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What are the benefits of CBD, and does it live up to the hype?

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, has experienced a huge surge of public interest and media attention over the past five years. Indeed, this once relatively unknown compound is now so popular – perhaps even ubiquitous – that it can be found in a dizzying array of consumer products, ranging from wellness supplements and smoothies all the way through to bath salts and bacon-flavored dog treats. This boom in popularity has led to massive growth in the CBD market, which is predicted to reach 20 billion dollars in the US alone by 2024 (Dorbian, 2019).

Despite the popularity of CBD products, however, some experts fear that the media and marketing hype surrounding these items has far outpaced research on the medicinal properties of CBD (Eisenstein, 2019; Stith et al., 2019). This is not to say that CBD offers little or no therapeutic value to its users; rather, the medicinal properties it possesses have yet to be fully researched and understood. To dispel some of the confusion surrounding this topic, the following sections address the most commonly asked questions about CBD with regards to its sources, legality, safety, usage and effectiveness.

What is CBD, and how does it differ from cannabis?

CBD is one of many naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis (aka marijuana). Unlike the plant’s main psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce feelings of euphoria or intoxication (Pertwee, 2004). You cannot get ‘high’ from CBD alone, despite the fact that it is often derived from marijuana plants.

What are the differences between CBD, cannabis and hemp?

CBD is a compound found in both cannabis and hemp plants. In legal terms, hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight in accordance with the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. CBD can, therefore, be derived from either cannabis or hemp, as both plants contain this compound and differ only in terms of THC content.

Is CBD legal?

Hemp is legal in all 50 states, as is CBD derived from hemp plants. When it comes to cannabis-derived CBD, however, the situation is not so clear-cut because cannabis’s legal status varies considerably by state. In some states, cannabis is legal for recreational and medical purposes whereas in others, it may only be used medically. States such as Idaho and Nebraska have not legalized either recreational or medical use of cannabis.

Restrictions that apply to cannabis therefore affect the legality and usage of cannabis-derived CBD products in the various states. The most lenient states allow residents to purchase CBD products irrespective of how the CBD has been sourced or its intended usage while the strictest do not allow cannabis-derived CBD to be used for any purpose. Always check your state’s laws before purchasing any cannabis-derived CBD product to avoid potential possession charges and fines.

Is CBD safe?

Current research indicates that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people (Iffland and Grotenhermen, 2017). No drug is completely safe, however, and adverse drug events (ADEs) have been reported in medical studies. Indeed, according to a recent review of studies by Brown and Winterstein (2019), nearly 50% of CBD users experienced ADEs, including sedation, anemia, sleep disturbances and infections. These ADEs followed a general dose-response relationship, meaning that adverse effects associated with CBD depended on, among other factors, the dose administered in the reviewed studies. Potential interactions between CBD and other medications were also highlighted in Brown and Winterstein’s article. Although medically vulnerable people (i.e. people with complex underlying conditions) may be more at risk of experiencing ADEs, general consumers should be aware of potential side effects and consult with a physician before using CBD products.

How do people use CBD?

Excluding cannabis-based items sold in licensed marijuana dispensaries, the general consumer has many different options available when it comes to purchasing and using hemp-derived CBD products. Dried hemp buds, for example, can be smoked like regular cannabis or steeped in hot water to drink as a tea. Oils and tinctures containing CBD extracts are another popular option for oral consumption, as are CBD oil-infused edibles (e.g. gummy bears and lollipops) and capsules. Lotions and gels containing CBD can also be applied to the skin for those who prefer to consume it topically rather than orally.

Why do people use CBD?

Aside from recreational use, many people use CBD to treat or manage a wide variety of symptoms and illnesses. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research (Moltke and Hindocha, 2021), the top reasons for using CBD given by the study’s survey respondents were as follows:

• Self-perceived anxiety (42.6%)
• Sleep problems (42.5%)
• Stress (37.5%)
• General health and well-being (37%)
Although the survey’s respondents were primarily based in the UK, other surveys conducted in the US and Canada have reported similar results. A survey undertaken in the US by Chicago-based Aclara Research in June 2020, for example, found that anxiety (58%) and pain relief (58%) were the top reasons cited by respondents for using CBD, with relaxation (48%), sleep (37%) and general wellness (30%) following closely behind (Drotleff, 2020).

