness.

What is CBD and its sources?

CBD is a chemical from the cannabis plant, distinct from THC, the psychoactive constituent of the drug responsible for the "high." CBD can be derived from marijuana or hemp, both being Cannabis sativa. Certainly, there are more than 80 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant; the one most people know about is THC, but CBD is most commonly derived from hemp, which contains nearly negligible amounts of THC. CBD reacts on a different activity than THC in affecting chemicals within the brain.

Sources of CBD:

1. Hemp-As one of the easiest sources of CBD, hemp is a particularly bred strain of cannabis plant with low levels of THC (usually at or below 0.3%). Hemp is tinctured into premium quality CBD oil, then processed in multiple forms of a wide variety of products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and creams.

2. Marijuana: CBD can be extracted from cannabis, that other form of marijuana. Marijuana typically contains higher concentration THC than hemp.Therefore, CBD extracted from marijuana would have higher THC and is consequently more controlled in many places.

Hemp and marijuana are kinds of cannabis but hemp is used more due to its allowance in many regions and very low concentration of THC.

CBD is available in many forms ranging from oils, tinctures, capsules, supplements, creams, and even pet products.

Health Benefits of CBD:

Here are the health benefits of CBD:

1. Better Sleep: The reduction in anxiety and increase in relaxation improves the quality of good sleep.

2. Control of Epilepsy and Seizure: It decreases attacks of the seizure.

3. Health of the Skin : It fights acne, eczema, and psoriasis through mechanisms of anti-inflammation.

4. Reduces anxiety: It decreases the condition of anxiety with no sedative effect.

5. Alternative painkiller to relieves chronic pains and inflammation

6. Nausea and vomiting: It has actually reduced nausea, especially chemotherapy.

CBD is primarily used in treating epilepsy, anxiety disorders, chronic pains, and muscular disorder such as dystonia. It also offers hope in relieving Parkinson's diseases and Crohn's diseases.

The potential health benefits of CBD have gained considerable interest:

1. Anxiety and Stress Management

CBD may be able to lead to an attenuation of anxiety due to the interaction with the brain and mood regulators, and evidence has shown that CBD could influence the reduction of anxiety in many conditions, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and stress-related disorders, without the typical sedation that is seen with old medicine.

2. Pain and Inflammation Management

CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the former abating such conditions as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and back pain. It has the effect on pain receptors in the nervous system and provides a more natural alternative to painkillers bought over-the-counter

3. Quality Sleep

Many people claim that CBD improves the quality of sleep. Since stress activates anxiety and leads to overexcitement, CBD reduces stress and then calms one for sleep, which helps people sleep better when they have sleep disorders like insomnia or disruptions in sleeping patterns.

CBD is considered non-toxic, especially regarding side effects. Side effects that may appear are predominantly mild to moderate, and these generally depend on the dose. The more serious side effects are within 3% to 10%. The aforementioned side effects may include having increased liver enzymes, fever, respiratory infections, and even seizures. This increase in enzymes appears mainly in epilepsy patients. This is because CBD has an interaction with certain medications such as clobazam and sodium valproate. [1] [2] [3]

How do you choose the right CBD products?

Take into account these elements when selecting the best CBD product:

• Desired Result: Choose between oils, tinctures, or edibles for what you are trying to alleviate whether it is pain, anxiety, sleep, etc.
• CBD Strength: Decide what strength of CBD is needed for your issues.
• Source: It comes from high-quality organic hemp with less than 0.3% THC
• Third-party Testing: Products lab tested ensure that the product contains what's reported to be the potencies and purities present.
• Full spectrum vs. Isolate: Decide if you would like it to be a full spectrum containing all cannabinoids or pure CBD isolate.
• Brand Reputation: Select reputed brands with transparent sourcing and manufacturing.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure the product is legal in India as the THC level should not exceed 0.3%.

What are the Types of CBD?

Every kind of CBD product has a distinct function, and the ideal option will depend on individual tastes, medical requirements, and the intended time frame for benefits.

What are the negative consequences of using CBD?

1. Short-Term Effects:

Some of the mild effects that usually last for several hours include euphoria, relieved anxiety, dryness of mouth, hunger, and mild cardiovascular actions. However, more intense reactions include panic attacks, psychosis, and breathing difficulties as acute ARDS or bronchospasm and therefore may need emergency attention.

2. Long-term adverse effects from frequent heavy use:

Long-term, heavy cannabinoid use is linked with various health issues such as addiction, adolescent cognitive impairment, chronic respiratory disease, increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), and worsening of mood and psychotic disorders.

3. Drug Interactions and Allergic Reactions:

It is known that cannabinoids induce hypersensitivity reactions with specific active or inactive components and can cause nausea, vomiting, and cramping if taken concomitantly with certain drugs such as disulfiram or metronidazole.

Conclusion:

In India, CBD is gaining more popularity as a wider alternative to the natural health solutions. As people feel its ability in alleviating stress, managing pains, and generally improving health, it gets to occupy a place of trust in the alternative health practices. Yet, as research continues to unravel, CBD finds itself as the promising holistic wellness option for those people who care about their well-being. With proper guidance and awareness, CBD can be a really good tool in support of both psychological and physical health across the diversified communities in India.

FAQ’s:

1. How does CBD interact with the body?

CBD interacts with the human body's endocannabinoid system, which encompasses elements regulating mood, pain, and even immune responses. It combines with ECS receptors, thereby affecting the release of certain neurotransmitters that balance without causing a high.

2. What are the potential side effects of CBD?

Possible adverse effects of CBD are drowsiness, dryness in the mouth, and diminished appetite and may also depend on a dose. It can also sometimes cause alteration in the liver enzymes or interaction with some medications in rare cases.

3. Is CBD legal everywhere?

No, CBD is not legal everywhere, it is allowed in different quantities depending on the content of THC and according to country or even region regulation. Some places allow only medical use, some permit them recreationally, while others just prohibit it.

Dr. Alakha AS, BAMS

Dr. Alakha graduated, BAMS physician from MGR University P.S. Varier Ayurveda College in Kottakkal