Let us talk in depth about CBD for immune support separating facts from fiction. We are all born with our own immune systems that help us function and live in today’s world. The basic function of the immune system is to make sure that you have some kind of defence against the everyday viruses and bacteria that tend to keep attacking you. It is basically a part of our body that activates itself immediately, as soon as our bodies are under attack.

Everyone has their own strength and immunity and no two immune systems are alike. However, a strong immune system is something that obviously equates to a healthier lifestyle, since it makes you stronger in the face of disease and does not allow you to fall prey to infections easily.

CBD and The Immune System

Phytocannabinoids are chemical substances found in cannabis and other plant-based drugs. Surprisingly, our bodies have an endocannabinoid system as well that produces its own phytocannabinoids.

The phytocannabinoids present in CBD bind to the ECS receptors present in the human body and strengthen the immune response of the body. This leads to speeding up of the following functions:

Digestion

Thinking

Memory

Sleep 

Reproduction etc.

There is still a large amount of research that needs to be conducted to prove the above statements. However, this is basically a rudimentary understanding of how CBD interacts with the immune system for the benefit of humans.

Is CBD An Immunity Booster?

COVID-19 has many authors claiming that CBD is a good shot when it comes to boosting your immunity. Sadly, there is no conclusive evidence for the same. You should remember that there are several lifestyle changes you could make to ensure that your immunity is well supported, like getting adequate rest and exercising regularly. There is still research though that needs to be conducted to be sure that CBD can be used as an immunity booster.

Is CBD An Immunosuppressant?

Research published in 2020 by James Nichols and Barbara Kaplan showed overwhelming evidence that CBD can be used as an immunosuppressant in chronic auto-immune diseases. The exact mechanism of action for this is not known.

A study conducted in 2021 supported the data presented in the above study. We can hence safely assume that CBD works as a good immunosuppressant wherein it can be used to calm the natural immune response of the body and reduce inflammation.

CBD can be used to provide relief from the following diseases:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Multiple sclerosis

CBD and Cytokines

Cytokines are large groups of proteins that are produced within the body. They are believed to have a direct effect on the regulation of inflammation, immunity and the production of white blood cells. CBD is thought to interact with cytokines in a positive way. This boosts the production of cytokines which in turn will cause your immune system to act effectively on the rest of your body.

It should be noted here that much of this evidence is based on studies conducted on animals. There is still much research that needs to be conducted.

Safety Considerations While Using CBD

• Always decide on the dose based on advice from your doctor. Most packages come with clear instructions about dosage, but it is best to be sure that your doctor is in the know.
• Check with your doctor before you begin using CBD as it may interfere with your current medications. It is best to let your doctor decide whether or not you need to start using CBD.
• Always insist on high-quality products as they carry the least amount of risk. Look for labels that are all-natural and organic. In addition, you should ensure that the CBD products you are using do not contain allergens that might cause an anaphylactic reaction.
• Make sure that the particular product you are using is tested by a third party. This way you can be sure that it has been tested without any bias.

Types of CBD Products You Can Opt For

There are a multitude of products in the market, that you can choose from when you begin your CBD journey. Here are some of the popular options you can consider:

• CBD oils: They are available in dark-coloured tiny bottles that can easily be carried on the go. Most CBD oils are edible but some might be made for subcutaneous usage and you will need to rub it on your skin.
• CBD tinctures: CBD tinctures can be placed below the tongue and usually do not need to cross the digestive tract, so they act faster than pills.
• CBD pills: They are the most commonly available products and are also the most handy. It doesn’t take much to pop a pill, especially the kind that will make you feel better. CBD pills need to cross the entire digestive tract which makes them slightly slower in acting.

Concluding Thoughts

Though there is still research that is needed to completely quantify the effects of CBD, it is a product that is worth the hype created around this. The main reason for this is that it can definitely do no harm and is completely safe for consumption by humans.

In addition, CBD is particularly helpful to those with autoimmune diseases, especially to those who do not respond to traditional forms of medicine. CBD can provide necessary and welcome relief to such people.

