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Cannabis – a word that stirs a lot of discussion and debate. But when we come to think of it, it is just an herb, a plant that has been used for medicinal, religious, and trading purposes for decades. However, despite its historical merits, it is still considered controversial. Due to its psychotropic effects, it was declared illegal in the 17th century US.
Fortunately, a series of major discoveries about the plant and its connection to the human body prevailed. In 1964, scientists from Israel were able to identify and synthesize the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Soon after, other cannabinoids were identified including cannabidiol (CBD). Another milestone achieved was in 1988 when scientists determined that the mammalian brain has receptor sites that respond pharmacologically to cannabinoids. These cannabinoid receptors comprise the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of specialized protein molecules embedded in cell membranes that affect various homeostatic functions.
Since those discoveries were made, more and more studies emphasizing the therapeutic effects of cannabis have been conducted. These boosted the popularity of CBD oil, a component of cannabis that does not have the same hallucinogenic and mind-altering effect as the whole plant. Today, following the legalization of some states, CBD is slowly making its way to the mainstream pharmacological world.
CBD is one among the 85 known cannabinoids in cannabis. It is often confused and mistaken for THC, cannabis’ intoxicating component that gives the feeling of being “high”. CBD, however, does not trigger the same effect. Rather, it has been proven to have numerous healing properties and it can counteract some negative effects of THC. In various studies, CBD has been identified as anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, anti-emetic, anti-tumorigenic, analgesic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic. These properties make it a potential medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases.
CBD acts through the endocannabinoid system of the body. It also causes direct or indirect activation of various receptor-independent channels as well as different non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. These networks give CBD the ability to induce a variety of effects through multiple molecular pathways. CBD’s interaction with these channels has been the subject of extensive research in the field of pharmacology.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This STD causes herpetic sores, which are painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid. About 16 percent of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have this STD.
You may feel itchy or tingly around your genitals. This is usually followed by painful, small blisters that pop and leave sores that ooze or bleed. Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after they catch the virus from someone else. The first time it happens, you may also have a fever, headache, or other flu-like feelings. Some people have few or no symptoms.
You get herpes by having any kind of sex - vaginal, oral, or anal - with someone who is infected. It is so common in the U.S. that 1 in every 5 adults has it. Herpes can be spread during oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore. Because the virus can not live long outside your body, you can not catch it from something like a toilet seat or towel.
Sometimes people mistake a pimple or ingrown hair for herpes. Your doctor can take a small sample from sores by using a swab test. If you don’t have symptoms but think you might have herpes, your doctor can do a blood test. It may take a few days to get your results.
The appearance of blisters is known as an outbreak. Your first outbreak will appear as early as two days after you contracted the virus, or as late as 30 days afterward.
It is very important that you tell your doctor that you have genital herpes if you are pregnant. They will take precautions to prevent the virus from being transmitted to your baby during delivery, with one likely method being that your baby would be delivered via cesarean rather than routine vaginal delivery.
Two types of herpes simplex virus cause genital herpes: HSV-1 (which usually causes cold sores) and HSV-2 (which usually causes genital herpes).
The viruses get into your body through your mucous membranes. Your mucous membranes are the thin layers of tissue that line the openings of your body. They can be found in your nose, mouth, and genitals.
Once the viruses are inside your body, they incorporate themselves into your cells and then stay in the nerve cells of your pelvis. Viruses tend to multiply or adapt to their environments very easily, which makes treating them difficult.
HSV-1 or HSV-2 can be found in infected people’s bodily fluids, including:
Your doctor can typically diagnose a herpes infection by a visual examination of the herpes sores. Although they are not always necessary, your doctor may confirm their diagnosis through laboratory tests.
A blood test can diagnose herpes simplex virus before you experience an outbreak. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you have been exposed to genital herpes, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms yet.
