Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant -- and research has shown that this particular cannabinoid is especially effective at relieving pain. CBD oil holds promise for people suffering with fibromyalgia, migraine headaches and other conditions that cause pain.
If CBD sounds familiar, it's probably because the compound has garnered attention for its ability to treat otherwise-intractable seizure disorders in young children.
How CBD can help fight pain
CBD is just one of the many cannabinoids found in marijuana. Humans have their own endocannabinoid system, and it is through this system that CBD (and other cannabinoids) are able to exact their effects.
As sources explain, CBD "activates endocannabinoid signaling while also suppressing an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydroxylase – or FAAH – which breaks down beneficial anandamide." The suppression of FAAH can help increase anandamide, which could be one source of health benefits.
Studies have consistently shown that cannabis's interaction with the endocannabinoid system can provide relief to patients with pain. Research has shown that low levels of endocannabinoids are linked to fibromyalgia. Antagonists that work against the endocannabinoid system have been shown to increase fibromyalgia pain, while agonists (which have a promotional effect on the bodily system) are thought to reduce pain.
Essentially, CBD interacts with receptors in your brain and immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and consequently, pain.
In one study of fibromyalgia patients, researchers found that those who were given cannabis "reported less pain, decreased stiffness, enhanced relaxation and improved well-being over control groups who had not received the cannabis."
But it's not just fibro sufferers that can benefit from cannabinoids: A recent study of 120 migraine patients found that CBD supplementation reduced the frequency of migraines by nearly 50 percent.
Studies have also shown that CBD can be beneficial for people suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), multiple sclerosis (MS), insomnia and arthritis. It can also help relieve symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment, like pain and nausea.
Benefits beyond pain relief
Pain relief is a major attribute of cannabis and CBD, that's for sure -- but the benefits don't end there. Unlike Big Pharma's flagship pain relievers, CBD does not carry a high risk of addiction and poses virtually no serious health risks. Compared to opioids, which have spurred a nation-wide addiction epidemic, cannabis is like a lamb.
There is also a very low risk of withdrawal symptoms with CBD and cannabis; the most common "withdrawal effects" reported are related to the return of the original pain symptoms.
In addition to relieving the symptoms of conventional cancer treatment, research has shown that cannabis and its compounds like CBD are able to fight off cancer themselves. Earlier this year, one brave woman came forward to speak out about the amazing success she had treating her breast cancer with a CBD oil supplement. Forty-four year old Dee Mani said her cancer was gone in just five months of treatment.
Many people have shared their success stories about ditching conventional medicine in favor of a plant-based alternative like CBD oil.
With so much evidence, it's hard to imagine why the U.S. government has been so slow to change their stance on cannabis and its clearly medicinal compounds. Learn more about the wonders of this herbal medicine at CBDs.news, and visit PlantMedicine.news for more coverage of plant-based healing.
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