Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is getting a lot of attention these days. As a natural supplement derived from hemp, studies have shown that CBD provides a broad range of important benefits and is used to treat many different conditions. Not sure what CBD can be used for? We’ll explore just a few of the many ways people use CBD in this post.

Pain Relief

One of the most common uses for CBD is for the treatment of pain. While studies show that CBD can be used to mitigate acute pain, many people report that they use CBD primarily for chronic pain. They report being prescribed drugs to manage their pain, but have sought a natural option that does not come with the same debilitating side effects or risk of addiction.

PTSD

Millions of Americans suffer with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a chronic mental condition that can happen to anyone who has gone through a major trauma. The symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, higher sensory sensitivity, forgetfulness, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, depression, and trouble focusing. PTSD is also characterized by returning traumatic memories, which may lead to a panic attack. Multiple studies have shown that not only is CBD effective in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD, but there is significant evidence that CBD has a strong potential for treating multiple anxiety disorders

Depression

Depression can range from suicidal thoughts and cognitive impairment to mood swings and subtler signs. When it comes to treating depression, CBD does appear to have some benefits over antidepressant medications. Most antidepressant medications take weeks to start working. However, a 2019 study found that CBD has a fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect. CBD may also result in fewer side effects than antidepressant medication. Insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitation are common side effects of antidepressants. CBD has not shown similar issues.

Anxiety

Anxiety goes hand in hand with conditions like depression and PTSD, and studies have shown that CBD may effectively treat anxiety as well. In fact, it is partially because of this that the supplement is as effective as it is at treating other conditions. CBD has shown to reduce fear and apprehension, stress, negative thoughts, and other symptoms. 

Skin Conditions

There are limited studies on the effectiveness of topical CBD for people with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. However, some of the research suggests that CBD oil may have therapeutic potential for treating eczema, healing skin wounds, and soothing skin symptoms.

Studies have shown that the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) contributes to the function and reproduction of skin cells. A dysregulated ECS is associated with dermatological disorders, including eczema and atopic dermatitis.

When applied topically to the skin, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and may offer therapeutic benefits including moisturizing the skin, reducing itchiness and inflammation, soothing redness, and promoting wound healing.

Cancer

CBD may help people with cancer manage some symptoms of the disease, as well as manage the side effects of treatment. Scientists are looking into how CBD could aid cancer treatment, but more research is needed before any conclusions can be made.

Because it’s far too soon to say that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for cancer in humans, CBD shouldn’t be considered a substitute for other cancer treatments. That being said, many people report using CBD to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can produce an array of side effects, such as nausea and loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. CBD may ease neuropathic pain and nausea due to these treatments.

If you’re currently being treated for cancer, keep in mind that many substances can interact with other therapies. That includes CBD, other cannabinoids, or even dietary and herbal supplements.

Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of CBD, what to look for, and where to purchase it.

Insomnia

Many Americans struggle with sleep, and in recent years, individuals have started to test CBD  as an alternative sleep aid. Early research shows that CBD may have therapeutic abilities in treating insomnia. It may help with both sleep-onset and staying asleep. While low-dose CBD has a stimulating effect, high-dose CBD may sedate individuals who have insomnia. 

Often, anxiety and stress are underlying causes of insomnia. Since anxiety disorders are strongly correlated with sleep disorders, it stands to reason that alleviation of anxiety may also improve sleep. Evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for anxiety-related disorders, and using CBD to treat anxiety-related disorders may also indirectly treat insomnia.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of potential uses for CBD. It’s natural, non-habit forming, and can help you live with less pain, discomfort, stress, anxiety, and depression.  Additionally, according to the World Health Organization, there’s no current evidence of any public health problems related to the use of CBD. Although the legality has shifted over recent years, you can access CBD in most parts of the United States, with some restrictions. While there is more access to CBD, the research looks extremely promising, and there is glowing anecdotal evidence abound, always check with your healthcare practitioner before starting a new regimen.