Today, when you have a headache, you may reach into your medicine cabinet and grab an aspirin. But you may not know that aspirin actually came from the Willow tree — nature's answer to pain.
Nature often provides remedies to the body that work as well, if not better, than the medicine you can buy at the pharmacy. And now, the spotlight shines on Cannabidiol, or CBD, a promising solution from the cannabis plant, aimed at combatting the debilitating effects of head injuries and migraines.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Overview:
Originally found in the vast cannabis spectrum, CBD stands out for its therapeutic prowess without the high. Despite the controversial status of marijuana, CBD has managed to secure its place in the wellness sector:
The Drug Enforcement Agency has greenlit specific CBD products.
Over 30 states have welcomed the medical advantages of marijuana, emphasizing its potential for safe use.
Predominantly, consumers lean towards hemp-derived CBD, which guarantees minimal THC content, ensuring no psychoactive outcomes.
Understanding the Cannabis Plant:
Delving deeper into cannabis, we encounter three primary subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. But it's CBD and THC that dominate conversations:
While THC intrigues with its psychoactive effects, CBD promises health without the high.
Under the vast umbrella of cannabinoids, both CBD and THC have become subjects of comprehensive research, revealing more about their therapeutic potentials than many conventional drugs.
Demystifying the Endocannabinoid System
To truly understand the magic of CBD, it's essential to dive into the endocannabinoid system—a complex network within our bodies that integrates the immune system, the nervous system, and practically all of our organs. This system, which acts as a bridge between the body and brain, contains receptors that CBD directly influences. When trauma strikes, especially in cases of head injuries, these receptors play a pivotal role. CBD, through its antioxidant properties, helps modulate inflammation, which is often the body's double-edged response to injuries, particularly those in the brain.
Emerging Research: The Bridge to Hope
As science progresses, research on CBD and its therapeutic effects has expanded:
A 2019 study in Brain Injury elucidated that cannabis use post-concussion led to a significant reduction in symptoms during recovery.
Expanding on this, a December 2018 study in Neurology revealed the nuanced ways medical cannabis assists in treating post-concussion symptoms, highlighting that the right ratio of CBD to THC and its intake method (like tinctures or vapor pens) makes a profound difference.
Further studies in 2020 shed light on cannabinoids’ neuroprotective abilities, suggesting that they enhance neurobehavioral functions and memory performance in traumatic brain injury victims.
And for those seeking relief from the agonizing throes of migraines, recent research offers a glimmer of hope. A 2020 study advocated for the use of dried cannabis flower, indicating significant relief from headache and migraine symptoms.
Reputable CBD Brands
In the vast landscape of CBD products, two brands stand out not just for their product quality but for their mission, transparency, and commitment to research. If you're looking to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine, consider these frontrunners:
1. Diamond CBD
Motto: "Reach Higher"
Diamond CBD is a research-intensive manufacturer pioneering the world of Delta 8 and other unique cannabinoids. Going beyond traditional CBD, they've established themselves as innovators, boasting 10 of the market's leading products, including an award-winning CBD oil. With a rigorous commitment to quality, Diamond CBD ensures all its products are third-party lab-tested. Their comprehensive supervision from seed to sale guarantees safety, transparency, and the utmost quality - the true "Diamond guarantee".
[Link to Diamond CBD]
2. Charlotte's Web
Motto: "Unleash the Healing Powers of Botanicals"
The touching story of Charlotte's Web began not as a business venture but as a heartfelt mission to help a little girl named Charlotte Figi, who suffered from a rare form of epilepsy. With the Stanley Brothers' development of high-CBD, low-THC hemp, Paige, Charlotte’s mother, sought a natural, non-psychoactive alternative for her daughter. Witnessing Charlotte’s transformative response to the hemp extract, the brothers felt compelled to share their product.
What started as a personal endeavor soon gained international attention. Between 2013 and 2015, thousands migrated to Colorado, seeking the therapeutic benefits of Charlotte’s Web CBD products. Their compassionate journey caught the eye of media giants, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN, propelling Charlotte’s Web to global recognition. Today, their mission persists, centered on compassion, science, and the holistic healing power of botanicals. The Stanley Brothers’ ethos? "Do well by doing good."
[Link to Charlotte's Web]