CBD, or Cannabidiol to give its full name, has become big business. The substance, derived from the cannabis plant, has been purported to have a whole host of benefits for our health.
What was something whispered about now finds itself in most pharmacists and health shops the length and breadth of the country. It’s gained a huge amount of traction in the wellness industry with different variants from CBD oil to capsules and lozenges promising to help with a number of conditions such as pain relief, depression and stress. When it comes to pain relief the science behind how it works is based around the oil’s ability to reduce inflammation and interact with neurotransmitters, our chemical messengers.
The global CBD oil market is predicted to soar to $2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) by 2020, according to a new report. This would represent a 700% increase in market size in less than three years. So whatever your thoughts on CBD it’s here to stay. We’ve put together a handy guide on CBD, you can also take a look at other top tinctures at heraldnet.com, and we’ve had subjects road test some of the products out there to find out what effects they actually had.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring substance, one of 85 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. To make CBD oil it can be extracted and mixed with a carrier oil like hemp seed or coconut.
CBD Effects
CBD is non-psychoactive, unlike its cannabinoid cousin, Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. So doesn’t produce the effects typically associated with cannabis, like getting high. Instead, CBD is renowned for its health-giving properties on everyday ailments and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Does CBD actually work?
A recent report from the World Health Organisation revealed that CBD oils have benefits for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, MS, pain, anxiety, depression, cancer and diabetic complications. However, there is no real long term research to go on, it’s clear CBD has been seen to be very effective in treating conditions like chronic pain, anxiety and depression over a short-term, but little is known about its long-term effects after prolonged use.
Side effects
Some research indicates that the use of CBD oil may trigger certain side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. It may also affect medication you’re already taking, especially in those who have epilepsy (although last year in the States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved CBD to treat two severe forms of epilepsy).
Our test
We used four different friends and colleagues for our test, all are aged between 30 & 50, each with different health issues that could hopefully benefit from using CBD. We must add we’re not doctors or scientists and this is in no way an official clinical trial, it’s just a gauge to see how four real people respond to using different CBD varients for around a month.
What’s in it?
What’s in it?This HempCeutix Complete formula includes standardised full-spectrum hemp phytocannabinoids, enhanced with tonifying botanicals in the ECS Blend (Clove, Rosemary, Oregano, Carrot and Flax for additional nurturing support) and optimised with the absorption-boosting CannaSorb (for maximum phytocannabinoid absorption). They use hemp grown and eco-farmed in Europe and then manufactured in the USA. The product is 3rd party tested and certified.
How to take it
Small capsule to be taken orally with a glass of water twice a day.
RRP: £32
Effects
Our test subject who tried this product has issues with joint inflammation and muscle pain from previous sporting injuries. After taking for a month our subject said his pain was significantly reduced and also noted feeling a lot calmer from taking these complete capsules.
Love Hemp 800mg CBD Hemp Extract Drops
What’s in it?
Love Hemp’s Hemp Extract Drops is comprised of Hemp Extract, peppermint oil in flavoured oils. It contains no pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones or additives and is completely vegan, gluten and GMO-free. The product is grown in BIO soil in the US with the Cannabidiol being CO2 extracted, which is the gold standard for CBD extraction.
How to take it
As a dietary supplement, use 2-3x per day. Putting 6-12 drops under the tongue, holding for 60 seconds before swallowing.
RRP: £49.99
Effects
Our subject testing this product has issues with muscular pain. She noted a definite reduction in her symptoms after usage as well as seeming mood enhancing qualities. The product’s versatility was mentioned as it can also be used topically for skin conditions.
Naturopathica CBD Lozenges 10mg
What’s in it?
Along with premium quality Swiss ingredients, each dose also includes additional Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Zinc. The added vitamins are to help support cognitive function, the nervous and immune system. Naturopathica CDB Lozenges are the only CBD lozenge supplement currently on sale in the UK and are fully compliant with UK and EU regulations.
How to take it
Dissolve one lozenge slowly in mouth. Two per day recommended dose. The lozenges have a pleasant citrus flavour to disguise the naturally bitter taste of CBD oil.
RRP: £34.99 for 20 lozenges
Effects
Our subject testing this product has Type 2 diabetes and early stages of peripheral neuropathy in his feet. There were seeming positive effects on his condition, with a reduction in pain, but he probably would have benefited more from a slightly longer trial as the pack doesn’t quite contain a months supply.
HempCeutix Stress 5mgWhat’s in it?
What’s in it?
HempCeutix Stress contains Verdant Oasis, European-sourced Cannabis Sativa standardised to deliver 5 mg of full-spectrum phytocannabinoids. It also contains 100 mg of ReishiZen™ Reishi mushroom to combat stress and fatigue, while promoting recovery. 100 mg L-Theanine to promote alpha brain waves and relaxation. 150 mg Calming Botanical Complex, which features calmative Ashwagandha, Valerian, ECS Blend, Holy Basil, Hops and Astragalus.
How to take it
Small capsule to be taken orally with a glass of water.
RRP: £32
Effects
Our test subject here has issues with mild anxiety and workplace stress. After taking the product for a month our subject found themselves noticeably calmer and saw a positive effect on their stress.
Conclusion
So, all in all, every product we tested provided seeming benefits on a varying scale and helped in different problem areas. Certainly, the weight of evidence from around the globe suggests that CBD in its various forms is something of a wonder product. New uses and ailments that can be aided by it seem to be forever cropping up. The fact CBD is finally losing the stigma that once surrounded it and is benefitting people in a natural way is a very positive thing indeed.
Click the banner to share on Facebook
