Cannabidiol (CBD) is one out of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.
As a plant-based cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid), CBD can activate and balance your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The calming effect of CBD oil is well known.
CBD mimics the effects of the messenger cells produced by your body that interact with receptors in your ECS. This interaction between the messengers and the receptors in your ECS helps regulate various bodily functions. This natural process of regulating bodily functions promotes homeostasis or balance within the body of humans and animals. These bodily functions include your stress response, sleep, moods, memory, pain, and inflammation. They also include the functions of your heart, digestive system, nervous system, immune system, endocrine system, and reproductive system.
CB1 and CB2 Receptors
As the main receptors of the ECS, CB1 and CB2, are found throughout your body. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in your brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are concentrated in your peripheral nervous system.
CBD actually makes your CB1 and CB2 receptors more sensitive to the endocannabinoids that are naturally produced in your ECS. CBD doesn’t interfere with the natural vitamin and mineral stores in your body. And it doesn’t cause any negative effects on your blood pressure, heart function, digestive function, or temperature. This is why CBD oil causes only minimal if any side effects.Â
The Wellness Potential of Cannabinoids
The wellness potential behind both phyto- and endocannabinoids is that your CB receptors are similar to the receptors that are targeted by pharmaceutical medicines. G protein-coupled receptors are a group of receptors that can receive a wide range of different neurotransmitters found in nature and in pharmaceutical medicines. By binding to these receptors, both phyto- and endocannabinoids help to regulate many of our bodily functions.
Because phytocannabinoids are a natural extension of the body’s own endocannabinoid system, a natural cannabinoid like CBD may offer a real option for some people. Clinical studies have shown that up to 50% of pain patients experience no significant pain relief from conventional pain medicines.
Scientists are currently developing synthetic versions of cannabinoids, typically THC, for large pharmaceutical companies. However, synthetic cannabinoids are often 100-800 times more potent (more psychoactive) than natural THC. Therefore, synthetic cannabinoids could pose a greater risk of side effects than natural cannabinoids.
Conclusion
Stress, illness, and injury can increase your body’s demand for ECS messengers. CBD, as a plant-based cannabinoid, can ensure the supply of ECS messengers is adequate to promote homeostasis or balance in the body.
CBD oil as a natural dietary supplement is safe for you (and your pets) to help boost and maintain optimal health. Natural CBD oil is the safest type of cannabinoid that is also proven to be an effective way to activate your endocannabinoid system. CBD oil can help protect your body and mind against imbalances to maintain a healthy life.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine
