Over the last five years, it seems like Healthy have proliferated everywhere. From the aisles of natural food stores to gas station checkouts, there’s always something advertising all of the benefits of organic, full spectrum CBD sourced in the United States.
Although they may seem questionable, science suggests there may be a lot of potential in every tincture, capsule, pill and edible filled with CBD. Can a regular CBD regimen actually benefit your quality of life? If you struggle with sleep, hypertension, or anxiety, studies say that CBD could provide some natural relief.
Before trying out a CBD product, it’s important to understand the research and determine how this naturally-occurring compound could add value to your lifestyle. Here’s five ways you could benefit from CBD pills and CBD capsules.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, the naturally-found compound growing in industrial hemp plants. Although scientists have identified over 100 cannabinoids in hemp plants, CBD is one of the most prevalent, and may offer the most to gain.
CBD is extracted from licensed crops grown across the United States. In states like California, Colorado and Kentucky, specially-engineered hemp plants are grown to maximize the CBD content, without any other unwanted compounds.
When CBD is extracted with other potentially beneficial cannabinoids, it creates what’s known as the “entourage effect,” offering a stronger full spectrum experience than taking CBD isolate. And although one of the cannabinoids is THC – the psychoactive chemical found in cannabis – full spectrum CBD oils won’t get you “high.” As a federal and industrial standard, CBD oil must contain less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. This small amount isn’t enough to create the “high” feeling, or cause a false positive on drug tests.
CBD-Based Medications Suggest Help for Seizures
Much of the preliminary clinical trials around CBD have focused on reducing seizures in those who suffer from epilepsy. The research was effective enough for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a CBD-based medication for seizures.
In 2018, the FDA approved Epidolex for the treatment of two rare forms of pediatric epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. In the clinical trials with over 500 patients, the medication “was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of seizures when compared with placebo.”
But pediatric patients may not be the only ones who can benefit from fewer seizures with CBD. A 2019 clinical trial by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences shows that pets who suffer from seizures may also benefit. When studying dogs, 89 percent of those who took CBD also experienced fewer seizures.
CBD Shows Promise for Better Sleep
For those who are trying to find better sleep, relief could be as close as a CBD capsule or CBD pill. A widely-cited study published by The Permanente Journal in 2019 discovered that CBD could help provide a better quality of sleep.
In the study group of 72, two-thirds of the study group reported getting better sleep in the first month. Although the study concluded that there was much more research required, the preliminary results shows a lot of promise.
CBD Studied for Lower Anxiety
The same research suggests that CBD could also be used to reduce anxiety. The 2019 study featured in The Permanente Journal also reported that 79 percent of the test group also reported reduced anxiety scores, in addition to better sleep.
Another study in 2011 published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology also found that CBD could help reduce situational anxiety. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the group that was given CBD to treat social anxiety reported “significantly decreased subjective anxiety.” The early reports show that a CBD pill or CBD capsule could help calm the mind.
CBD Research Suggests Benefit for Hypertension
While CBD could be good for the mind, it may also offer some aid to the heart as well. A 2017 study published in the peer-reviewed JCI Insight showed that those who took a single serving of CBD experienced lower blood pressure.
Through a placebo-controlled double-blind study, those who were given 600 mg of CBD experienced lower resting blood pressure, as well as lower blood pressure when stressed. While the researchers noted that more studies were required, the preliminary research showed that there may be a connection between lower hypertension and using CBD pills or CBD capsules.
CBD Studies Show Compound May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Finally, not all CBD benefits may be internal. A 2009 study published by Future Medical Chemistry noted that CBD may contain anti-inflammatory benefits, both inside and outside of the body.
Through a review of available research, the study discovered that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many different activities in the body. When CBD interacts with inflammation, it may be able to provide anti-inflammatory agents, triggered by blood cells or other immune components. The purported result is less inflammation, and reduced pain.
Should I start a CBD pill or CBD capsule treatment?
Although there’s a lot of potential benefit in CBD, you shouldn’t go in expecting miracle results. Like with every supplement, you should talk over your CBD goals with your doctor. Working with your primary care physician, you can identify any potential medication conflicts and determine if CBD is the best route to achieve your goals.
From there, it’s about finding the right CBD. First off, look for CBD capsules and CBD pills that are sourced from organic farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture certifies hemp grows as organic in the United States, and must meet strict quality control standards. If it’s not certified organic, it could come with by-products you don’t want.
And before buying and CBD pills or CBD capsules, be sure to read the certificate of purity on their website. ProVerde Labs is one of the leading independent testing labs, providing a certificate of purity for only the best products. If your company doesn’t offer you their purity certificate for inspection, it might not be pure CBD oil.
With all the research behind CBD, it’s no surprise that this compound has become more popular. No matter what you are looking to gain, there’s a lot of upside to adding a CBD pill or CBD capsule to your everyday life.
