What can CBD capsules be used for?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you know all about the hype surrounding CBD.

CBD, or cannabidiol to give it its full name, is an all-natural derivative of the cannabis plant that has been referred to as a “miracle drug” for its vast array of therapeutic benefits.

An increasing number of people are turning away from traditional pharmaceutical medications and instead opt for natural alternatives, such as CBD, which have much less severe and common side effects.

The rampant increase in popularity of CBD products has led to an explosion of innovation in delivery methods. CBD products now range from the more traditional CBD capsules and oil tinctures to CBD bath bombs and even CBD lubricant!

This article is about CBD capsules; what they can be used for and how they can improve your everyday life.

What is CBD?

As mentioned, CBD is a derivative of the cannabis plant – hemp to be precise. This means that it either contains trace elements of THC, or none at all.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the dominant psychoactive compound of cannabis responsible for causing the “high” often associated with cannabis use.

As a result, CBD is classified as a non-psychoactive substance, meaning it does not cognitively harm the user. At the same time, CBD still retains a wide range of therapeutic benefits that will be outlined in this article.

What are CBD capsules?

CBD capsules were one of the first iterations of mainstream CBD products, alongside CBD oil.

However, CBD oil can be problematic to consume while also being discreet. The process of measuring the correct dose into the dropper, before dripping the oil under the tongue and holding it for 90 seconds, does not lend itself to convenience.

CBD capsules, on the other hand, represent a much simpler delivery method, especially for new users. They are consumed in the same way as any other traditional tablet – swallowed with a glass of water (or a drink of your choice).

We will now outline the different ways that CBD capsules can benefit you.

Provide relief from chronic pain conditions

No matter how chronic pain manifests, be it an injury or a hereditary condition, such as a car accident or arthritis, respectively, CBD can help. It naturally has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

A 2008 meta-review study by Russo[1] emphasized that cannabinoids have enormous potential to relieve pain.

Taking CBD capsules on a regular basis allows CBD to build up gradually in your endocannabinoid system, eventually reaching maximum efficacy after about 8-10 weeks of regular use.

This works because CBD binds to your internal pain receptors, reducing areas of discomfort. This can potentially lead to improvements in mobility and sleep.

Help improve sleep

Speaking of sleep, this is one of the most common reasons for people taking CBD. There are a number of different ways people try to improve their quality and ability to fall asleep, ranging from mental techniques to sleeping pills.

However, sleeping pills in particular can make the user drowsy the next morning and are often accompanied by a plethora of side effects, including addiction.

CBD is a natural alternative that can help you fall asleep more easily, without the unwanted side effects and feeling drowsy the next morning.

Research by Shannon et al, published in 2019, examined whether CBD could improve sleep in 25 participants suffering from insomnia. More than two-thirds of these reported a better night’s sleep[2] within a month of using just one 25mg CBD capsule per day.

Relieve Anxiety

Millions of people around the world struggle with anxiety on a daily basis, and managing anxiety is another incredibly common reason for people taking CBD. The aforementioned study, conducted by Shannon et al. in 2019, also looked at subjects experiencing anxiety. Nearly 80% of these reported improved symptoms of anxiety after taking one 25mg CBD capsule daily for a month[3]†

CBD capsules also represent a safer, natural alternative to more traditional prescription medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, which can have fatal consequences.

Research also suggests that CBD could stimulate receptors in the brain responsible for serotonin production. This is a neurotransmitter that stabilizes your mood.

Migraine relief

Migraines are defined as intense headaches that vary in length as well as in severity. About 38 million people worldwide suffer from migraines, all of which can be triggered by the simplest triggers such as sound, light or movement.

Traditional treatments for migraines include triptans and opioids, both of which are associated with serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and may be addictive.

However, CBD capsules have the potential to inhibit receptors in your brain that block irregular activity, as well as boost serotonin production. †

A 2011 Axon Relief study found that 86% of participants reported a decrease in headache impact over a 30-day trial.[4]†

Improve skin condition

Our skin is one of the most visible aspects of our physical appearance and can make people incredibly self-conscious.

There are a myriad of common skin conditions ranging from eczema to acne that have profound implications for the mental health of individuals.

Most skin conditions, including the two mentioned above, are primarily caused by inflammation.

CBD is highly regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory that can provide effective relief from skin conditions such as acne and eczema. In addition, regular intake of CBD capsules can help hydrate your skin and regulate oil production, ultimately relieving skin irritation.

There is also mounting evidence to suggest that regular use of CBD can slow the skin’s aging process due to its antioxidant nature and ability to fight damage from free radicals.

Boost your immune system

The aforementioned antioxidant properties of CBD can also benefit your immune system. They provide a more concentrated and powerful dose of antioxidants than, for example, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are one of the most important sources for maintaining your body’s immune system.

A recent 2020 study conducted by Nichols and Kaplan[5] found that CBD was effective at improving immune system performance in mice, allowing them to heal their wounds faster and fight future damage.

Conclusion

All in all, we can see the myriad of ways CBD can help promote a healthier lifestyle and provide a plethora of therapeutic benefits ranging from improving skin conditions and sleep to chronic pain relief.

In addition, the lack of prevalence and severity in relation to side effects means that CBD is definitely worth a try when it comes to your daily routine.

In particular, CBD capsules represent one of the most straightforward and discreet delivery methods of CBD – especially for those first-time users.

However, it is important to consult your doctor or GP before trying CBD for the first time, especially if you are taking existing medications.

Reference:

[1] Ethan B Russo (February 2008). Cannabinoids in the treatment of difficult-to-treat pain. Identifier code 18728714. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660

[2] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes S. (January 2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large series of cases† Identifier 30624194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/

[3] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes S. (January 2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large series of cases† Identifier 30624194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/

[4] Rakapakse, T., & Pringsheim, T. Nutraceuticals in migraine: a summary of existing guidelines for use. Identifier 26954394. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26954394/

[5] Nichols, JM, & Kaplan, BLF Immune responses regulated by cannabidiol. Identifier 32322673. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/