Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid compound found in cannabis Sativa plants, including industrial hemp. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, CBD lacks the addictive and intoxicating effects so famous of marijuana.
Because of this, CBD products are mostly legal, used, and sold in many countries worldwide, including in many states within the United States itself, and often as tincture for pain.
In most countries, CBD derived from hemp is legal. This is because, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it offers an abundance of health benefits for the human body.
Hemp, as opposed to marijuana, has a much lower concentration of THC, insignificant trace amounts less than 0.3 percent. Its primary advantage is that it is non-psychoactive and does not make users “high.”
In lieu of THC, hemp plants offer more concentrated cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all compounds beneficial to the health of body and mind.
According to a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD derived from industrial hemp plants effectively treats a variety of mild to severe medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis.
A neurological autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis attacks the central nervous system. A debilitating, degenerating, chronic condition that is among the most common autoimmune diseases, it primary targets young and middle-aged adults in all communities.
Because of the progressive nature of this disease and the way it attacks the body, treating it is very difficult. So is living any type of normal life.
Patients with multiple sclerosis really suffer. It does not take long for the disease to progress to the point where they can no longer work and earn income. They soon require constant vigil and become dependent on others for daily care and help.
For many, spasticity just makes life worse, causing painful muscle spasms and intense stiffening of limbs. Patients endure other symptoms too, including:
CBD works by acting on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, immune, and nervous systems, called CB1 and CB2. It mimics specific endocannabinoids to influence the activity of these receptors and restore function and health to the endocannabinoid system. In this way, CBD treats diseases in multiple ways. In the case of multiple sclerosis, CBD contains the following effective properties:
CBD contains powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It relieves inflammation significantly and is already a popular painkiller in many households. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, science now recognizes that CBD is strong enough to relieve even the worst chronic pain.
The mood-lifting effects of cannabis are legendary, but according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD is largely responsible for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. It can help patients manage intense bouts of depression and anxiety so common in patients with multiple sclerosis.
CBD is a powerful antispasmodic. According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, the antispasmodic effects of cannabis were widespread knowledge already in 1890. For multiple sclerosis sufferers, CBD reduces both frequency and severity of muscular spasms and spasticity.
CBD is famous for its ability to quell nausea and relieve bouts of vomiting. Many studies prove this already. Abdominal upset is a real issue facing those with multiple sclerosis, especially as digestive function starts to fail. CBD can relieve associated discomfort and muscle spasms too.
Not only does CBD relieve the pain, rigidity, and spasticity that keep a multiple sclerosis patient up at night, making it easier to fall and stay asleep, but it has its own sedative properties. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD lengthens sleep time notably and increases deep sleep states.
CBD comes in many forms. You can find edibles for pain, oils, vaporizers, and even CBD-rich flowers. Improving quality of life is imperative for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, especially when clinical drugs prove woefully inadequate.
Anecdotal evidence abounds of patients using CBD effectively to treat symptoms and slow disease progression. CBD is also extremely relaxing, helping to calm patients.
If using tincture for pain or other CBD products, just watch your dosages carefully, particularly if you are taking other medications. CBD can affect the efficacy of some conventional drugs, so always discuss therapy with your doctor before starting it.
He or she can help you to determine the best dose for managing your symptoms, without potentially interfering with other drugs you may be taking.
