CBD Effects: What is CBD Used For?
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CBD is a rapidly rising star in the UK wellness world, which means you’ve probably heard of it and its uses.
Search the term CBD, and more than 200 million results will pop up. It can be overwhelming, but that’s why we’re here. Let’s break down what CBD is, and all of its uses in the health and wellness realm.
What is CBD?
More formally it’s called cannabidiol, but most people call it CBD. It’s a naturally occurring compound that comes from the hemp plant. Cannabidiol is one of two main cannabinoids found in the plant – the other of course being THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties in cannabis.
Okay, but what’s all the fuss about?
What’s so interesting about CBD, is that your body actually has cannabinoid receptors built-in to your endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a system in your body that maintains homeostasis, or the balance of the way things interact in your body. Since the discovery of CBD, scientists have been exploring how CBD works with the ECS and what effects it has on wellness.
Since the surge of CBD products in the UK, you can find just about everything in CBD form – lotions, beauty serums, topical balms, oils, edibles, inhales and more. And each product could have different wellness benefits. Amphora has a line of CBD vape broad-spectrum formulations that help with specific health and wellness goals.
Here are some of the top uses of CBD and what the science says about them.
CBD May Help with Mental Health
Lots of scientific studies have explored the effects of CBD on mental health, with some good evidence in animal studies. Many of them have found similar results with one 2015 study finding that CBD helped reduce anxiety related to mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorders.
CBD May Help with Chronic Pain
Like all plants, CBD comes packed with naturally-occurring substances called antioxidants. Antioxidants are one of the reasons why we’re encouraged to eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. It's these potent plant molecules that fight harmful cells in the body and help lower the risk of disease.
One of the most common conditions CBD is used to help treat is pain. The antioxidants in CBD also act as an anti-inflammatory, which means they may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. According to a 2018 study, patients said that CBD helped treat chronic pain and joint pain from inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
CBD May Help with Reducing Blood Pressure
You probably already know (and may have experienced firsthand) how anxiety and stress can impact your physical health. The big one being blood pressure because it can lead to life-threatening conditions, like heart disease. Most research on CBD and blood pressure has been conducted in animal studies. Still, a smaller human study published in 2017 found that a single dose of CBD reduced the study participants’ resting blood pressure, as well as their blood pressure in response to stress.
CBD May Help Treat Types of Epilepsy
Out of all of CBD's uses so far, the most vigorous research is for CBD’s effectiveness in treating seizures in childhood epilepsy. Some rare and severe forms of epilepsy don’t respond to typical seizure medications. Research has found that CBD was both safe and efficient in helping treat epilepsy in infants, children and teens, according to a 2019 study.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD?
The best part of CBD is there are little to no side effects. A small number of people have reported some fatigue, irritability and nausea, but the majority don’t experience any side effects at all. The World Health Organization also backs cannabidiol as well-tolerated and safe for human consumption.
Adverse impacts from CBD are usually due to the quality of the oil, and that's why at Amphora, we only offer the highest quality products derived from natural ingredients. Our products are broad-spectrum, which means you are getting all the benefits of the plant and not just CBD.
Is CBD For Me?
Since CBD became legal in the UK, there is a lot to explore in the CBD world. Take your time shopping around, and don’t forget to read the fine print before testing something new out. Check the label, read the ingredients, and see if it’s organic. Trustworthy brands will also have certificates of analysis for you to review.
Once you’ve done your research and found a product you like, make it a regular part of your self-care routine. So why not start now?
Written by | Infused Amphora Team
The Infused Amphora Team is dedicated to creating resources to educate and engage consumers on the growing evidence of CBD benefits and the extensive health and wellness properties of CBD Oil.
Contributor | Angus Taylor CEO
Infused Amphora “Learn” is intended for informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.