CBD News
Your Guide to the Natural Health Benefits of Hemp Flower
Over the last few decades, hemp flower has exploded in popularity for its potential health and therapeutic benefits. Many people now choose to smoke, vape, or consume it to manage specific health issues or improve their overall well-being, and for good reason – the science backs them up. The key benefit of hemp flower stems from its high CBD content. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid in marijuana, CBD isn’t psychoactive. It doesn’t produce a “high” or alter one’s mental state, making hemp completely legal to use as a health supplement. CBD comes with a wide range of potential physical and mental health benefits. Keep reading to explore the six main ones! 1. Anxiety and Stress Relief One of the most celebrated benefits of hemp flower is its potential to alleviate anxiety and stress. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, helping to regulate mood and reduce stress levels. 2. Pain Management CBD in hemp flower has demonstrated promising results in managing chronic pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief for conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness, providing a natural alternative to traditional pain medications. 3. Sleep Aid Individuals struggling with sleep disorders may find solace in hemp flower. CBD’s calming effects may help regulate sleep patterns, promoting a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep. 4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including autoimmune disorders. Hemp flower’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential supplement for those seeking natural ways to manage inflammation. 5. Skincare Benefits Hemp flower’s influence extends to skincare, with its rich content of fatty acids and antioxidants. It may assist in promoting healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and addressing conditions like acne or eczema. 6. Neuroprotective Potential Emerging research suggests that CBD in hemp flower may have neuroprotective properties, making it a subject of interest in the realm of neurology. It could potentially contribute to managing conditions such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases.
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Can CBD Help You Get a Better Night's Sleep?
There’s nothing like waking up after a good night’s sleep, feeling refreshed, rested, and ready to take on the world. But getting enough hours of shut-eye matters more than you might realise. Over a long enough period, restless nights can cause your short and long-term well-being to take a serious dive. Sleep deprivation can lead to tiredness, memory lapses, and mood swings, and even physical problems like cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system. Unfortunately, a lot of us find it hard to get the sleep we need to stay healthy. One in five Brits admit to not getting enough sleep at night, mainly due to factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain conditions. Because of this, a lot of people have been exploring ways to improve their sleep and wake up feeling energised. One of these solutions has been topping headlines since it was first introduced: CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It has exploded in popularity in recent years for its potential health and fitness benefits, including its ability to improve sleep. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the potential ways CBD can help you achieve a good night’s sleep. Let’s get started! 1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress It’s hard to drift off when worries about work, money, or relationships are whirling around your mind like a blizzard. Anxiety and stress can have a major impact on how well you sleep, with around 50% of insomnia cases connected to anxiety, depression, or psychological stress. Studies indicate that CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Consuming it before bed may help calm your mind, allowing you to drift off to sleep faster and enjoy more restful nights. You can even brew up a tea using loose leaf CBD for an extra cosy bedtime treat! 2. Relieves Physical Pain Trying to sleep when you’re in pain can feel impossible, whether it’s a chronic issue or a temporary ache. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or pain from an injury can send you reeling every time you close your eyes, making it tough to get more than just a few short spurts of rest each night. CBD is believed to work as a pain-reliever by regulating pain signals and reducing inflammation. This can lead to a noticeable reduction in discomfort and an improvement in your sleep quality. You take it orally or, if your pain is in your hands or joints, you can try a CBD-based cream. 3. Tackles Sleep Disorders Stress, anxiety, and physical pain are common culprits behind sleep disorders, but they’re not only ones. Hormonal changes, circadian rhythm disorders, medications, genetics, and the passage of time can all lead to disorders like insomnia developing. In some cases, a disorder may develop without a clear reason why. Some research suggests that CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. By modulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote a more consistent sleep pattern overall. Before using CBD for sleep or any other health concern, it’s always best to consult with your GP first. They’ll be able to advise you on whether it’s a suitable option for your specific sleep issues and to look after your safety and well-being.
