THE BIG THREE FOR CBD.

The big three for CBD are the most researched and, by far, the reason behind most of the requests for CBD.

The big three are:

Pain and Inflammation

Anxiety

Insomnia

We have addressed each of these in previous posts, but I wanted to reexamine them once again.

Over the past few months, we have seen a lot of people in our store and most all of them have been looking for CBD to solve one of the big three.

In many of our other posts, we have examined other uses of CBD, including treatments for Cancer, MS, Parkinson’s, and many other ailments.

These are all promising uses for CBD.

Yet, the vast majority of people are in the store looking for relief from the big three.

It is probably no big coincidence that the most research is currently on the big three.

And all that research is supporting what most of our customers had already known, that CBD helps them with their ailments and conditions, especially the big three.

GETTING THE WORD OUT

The biggest issue facing the CBD industry today and our store is how to get the facts out to the general public. We have an especially difficult challenge here in Eastern Idaho due to the conservative nature of the population. Many still think that CBD is illegal, or at the least, immoral.

I have encountered people who wouldn’t even take a pamphlet explaining the benefits of CBD because they viewed it as evil.

And yet, there are hundreds of people using CBD for their ailments and they are finding relief.

It is too bad that the word doesn’t get out to all those who could have relief from their pain or anxiety, or that could sleep better. I suppose that in time, they will hear about how CBD has helped their neighbor or family member and they will then try CBD themselves.

Until then, we will do everything we can to spread the word about the benefits of CBD.

THE BIG 4

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What are the BIG FOUR? The big four areas that are helped by using CBD are Pain, Insomnia, Inflammation, and Anxiety.

PAIN, INSOMNIA, INFLAMMATION, ANXIETY

These four conditions and ailments are what most people use CBD for. I have written extensively in this blog on all four. So, you ask, why write about them again? Well, dear reader, because there are some who have not read the previous posts and find themselves suffering from one or more of these conditions or ailments.

MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN

Controlling muscle and joint pain is one of the more popular uses of CBD. We see many in Eden Organics that have this complaint. There has been a great deal of research on CBD managing pain. In addition, the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming indicating the efficacy of CBD in managing pain.

INSOMNIA

Many people have trouble sleeping. In fact, more than one would expect. One in four Americans will experience insomnia. CBD is a natural way to help induce sleep and to ensure there will be no ‘hangover’ the next morning. Many people are turning to CBD to help them get a good night’s sleep.

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation goes along with pain management. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis have a great deal of inflammation associated with them and CBD helps to reduce this inflammation as well as helps to manage the pain that goes along with it.

ANXIETY      

Many people suffer from anxiety. 18% of the population suffers from anxiety. This number represents those who have been diagnosed with several different anxiety disorders. It does not represent those who suffer this debilitating disorder without being diagnosed. Even those who may not have anxiety in a clinical sense, still will suffer from it. CBD is a natural way to ameliorate the ways in which anxiety can affect a person’s life.

CONCLUSION         

Chances are that you, or someone you know, suffers from one of the big four ailments or conditions. CBD is a natural help without serious side effects that can be used to help reduce the impact these conditions have on our lives.  

ANXIOUS TIMES REQUIRE ADDITIONAL HELP

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We find ourselves in perilous times and that can increase our anxiety to debilitating levels. How do we cope? Those who suffer from anxiety already know a few coping techniques, yet, at times like these, those techniques may not be enough.

As the Coronavirus spreads and the Media run non-stop stories about the death rate of the virus, the level of anxiety can increase. CBD can help.

CBD CAN HELP WITH ANXIETY

I posted a blog entry a few months back about a recent study on anxiety. Here is a portion of that post:

In a recent double-blind study, 60 men and women, ages 18 to 35 were divided into five groups that either received CBD, a placebo, or Clonazepam (a medicine used to treat panic disorders)

After each participant gave a speech, they filled out a questionnaire on anxiety level and had their blood pressure and heart rate measured.

Clonazepam was effective, as it consistently reduced anxiety in a more sedative way. However, CBD was also effective and didn’t have the potential for the side effects of Clonazepam which are: muscle weakness, drowsiness, indigestion, loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech.) There are others, but I think you get the picture. CBD has none of these side effects. The placebo group wasn’t as successful as the Clonazepam and CBD.

ADDITIONAL STUDY

In another study the researchers found that CBD was effective in helping relieve a variety of anxiety related disorders. Here are their findings (as a warning, these are somewhat clinical.)

“Overall, preclinical evidence supports systemic CBD as an acute treatment of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), SAD(Social Anxiety Disorder), PD(Panic Disorder), OCD(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and PTSD(Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and suggests that CBD has the advantage of not producing anxiogenic effects at higher dose, as distinct from other agents that enhance CB1R activation. In particular, results show potential for the treatment of multiple PTSD symptom domains, including reducing arousal and avoidance, preventing the long-term adverse effects of stress, as well as enhancing the extinction and blocking the reconsolidation of persistent fear memories…

 …Overall, existing preclinical evidence strongly supports the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders. CBD exhibits a broad range of actions, relevant to multiple symptom domains, including anxiolytic, panicolytic, and anticompulsive actions, as well as a decrease in autonomic arousal, a decrease in conditioned fear expression, enhancement of fear extinction, reconsolidation blockade, and prevention of the long-term anxiogenic effects of stress.”

CONCLUSION

We see from these two studies that CBD can be an effective way to manage stress and anxiety. Certainly, in these perilous times, we need something natural to help us get through the stress and anxiety. We are Eden Organics hope that all of you stay safe and healthy and, of course, anxiety free.

COVID-19 AND CBD

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When we encounter national challenges such as the Covid-19 virus, there are attempts by many to try to capitalize on the situation. The story of two men buying up all the hand sanitizer and trying to make huge, obscene profits from selling it online, is an example of this type of profiteering.

Another example is people making unsubstantiated claims about their products and that product’s relation to the particular challenge. We will see that in the CBD industry, if we haven’t already.

CBD AND INCREASED IMMUNITY

Rebekka Shaman, chair of the British Hemp Alliance, suggested that CBD’s anti-viral and antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties could protect us from the Covid-19 virus. This was from an article on the web page, Food Navigator.com. Since there is some evidence supporting the fact that CBD does have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this statement may be taken out of context based on the research available.

CBD HAS STRONG ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES

Research indicates that CBD does have strong antibacterial properties and is an effective anti-inflammatory. But, we don’t have a great deal of evidence or research on its effectiveness on viruses. We don’t want to be mislead on this point.

A PREVIOUS BLOG POST HAS SOME OF THE ANSWERS

In a blog entry posted on 12/20/19 about the antibacterial properties of CBD we find this information:

An article published on Neuroscience News. Com reported that CBD is a powerful new antibiotic. I will use much of that article here. The research, led by Dr. Mark Blaskovich at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience’s Center for Superbug Solutions, in collaboration with Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd, found that CBD was remarkably effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria that have become resistant to other antibiotics. The new research indicates that CBD is active against infections such as Staphyloccocus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and that it has a potency similar to that of established antibiotics such as vancomycin or daptomycin.

We can see from this information that CBD does indeed have a huge potential as a new antibiotic.

CBD AS AN ANTI-VIRAL

CBD can reduce inflammation. We know this from a great deal of research. However, in some viruses, we need inflammation to help ward off the disease. In other viruses, the inflammation is detrimental. So, until we have more information, we are left with more questions than answers. In my estimation, we have to be careful about listening to claims made about CBD and its ability to fight a particular virus. We should stick to the aspects that have significant research and known results such as, reduction of anxiety, reduction of muscle and joint pain, and helping us to sleep. As CBD has general health benefits, taking it will certainly be better for us than not taking it. CBD helps us with our daily health and thus can helps us in staying healthy.

CBD AND ARTHRITIS PAIN

We often are asked about CBD and its use for Arthritis pain. We have many instances of people telling us that CBD helped them with their pain and that because of the lack of pain, they experienced better mobility.

RESEARCH SHOWS RESULTS

A study in 2017, published in the journal, Pain, indicated that CBD was effective in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis and joint neuropathy.

The researchers’ findings indicated CBD decreased joint inflammation and served as a protectant to the nerves.

Doctor Jennifer Freeman wrote that other studies have reported positive effects for individuals taking CBD to ease their fbromyalgia pain.  

CBD AIDS WITH OTHER PAIN

Dr. Freeman also stated that other research published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, indicates that cannabinoids have been helpful with easing pain for individuals diagnosed with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cancer.

