CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a therapeutic compound found in cannabis plants. Until recently, few people even knew that it existed. Today, millions of Americans use this for everything from managing complex chronic pain conditions to promoting healthful sleep. It’s also one of today’s most popular wellness supplements.
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How It Works
Those who haven’t tried CBD for themselves are often dubious about their friends’ anecdotal claims of effectiveness. How can one plant has so many unique benefits? It may sound like magical thinking, but the many benefits of CBD are actually rooted in science.
This operates on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating diverse bodily functions. The ECS helps to control everything from mood and hormone regulation to pain sensitivity, sleep-wake cycles, and much more. When it’s in balance, it keeps the body in a state of homeostasis. When it’s out of balance, using these products like those found at www.theveritasfarms.com can help to resolve the issue and bring the body back into a state of optimal functioning.
The Relationship Between Health and Wellness
Everyone knows what health is. It refers to the absence of physical infirmities and pain. Wellness is a slightly more nebulous idea. According to most experts, it is a state of mental, physical, and social well-being encouraged by positive lifestyle choices.
Wellness doesn’t just refer to the absence of pain or infirmities, and it isn’t strictly a state of being. It’s an active process that involves nutrition, fitness, self-care, and generally healthy living. Herbal supplements, including CBD, can play an important role in any wellness regime.
How does it help?
By promoting a state of mental, physical, and emotional equilibrium, CBD helps Americans maintain a state of holistic wellness. Some people use it to manage complex physical, mental, and emotional health problems, while others use it more like a prophylactic to ensure that they are able to continue living healthy lifestyles.
When taken in the right quantities, CBD can help with:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Managing pain
- Regulating metabolism
- Promoting neurological health
- Getting better sleep
- Reducing cravings for unhealthy substances like alcohol and opioids
- And more
It doesn’t matter whether users are in good or poor health. Managing wellness is more about taking a holistic approach to life and adopting positive changes that promote not just better health but a greater overall quality of life.
How to Use CBD
It used to be difficult to find anything other than CBD extracts. As it has risen to popularity in the health and wellness community, manufacturers have stepped up to the plate to provide more diverse options. This lets consumers find products that are best suited to meet their unique needs. Here are a few of the most popular options:
CBD Oil
CBD oil is made from hemp plants. It comes in three varieties: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates. The general consensus is that full-spectrum products are most effective for managing health conditions and supporting overall wellness. They contain 100% of the cannabinoids found in hemp plants, including trace amounts of THC.
Don’t worry too much about the THC. While the FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, they have placed a cap on how much of this psychoactive cannabinoid CBD oils can contain. The products found on consumer markets can have no more than 0.3% THC, which isn’t enough to produce unwanted psychoactive effects.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are a lot like CBD oil, but they’re made using alcohol extraction techniques. One of the benefits of tinctures is that they can be used sublingually to promote higher bioavailability and faster delivery times.
CBD Capsules
For those who care more about accurate dosing and discretion than potency or fast results, capsules are a good option. They’re designed to be taken just like other herbal supplements and medications. Just keep in mind that capsules take longer to digest, so they won’t produce fast results.
CBD Edibles
It used to be the case that people who wanted to use CBD edibles had to purchase oil or tinctures and make their own. Now, CBD gummies are almost as ubiquitous as the oil itself, and many other products are also available. Like capsules, edibles take longer to enter the bloodstream and have lower rates of bioavailability. Users will need higher concentrations of CBD and will have to wait to see results.
CBD Topicals
CBD isn’t just good for treating system-wide complaints. When used topically, it can also promote healthy skin and help with certain kinds of pain management. Topical products won’t provide the same kinds of calming effects, but they can help with problems like arthritis pain.
How to Dose CBD
Figuring out appropriate doses can take some trial and error. It’s always best to start with low doses, then work up to an optimal amount. While there’s no risk of fatal overdose associated with CBD, taking too much of this herbal supplement does increase the risk of experiencing side effects. They’re usually mild but can include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Factors that affect proper dosing include age, weight, metabolism, body chemistry, and intended use. For those interested primarily in wellness, a 20 mg dose forms a good starting point. People battling chronic pain conditions may need to start with higher doses. Just keep in mind that more isn’t always better, and it’s best to go slow.
Does CBD Really Work?
CBD is an effective wellness supplement for almost everyone. Those who have tried it in the past and haven’t noticed any beneficial results may want to switch to different products. Not all CBD is created equal. Look for a manufacturer willing to provide lab results that guarantee both potency and purity.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason CBD has seen such exponential growth in popularity since its legalization in 2018. This impressive natural supplement offers an alternative to potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs, and it doesn’t have any serious side effects. Just make sure to buy oil and other products from established brands and check the certificate of analysis to guarantee purity and potency.
