Whether you are thinking about using CBD for the first time or are an experienced user, CBD can remain an enigma. Purekana is one of the best-known sellers of CBD. But what exactly is it, how does it affect our bodies, and why has it become such a trend? These are questions many of us will find ourselves asking, especially those of us looking for relief from a variety of health concerns such as acne, seizures, or insomnia.
Finding relief from a particular ailment can be frustrating, and after visiting the doctor for the hundredth time or growing desperate enough to ask the internet, ‘Does kale cure diabetes?’ and still not finding an answer, you can be left in a conundrum. More people than ever are turning to CBD because of increasingly positive research about its medicinal effects. Not to mention the fun ways of consuming it, whether that be gummies or chewing gum. So, here are 5 things you may or may not have known about CBD oil.
CBD Oil doesn’t cause a high
One of the biggest misconceptions about CBD oil is that it induces a high. Many people think it does because it’s one of the dominant compounds in cannabis. However, the plant contains another very dominant molecule, another variety of cannabinoid called THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s this chemical that is psychoactive and is well known for creating a feeling of euphoria, or a ‘high’. That’s why many recreational strains of cannabis tend to have very high THC levels and low CBD levels, although this isn’t always the case.
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and will not alter the brain function, which can often lead to temporary changes of mood, perception and behaviour. Instead it affects our brain in other ways, which create beneficial changes to our health. This can be a primary concern for those who are curious about CBD, and many people become anxious at the thought of losing control of their mental state. CBD oil contains no more than 0.3% of THC, and so users have no need to worry about any mind-altering states.
CBD can be helpful for seizure prevention
If you are interested in CBD, it’s probably because you are considering taking it as a medicinal prevention. The chemical is known to have a wide range of potential benefits, many of which have made headlines around the world.
One of the stories that has caught a storm of media attention is of a young girl called Charlotte Figi. At the young age of three, Charlotte and her family discovered that she suffered from Dravet syndrome – this caused a torrent of seizures that could escalate to more than 300 a week. Because of her young age, this prevented Charlotte from developing speech and physical strength, causing her to live in a catatonic state.
Despite trying a variety of medication prescribed by their doctor – including Valium and phenobarbital, diets, and other methods – nothing worked in the long-term. After running out of options, Charlotte’s mum, Paige, decided to give her a CBD oil called Charlotte’s Web, produced by the Stanley Brothers in Colorado. It was high in CBD and was administered in doses under the tongue.
The effect was astounding. After her first dose, Charlotte didn’t experience a seizure for an entire week. And after years of suffering, the continual use of CBD limited her seizures to once a week. The compound gave Charlotte her childhood back; after being confined indoors for fear of another seizure, she could finally ride her bike and go horseback riding. She thrived at school and even began to develop language.
It’s not difficult to find stories like this one, and Charlotte’s case was so successful that she inspired changes in legislation for many states, allowing for a relaxation in CBD laws. She has also inspired hope in many families around the world who are looking for seizure prevention for their own children. In fact, the Stanley Brothers who produced Charlotte’s Web claim they have a waiting list of 12,000 families who want to get their hands on the oil.
Other medicinal benefits of CBD oil
Seizures are not the only reason many people take CBD; it can be used for a whole range of different health concerns. The CBD compound, when consumed, influences our endocannabinoid system. From research we know this system works as a ‘master control’ for the rest of our bodies systems and can influence sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory and more. Needless to say, its an invaluable part of us, which makes CBD an extremely effective chemical.
It has the potential to:
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower inflammation throughout the body
- Relieve some symptoms of depression
- Induce sleep
- Relieve pain
- Treat painful skin conditions
- Promote appetite
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Epilepsy
These are just some of the ways CBD oil can affect our bodies in a positive way. Because of these qualities, CBD can be used a preventive tool for insomnia, Parkinson’s, seizures (as mentioned above), migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and many more. One of its most defining qualities is its potential for chronic pain relief.
In 2015, Whiting et al. conducted a study to measure pain relief in patients using both CBD and a placebo. They conducted a total of 79 trails, which included 6462 participants and found that those who had used the CBD suffered less pain and increased comfort than those who had not. This led them to conclude that there was evidence to support the use of CBD in chronic pain and spasticity.
If you are suffering for any of these symptoms or problems, it’s possible that CBD could be a valuable method to try. But for serious health concerns, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before you attempt to self-medicate.
How is CBD oil extracted?
The 3 most popular ways to extract CBD are CO2 extraction, ethanol, and olive oil. While olive oil is possibly the oldest method of extraction, dating back to biblical times, it’s not used in commercial production because the resulting product is very perishable.
CO2 extraction: CBD oil made from this method is deemed to be the highest quality because it preserves a variety of cannabinoids, keeping it as pure as possible. Expensive equipment is needed for this technique, which uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to isolate the cannabinoids in the plant.
Ethanol: This method uses a liquid solvent to run through the plant matter, stripping it of cannabinoids and flavors and transferring them into liquid. The liquid is then evaporated to leave behind the cannabinoids in the form of oil. This is a very common method to use, especially for commercial oil production as its inexpensive and simple.
However, many people believe the solvents can leave impurities in the oil, which is why CO2 extraction has a reputation for producing the cleanest and most effective CBD oils.
How to consume CBD oil
With CBD use becoming popularized, companies are thinking of interesting and innovative ways of infusing CBD in a whole variety of products, from traditional oil drops to chewing gum. And as a consumer you have the freedom to consume CBD whichever way you please. At present, the most common ways to ingest CBD are through oil drops, capsules, creams, vapes, and gummies.
Oil drops: Typically, a few drops of oil are administered beneath the tongue in this method. This is considered most traditional way of consuming CBD and is arguably the fastest acting method.
Capsules: Those who struggle with the earthy taste of the natural CBD tend to use capsules. They can easily be swallowed like many other types of medication.
Creams: This is especially good for skin-related issues such as eczema or acne. It is hydrating like any ordinary cream but with the added benefit of containing CBD. Creams are great for targeting localized pain spots on the body.
Vapes: Many people enjoy the physical action of vaping as much as the effect the oil produces. Vaping oil is typically not as high-quality as oil drops, but this can vary depending on the company providing it. Many CBD vape oils are also flavorless, meaning you can combine it with other flavors if you are not a fan of the CBD taste.
Gummies: If you want to participate in the newest CBD trend, gummies are the way to do it. They are a tasty and subtle way of consuming your daily dose of CBD. They are a firm favorite with CBD newbies because of their fruity flavors and easy method of consumption.
A typical dose of CBD for general well-being is 10mg to 30mg per day. However, if you are suffering from a particular condition, your doctor may advise you to take a higher dose for more effect. As a food supplement, doses should not exceed 200 mg per day.
If you are interested in trying a high quality CBD oil, you can find a variety of products here, from PureKana.
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