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How Does CBD Work to Relieve Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that helps us stay safe. However, when it becomes excessive, it can interfere with our daily lives and cause our happiness to take a serious dive. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems in the UK, with 1 in 20 adults diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). They can cause a variety of symptoms, including feelings of fear and dread, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, and many others. If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to reach out to a professional for advice. There are a lot of effective treatments available, like therapy and medication, that can help with your symptoms and reduce the effect anxiety is having on your day-to-day life. With the right treatment, most people dealing with anxiety disorders can go on to lead full and productive lives. If you already have an existing treatment plan or your symptoms are relatively mild, you may be interested in exploring a natural remedy to your current approach. There are a few options out there, but there’s one in particular that’s been skyrocketing in popularity over the past few years: CBD. CBD has been making waves for its potential to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and improve sleep. While scientists are still unravelling the exact mechanisms behind this, we’ve created a breakdown of several possible ways CBD can help improve your mental health below. Let’s dive in! 1. Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling system made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. It plays a role in regulating a range of physiological processes, including mood and pain. When CBD is taken, it interacts with the ECS by elevating the levels of endogenous cannabinoid compounds, anandamide and 2AG, which activate cannabinoid receptors. These have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), analgesic (pain-relieving), and anti-inflammatory effects. 2. Activates Serotonin Receptors Serotonin, often called your body’s natural “feel good” chemical, helps regulate mood, anxiety, and a variety of physiological processes. CBD has been shown to bind directly to the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which is a type of serotonin receptor that is involved in mood regulation, anxiety, and pain. When CBD binds to this receptor, it activates it, which can lead to increased serotonin levels in the brain. 3. Increases GABA Activity Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter with inhibitory effects in the brain. When GABA activity is higher, it can have a calming and anxiolytic effect, potentially reducing anxiety. CBD can bind to and activate GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, which are the two main types of GABA receptors in the brain. This increases the GABA response in the brain. It also prevents the breakdown of GABA, which means that more GABA is available to bind to GABA receptors and exert its effects. 4. Promotes Neuron Growth Some animal studies suggest that CBD may promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in regulating emotions and the stress response. This process, known as neurogenesis, may contribute to the anxiolytic effects of CBD. 5. Reduces Inflammation CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could be relevant to anxiety, as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with mood disorders. Reducing these factors might indirectly help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Important note: The effects of CBD can vary from person to person, and it may interact with other medications, so it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD to address anxiety.
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CBD and Women's Health: Addressing Menstrual Pain and Hormonal Imbalances
As CBD enters the mainstream spotlight more and more, the discussion around its benefits is growing. However, we have noticed that research and discussion around the component and women’s hormones is lacking. In this blog, we wanted to share the little information that there is on this topic. Before we get started, while CBD won’t produce a high and is not known for being addictive, we would recommend discussing its usage and benefits with a GP before trying it. It should also be noted that due to the legal restrictions on cannabis, the research surrounding its benefits is scarce. How does CBD work with women's bodies? When it comes to treating menstrual pain and hormonal imbalance, CBD is believed to work its magic in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is a series of receptors and transmitters that help to keep our bodies in homeostasis (a state of balance). This system is a pivotal part of our bodies as it contributes to sleep cycles, pain management, moods, appetites, memory, stress and immune responses. CBD has been shown to help the ECS when it is struggling to stay stable, as it seems to interact with the receptors in the system to boost them and get the system to return to homeostasis. In doing this, CBD is thought to regulate hormonal levels. During the several phases of menopause, the hormone levels in a woman’s body fluctuate, affecting the ECS and causing the symptoms felt during this stage of life. Using CBD for pain Overall, research into CBD as pain relief is still thin, but conclusions from research done suggests it can relieve pain experienced. CDB has been shown to help reduce inflammation and chronic pain, therefore, it is likely it will reduce pain felt during the menstrual cycle. CBD is a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Research suggests that the use of this product could alleviate not just cramps but also back pain, headaches, joint pain and other painful symptoms. Women have reported that using CBD products while on their periods has also helped them feel calmer, so it is believed that CBD can have a positive impact on a woman’s mental health. How to relieve pain with CBD There are a variety of ways that you can take CBD. Each method will have advantages and features. The choice of method may depend on individual preferences and the specific type of pain being addressed. Here are some common ways to take CBD for pain: CBD Oil or Tinctures: This is one of the most popular methods. CBD oil or tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption. Use a dropper to place the desired dose under your tongue, hold it there for about 30 seconds to a minute, and then swallow. Additionally, you can add it to your drink. CBD Edibles: CBD can be infused into various edible products such as gummies, chocolates, and cakes. Edibles take longer to kick in compared to tinctures but can provide a longer-lasting effect. Topical CBD Products: For localized pain, you can use creams, balms, or lotions infused with CBD. Apply the product directly to the area of pain or discomfort. CBD Suppositories: These are inserted rectally or vaginally and can be used for specific types of pain relief. They may provide fast absorption but are not as commonly used as other methods. CBD-infused tampons: These are an easy way to use CBD to help relieve pain. Once inserted, they activate cannabinoid receptors in the vagina, which are believed to reduce the inflammation that causes menstrual pain. Inhalation of CBD: Vaping or smoking CBD allows for rapid absorption through the lungs. This method may offer quick relief and is very convenient way to enjoy the benefits of CBD. Using CBD for hormonal imbalances Throughout their lives, it is common for women to experience hormone imbalances, which often trigger symptoms such as low moods, hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, and discomfort. CBD products are suggested to help regulate hormones when they are off-kilter, as they can influence cortisol – aka the stress hormone. As stress can be the trigger for many hormonal imbalances, this solution is a simple fix. Estrogen and Progesterone impact the happy hormone, serotonin, which causes low moods during the menstrual cycle and menopause. Available data suggests that CBD can activate serotonin receptors, therefore, boosting mood too. We want to support women who experience these symptoms and discomforts. If you are experiencing pain during periods or suffer from hormonal imbalances, discover our products today.
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