Let’s clear up some CBD and mental health myths and facts. With rapidly rising awareness in the field of mental health and innumerable people raising their voices to let their experiences of struggle with this demon be heard, it is obvious that drugs and medicines that can help alleviate the symptoms are in great demand.

How CBD Is Better Than THC

For centuries, CBD was given the side eye by various scientists and researchers as it was hidden under the shadow of the intoxicating ingredient THC. Most researchers did not consider it to be of any value as it was usually extracted along with THC from the hemp or marijuana plants that gave their consumers the typical “high”.

Only recently have scientists been able to extract CBD separately and this has completely changed the name of the game. THC can induce a sense of calm, relieve pain and improve mood. All of the aforementioned benefits can be achieved without any form of impairment or anxiety that is often associated with THC use.

CBD And Anxiety

CBD is directly related to the action of the endocannabinoid system present in the human body. As such it is able to calm the overall response of the human body.

Promising research has been conducted in the fields of social anxiety and PTSD. A study, conducted in the year 2020 included a group of persons with mid-level social anxiety and asked the participants to give a short speech in front of an audience. The group was divided into two. One group was given a capsule made from CBD derivatives while the other group was given a placebo. The individuals who received the CBD capsule showed reduced symptoms in comparison to the control group.

In another trial, published in The Permanent Journal in 2019, daily doses of CBD were given to 47 adults with anxiety. The trial lasted 3 months and all adults showed rapidly decreasing symptoms. The effects lasted during the entire three-month period.

CBD And Addiction

CBD is known to reduce drug-seeking behaviour. This is because it can effectively deal with anxiety and raised levels of consciousness.

In a clinical trial published by Herd in the year 2019, the stress hormone cortisol was significantly reduced in persons who were long-term users of heroin. 

CBD is believed to reduce cravings which are one of the key problems faced by persons on their journey to de-addiction. Cravings are a result of increased visual cues. Even minor things associated with the drug can cause a relapse in the person. CBD is thought to target exactly this issue which is hopeful and promising to those struggling with the condition. There is still some research needed to further prove these claims though.

CBD And Depression

This is an onion field of research as not too many studies have been conducted on humans. 

The Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy published in 2019 strongly suggested the anti-depressant-like effects of CBD that were observed among a few animals.

A review conducted in 2019 also suggests an increase in brain-derived neurotropic factors. Low levels of BDNF are strongly related to a decrease in depression.

Myths About CBD That Need To Be Busted

1. CBD lacks scientific evidence

Epidiolex is a plant-based cannabis medication that is used in the treatment of seizures and other rare diseases. This is a huge step in the right direction as it opens channels for more research as such to be conducted. In fact, there are a few hundred researches underway right now related to CBD, the World over.

2. CBD is a narcotic

After several scientific researches, it has finally been proved that CBD does not contain any narcotic substances. In fact, it is THC that contains harmful narcotics, and CBD is completely free of this compound.

3. CBD is a marketing strategy

The boom of CBD was rapid and intense. This chemical was suddenly discovered that had most of the positives of marijuana without THC so there was no high that might be caused. Due to this CBD has become a part of many wellness as well as beauty products. Some clients feel that its presence sometimes is unnecessary. Though there might be some truth in this statement, it can in no way disregard the effects of CBD.

Is CBD legal?

It’s been a while since the US approved CBD for open sale. This obviously means that the purchase, use or sale of CBD cannot put you into any kind of trouble. 

Not only is it completely legal but it is also helpful, especially in tough situations where traditional medicine cannot provide much relief.

There is even better news, as there are many countries around the World that are following in the wake of the United States.

Conclusion

The question of whether or not CBD is helpful for mental health is one that has been much debated. After many trials, most of which have included persons who suffer from severe forms of mental diseases like end-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is only obvious that CBD can provide a safe outlet of relief.

CBD should however not be confused with traditional medicine which can actually, in certain cases reduce the disease. CBD can only provide periods of relaxation or calmness for those who suffer from mental health issues without causing any kinds of further ill effects.

