There are countless testimonials around the internet recounting the magic of CBD. With claims that it can cure anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis, and epilepsy among many other ailments and diseases, it’s no surprise that CBD has gone from taboo to mainstream as quickly as it has. As recently as ten years ago it was hard to track down CBD. Now it seems like you can find it almost anywhere. There are no shortages of CBD-infused products; gummy bears, artisanal desserts, craft beer, green smoothies, and even topical creams are all readily available. This begs the questions: is all the hype real?
First things first, what exactly is CBD?
“CBD is an acronym for cannabinoid,” says Menucha Belkin, founder of Moonlight Herbal, a company that features adaptogens and other all-natural herbal and mineral magic. “Cannabinoid is a compound found in the hemp and cannabis plants,” Belkin continues. “Cannabinoids are essentially a form of herbal adaptogens, and work with the bodies endocannabinoid system.
“Adaptogens work like a thermostat. They read when your adrenal response is too high or too low, and work with your body to help balance cortisol levels and keep stress and anxiety at bay, aiding in PMS-related mood balance and maintenance. CBD also has some serious anti-inflammatory elements, and therefore helps manage all kinds of pain, including period-related cramps.”
It’s important to note that CBD includes all of the physical sensations of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. This makes it ideal for pain management, muscle relaxation, and anxiety relief as it causes the body to balance those cortisol levels. Because it lowers cortisol levels and promotes homeostasis, Belkin mentions that taking CBD before a yoga or meditation class can aid in focus and awareness and help you unwind on multiple levels.
CBD has quickly started to be considered a cure-all with almost mystical healing properties. “CBD is an herbal remedy,” Belkin warns. “And like all other forms of both eastern and western medicine, CBD works differently for everyone and differently at different times. You can’t know how it can help you until you try it out yourself.”
As more and more people call the ethical standards and harmful qualities of the pharmaceutical industry into question, CBD is a worthy alternative to consider. “The THC and CBD industry seems to be brimming with uncertainty,” Belkin notes. “There’s so much we don’t yet know about these miraculous herbs. What we do know is that this potent plant extract has been shown to help people heal without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals. That alone is something wonderful and something worth exploring.”
It’s important to note how dietary restrictions (religious or otherwise) comes into play when considering CBD. There are many kosher and halal-certified CBD products on the market that have been grown and extracted in a completely supervised way! Additionally, we advise you to do the research on the latest laws and regulations in your country.
In short, while CBD is certainly no magic potion, there is science backing the positive effects so many people experience when taking CBD. And with so many forms of CBD easily accessible on the market, it’s easier than ever to try it for yourself.
This articles was originally published in Wrapt Magazine, September 11, 2019
By: Miriam Herst