Everything You Need to Know About CBD

The history and benefits of CBD, plus ways to take the powerhouse ingredient

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You may think CBD is a new phenomenon, but the truth is, ancient civilisations have been harnessing the powers of the cannabis plant for centuries. The first person to use cannabis for medicinal purposes is thought to be the Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo, who discovered it was a useful anaesthetic around 200AD.

2,000 years later and the western world’s relationship with the cannabis plant is shifting. Long gone are the days when cannabis was solely associated with smoking drugs. In 1996, California was the first American state to legalise cannabis for medicinal purposes, an acknowledgement of the health benefits of the multifaceted plant.

Now, not only is the recreational use of cannabis legal in many countries, including Canada and Portugal, but CBD (which is totally legal in the UK) has taken the world by storm.

What is CBD?

Standing for cannabidiol, CBD is derived from hemp, a strain of the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is found in marijuana and causes the ‘high’ feeling, CBD is non-psychoactive.

One of the reasons CBD is seen to be so effective and have so many health benefits is because the human body has its own endocannabinoid system with cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system helps internal functions, such as the brain, fertility, skin and liver run smoothly.

The endocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant/CBD are very similar to those produced by the human body, so when applied or ingested, CBD can influence our endocannabinoid systems and trigger positive responses.

The benefits of CBD

CBD is praised for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. The benefits of CBD include relaxation, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, pain relief and clearer skin.

It has also been used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis, and to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy like nausea.

Ways to take CBD

One of the most popular ways to take CBD is via a CBD oil. Simply place a few drops under the tongue, wait 60 seconds and then swallow. However not all CBD oils are created equally. They are available in different concentrations and with different carrier oils, such as olive oil and coconut oil. Before you purchase, look at the ingredients and try to find a brand that doesn’t use any filler ingredients or additives, such as Cibdol.

CBD is also an effective ingredient in beauty products. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, CBD can help tackle acne by soothing blemishes and reducing redness. CBD is also a powerful antioxidant, which protects the skin against pollution and other environmental aggressors.

The health benefits of the cannabis plant are not a recent discovery, but CBD has become much more widely available in recent years, meaning more people than ever can take advantage of this natural wonder.

To try CBD for yourself, visit cibdol.com