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Does CBD products help you with anxiety

Let’s answer the question CBD tinctures how to use and why. CBD has been providing relief and help to people since the early 80’s. It is only in recent times however that the substance has got its due regard. We are still a long way away from CBD being a popular household name, but increasing research in the field is indicative of its spectacular growth.

With a variety of products and forms of CBD that one can choose from it might get a little confusing. However, it is always best to choose a product that is suitable to your particular needs. Eg. if you need something that you can carry around in your pocket and require it to work quickly, a CBD pill would be your best bet.

However, if you are willing to play around a little and experiment with the different products, tinctures, oils and lotions could be a good way to go as well.

CBD Tincture vs. Oil

The traditional meaning of the word tincture is a highly potent liquid that can be placed under the tongue and has an immediate effect. 

In the case of CBD, most tinctures are prepared by soaking the flowers of buds of the hemp plant in alcohol, a mixture of alcohol and water or plant-based oil. 

This results in a highly potent product that should be used only a few drops at a time as it has an immediate effect.

These tinctures are usually sold in glass bottles so they do not react with direct sunlight as that may alter the composition of the product.

The Use of CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures need to be placed below the tongue for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures that they enter the bloodstream directly through the blood in the mouth. 

Often, people tend to swallow the tincture. This can actually cause a delay in the time it takes for CBD to take effect. This is because CBD has to travel through the whole digestive tract and wait to be absorbed into the gastric juices to take action.

Dosage For CBD Tinctures

The dosage for CBD is a matter of relative subjectivity. CBD is not under the regulation of the FDA hence, there is no recommended dosage.

Most studies suggest a dosage of 2.5 – 5 mg is the best to start with. It is always recommended to wait and observe the results of CBD if you are a beginner.

In addition, your dosage will depend on the specific purpose you are using CBD for. For instance, someone suffering from pain caused by end-stage cancer would obviously require a higher dosage of CBD in comparison to someone using CBD for relaxation.

Most tinctures come with droppers that have clear indications on them. Make sure that you can practice filling the dropper correctly as this might require proper control. It is a good idea to practice something more neutral like oil or water.

Your medical practitioner would be the best person to advise you on the dosage that would be optimum for you.

A systematic review conducted in the year 2019, has been published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Almost three dozen studies were reviewed, where CBD was used for different causes, like epilepsy and anxiety. The dosage of CBD used was different in each case as well. Most of the studies that recorded positive outcomes, were the ones that included a higher dose of CBD.

The Uses of CBD Tinctures

There is limited research on the benefits of using CBD tinctures. However, this does not mean that it is ineffective. In fact, CBD has been named the drug of choice for several end-stage conditions, like cancer.

Listed below are a few conditions that can be positively affected by the regular use of CBD:

• Epilepsy
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Autoimmune diseases
• Anxiety
• Generalised pain
• Seizures
• End-stage cancer

A survey conducted in 2018 portrayed that 62% of people use CBD to help them with certain medical conditions.

Epidioloex is a CBD-containing product that is recommended for use in rare cases of epilepsy and is especially beneficial to children.

Types Of Tinctures Available In The Market

Most CBD products available in the market fall under one of the three categories:

• Full spectrum CBD

Full spectrum products contain all the components of hemp plants. There is also THC present in these products.

• Broad spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD products are the ones that contain all the products of CBD excluding THC.

• CBD isolates

These products contain only CBD and the purest form of the compound.

Are CBD Tinctures Safe?

Since CBD and its related products have been legalised in the US, there has been a boom in the market for the product. 

So long as you are consuming a high-quality product that has clear information regarding the products it is extracted from, there should be no problems.

It is worth mentioning here that CBD in high doses may interact with other medications. If such is the case, it is best to consult with a doctor before you begin consumption.

Conclusion

CBD tinctures are fast-acting and convenient. They are your best bet if you are dealing with conditions like anxiety or epilepsy where traditional medicine usually fails.

Products that carry a certificate of analysis are usually best to purchase as they are tested by a third party and deemed safest for consumption.

