How and Why to use CBD Oil
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil has been shown to benefit a wide number of concerns, and may be a great option for patients with insomnia, etc.
Wide access to CBD is one of the most exciting recent developments in wellness in recent years. There are many products on the market including oils, gel capsules, vaporizers, and food and drink products that contain CBD. With all of this variety, there’s naturally some uncertainty for patients over what CBD is, and why it could benefit them.
At Roots Acupuncture and Apothecary, we stock only the highest quality CBD products we can find. Each company we source from is certified organic and lab tests every product they produce to ensure correct dosage and absence of any harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. We’re proud to offer CBD oil and capsules from Colorado’s Joy Organics, and the Asheville-based businesses Franny’s Farmacy and Appalachian Standard.
Using CBD Oil
CBD oil is one of the easiest ways to use cannabidiol. Each oil product comes in a vial with a built-in dropper. Most droppers have measurements written on them so patients can consistently administer the same dose, typically 1 milliliter or less.
CBD oil is meant to be administered sublingually— or below the tongue. That means patients simply fill the dropper to the desired measurement, and then drop the liquid into their mouth under their tongue, hold it in their mouth for 15-30 seconds, and then swallow. Letting the oil rest in your mouth allows for faster and more effective absorption of the CBD than swallowing it right away. This is because most of the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream rather than being process through the digestive system.
Dosage varies widely depending on the patient and the condition they’re addressing. That’s why manufacturers make oil with dosages ranging from 900-3,000 milligrams per bottle. Most bottles are 30 milliliters, so that’s between 30 and 100 milligrams of CBD per 1ml dose.
We typically recommend most patients start with a low-to-mid-sized dose (30-45mg of CBD), depending on their desired effects.
How CBD Works in the Body
Cannabidiol is a compound found naturally occurring in hemp plants, called a phytocannabinoid. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system’s primary function is to maintain homeostasis, and it interacts with every system in the body— such as the endocrine, digestive, immune, and nervous systems.
The endocannabinoid system is comprised of two receptor types, two signaling molecules, and five enzymes. These signaling molecules build up when there are imbalances, and the body builds signaling molecules that instantly act to restore equilibrium.
CBD helps the endocannabinoid system do its job by blocking enzymes like FAAH, which breaks down the anandamide signaling molecule. When there’s more anandamide present, CB1 receptors are more active, and the endocannabinoid system is more effective. CBD also binds to receptors in the brain including serotonin receptors.
Benefits of CBD
CBD has shown promising results in a number of case studies for a wide variety of conditions. It’s important for patients to research their health concerns, and talk them over with a health professional to see if CBD could help them. At Roots, we always consult academic journals to find peer-reviewed studies whenever possible to determine the right product for each patient.
While there is no 100% guarantee, studies have shown that CBD has potential therapeutic effects for conditions including insomnia, anxiety, autoimmune disease, skin cancer, migraines, and much more.
CBD and Acupuncture
While CBD is not a common prescription in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are always looking for new treatments that enhance our ability to care for our patients. We have recommended CBD in a number of insomnia cases, with fantastic results. If you are interested in trying CBD oil as part of your wellness routine, please let us know during your next visit.