You already know a bit about CBD since it is everywhere: on social media, on television, magazines.
CBD has shaken the healthcare industry with its unmeasurable benefits, changing the perspective of how individuals look at cannabidiol. Many people have seen the positive effects of this compound on their own skin, and even if there is not much scientific research on its various health benefits, the future of CBD looks promising. Experts started to be more interested in CBD and now draw special attention to its cognitive benefits.
CBD has been used to alleviate mental health-related symptoms since ancient times, but there was not much evidence of that. Fortunately, CBD has received the attention it deserves, and, as a result of various studies, it is believed that it comes into contact with the neuroreceptors in the endocannabinoid system, transmitting thus signals between cells to help enhance mood, immune system, homeostasis, and movement.
Without further ado, here are some valuable benefits of CBD on the cognitive system that you should not miss:
Promotes Neurogenesis
Before digging into this topic, it would be helpful to clarify what neurogenesis is – the process of generation or formation of new nervous system cells, commonly known as neurons. Once these neurons are stimulated, your cognitive abilities can significantly be improved. Neurons are created in two parts of the brain: the subventricular area of lateral ventricles and the hippocampus zone.
Interestingly, these two areas contain a significant number of CB1 (cannabinoid) receptors that, once activated, promote a normal functioning of the central nervous system and better cognitive capacities.
CBD stimulates CB1 receptors in various ways, promoting thus neurogenesis and positively impacting your cognitive abilities.
Can Help Brain Trauma And Dementia Patients
Both dementia and brain trauma involve memory loss, which many patients nowadays confront. Alzheimer’s, one of the diseases associated with dementia, is caused by damage to the brain cells, directly impacting memory. It is believed that oxidative stress (caused by the accumulation of free radicals) is at the core of this disease, so methods to fight against inflammation of the brain cells are in the studying process.
Meanwhile, it has been discovered that CBD has a word to say since it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
We have already mentioned that this hemp plant’s compound stimulates CB1 receptors in the brain, but so it does with CB2 receptors. These receptors naturally fight against free radicals, but the fight gets tighter when there are not enough receptors. Studies show that the prolonged use of CBD in Alzheimer’s treatment can impede the development of social recognition memory deficits associated with this disease.
Thus, CBD is a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, but how about brain trauma? CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that, among others, is responsible for learning and memory, which can be affected during brain trauma.
Treats Particular Epilepsy Syndromes
Maybe the most recognized benefit of CBD is that it helps prevent seizures caused by different forms of epilepsy. By interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CBD proves beneficial in treating two rare forms of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Numerous clinical trials have tested the influence of this compound on patients suffering from these medical issues and discovered that CBD could treat seizures, particularly when taken as an adjuvant treatment.
Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Epidiolex (CBD drug) in treating these above-mentioned epilepsy syndromes, which only strengthens CBD’s potential.
Reduces PTSD Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common medical issue nowadays, and more and more specialists are working towards an effective form of treatment. CBD has long been taken into account by specialists who now recommend its use in tandem with other forms of medication or therapy to enhance the recovery process. 11 people with PTSD took CBD along with other forms of treatment in a small clinical trial, and 10 of them experienced a significant alleviation of their PTSD symptoms.
Various factors, including road accidents, can cause PTSD, so if you ever find yourself suffering from this medical issue, it would be helpful to know your options. Working with a therapist and taking medication should be enough, but see if your physician recommends CBD.
Even if you do not have PTSD (which we hope), you can still experience some forms of stress. In this case, you can take CBD to relieve anxiety throughout the day. With the CBD market booming, you will find various CBD products, from oils and tinctures to gummies and capsules. You can also buy delta 8 flower in the form of pre-rolls, vapes, and gummies.
Delta 8 is similar to CBD, but unlike its cousin, it does produce psychoactive effects, known as the “high” feeling. So, depending on your particular needs, choose a product that best suits your lifestyle and reap its benefits.
Alleviates ALS Symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still a mysterious disease since its exact causes are unknown. However, it is believed to be hereditary, at least in some cases. Individuals dealing with ALS usually experience brain and spinal cord nerve cell deterioration, which leads to muscle stiffness and tightness. Currently, the FDA approved only two medications against this disease, but CBD seems to be promising for ALS treatment.
It can be even more effective when taken along with THC, but the dosage has to be established by a professional. So, depending on how advanced are your symptoms (mild, moderate, or severe), different doses might be needed.
Furthermore, CBD can inhibit arthritis symptoms, which are also related to muscle deterioration. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, deal with pain at rest and during movement, which drastically affects their way of living. So, the need for treatment has become more arduous, pushing experts to test various forms of medication on patients with arthritis.
People seemed to benefit from cannabinoids in the clinical trials driven, and a significant number of them reported an improvement in their symptoms after a period of using synthetic CBD gel in different doses, depending on the severity of their symptoms.