CBD Edibles: A Tasty Way to Relax. When we think of a snack, we think of something that can be whipped up in a jiffy, and satisfy the tastebuds. Imagine, if you could have a snack that was low on calories, tasty and something that can put you in a great mood. Read on and introduce yourself to probably your new bestie at snack time.

The year 2018 recorded 88% of all posts on social media about CBD in the positive category. Most of these were from millennials. Needless to say, CBD is popular among the young generation today. However, it would not work at all if it were not tasty.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that can be obtained from the cannabis plant. Most often it is helpful in relaxing and unwinding. 

Is CBD Legal?

Yes, CBD is completely legal in the US and in most countries around the World. CBD products are completely free from THC which is the substance that causes the characteristic high when it is consumed. This is one of the main reasons that CBD is considered safe for consumption and is so freely available.

How Can CBD Snack Be Beneficial?

CBD snacks can be greatly beneficial to consumers. Some of the reasons for the same are listed below:

• They are completely natural

Most CBD nibbles are completely natural and most of them are made with no artificial colouring. According to a recent study, a third of the millennials read the ingredients that make up their CBD nibbles carefully. Hence companies are motivated to make better products as well.

• They are healthy

Who could say no to a snack that is low in calories, and helps you relax as well? We all want to maintain a healthy diet, despite the occasional treats we give ourselves. It is hence extremely important that we consider the foods we snack on as well. CBD nibbles are the perfect solution. However, there are many CBD nibbles in the market and it is important that we choose only those products that contain the right dosage of CBD without sacrificing nutrition.

• They are portable

Small CBD packages can easily be carried around. They also have a longer shelf life than most other snacks which makes them a great product for bulk purchases.

They are also easy to carry on flights, however, there might be a few countries where they are considered contraband so it would be best to check with your airlines before you carry them.

• They are tasty

CBD has a distinctive taste that might not always go well with everyone. Most companies try to mask this with a strong flavour that might completely overpower the flavour of CBD, like ginger or rose. There are some however that try to work with flavours that are complementary to CBD.

It is good to go for a safe flavour if you are a beginner, like mint or something sweet. Combination flavours like papaya-pineapple and watermelon-lemonade work well too.

• They can help you to calm down

If you are someone who feels the nerves pretty often, it is a good thing to invest in a few high-quality CBD nibbles. Since only a few of them are enough to make you feel a lot better about yourself, it is great to have something that will help you feel less stressed or pressured.

Not only do they work as a snack, but they also help you when you are feeling anxious.

Types Of CBD Snacks Available In The Market

Something that is imperative about all snacks is that they should all be easy to consume. We all need a snack from time to time but we do not always have the opportunity to sit back, relax and have a comforting snack. It usually is something that has to be done on the go. Here are a few CBD snacks that you can pop into your mouth, anytime, anywhere:

CBD Gummies

The soft, chewy, fruity flavour of gummies is something that appeals to children and adults alike. 

With a host of options from broad spectrum CBD products to endless options among flavours, CBD gummies are sure to have you spoilt for choice.

CBD Honey Sticks

Uplift your regular afternoon tea with a few dabs of CBD honey sticks or slurp on one between work breaks. CBD honey sticks are your best option for an on-the-go CBD snack.

CBD Popcorn

Choose between butter, caramel, plain salted or the list of endless flavours of CBD popcorn, or add a few dashes of CBD oil to regular popcorn. Either way, you are set for the best movie night of your life. Make sure to make a big batch if you are inviting friends over.

CBD Cookies

A tiny dash of CBD to your regular cookie batter did no harm to anyone. You could also do that with a big batch of brownies. Or if you’re in a rush, CBD cookies are easily available at the market. Easy to carry, and something that can never be denied, what more could you ask for in a snack?

CBD Chocolate

Soothe those chocolate cravings with a gooey chocolate that will calm your nerves and make you feel uplifted. Or you could make your own at home using high-quality chocolate with a dash of CBD oil.

Concluding Thoughts

Regardless of the product you choose, CBD can be your go-to product if you learn how to use it right.

