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In our previous article,we explored how cannabis affects men and women differently due to the impact ofhormones (you can read it here). Building on this topic, we will now dive intothe benefits of CBD, particularly for menopause, where hormonal changes play asignificant role. Continue reading to learn about the evidence-based benefits of CBD and how it can improve your well-being.
You’ll probably haveread about many, many ‘benefits of CBD’ since the start of its rise to the world’s favouritesupplement in 2017. But how many are legit? CBD indeed has a vast range ofeffects as it interacts with our bodies endocannabinoid system, which comprisesdifferent receptors found throughout the entire body and it is biphasic -meaning CBD can have different effects depending on the dose. But, as with anypopular product, there has undoubtedly been plenty of hype, some of which doesn’t quite paint CBD inan accurate light.
So today, we’re going to takeyou through 4 benefits of CBD that you can count on.
Accordingto a 2021 report, 42.5% of people who use CBD do so for sleep problems. Fortunatelyfor those people, there is a decent amount of data backing up the efficacy ofusing CBD as a sleep aid - but not just through the use of CBD oil…
For those interested inusing CBD for sleep, it would be well worth considering a CBD tea, or a cold-pressed oil rich in cannabidiolic acid, CBDa. The reason for this is, although both CBD and CBDa have the potential to activate serotonin receptors, CBDa does so with 1000 x more potency than CBD!
Serotonin is essentialfor achieving a good night’s sleep, as this chemical is a precursor to melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Terpenes, found in wholeplant or terpene-infused CBD products, may also play a crucial role in making CBD oil more effective as a sleep supplement. Want to know more about terpenes? Head to our blog page.
The same report also revealed the top reason for using CBD (at 42,6% of individual) was self-perceived anxiety, while 37% of people cited ‘stress’ as there top reason for using CBD.
The aforementioned action on serotonin (perhaps best known for being a mood-boosting neurotransmitter) is one way CBD oil can help with stress. However, here’s where the endocannabinoid system comes into its own.
Anandamide, one of our major endocannabinoids which CBD can help support the synthesis and release of, is known as being a ‘gatekeeper for stress’. This is largely due to the interaction of this endocannabinoid with the HPA axis, which controls the stress and the ‘fight or flight’ response. Without healthy levels of Anandamide in the brain, the cascade of stress chemicals can run riot at the drop of a hat. But when Anandamide levels are up, these are kept in check until absolutely necessary.
There are a number of ways to encourage the release of Anandamide, including meditation, yoga and exercise. But the CBD molecule actually inhibits the enzyme that ordinarily breaks Anandamide down (fast!), meaning you get much more of it travelling around your body and reaching your brain.
Want something fast-acting? CBD vapes reach the brain faster than any other CBD product.
Many women are now reaching for CBD products as a way to combat sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause. While there is evidence to suggest that in some cases, whole-plant cannabis (including THC) may be more beneficial, CBD oil has been proven to help with several common side effects.
A preclinical study, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology has revealed that CBD may help stabilise the effects of a drop in oestrogen (something which is known to cause many menopausal symptoms). The study found that when estrogen-deficient mice were fed CBD, their bloodstreams more readily disposed of glucose, they burned more energy, their bone density improved, they had less inflammation in gut and bone tissues and they possessed higher levels of beneficial gut bacteria.
There is also some evidence to suggest that diminishing oestrogen levels go hand in hand with endocannabinoid deficiency. This, as explained above, can be addressed with CBD oil, as the CBD molecule helps to boost endocannabinoid levels in the body.
If you’re in a country where high-THC cannabis is legal, it’s also worth giving this cannabinoid some thought for treating menopause symptoms. In the right dose, THC can help regulate body temperature (great news for those struggling with hot flashes!), and it can also be taken safely with HRT medication.
Although the efficacy of using cannabis for pain relief is still debated in the medical and scientific community, the relief from arthritis pain is less so. Due to the inflammatory nature of arthritis (and the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD), studies have shown that CBD can significantly reduce pain and swelling in arthritic joints.1 Most impressively, these findings were noted with the use of transdermal CBD products (such as CBD gel and patches), not just oral CBD products.
Adding arnica to CBD products could further enhance their pain-relieving effects. Arnica, a well-known natural remedy, has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. 2 When combined with CBD, arnica may provide additional relief by complementing the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, creating a more effective solution for those suffering from arthritis.
Again, certain terpenes have also been found to help ease the discomfort of arthritis via the modulation of mediators important to the physiopathology of arthritis, such as IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, NFκB, and COX-2, among others. By combining CBD, arnica, and these beneficial terpenes, arthritis sufferers may find a more comprehensive and natural approach to managing their pain and inflammation.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of CBD? Get in touch or fuel your curiosity on our blog page.
[1] Patients who have exhausted conservative measures can be subject tochronic pain and resort to symptomatic management with anti-inflammatories,acetaminophen, and opioids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoidthat has shown promise in preclinical studies to reduce inflammation and painassociated with arthritis. The purpose of this study was to explore patient perceived effects of cannabidiol on symptoms of arthritis.
[2] The review focuses on the use of Arnica forpain management in various conditions, including arthritis and musculoskeletalpain. According to the review, Arnica extract or products containing Arnica extract demonstrate promising effects for pain relief, with comparable activity to standard medications like ibuprofen and diclofenac. Additionally, Arnica has fewer adverse effects and lower costs
We have looked at terpenes here, here and here.
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