How effective is CBD?

Research on the medicinal properties of CBD is very much in its infancy, and consequently, the full therapeutic potential of the substance is simply unknown at this point. On the other hand, the compound does seem to possess many useful properties that could make it an ideal pharmaceutical drug target, as “CBD has shown promise as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and has shown neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, among other currently investigated uses.” (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021, p.2).

CBD could, therefore, be used to treat or manage a wide range of conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, pain, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, inflammation and neurodegeneration. However, although CBD could treat many of these disorders and promising results have been reported in some studies, especially for anxiety (Skelly et al., 2020), the evidence in favor of its benefits is generally weak and incomplete (White, 2019). Much additional study of CBD’s effects on these conditions will be required before any firm conclusions can be drawn about its potential as a therapeutic agent.

A notable exception in the current evidence base is the research examining CBD’s effectiveness as a treatment for Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), two devastating childhood-onset epilepsy disorders. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD has anti-seizure properties that help limit the number of seizures experienced by sufferers of DS and LGS (Silvestro et al., 2019). On the back of the promising research conducted in this domain, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug Epidiolex in 2018, which remains the only FDA-approved CBD medication to date.

Common Health Benefits of Hemp Oil

The bottom line…

Despite the immense popularity of CBD as a consumer product, research on its medicinal properties and safety remains limited. Although CBD has potential for broad therapeutic application, the evidence for its effectiveness in treating many conditions has yet to catch up with the media and marketing hype that often surrounds commercially available CBD products. Potential consumers should, therefore, be aware that CBD products are not a magic cure-all but rather a promising new wellness trend that could help many people once the full risks and benefits have been studied at length. If you are planning to use CBD either recreationally or for medical purposes, please consult with your physician.

References cited

Brown, J.D. and Winterstein, A.G. (2019). Potential adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions with medical and consumer cannabidiol (CBD) use. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(7), pp.989-1002.

Dorbian, I. (2019). ‘CBD Market Could Reach $20 Billion By 2024, Says New Study’, Forbes, 5/20/19. Available at:
forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2019/05/20/cbd-market-could-reach-20-billion-by-2024-says-new-study/?sh=64b2ecec49d0. (Accessed 5/5/21).

Drotleff, L. (2020). ‘Study: During coronavirus pandemic, American consumers turn to CBD for stress relief, wellness’, Hemp Industry Daily, 11/10/20. Available at: hempindustrydaily.com/study-during-coronavirus-pandemic-american-consumers-turn-to-cbd-for-stress-relief-wellness/. (Accessed 5/5/21).

Eisenstein, M. (2019). The reality behind cannabidiol’s medical hype. Nature, 572(7771), pp.S2-S4.

Iffland, K. and Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), pp.139-154.

Moltke, J. and Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1), pp.1-12.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 644019, Cannabidiol. PubChem. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol. (Accessed 5/10/2021).

Pertwee, R.G. (2004). The pharmacology and therapeutic potential of cannabidiol. In: Di Marzo, V. (ed). Cannabinoids. (New York, NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers), pp.32-83.

Silvestro, S., Mammana, S., Cavalli, E., Bramanti, P. and Mazzon, E. (2019). Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy: efficacy and security in clinical trials. Molecules, 24(8), pp.1459-1483.

Skelley, J.W., Deas, C.M., Curren, Z. and Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), pp.253-261.

Stith, S.S., Vigil, J.M., Brockelman, F., Keeling, K. and Hall, B. (2019). The Association between Cannabis Product Characteristics and Symptom Relief. Scientific Reports, 9(1), pp.1-8.

White, C.M. (2019). A review of human studies assessing cannabidiol’s (CBD) therapeutic actions and potential. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(7), pp.923-934.

Why you should be using Deep South Organics Eucalyptus Spearmint body lotion as a mosquito repellent!

Why do mosquitoes bite? Well, we have learned the only female mosquitoes are the ones that can bite. When they bite, they are trying to absorb the protein-rich blood which is crucial for the successful production and development of mosquito’s eggs. Mosquitos never know when they will get a successful meal so when they get the chance to come into contact with a potential host. They take as much as they can consume which can be up to three times their body weight in blood.