Cannabidiol is a famous natural remedy used for many prevalent ailments. Better known as CBD, it is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the essential psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and causes the sensation of getting 'high' that is often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This quality makes CBD a tempting option for those who are looking for comfort from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by obtaining CBD from the cannabis plant, then mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. It is gaining acceptance in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies proving it may help treat a variety of ailments like severe pain and anxiety.
Cannabidiol (more commonly known as CBD) has experienced an increase in popularity in recent months, in part due to its availability in high-street health shops. Previously sees as an option only for the seriously ill, CBD oil is gaining momentum among wellness fans, with its promise of being able to provide comfort from everything from pain to depression and anxiety. But what exactly is it and are there any associated side effects?
CBD is one of 104 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, that can be found in the cannabis plant. It is a naturally crop up substance, which can be extracted and diluted with a carrier oil – often hemp seed or coconut – to generate CBD oil.
A finding is revealing that CBD has a huge potential in the medical market. It eases symptoms of anxiety, diminishes pain and inflammation, helps prevent seizures, and many more. Because it's a natural extract, there are few, if any, side effects at all. The extract works with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is the system's means of regulating processes, like pain, mood, appetite, and memory. CBD works with the natural system rather than being an unnatural element, so the body doesn't try to reject it. This is why it has dominant medical benefits.
While many types of research done into the effects of CBD oil has been based on animal studies and anecdotal evidence, some much clear benefits have been highlighted.
Here are seven health benefits of CBD oil that are backed by scientific evidence.
Recently, scientists have discovered that certain parts of marijuana, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a specific system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response.
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce severe pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, subdue inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
For instance, one study in rats found that CBD injections subdue pain response to surgical incision, while another rat study found that oral CBD treatment undoubtedly reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation.
Many human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. An oral spray known as Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.
In a study of 47 individuals with multiple sclerosis, those treated with Sativex for one month accomplished an impressive improvement in pain, walking and muscle spasms, compared to the placebo group.
Another study found that Sativex undoubtedly improved pain during movement, pain at rest and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Anxiety and depression are prevailing mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the single most contributors to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are placed sixth in position.
Anxiety and depression are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache. Also, medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse. CBD oil has shown promise as healing for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach.
In one study, 24 people with a social anxiety disorder were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had automatically less anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance, as opposed to the placebo group.
CBD oil has even been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.CBD has also shown antidepressant-like effects in many animal studies.
These qualities are associated with CBD's ability to act on the brain's receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
CBD may help subdue symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and pain. One study looked at the impact of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience relief from pain medication.
Those treated with an extract containing both compounds experienced a rapid reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC extract.
CBD may also help subdue chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer. Though there are drugs that help with these distressing symptoms, they are most time ineffective, leading some people to look for alternatives.
A study of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy found that a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better than standard treatment alone. Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For instance, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in human breast cancer cells.
Another finding showed that CBD inhibited the progress of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice. However, these are test-tube and animal studies, so they can only predict what might work in people. More studies in humans are necessary before conclusions can be made.
Acne is a rampant skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population. It is thought to be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion made by sebaceous glands in the skin. Findings from recent scientific studies showed CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.
One test-tube study showed that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and stopped the activation of 'pro-acne' agents like inflammatory cytokines.
Another finding concluded that CBD may be an efficient and safe way to treat acne; thanks in part to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Though these results are encouraging, human studies exploring the effects of CBD on acne are needed.
Researchers believe that CBD's ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain indicating systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
One of the studies uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Though research in this area is still new, many studies have shown promising results. Sativex, an oral spray consisting of CBD and THC, has been proven to be a safe and effective way to subdue muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis.
One study showed that Sativex reduced spasms in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis who were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications. Another study administered 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg) of body weight. Their seizures subdued by a median of 36.5% (27).
However, it is worthy to note that some people in both these studies experienced detrimental reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever, and diarrhea. CBD has also been researched for its potential effectiveness in treating many other neurological diseases.
For example, many studies have shown that treatment with CBD improved quality of life and sleep quality for people with Parkinson's disease.
