5 benefits of CBD as a better alternative medicine compared to opioids and steroids

Opioids and steroids are commonly used to manage pain. While they are effective in the short term, long-term use can lead to various side effects, physical and psychological dependence. Patients may not be able to tolerate the side effects or the general feeling of being ‘dependent’ on these adverse medications. This is where alternative therapies of Cannabinoids (CBD:THC) come to the rescue. We all know that CBD has many health benefits and is safe to use. Cannabis extracts have been used in traditional medicines in India and other countries for a long time. There are majorly five unique benefits of CBD observed that can make it a significantly better treatment than opioids and steroids.

Pain relief

Pain is something that everyone has experienced at one point or another. No specific age is ‘old’ enough to experience pain. The human body has evolved mechanisms to protect itself from pain however in chronic cases mostly steroids and opioids are used for easing the conditions. But the usage can cause dependency and have major side effects on body and mind.   On the other hand, cannabinoids directly interact with our ECS (endocannabinoid system) i.e. CB1 & CB2 receptors present in our peripheral and central nervous system signaling to manage pain and promote natural healing. CBD & THC also plays a major role when it comes to managing pain.  It also has the potential to reduce opioid usage in chronic pain patients.

Anticonvulsant

There are many types of seizures. They are all treatable; even if we cannot cure the medical conditions behind seizure attacks, we can manage their severity and control symptoms. Some of these conditions may be curable, while others may not respond to conventional treatments. Around 30% of people with epilepsy undergo surgical procedures to remove the part of the brain suffering from seizures. Besides, current antiepileptic medications have several side effects and restrictions, ranging from weight gain to decreased libido and cognitive decline. So far cannabis is proven extremely helpful for seizures on humans and animals. CBD has been  effective in such cases as cannabidiols do not cause side effects that are common with antiepileptic medicines. Also in some cases it was observed that it also increases the efficacy of epileptic medicines. It does not directly target the seizures caused by epileptic conditions; instead, it eases the symptoms of epilepsy making it much more manageable.

Antidepressant

Major depressive disorder is a widespread disease. It affects people of all ages and genders; older people are also diagnosed with depression more frequently. People with a major depressive disorder often experience low mood, feeling of guilt, and loss of interest in life. They may also experience decreased appetite, weight fluctuations and other physical ailments.  CBD has shown antidepressant effects in several human trials; it targets the same receptors as antidepressants without causing any harmful side effects. Besides, CBD does not cause drowsiness unlike antidepressants however full spectrum formulations gives an entourage effect by uplifting the mood.

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is a significant cause of body pain despite it being necessary for the natural healing of physical trauma, especially after physical injuries or microbial infections. There are various steroidal and non-steroidal medications for treating inflammation. However, long-duration use of steroidal anti-inflammatory can cause unwanted physical side effects. CBD has the potential to be an excellent anti-inflammatory medication. It does not cause adverse effects that other medicines may cause.

Improves neurodegenerative conditions

Neurodegenerative diseases are very complex conditions and are characterized by the degeneration of neurons. They result from many factors, including genetics, environmental toxins, and ageing. At present, there is no cure for these conditions; the only option for patients in rehabilitation. Neurodegeneration happens as a consequence of oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable free radicals molecules. While unstable molecules are essential in the body, an excess of them can damage brain cells. CBD works as an excellent neuroprotectant. Its anti-oxidative and neuroprotective properties effectively prevent and manage neurodegeneration.

Finally

CBD is being recognized as a safer, cheaper, and more effective alternative medicine to opioids and steroids throughout the world. And the best part is that CBD has no unwanted, harmful toxicity or side effects. So, consult your doctor and clarify your doubts. We promote only doctor-prescribed dosages for treating various ailments with CBD.

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