When bitten by a mosquito you develop a small red bump that is seriously itchy. The reason for the itch is due to our immune system reacting to the mosquito injecting a small amount of blood thinner to make it easier to ingest the blood. It reacts by making the bite swell, get itchy, and have redness.

One of the many positive effects of CBD is when it is applied to the skin. It gets to work by focusing on balance, promoting cellular communication, and soothes inflammatory processes. CBD has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and therefore can be effective in reducing or stopping the itch that occurs after a bite. CBD will help calm the itch, calm the irritation, and reduce inflammation of a mosquito bite.

Used since the 1940 Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The center for disease control and prevention CDC have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A recent study has shown a mixture of Lemon Eucalyptus oil provides more than 95% protection again mosquitoes for three hours.

Using Deep South Organics Eucalyptus Spearmint body lotion will help with mosquito bites by being a natural repellent and also has a large amount of CBD to help take care of the itching, swelling, and redness of a bite. Come by our store and grab yourself a bottle today!

Could CBD help nicotine addiction?

Using CBD oil for nicotine addiction

There is some pretty strong evidence that CBD can help break the nicotine addiction and be used for quitting smoking, which is why so many people are now turning to CBD products.

There have been several credible studies conducted, a recent study by the University College of London concluded that people who used CBD reduced their cigarette consumption by 40%.

Evidence like this has led to many people trying CBD to see if it can help them. Many people are seeing the benefits and are seeing results for themselves. This is not a miracle cure, but it does appear to be very useful to help break the urge to light up.

Other CBD oil health benefits while cutting that Nicotine addiction

CBD has shown that it can benefit the Heart and respiratory systems health and also help lower blood pressure. All of these are affected by smoking and could do with a little boost when you quit smoking!

CBD has also shown it can reduce anxiety and depression, particularly useful when trying to quit, as we all feel the effects when trying to quit. It has been shown to work in a similar way to antidepressants except without all the side effects of pharmaceuticals (insomnia, headache, and drowsiness to name a few) and it has the added benefit of being completely natural!

CBD helps stabilize the mood and is also used to treat mood disorders and depression. Many users say that they feel more positive and their mood has been uplifted after using CBD

It has been shown to improve mood, focus and especially lowering anxiety. It also helps control irritability; it is important to know that CBD does not create a high.

How long does CBD oil take to work?

Inhaling CBD oil by vaping can be the fastest way of gaining the benefits. this is because the compounds are delivered to the blood directly from the lungs.

This is better than swallowing them and having to wait hours for the compound to go through the digestive system. Which can take a number of hours.

This way is considered the quickest as the user will feel the effects within 10 minutes.

The alternative way is to place them directly on the tongue. Which allows the membrane on the tongue to absorb them directly into the bloodstream. (Tinctures, etc.)

Try them both, I am not saying one is better than the other, it just depends on which you prefer and which you will consider more convenient, but I do feel as if the vape helps squash the immediate urge to spark up that cigarette for myself.

Headaches and fatigue

One of the most common side effects when quitting is the headaches, these can be treated with CBD-known to be very good at providing pain relief.

Some people add CBD to their morning coffee as a way to help boost energy. This helps them focus on the rest of the day, again CBD is well known to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Is CBD oil safe to use to quit smoking?

CBD oil is now becoming a major hit and it is being used for more and more treatments. It is being used for substance abuse, addiction, and also depression.

There is definitely some great evidence that supports CBD oil for quitting smoking. Nearly half a million people die from smoking and smoking-related disease. It’s been stated that smoking kills more than every other health-related death in total.

If you smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products you know that quitting smoking is a really good move for your health.

If your considering CBD talk to your Deep South Organics representative first to get the dose and method right for you and your needs.

Asthma and Hemp Oil

Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes with increased production of sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with asthma experience symptoms when airways tighten, infame, or fill with mucus. Common asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and more severe during another. Some people with asthma may go for extended amounts of time without having any symptoms but can be interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. There are also some people may only have asthma during exercise, or asthma with viral infections like colds.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last a lot longer and require immediate medical help. It’s important to recognize and treat even mild asthma symptoms to help you prevent more severe episodes and keeping your asthma under control.

