Throughout the coronavirus quarantine, we have seen a huge surge in patients dealing with increased pain, insomnia, and stress. It is no secret that these three things can each cause and reinforce the other, causing treatment of these issues to be difficult. Medications that address one problem may be missing the real cause created by another problem. This is why so many medications struggle to effectively treat these common conditions.
CBD oil is one supplement that can help with all three of these conditions. We have been recommending CBD oil for patients suffering with these conditions for two years, with great results. CBD is the legal, non-psychoactive cousin of medical marijuana. It comes from the hemp plant but, unlike marijuana, does not contain THC, which is what gives the ‘high.’
CBD (Cannabidiol) is demonstrating that it may be useful in treating all sorts of physical and mental conditions in grown adults, young children, and even animals! We are going to concentrate in this article on the three most common uses of CBD oil: pain, insomnia, and stress.
Pain Relief
CBD oil has helped many find pain relief from sore muscles, arthritic joints, migraines, and fibromyalgia symptoms. If you deal with any of these conditions on an occasional or consistent basis, you may want to consider trying CBD to soothe your pain.
The level of relief you feel will depend on many things, including how much CBD you consume and the level of pain you are experiencing. Certainly, it works better for acute minor injuries and strains than for chronic conditions. However, many people are turning away from their conventional pain medications and finding improvement in their chronic pain conditions using CBD oil on a regular basis. We have had success over the past two years with dermal CBD creams for acute muscle and joint pains. CBD oil, taken under the tongue, appears to have better results for those with more chronic and systemic conditions.
Now, we are excited to offer a CBD capsule that combines the pain relief of CBD and the anti-inflammatory help from turmeric and boswellia. Extensive scientific research on turmeric has demonstrated that it has potent-free radical scavenging properties capable of dramatically reducing inflammation. Through this and other mechanisms, turmeric may support colon health, promote joint comfort, support healthy neurological function, and help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Patients suffering from arthritis pain and/or looking to decrease their cardiovascular risk factors often find turmeric very beneficial.
Boswellia is a standardized extract of Boswellia serrata, also known as Frankincense, a resinous botanical that has been used for centuries by traditional Ayurvedic herbalists. The bioactive constituents of Boswellia, boswellic acids, have been shown in scientific studies to affect key enzymes involved in the maintenance of healthy tissues. Through these mechanisms, boswellia may help to support the immune system’s balanced response to the typical wear and tear of everyday life.
Anxiety
Pain does not always have to be physical. Sometimes it’s mental and, frequently, mental pain is just as exhausting. Anyone who lives with anxiety knows this. Anxiety comes in many forms and can be unpredictable. It can be episodic and quite transient, or it can be chronic and never ending. CBD oil has been shown to affect the brain in a similar way to the most popular class of anti-anxiety medications known as SSRIs. CBD may also boost signaling through serotonin receptors. Spanish researchers found that CBD enhances 5-HT1A transmission and may affect serotonin faster than SSRIs. Researchers noted, “The fast onset of antidepressant action of CBD and the simultaneous anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect would solve some of the main limitations of current antidepressant therapies.”
Our new line of CBD oil capsules combine CBD oil with L-theanine and Ashwagandha for an effective stress reducing combination. L-theanine helps to relax the brain. It is found naturally in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). L-Theanine promotes relaxation while maintaining alertness and promotes healthy cognitive function. L-Theanine may also support healthy vascular function through this relaxing effect.
Ashwagandha is a traditional herb from India. It is used as a general tonic and adaptogen, helping the body to adapt to normal life stressors. There is also data to support that it helps to support the immune system which is greatly affected during high periods of stress.
This new product is also packed with vitamins B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6, and Magnesium. These important vitamins and minerals are quickly reduced during stressful time periods and are key to metabolic and digestive processes.
Insomnia
What if your pain or anxiety comes at night and it keeps you from sleeping or staying asleep? If so, you probably have insomnia, for which CBD is also being used by many consumers.
CBD oil appears to have a calming effect on the brain. When CBD is taken at a time when the body is tired, often a deep, lasting, restful sleep can be found. Finding the correct dosage, though, can be a problem for insomniacs. Some patients report that a small dose of CBD oil, 10-15mg, is all they need for a restful night, while others need as much as 30-50mg. I always suggest you start at a low dose and work your way up if your desired result is not achieved.
We are excited to hear the expected results from our new line of CBD oil capsules infused with GABA, Melatonin, and L-theanine. GABA or Gama Amino Butyric Acid is a neurotransmitter produced and utilized in the brain. It acts as an inhibitory to the central nervous system; therefore it has a calming effect on the brain. This supplement is often used to treat anxiety and induce healthy sleep patterns.
Melatonin is a potent-free radical scavenger naturally produced in the pineal gland and present in high amounts in the gastrointestinal tract. It is involved in many of the body, brain and glandular biological functions including regulation of normal sleep/wake cycles, regulation of the immune system, and maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal lining.
CBD oil is not the cure-all for everything and should not be taken in place of a healthy diet, exercise, and good quality sleep. However, when you are eating properly, exercising consistently, and sleeping well, but still dealing with pain, stress, and insomnia, CBD oil may be the answer for you. If you have any questions on how any of our CBD oil products might improve your health, feel free to email, call, or message us on social media. Remember, it is our goal to help you become healthier than you have ever been.
Daryl C. Rich, D.C., C.S.C.S.