More also, animal and test-tube studies have shown that CBD may decrease inflammation and help prevent the neurodegeneration connected with Alzheimer's disease. In one long-term study, researchers administered CBD to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease, finding that it helped prevent cognitive decline.
Recent research has associated CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure. High blood pressure is related to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome. Studies show that CBD may be a natural and effective remedy for high blood pressure.
One recent study treated 10 healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo. The same study also gave the men stress tests that ordinarily increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure progress than normal in response to these tests. Researchers have suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are important for its ability to help lower blood pressure.
Additionally, several animal studies have shown that CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death related to heart disease due to its dominant antioxidant and stress-reducing properties. For example, one study found that treatment with CBD reduced oxidative stress and stopped heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease.
CBD has been observed for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those mentioned above. Though more studies are needed, CBD is believed to provide the following health benefits:
Antipsychotic effects: Research shows that CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.
Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to alter circuits in the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, CBD has been shown to reduce morphine reliance and heroin-seeking behavior.
Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD has shown anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been demonstrated to prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.
Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD subdued the incidence of diabetes by 56% and greatly reduced inflammation.
Viruses spread by replicating their DNA into other healthy cells, which can happen so fast we call something “going viral” when it spreads quickly. Back in 1980, a study showed that 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was able to stop both types of the herpes virus from replicating and spreading. The researchers stated that THC acts as a potent antiviral against the illness, although the mechanism of action was not understood.
Similar findings were reported in a 1991 study that found that THC was able to suppress the viability of the herpes virus by 80 percent. The researcher claimed THC made the herpes virus much less “infective” and slowed its replication and spreading ability tremendously
In 2004, a study was conducted aimed at finding the mechanism responsible for the profound antiviral properties of THC. The findings revealed that the cannabinoid specifically targets the still not quite understood “viral and/or cellular mechanisms” that the herpes virus uses for replication, meaning cannabis fights herpes specifically at the cellular level.
Topical medical marijuana oils are now widely available across the United States and can be used by herpes sufferers to treat their symptoms in a safe and natural way. Because THC and the other powerful cannabinoids in cannabis are extremely fat soluble, extracting them in oil is actually one of the best ways to preserve all of their medicinal properties.
When applied to the skin topically, cannabis oils or other cannabis-oil-infused products, such as lotions, ointments, balms, salves and even sprays, are able to act transdermally, penetrating the skin and taking action at the cellular level – where the herpes virus is active. Using medical marijuana in this way is not psychoactive and will not get you “high.”
Besides the specific action of THC stopping the spread of herpes, there are more great benefits of using cannabis topically to treat herpes. Other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) present in the product have been shown to have strong pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help mitigate some of the unpleasant symptoms of herpes outbreaks in terms of both pain and ugly, raised sores while the THC fights the disease at its root.
The proper dosage all depends on your health and your body. Experiment to find out what works best for you.
Some patients effectively use tiny amounts of cannabis while others use incredibly high doses. I have seen adult patients achieve therapeutic effects at 1 mg of total cannabinoids daily, while others consume over 2000 mg daily without adverse effects.
There are three main CBD oil dosage schedules that people use to take CBD:
If you are dosing CBD oil, we recommend starting with one-quarter drop daily during the first week, moving up to one half a dropper during the second week, three-quarters of a dropper during the third week, and a full dropper on the fourth week.
If you are using a balm, it is suggested to apply a healthy amount to the area where you are experiencing soreness, dryness, or stiffness every six hours. You should experiment with different strengths of CBD balm. Start low and add more until you feel you’ve hit a sweet spot.
If you are vaping, you can keep some in your vaporizer and use it throughout the day. When starting off, try taking 3 inhales, then waiting 30 minutes to see if you notice an effect.
Gummies and capsules produce the longest effect. You can start by taking one gummy every 12 hours and then increase if you would like a more pronounced result. Like all Hempure CBD products, our gummies do not contain THC, so you do not need to worry about feeling any psychoactive effects. Capsules can be used on a similar schedule.
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