Know the Early Symptoms of Asthma

Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. These signs may start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that your asthma is worsening. In general, these signs are not severe enough to stop you from going about your daily activities. By recognizing these signs, you can stop an asthma attack or prevent one from getting worse. Early warning signs of an asthma attack include:

• Frequent cough, especially at night
• Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired or weak when exercising
• Wheezing or coughing after exercise
• Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody
• Decreases or changes in lung function as measured on a peak flow meter
• Signs of cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache)
• Trouble sleeping

Know the Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack is the episode in which bands of muscle surrounding the airways are triggered to tighten. This tightening is called bronchospasm. During the attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen or inflamed and the cells lining the airways produce more and thicker mucus than normal.
All of these factors – bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production – cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing normal daily activities. Other symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
• Coughing that won’t stop
• Very rapid breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
• Difficulty talking
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Pale, sweaty face
• Blue lips or fingernails

The severity of an asthma attack can escalate rapidly, so its important to treat these asthma symptoms immediately once you recognize them.
Know the Asthma Symptoms in Children
Asthma affects as many as 10% to 12% of children in the United States and is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. For unknown reasons, the incidence of asthma in children is steadily increasing. While asthma symptoms can begin at any age, most children have their first asthma symptoms by age 5. Not all children with asthma wheeze. Chronic coughing with asthma may be the only obvious sign, and a child’s asthma may go unrecognized if the cough is attributed to recurrent bronchitis.

Possible signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:

• Frequent coughing spells, which may occur during play, at night, or while laughing or crying
• A chronic cough (which may be the only symptom)
• Less energy during play
• Rapid breathing (intermittently)
• Complaint of chest tightness of chest “hurting”
• Whistling sound when breathing in or out – called wheezing
• See-saw motions in the chest from labored breathing. These motions are called retractions
• Shortness of breath, loss of breath
• Tightened neck and chest muscles
• Feelings of weakness or tiredness

While these are some symptoms of asthma in children, your child’s doctor should evaluate any illness that complicates your child’s breathing. Many pediatricians use terms like “reactive airways disease” or bronchiolitis when describing episodes of wheezing with shortness of breath or cough in infants or toddlers. Tests to confirm asthma may not be accurate until after age 5.

Risk Factors of Developing Childhood Asthma

There are many risk factors in developing childhood asthma, such as:

• Nasal allergies (hay fever) or Eczema (allergic skin rash)
• A family history of asthma or allergies
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Low birth weight
• Exposure to tobacco smoke before or after birth
• Black or Puerto-Rican ethnicity
• Being raised in a low-income environment

Know About Unusual Asthma Symptoms

Not everyone with asthma has the usual symptoms of cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Sometimes individuals have unusual asthma symptoms that may not appear to be related to asthma. Some “unusual” asthma symptoms may include the following:

• Rapid breathing
• Sighing
• Fatigue
• Inability to exercise properly (called exercise-induced asthma)
• Difficulty sleeping or nighttime asthma
• Anxiety
• Chronic cough without wheezing

Also, asthma symptoms can be mimicked by other conditions such as bronchitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and even heart failure.
Know Why Infections Trigger Asthma Symptoms
Sometimes a virus or bacterial infection is an asthma trigger. For instance, you might have a cold virus that triggers your asthma symptoms, or your asthma can be triggered by a bacterial sinus infection. Sinusitis with asthma is common. When you have asthma, any upper respiratory infection – like a cold or the flu – can affect your lungs, causing inflammation and airway narrowing. It is important to take measures to stay healthy and be aware of any asthma symptoms, even mild, so that you avoid a more serious asthma attack.

