LipoVibes CBD - natural relaxation aid

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and causes a 'high', CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. It is widely studied for its potential medical applications, including the treatment of pain, inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy and other conditions. CBD is offered in various forms, including oils, capsules, creams and even foods and beverages.

How is CBD extracted?

CBD is usually extracted from hemp plants that are grown specifically for their high CBD content. There are various extraction methods, but the most common are

1. CO2 extraction: this is one of the most popular and efficient methods. It uses supercritical CO2 to extract the CBD from the plant. CO2 is pressurised to form a liquid phase that circulates through the plant materials and extracts the CBD. The pressure is then reduced to vaporise the CO2 and leave behind the pure CBD extract.

2. solvent extraction: In this method, solvents such as ethane or isopropyl alcohol are used to dissolve the CBD from the plant. The plant material is soaked in a solvent, the CBD is extracted, and then the solvent is evaporated to leave behind a concentrated CBD oil.

3. olive oil extraction: This method is more commonly used by hobbyists. It requires heating the hemp flowers in olive oil to dissolve the CBD and other compounds into the oil. It is a simple but less efficient method compared to the other two.

After extraction, the CBD extract is often further processed to remove unwanted impurities and increase the concentration of CBD. This can be done by distillation, filtration or other techniques.

How does CBD work in the body?

CBD, or cannabidiol, has a diverse range of potential effects in the body that are mediated through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other receptors and signalling pathways.

Here are some of the most important potential effects of CBD:

1. anti-inflammatory effect: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It interacts with various receptors in the body, including the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, to reduce inflammation. This effect can be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions.

2. pain relief: CBD can also help relieve pain. It interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system and other pain receptors in the body to modulate pain signalling and reduce the perception of pain. This makes CBD a promising option for the treatment of chronic pain, neuropathic pain and other forms of pain.

3. anxiety relief: There is evidence that CBD can have an anxiety-relieving effect. It interacts with receptors in the brain that are involved in the regulation of anxiety, including the serotonin 1A receptor. This effect may be helpful in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders.

4. neuroprotective effect: CBD also shows neuroprotective properties, which means that it can protect the nervous system from damage. CBD has been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis by reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress and promoting neurogenesis.

5. anticonvulsant effect: CBD is also known as an effective anticonvulsant and is used to treat epilepsy. In particular, it has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

6. antiemetic effect: CBD can reduce nausea and vomiting, especially in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer. This anti-emetic effect can improve the quality of life of cancer patients and help them to better cope with the side effects of cancer treatment.

7. antipsychotic effect: CBD has also shown antipsychotic properties and is being investigated as a promising treatment option for psychoses such as schizophrenia. It interacts with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including the dopamine system, to reduce psychotic symptoms.

8. sleep-promoting effect: CBD can also improve sleep quality and help with sleep disorders such as insomnia. It interacts with various receptors and signalling pathways in the brain involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle to promote sleep induction and improve sleep architecture.

How is CBD different from other active ingredients?

CBD, or cannabidiol, differs from other active ingredients in a number of unique properties and effects that make it a promising therapeutic agent:

1. non-psychoactive effects: unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most well-known cannabinoid in cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects. This means that it does not cause the "high" or euphoric effects associated with the use of cannabis. This property makes CBD attractive to people who want the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis without experiencing the psychoactive side effects of THC.

2. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: CBD has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that set it apart from other active compounds. It can reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting various inflammatory signals and neutralising oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These properties make CBD a promising treatment option for a variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegeneration.

3. wide range of applications: CBD has a wide range of applications and can be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions and symptoms. It has been used to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, treat epilepsy and alleviate nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This versatility makes CBD a promising active ingredient in medicine and wellness.

4. low potential for abuse: Due to its non-psychoactive nature and low potential for abuse compared to THC, CBD has a lower potential for addiction and is not classified as a narcotic. This makes it a safer option for long-term use, especially for patients who want to benefit from the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the risk of addiction or dependence.

5. good tolerability: CBD is generally well tolerated and rarely causes severe side effects. Common side effects can include fatigue, diarrhoea and appetite changes, but are mild compared to many prescription medications. This makes CBD an attractive option for people looking for natural and well-tolerated treatment alternatives.