CBD RECOMMENDED FOR PAIN RELIEF

CBD is a natural way for a person suffering from pain to help reduce the pain, without having negative side effects. Because CBD works with the cannabinoids within our body, it is a natural way to help us take care of many conditions and ailments.

CAN CBD HELP REDUCE MEDICATION FOG?

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I’m sure the first question that comes to mind from that headline is, what is medication fog? An article in today’s Post Register told of a patient who was showing signs of worsening dementia with growing confusion.

A DOCTOR SUSPECTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Dr. Pei Chen suspected there may be more to the confusion than was caused by the patient’s dementia. The doctor asked the patient and her daughter to round up all the prescription medication. They brought in 28 drugs ordered by various doctors for a variety of ailments. Dr. Chen was able to reduce the amount of drugs the patient was taking and her confusion cleared. The doctor explained the patient’s symptoms were from a medication fog not her dementia.

WHAT COULD CAUSE THE MEDICATION FOG?

Many of the drugs the patient was taking had anticholinergic effects, that is, they reduce or interfere with a chemical messenger that’s key to healthy nerve functions. That can cause drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness and other symptoms that impair thinking skills.

HOW CAN CBD HELP?

The list of medications the patient was taking included pain relievers, sleep aids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications. As one who has read many of the other posts in this blog will know, CBD can help with all of these ailments and conditions and it has no side effects. The patient may have been able to use CBD instead of the prescription medications and could have possibly avoided the medication fog she experienced.  As always, we recommend that anyone thinking of replacing medication with CBD should talk to their physician before stopping any medication.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

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Health and happiness have to be the two most important elements of a person’s life. There are, of course, many definitions of happiness, or what makes a person happy. The thrust of this article is not to address the many ways in which we can attain happiness or what happiness means. It is, rather, to address the connection of health to happiness.

JIM ROHN HAS THE SUCCINCT MESSAGE

Jim Rohn stated, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” This statement is beyond obvious, yet it states something we often take for granted. We can add to that statement one from an anonymous author, “If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of my body.”

HOW DOES HEALTH AFFECT HAPPINESS?

 A new study published in the Journal Of Happiness Studies found that the degree a disease or condition disrupts daily functioning is associated with happiness.

The lead author, Erik Angner, associate professor of philosophy, economics and public policy at George Mason University worked along side a team of researchers from several universities exploring the differences between the impact of serious health issues and, seemingly, minor ones.

 Since previous studies had indicated that even serious diseases, including cancer, had a surprisingly small impact on happiness, and certain conditions like urinary incontinence had a major impact on happiness, they developed a system called the “freedom-from-debility score” based on four health survey questions explicitly designed to represent limitations in physical activities and in usual role activities because of health problems.

HEALTH AND FUNCTIONALITY LEAD TO INCREASED HAPPINESS

The results from the study indicate that a disease or condition that limits functionality has a more direct impact on happiness than a more serious illness that doesn’t have a negative impact on daily functionality. “These new results support the notion that health status is one of the most important predictors of happiness,” Angner said.

CBD HELPS IN DAILY FUNCTIONALITY IN A HOST OF WAYS

CBD can help those who suffer from illnesses or ailments that can limit daily functionality. Joint and muscle aches and pains, insomnia, and anxiety are just a few that can be helped with CBD. These conditions can make daily life difficult and can limit functionality which in turn could affect a person’s happiness. If one doesn’t sleep well, they are tired and feel out of sorts throughout the day. They don’t function at their best either physically or mentally. Aches and pains can certainly limit our functionality and make it extremely difficult to go about our normal daily activities. And anxiety can create a vast array of problems. All of these can he helped with CBD.

CONCLUSION: CBD CAN HELP US TO BE HAPPY

Taking CBD to alleviate some of the conditions and ailments we have mentioned above as well as many others, can help us lead healthy and happy lives.   

WILL CBD LIVE UP TO ITS PROMISE?

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As we have written in this blog on many occasions, CBD has the promise to help with a variety of ailments and conditions. So many, in fact, that one can certainly question if it is able to come through on it promise.

THE LIST OF AILMENTS AND CONDITIONS IS LENGTHY

Let’s look at some of the ailments and conditions CBD can help reduce or alleviate. Keep in mind, this list includes some ailments and conditions that are just in the preliminary stages of testing and we can’t say yet how effective CBD is going to be as a treatment for them.

