Being a woman is not an easy job. Right from the nauseating period-pain to the agony of labor, a woman bears it all. Not just mothers, but at every age, women carry the inherited “superhuman” tag and rock at each role. This zealous lifestyle sometimes ripples our harmony and then we look for supplements to make our life a little bit easier. Scientific research suggests that cannabidiol is beneficial for a variety of women’s health issues like menstrual cramps, anxiety, stress, and menopause.
What is Cannabidiol
CBD oil, short for cannabidiol, is in the news everywhere. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis and hemp. While cannabis is linked to “getting high” cannabidiol has no intoxicating effects. Cannabidiol is available as a health supplement across the stores in the U.S. and is patented by the government as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant.
Many clinical trials and extensive research have suggested that cannabidiols like CBD can help to achieve homeostasis or stable equilibrium in our bodies. Cannabidiol is widely used to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cancer-related nausea and pain. Cannabidiol is available in many forms like the CBD oil, bath salt, gummy bears, and massage oils.
Cannabidiol & Women’s Wellness
The Cannabinoid is naturally produced within our body (endocannabinoid) and it helps to regulate almost every system in the body like the immune system, mood, digestion, fertility, hormones, and health.
Uterus and ovaries are full of endocannabinoid receptors which can be activated by both cannabis-based cannabinoids as well as our natural endocannabinoid, anandamide (also known as ‘bliss compound’). Anandamide is crucial to ovulation and fertility. By directly affecting our endocannabinoid system, CBD products could become a useful part of your lifestyle.
PMS & Menstrual Pain
Painful menstruation is often because of underlying uterine conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Opioids, birth-control pills, and ibuprofen are commonly used to provide relief from painful menstruation, but these drugs have dangerous side-effects. CBD is known for its analgesic properties. It is a natural and safer alternative to synthetic painkillers and carries no risk of addiction. CBD also lessens the mood swings and anxiety associated with PMS.
Skin Health
Acne is a big problem for teenage girls and women suffering from PCOS. Cannabidiol is a perfect remedy for treating acne. It reduces the sebum production in the sebaceous glands and its antioxidative effect prevents the free-radical induced damage to your skin.
Hair Care
Cannabidiol is beneficial for hair health. It increases the production of keratin and keeps your tresses strong, soft, and shiny.
Anxiety & Stress
Several studies have claimed that CBD helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Also, Cannabidiol is used by medical practitioners as an alternative medicine to treat patients with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD lowers the level of anxiety by activating the brain receptors to produce dopamine, which is an effective chemical to relax the mind and body.
Obesity
CBD intake boosts metabolism and increases the levels of high-density lipids (HDL), also known as ‘good cholesterol’ in the body. It also lowers the level of insulin and thus reduces the accumulation of fat. A recent study stated that CBD helps to convert white fat to brown fat, which helps people to lose weight.
Menopause
CBD directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system to relieve the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, mood disorders, insomnia, and reduced sex drive. Studies suggest that CBD helps to restore bone health by decreasing the loss in bone density.
When Not to Use CBD Oil
CBD oil has marked positive benefits for women, but that doesn’t mean that it is good for all women. Always check with your GP before adding any supplement to your lifestyle. You shouldn’t use CBD in the following conditions:
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: CBD is not considered safe during pregnancy. Also, breastfeeding mothers should avoid using CBD, as it might show negative or adverse effects.
- Side Effects: CBD is known to have fewer or mild side-effects like nausea, dry mouth, weight fluctuations, digestive issues, and drowsiness. Check with your doctor before starting CBD if you have these existing issues.
- Under Medications: CBD is considered harmless but it might interact with some of the commonly prescribed drugs and cause side effects. Consult your doctor before starting CBD oil supplements if you are under medications
