What is Cannabidiol or CBD?
The world-wide interest in marijuana is not its psychotropic abilities to make you high. It's the chemical that is derived from the plant's stalks called Cannabidiol, or CBD.The psychotropic chemical, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is derived from the flowers and leaves of the marijuana plant. CBD is extracted from the fibrous part of the plant which is known as hemp.
| The Cannabis Plant |
Naturally Occurring Cannabinoids in Our Body
Our bodies produce their own cannabinoids are are part of the body's endocannabinoid system. Our bodies have two receptors that are affected by cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2.CB1 receptors are located in the brain and spinal cord and CB2 receptors are located on cells in our immune system. CB2 receptors are involved in our immune response. When CB2 receptors are activated by our body's own cannabinoids, our immune response is inhibited.
CBD is Anti-Inflammatory
CBD helps our body fight inflammation by allowing our body's own cannabinoids to linger in our system longer. CBD inhibits enzymes that break down our body's cannabinoids. Thus, CBD can help reduce the symptoms of inflammation, such as pain and stiff joints.CBD and Premenstrual Syndrome
Since I was a teen, I have suffered from premenstrual syndrome. I would have the classic symptoms of bloating and cramps once a month. I would occasionally suffer headaches and migraines during my period.Today, as I near menapause, my PMS symptoms are more extreme. Once a month, I suffer from migraines, extreme nausea, and moodiness. I wondered if CBD, given it's anti-inflammatory properties, would help with my PMS symptoms?
Current CBD research is focusing on its positive effects on the symptoms of epilepsy, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. There is no research that I could find about CBD and premenstrual syndrome.
I decided that I would try using CBD to see if it would relieve my PMS symptoms. I purchased CBD isolate, which is the purest form is cannabinoids in crystal form. It is 99% pure CBD with no THC.
CBD Lip Balm
I decided to try CBD by mixing the powder with lip balm. Why lip balm? CBD is absorbed in our body from our mucous membranes and our lips are a mucous membrane. I rationalized that a lip balm will sit on your lips for an hour which would allow your body to absorb the CBD.Results
After two months of using CBD lip balm, most of my PMS symptoms have disappeared. I still get bloating, but I no longer suffer from nausea, headaches or migraines. No more puking! No more pain pills! Yes!Will CBD work for you? Research is ongoing and none exist for premenstrual syndrome. If you would like to try my CBD lip balm, please tap the link below.
More Reading
Everything you need to know about CBD oil
How CBD Works & What It Does?