Hemp Oil and Asthma

Hemp oil may not be the first treatment to come to mind when considering asthma, however given the medical benefits that cannabinoid has had in other areas, it is now being studied as a possible treatment for this condition. Asthma chronically inflames the lungs, and it is now known that cannabinoids found in hemp oil have anti-inflammatory effects. There have been various studies on the positive effects of hemp oil in asthma patients. Now many of the studies look at how the active ingredients of this plant can reduce inflammation of the airways in the lungs. The airways of asthmatic patients are often inflamed due to a prolonged immune response to a trigger that sends the body into a defensive state. One study completed at the University of South Carolina and published the Journal of Biological Chemistry discussed the ability of hemp oil to help suppress inflammation in the body. The study shows that hemp oil can target receptors in the body responsible for promoting this defensive state, thus slowing inflammation. Another study revealed that hemp oil is a bronchodilator, meaning that it can open up the bronchial tubes to allow for increased airflow to the lungs. The study also stated, “It is gratifying, therefore, that the drug has been shown to work well by simple tests od ventilator function when administered in the form of a metered dosage aerosol with which these patients are familiar, and in an amount which has no side effects.” These studies are clearly showing cannabinoids potential to treat asthma. With the ability to dilate bronchial tubes and combat inflammation, hemp oil may be a legitimate way in which to alleviate asthma symptoms.

 

Migraines and Hemp Oil

Migraine
The causes of migraines aren’t understood but they believe that genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role. Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, and major pain pathway. Imbalances in brain chemicals – including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system – also may be involved. Researchers are still studying the role of serotonin in migraines. Serotonin levels drop during migraine attacks. This may cause your trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain’s outer covering (meninges). The result is migraine pain. Other neurotransmitters play a role in the pain of migraine, including calcitonin gene – related peptide (CGRP).

A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on just one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and can be so severe that the pain is disabling. Warning symptoms known as aura may occur before or with the headache. These can include flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling on one side of the face or in your arm or leg.
Symptoms

Migraines often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Migraines may progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and post- drome, though you may not experience all stages.

Prodrome
One or two days before a migraine, you may notice a subtle change that warn of an upcoming migraine, including:
• Constipation
• Mood changes, from depression to euphoria
• Food cravings
• Neck stiffness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Frequent yawning

Aura
Aura may occur before or during migraines. Most people experience migraines without aura. Auras are symptoms of the nervous system. They are usually visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or wavy, zigzag vision. Sometimes auras can also be touching sensations (sensory), movement (motor) or speech (verbal) disturbances. Your muscles may get weak, or you may feel as though someone is touching you. Each of these symptoms usually begins gradually, builds up over several minutes and lasts for 20 to 60 minutes. Examples of migraine aura include:
• Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light
• Vision loss
• Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg
• Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Hearing noises or music
• Uncontrollable jerking or other movements
Sometimes, a migraine with aura may be associated with limb weakness (hemiplegic migraine).

Attack
A migraine usually lasts from four to seventy-two hours if untreated. The frequency with which headaches occur varies from person to person. Migraines may be rare or strike several times a month. During a migraine, you may experience:
• Pain on one side or both sides of your head
• Pain that feels throbbing or pulsing
• Sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells and touch
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting

Post-drone
The final phase, known as post-drone, occurs after a migraine attack. You may feel drained and washed out, while some people feel elated. For 24 hours, you may also experience:
• Confusion
• Moodiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Migraine Triggers
A number of factors may trigger migraines, including:

Hormonal changes in women – Fluctuations in estrogen seem to trigger headaches in many women. Women with a history of migraines often report headaches immediately before or during their periods, when they have a major drop in estrogen. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines. Some women, however, find their migraines occur less often then taking these medications.

Foods – Aged cheeses, salty foods and processed foods may trigger migraines. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger attacks.

Food Additives – The sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many foods, may trigger migraines.

Drinks – Alcohol, especially wine, and highly caffeinated beverages may trigger migraines.

Stress – Stress at work or home can cause migraines.

Sensory Stimuli – Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells – including perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and others – can trigger migraines in some people.

Changes in Wake – Sleep Pattern – Missing sleep or getting to much sleep may trigger migraines in some people, as can jet lag.

Physical Factors – Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines.

Changes in the Environment – A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.

Medications – Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can aggravate migraines.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that could be involved and could cause someone to be prone to having migraines. These risk factors include:

Family History – If you have a family member with migraines, then you have a good chance of developing them too.

Age – Migraines can begin at any age, though the first often occurs during adolescence. Migraines tend to peak during your 30s, and gradually become less severe and less frequent in the following decades.