WHERE TO START? PAIN RELIEF, INSOMNIA, ANXIETY, AND EPILEPSY

We’ll start with the big three, the ones that have the most research behind them. Pain relief, along with inflammation reduction, help with insomnia and anxiety have a great deal of research to indicate the effectiveness of CBD. We must add in Epilepsy as one with a great deal of research and one that CBD has shown to be effective in controlling.

THE OTHERS

Here is a list that is in no way exhaustive. Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, Dementia, Opioid addiction, Nicotine addiction, Psychosis, Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Acne, Psoriasis, Depression, Pet anxiety and pain control, and Heart health.

Although the initial results are extremely promising, we will have to wait for further research and study to make any conclusions on the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment.

It is my opinion that CBD will live up to its promise, in fact, I believe we will, in the next few years, be amazed at what it can do in helping us become more healthy and happy because of the health benefits of CBD.  

DOES CBD HELP GROW HAIR?

Men have been searching for a hair restoration product for centuries. To date, there has been no such product to help men keep or regrow their hair.

I have stayed away from such topics as hair growth as they tend to wander off into snake oil sales. Yet, I have heard many claims that the use of CBD can help in maintaining healthy hair and scalp, which, I suppose could result in keeping your hair longer and perhaps even restoring lost hair.

NO RESEARCH TO BACK UP CLAIMS

Though there is no scientific research to back up the claims made about CBD hair restoration. Most all claims are made by people who have a vested interest in our buying into their notion that their product can grow hair.

ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE OF CBD EFFECTIVENESS IN HEALTHY HAIR

An article found on the MedMen web site quotes Keith R. Durante, MD, FACS and hair restoration specialist at the Ash Center. He stated, “I can’t say it’s documented in a double-blind study, or anywhere that I would analyze critically and say the statistics have merit.” He did go on to indicate that he could confirm widely held beliefs that CBD is going to be highly sought after for hair loss.

 DOCTOR DURANTE EXPLAINS WHY CBD CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR HAIR AND SCALP

Dr. Keith R. Durante makes a case for the topical use of CBD as a daily routine for hair and scalp health. As he explained, each strand of hair is made up of a shaft, root and bulb. Each of these components is about 90 percent keratin.

To keep hair strong, keratin relies on a healthy dose of vitamins, mostly three essential fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 and vitamin E. Cannabis-derived CBD is high in each of these elements.

CBD – A SAFE AND HOLISTIC OPTION

Dr. Durante considers CBD to be a safe and holistic option for hair care. That also includes those with colored or treated hair.

Of course, we need more actual research to answer the question definitively. All we have is anecdotal evidence and that is not enough to give us evidence to claim that CBD will help grow hair or stop hair loss. However, as a caveat here, I would have to say that given the beneficial elements present in CBD, I would say it would be a viable product to use to ensure a healthy scalp, which in turn may help in hair retention.

CAN CBD HELP WITH INSOMNIA?

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An article from Consumer Reports stated that almost 80% of Americans say they have trouble sleeping at least once a week, according to a recent nationally representative Consumer Report survey of 1267 U.S. adults. They also found that many existing treatments, particularly prescription and over-the-counter drugs, are often not very effective and are risky as well.

Joseph Maroon, M.D., a clinical professor and neurosurgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center who has researched the effect of cannabis on the brain, says that CBD has properties that could help some people sleep better, especially those who suffer from anxiety.

Research hints that CBD may also affect sleep directly, by interacting with receptors in the brain that govern the body’s daily sleep/wake cycles.

CBD STUDY SHOWS IMPROVEMENT IN SLEEP

In a 2019 study conducted by Scott Shannon, MD, Nicole Lewis, ND, and Shannon Hughes, PhD of 72 adults found that 66.7% of those studied had improved sleep after using CBD. In addition, anxiety rates decreased in 79% of those studied. Since anxiety can cause one to lose sleep, the reduction of anxiety is important.

FROM HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING

CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep”

CONCLUSION

As we always state, we need more research to give a definitive answer about CBD and insomnia. Yet, the research we do have seems to indicate that the use of CBD can help people fall asleep and stay asleep. Anecdotal evidence is extremely promising as many people using CBD have reported better sleep. There is enough evidence to encourage the use of CBD for insomnia, especially since it has no severe side effects like those of prescription medication.