Here is something more for you to look at:

• CBD gummies for tinnitus

CBD for athletes performance enhancer or hype. The sales of CBD and products that contain it have quadrupled in the recent past, especially among fitness enthusiasts and sportspersons. Though CBD is yet not under the control of the FDA, it is considered absolutely safe for consumption and there is evidence that proves that it leads to faster muscle repair, improved quality of sleep and enhanced performance levels, all of which are extremely important to those in the sports field.

Benefits of CBD For Athletes

Athletes face a number of issues both during and after the completion of tournaments. CBD is a reliable and effective solution for a number of issues that sportspersons might be facing. 

Here is a list of ways that CBD can be helpful to sportspersons:

• Enhanced muscle repair after a workout
• Reduction of inflammation
• Pain relief
• Enhanced quality of sleep
• Reduces anxiety and depression

Better Muscle Repair After A Workout

Most of the growth and development in muscles occurs only during the recovery phase and not in the active phase, as many imagine. CBD can effectively calm the body to help with the regeneration and growth of new muscle fibres during this phase. This will lead to increased benefits from the workout.

Reduction of inflammation

Studies show that CBD has positive effects on bodily inflammation. According to a review of literature conducted in the year 2022, CBD has direct anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

There is still a lack of proper research, but a lot of evidence does suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties. This could be extremely helpful in dealing with diseases like osteoarthritis and other rheumatic conditions. This could also be helpful to those suffering from metabolic diseases like lupus.

Pain Relief

Studies conducted in 2017 have suggested that athletes with medial knee pain benefit significantly with the regular use of CBD.

CBD is also deemed useful in chronic and acute pain. Usually, these pains are associated with overuse of muscles, lack of rest time, injuries that result from overuse of muscles and sometimes they may also be caused due to anxiety faced by sportspersons.

CBD is named as an effective solution to pain and it also helps sportsmen feel more confident and relaxed when they have an important game.

Enhanced quality of sleep

In a study on CBD conducted on around 20 participants, over 66% reported improved overall sleep quality after taking CBD for one month. It was also suggested that CBD reduces anxiety levels in the subjects. 

CBD has been linked to increased levels of natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. It is believed to improve the quality and length of sleep.

It’s also believed that CBD helps regulate REM sleep. This can help reduce fatigue and improve alertness during the day. CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety and stress could also help athletes get a better night’s sleep.

Reduced Anxiety And Depression

CBD has a direct effect on serotonin levels in the body and this will automatically help an athlete feel more calm and composed during a stressful situation. This also positively affects the performance of an individual.

In addition, the interaction between CBD and the endocannibidiol system of the body helps to improve mood and regulate stress.

Both these effects of CBD on the body, ensure that an athlete can be in complete control of his body during the game and also get better rest at night. 

Side Effects Or Risks of CBD

Though CBD is relatively well tolerated, there is a chance that one or more of these side effects might occur.

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure

Are There Any Risks Of Using CBD As A Supplement To Enhance Performance?

One of the foremost things that sportspersons should be concerned about is whether or not they will be picked up by their doping committees for the use of CBD.

Since every country has their own rules and regulations to follow, each athlete must check with their particular association.

One thing to remember is that CBD is not on the list of the substances that most countries look out for when they perform the dope tests on sportspersons. 

Another risk that you must keep in mind if you are planning to use CBD in the long term to enhance your performance is your body’s reaction to the substance. Though CBD is completely safe and appropriate for human consumption, it is possible that in the long term, your body might signal that it is not working well with it. There are no studies to prove that CBD is harmful in the long run.

Is It Beneficial For Athletes To Use CBD?

This question is rather subjective and would need to be answered by individual persons. 

Innumerable studies have proved that CBD can work wonders for those suffering from anxiety and helps to calm the nerves. This in itself can be a great boon for athletes, considering that they are usually performing to packed stadiums with several people cheering or booing them.

Though the consumption, purchase and sale of CBD is not yet strictly regulated, you must consult your doctor before you begin to use CBD for any purposes. Your medical practitioner would also be the best person to consult regarding the dosage you can safely consume. 