Sex – Women are three times more likely to have migraines. Headaches tend to affect boys more than girls during childhood, but by the time of puberty and beyond, more girls are affected.

Hormonal Changes – If you are a woman who had migraines, you may find that your headaches begin just before or shortly after onset menstruation. They may change during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines generally improve after menopause. Some women report that migraine attacks begin during pregnancy, or their attacks worsen. For many, the attacks improved or didn’t occur during later stages in the pregnancy. Migraines often return during the postpartum period.

Hemp Oil and Migraines

Hemp oil works by interacting with an endogenous (naturally – occurring inside the body) network of cannabinoid receptors, specifically G-protein coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system. Under normal circumstances, these receptors interact with naturally-occurring endocannabinoids and influence such factors as – among other things – pain sensation, appetite, memory, and immune response. If there is a deficiency or lack of naturally-occurring endocannabinoids in the body, the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors have nothing to bind to, and therefore will not be able to carry out the chemical pathways required for healthy, normative functioning. This is where Hemp oil comes in – it acts as a supplement or “replacement” in the instance of an endocannabinoid deficiency. And the beauty of it is that , unlike THC, it can “do its job” and function perfectly well without having to entirely overwhelm the cannabinoid receptors.

Think of it this way: you go to the doctor and discover that the chronic muscle cramping you’ve been suffering from is due to potassium deficiency. A simple enough fix, right? You eat some bananas and voila, the muscles can now function as they’re supposed to. Same with Hemp oil. Perhaps the migraines you’re suffering from are the result of an endocannabinoid deficiency in a particular area of the brain, and can be potentially remedied with a simple dosage of CBD supplement.

Seizures and Hemp Oil

Seizures are abnormal movements or behavior due to unusual electrical activity in the brain. Seizures aren’t always an either-or thing. Some people have seizures that start as one kind, then become another. And it’s not easy to classify some them. There are two main types of seizures but there are also different groups that are included in the types of seizures.

The two main types of seizures are:

Focal seizures – These start in a part of your brain, and their names are based on the part where they happen. They can cause both physical and emotional effects and it makes you feel, see, or hear things that aren’t even there. About 60% of people with epilepsy have this type of seizure, which is sometimes called a partial seizure. Sometimes, the symptoms of a focal seizure can be mistaken for signs of mental illness or another kind of nerve disorder.

Generalized seizures – These happen when the nerve cells on both sides of your brain misfire. They can make you have muscle spasms, black out, or fall.

There are six types of generalized seizures:

Tonic – clonic (or grand mal) seizures – These are the most noticeable. When you have this type, your body stiffens, jerks, and shakes, and you lose consciousness. Sometimes you lose control of your bladder or bowels. They usually last 1 to 3 minutes – if they go on longer, someone should call 911. This could lead to breathing problems or make you bite your tongue or cheek.

Clonic seizures – Your muscles have spasms, which often make your face, neck, and arm muscles jerk rhythmically. They may last several minutes.

Tonic seizures – The muscles in your arms, legs, or trunk tense up. These usually last less then 20 seconds and often happen when you’re asleep. If you’re standing up at the time, you can lose your balance and fall.

Atonic seizures – Your muscles suddenly go limp, and head may lean forward. If you’re holding something, you might drop it. If you are standing, you might fall. These usually last less than 15 seconds, some people have several in a row. Because of the risk of falling, people who tend to have atonic seizures may need to wear something like a helmet to protect their heads.

Myoclonic seizures – Your muscles suddenly jerk as if you’ve been shocked. They may start in the same part of the brain as an atonic seizure, and some people have both myoclonic and atonic seizures.

Absence (or petit mal) seizures – You seem disconnected from others around you and don’t respond to them. You may stare blankly into space, and your eyes might roll back in your head. They usually last only a few seconds, and you may not remember having one. They’re most common in children under 14.

There are three groups of focal seizures:

Simple focal seizures – They change how your senses read the world around you. They can make you smell or taste something strange, and may make your fingers, arms, or legs twitch. You also might see flashes of light or feel dizzy. You’re not likely to lose consciousness, but you might feel sweaty or nauseated.

Complex focal seizures – These usually happen in the part of your brain that controls emotion and memory. You may lose consciousness but still look like you’re awake, or you may do things like gag, smack your lips, laugh, or cry. It may take several minutes for someone who’s having complex focal seizure to come out of it.

Secondary generalized seizures – These start in one part of your brain and spread to the nerve cells on both sides. They can cause some of the same physical symptoms as a generalized seizure, like convulsions or muscle slackness.

Seizures in children

A simplified explanation of what happens inside a child’s brain during a seizure is, the brain is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons, which communicate with one another through tiny electrical impulses. A seizure occurs when many the cells send out an electrical charge at the same time. This abnormal and intense wave of electricity overwhelms the brain and results in a seizure, which can cause a muscle spasm, a loss of consciousness, strange behavior, or other symptoms. Although most seizures aren’t dangerous and don’t require immediate medical attention, one kind does. Status epilepticus is a life – threatening condition in which a person has a prolonged seizure or one seizure after another without regaining consciousness in between them. The risks of status epilepticus increase the longer the seizure goes on, which is which if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes you should seek emergency help. A low percentage of all children have a seizure when younger than 15 years, half of which are febrile seizures (seizure brought on by a fever).

Types of Seizures:

  • Febrile Seizure – occurs when a child contracts an illness such as an ear infection, cold, or chickenpox accompanied by a fever. Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure seen in children. Two to Five percent of children have a febrile seizure at some point in during their childhood. One out of four children who have a febrile seizure will have another, usually within a year. Children who have had a febrile seizure in the past are also more likely to have a second episode.
  • Neonatal Seizure – occur within 28 days of birth. Most occur soon after the child is born. They may be due to a large variety of conditions. It may be difficult to determine if a newborn is actually seizing, because they often do not have convulsions. Instead, their eyes appear to be looking in different directions. They may have lip smacking or periods of no breathing.
  • Partial Seizure – Involve only a part of the brain and therefore only a part of the body.
    • Simple Partial (Jacksonian) Seizure – have monitor (movement) component that is located in one portion of the body. Children with these seizures remain awake and alert. Movement abnormalities can “march” to other parts of the body as the seizure progresses.
    • Complex Partial Seizure – Similar to simple seizure, except that the child is not aware of what is going on. Frequency, children with this type od seizure repeat an activity, such as clapping throughout the seizure. They have no memory of this activity., After the seizure ends, the child is often disoriented ia state of know as the postictal period.

 

Hemp Oil and Seizures

Hemp oil is a powerful cannabinoid found in the Hemp Plant. When extracted Hemp Oil is non-psychoactive in nature as it does not make you high. There have been thousands of years of medical documentation of medical use of cannabinoid. Studies show that Hemp oil can be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. Cannabidiol can reduce the seizure frequencies in epilepsy patients.

It is believed that Hemp oil for seizures can help by directly acting on the seizures thus reducing their frequency. Two neurons: “The pre – synaptic cell is releasing a chemical messenger…” Endocannabinoids are made by the receiving cell and sent back across the synapse. In seizure disorders, the sending cell is overexcited, but the receiving cell is not sending back the turn – it – off message. External cannabinoid can say “turn off the message.” There is no fatal overdose because there are no receptors in the area of the brain where the respiration is controlled. The CB2 receptor is mainly in the immune system: spleen, white blood cells, the GI system, the peripheral nervous system, bone, reproductive organs, and heart. The theory is that the body makes them try to catch whatever cannabinoids are coming by. “Researchers think there is an endocannabinoid dysregulation with seizure disorders.” A recent study also found an increased number of CB2 receptors found in the white blood cells in children with autism. “A seizure is a clinical manifestation of hyper excited neuronal network where the electrical balance underlying the normal activity in the brain is pathology altered. Excitation predominates over inhibition. The cannabinoids act to suppress the excitation.”