Your coach and other authorities also will benefit from being in the know of the fact that you plan to use CBD as a performance enhancer.

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CBD for pain relief is it effective, this is a tricky question. Pain can be dreadful in any form, more so if it is chronic or unmanageable. Often, pain can be incurable, as is the case of those suffering from end-stage cancer or other metabolic diseases. CBD has proved to be helpful to them. Though its use may not be able to identify, treat or improve the medical condition that is causing the pain, it can surely numb the pain to a large extent. Numerous studies draw the same conclusion and you will be able to see how, as you delve deeper into the article.

CBD is derived from the cannabis plant which is commonly known as hemp. It is especially preferred as it does not give the traditional “high” that is associated with the compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabis oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. It is known to provide relaxation without the negative side effects usually associated with marijuana. It is not associated with mind alteration and is freely available in the market. In addition, it is found to be highly effective in treating all kinds of aches and pains.

CBD For Pain Relief

In general, doctors prescribe opioids to those suffering from chronic pain. This might be dangerous as it can lead to unhealthy opioid addictions that are worse than the cause of the pain itself.  

CBD oil may lead to a reduction in:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Generalised discomfort

Though there are no FDA-approved pain management CBD drugs available in the market, this hemp derivative is slowly but surely making its mark in the field of palliative care. Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved drug that contains CBD and is used for rare forms of epilepsy that do not respond to traditional medication.

Chronic Pain Relief And CBD

There can be multiple reasons for chronic pain, cancer being among the leading causes. 

A review conducted in 2018 assessed how well CBD works to relieve chronic pain. It took into account studies conducted between the years 1975 and 2018. These studies examined various types of pain, including:

• Cancer pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Fibromyalgia

Researchers concluded that CBD was effective in overall pain management and didn’t cause negative side effects in any of the cases, in fact, it led to a positive outcome.

Though there is no research to prove it yet, some scientists are of the belief that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and immune system. This leads to anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects on the overall body leading to a decrease in the amount of pain felt by an individual.

Arthritis and CBD

In 2016, a study was conducted, namely, Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. The results of this study showed a significant reduction in pain and an increase in mobility of rats who were given a dose of 0.6 mg of CBD. 

Though no conclusive evidence is yet available for CBD showing a decrease in pain in arthritis, it is only a matter of time before evidence of the same emerges as several studies on the subject are already underway.

Cancer Treatment Relief and CBD

A 2010 study, conducted on study subjects, suffering from cancer-related pain used traditional opioids on a group of test subjects while giving the other group a THC-CBD extract in conjugation with the traditional medication. The group that received the THC-CBD extract showed an improved response to pain tolerance in relation to the other group.

THC-CBD oral sprays were used in another study in 2013 and the results produced were similar.

The National Cancer Institute has also indicated that CBD can be helpful in reducing the ill effects of chemotherapy and radiation in those being treated for cancers.

Migraine Pain Relief and CBD

Migraine pains can be particularly debilitating as there is nothing much that can be done about it unless the exact cause is identified. 

The results of an intense, two-phase study conducted in 2017 indicate that CBD and THC can lead to a reduction in acute pain caused by CBD and also decrease the intensity of pain associated with the condition.

A conjugation of both THC and CBD was found to be more effective than traditional anti-depressants used in such conditions.

Side Effects of CBD

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Changes in weight
• Changes in appetite 

These are some of the side effects that might accompany regular CBD use. Again, there is no study that can associate any one of these with CBD.

It should also be kept in mind that different persons respond to CBD differently. So not everyone is likely to suffer from these side effects.

Is It Safe To Consume CBD With Traditional Medication?

You should proceed with caution if you are a first-time user of CBD. Since CBD is yet not under the control of the FDA, its regulation can be peculiar. What is best is to begin at the lowest possible dose and gradually work your way up.

Certain over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and dietary supplements might interact with CBD. It is, therefore, best to consult your medical health practitioner before making CBD a part of your everyday life.