Examples of how Hemp Oil stop Seizures:

  • Hemp Oil blocks NDMA receptor (similar mechanism as Felbamate)
  • Hemp Oil enhances GABA receptor (similar mechanism as Felbamate, Depakote, Tegretol, Onfi, and Phenobarbital)
  • Hemp Oil stabilizes ion channels (similar mechanism as Banzel, Lamictal, Dilantin, Keppra, and Trileptal)

According to Dr Devinsky, Hemp oil for epilepsy binds to the brain receptor that is found in the endocannabinoid system in the brain. When Hemp oil for seizures interacts with this receptor, it balances the calcium activity in the nerve cells. This reduces the activity of seizures in the brain. Researchers reported that using Hemp oil for Seizures reduces the seizures by 37% in the average patients and for 2% of patient’s seizures completely stopped. Hemp Oil is also neuroprotective – anti – inflammatory and anti – oxidants protect the neurons in the brain. Hemp Oil is also said to help promote new brain cell growth.

 

ADHD and Hemp Oil

ADHD/ADD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. As many as 2 out of every 3 children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. Children with ADHD often have trouble functioning at home and in school and can have difficulty making and keeping friends. If left untreated, ADHD may interfere with school and work, as well as with social and emotional development.

The three main systems of ADHD are Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. They can vary from person to person and can consist of some combination.

Inattention – People who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their mind focused on one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. Focusing conscious, deliberate attention to organizing and completing routine tasks maybe difficult. Often, they lose track or forget things easily. You may notice restlessness, procrastination, problems remembering obligations, trouble staying seated during meetings or activities, or starting multiple projects at the same time but rarely finishing them.                                                                              They might also have:
• Be disorganized
• Lack of focus
• Have a hard time paying attention to details
• Have trouble staying on topic
• Be forgetful about daily activities
• Be easily distracted

Hyperactivity – People who are hyperactive always seem to be in motion. They can’t sit still and may dash around or talk incessantly. Children with ADHD are unable to sit still and may dash around or talk incessantly. Children with ADHD are unable to sit still and pay attention in class. They may roam around the room, squirm in their seats, wiggle their feet, touch everything or noisily tap a pencil. Older adolescents and adults with ADHD may feel intensely restless.                                                                                                                                                                                    They may also:
• Fidget and squirm when seated
• Get up frequently to walk or run around
• Run or climb a lot when it’s not appropriate
• Have trouble playing quietly or doing quiet hobbies
• Always be “on the go”
• Talk excessively

Impulsivity – People who are overly impulsive seem unable to think before they act. As a result, they may blurt out answers to questions or inappropriate comments or run into the street without looking. Their impulsivity may make it difficult for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit when they are upset.                                                                                                                             The person might:
• Impatience
• Having a hard time waiting to talk or react
• Blurt out answers before someone finishes
• Frequently interrupt
• Start conversations at inappropriate times


ADHD often coexists with other conditions, such as learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Some symptoms may overlap with other medical conditions, as well. Imagine you have a huge filing cabinet full of files inside. However, instead of the information being arranged alphabetical or chronological order, every hour, someone comes in and arranges them in the order they feel is right at the time. How would you keep up?

In recent studies it has shown that patients suffering from ADD have been observed to have low dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of their brains. There have also been new developments with regards to the alternative patients might opt for to be able to treat their disorder in a more natural and organic way. Full spectrum CBD oil shows promise as an all-natural solution to many of the symptoms related to ADD and ADHD. Research has also shown cannabidiol as a safe and effective treatment for many issues related to anxiety, depression, motivation, attention, and many other disorders. When the drugs fail, it is time to look for alternatives, and recent developments have presented a rather interesting case for CBD. It presents its self as a safer and more natural way. Certain compounds in the plant have been shown to have the same effects as a prescribed drug, but without the horrible side effects. As a matter of fact, compounds in cannabinoid can treat even some of those side effects such as insomnia. During the extraction process they extract the main cannabinoid that have shown to have the most helpful and positive medical effects. As a result, they end up with a full-spectrum, whole-plant CBD oil derived from hemp that is safe and non-euphoric. Everyone has what is known as the endocannabinoid system that has receptors everywhere in the body and brain. These receptors play a huge role in controlling some crucial processes such a memory, attention, mood, appetite and even pain. We make endocannabinoids naturally, to activate the receptors, however other plant-based cannabinoids such as CBD can also affect this system. By activating some of the receptors, you can influence how the body reacts to inflammation, pain, temperature, etc. CBD activates anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory receptors to mange many of the symptoms of patients with ADD and ADHD.

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