The winter season is fraught with colds and coughs, stiffness from staying indoors all season. CBD beverages and oils can help keep one warm and focused, relieve cold, and soothe muscle stiffness.
Cannabidiol is a cannabinol compound extracted from hemp and marijuana. Together with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), these two compounds make up at least 40% of all extracts from cannabis. CBD is an antipsychotic unlike THC which induces ‘highness’ in the user. From dry skin to joint pain to the dreaded winter cold, there are many advantages to using CBD in the winter that you may not be aware of. CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a set of receptors in the central nervous system that particularly interact with cannabinoids (including CBD) to keep the body in a state of equilibrium. The ECS promotes physical and emotional well-being, which is especially crucial during the winter months.
Winter Blues, Depression, and Low Moods
Winter months are characterized by long cold nights and short days with little or no sunlight. This results in low exposure to vitamin D, leading to low moods. Statistics indicate that up to 1.8% of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during winter. Homeostasis is the self-regulating mechanism by which the body maintains its stability while adjusting itself appropriately to conditions that are optimal to the individual. CBD works with the endocannabinoid system to manage hormone-related imbalances. The central nervous system helps regulate our body’s hormones (such as cortisol, a stress-inducing hormone, or melatonin, a sleep hormone). One study by Li, et al.,(2020)., notes that applying CBD creams during morning hours can help reduce the amount of cortisol produced, which can lighten one’s mood, reducing depression. One can always apply CBD lotions during evening bed routines to help induce deep sleep.
Muscle and Joint Inflammation
During the chilly winter months, joint discomfort is exacerbated when extremely low temperatures can induce low atmospheric pressure. These changes can cause tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues to expand or become inflamed. According to Lodzki, et al., (2003)., CBD is a well-known and well-proven medication for joint and chronic pain, and it’s popular among arthritis and inflammation sufferers. Full-spectrum CBD contains terpenes such as linalool, limonene, humulene, and flavonoids such as cannflavin, anthocyanin, apigenin, and quercetin which work with CBD create the ‘entourage’ effect to alleviate body pain and inflammation. CBD reroutes central nervous system neurons to create a sedative effect to inflammation. In addition, CBD is effective against arthritis, especially for the old.
CBD Lotions for Dry Skin
Dry skin, irritation, and other skin conditions such as eczema can worsen in the winter. The endocannabinoids system maintains the skin’s homeostasis, which helps keep it healthy and balanced. If the endocannabinoid system isn’t getting the assistance it needs, neither is the skin, resulting in irritated or itchy skin. Skin inflammation can take many forms, including psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, all of which are exacerbated by the cold, dry atmosphere. As a result, reducing inflammation is crucial during the winter, and a study by Julia, (2022) shows that CBD can help. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to foreign chemicals entering the body. Certain non-inflammatory medicines, such as CBD, can successfully treat a variety of skin problems by moving the immune cells that produce irritation and inflammation.
CBD topicals exist in various forms; when treating dry or inflamed skin, look for the type of CBD utilized and any other components that may assist in treating your skin. CBD lotions and gels are often water-based, allowing for fast skin absorption. CBD creams and salves, on the other hand, are oil-based and penetrate the skin more deeply.
CBD Oils and Salves as Remedies For Flu And Cold
Immune system boosters are a safe and effective way to help the body defend itself against common illnesses like flu and colds. A healthy immune system is believed to be aided by a good diet, vitamins, and exercise. CBD can help us keep healthy in the winter when we are also fighting harsh environmental conditions. The ECS affects aspects of our digestive and immune systems and the central and peripheral neurological systems. When one applies CBD oils directly to the skin, as the previous study shows, CBD molecules interact directly with the endocannabinoid receptors, helping to stimulate the body’s immune system and boost the skin’s homeostatic functions. Adding CBD Oil or other topicals such as CBD salves and CBD mint balms may give the body that extra boost to help fight off the common winter cold and flu.
Full-Spectrum CBD for Body Immunity
The type of CBD extracts can impact the benefits the body receives, as well as the immune system boost the body will need throughout the colder months. For example, full-spectrum CBD is a ‘whole plant’ extract that includes CBD and all of the other cannabinoids, amino acids, and essential oils contained in the plant. These substances have a variety of benefits and work together to create the “entourage effect,” which allows the body to work at optimum levels. Compared to other CBD varieties, such as CBD Isolate, studies have shown that full-spectrum CBD products provide more relief from inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
When thinking about CBD for the winter, it is better to research the kind of CBD that would be most effective for the ailments you are attempting to treat. According to a study by Komarnytsky, et al., (2021)., It’s clear that Full-spectrum CBD topicals may best assist one reach the benefits they are searching for throughout the winter months if organically increasing your entire immune system is your objective.
Conclusion
The winter season is filled with long, cold, and dark days that can negatively impact our body’s immune system. The endocannabinoid system is especially useful in this season as it performs vital functions such as regulating body homeostasis. CBD extracts are handy this season as they work with these receptors to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, muscle cramps, and stiffness, which cause pain. These make CBD topical products handy as they work with the skin full of these receptors.
References
Julia, N. Best Cbd Foot Cream: Top 10 Hemp Topical Reviews (2022).
Komarnytsky,
S., Rathinasabapathy, T., Wagner, C., Metzger, B., Carlisle, C., Panda, C., …
& Varadharaj, S. (2021). Endocannabinoid System And Its Regulation By
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Full Spectrum Hemp Oils. International
Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 22(11), 5479.
Li, X., Diviant, J. P., Stith, S. S.,
Brockelman, F., Keeling, K., Hall, B., & Vigil, J. M. (2020). Focus:
Plant-Based Medicine And Pharmacology: The Effectiveness Of Cannabis Flower For
Immediate Relief From Symptoms Of Depression. The Yale Journal Of Biology
And Medicine, 93(2), 251.
Lodzki, M., Godin, B., Rakou, L., Mechoulam,
R., Gallily, R., & Touitou, E. (2003). Cannabidiol—Transdermal Delivery And
Anti-Inflammatory Effect In A Murine Model. Journal Of Controlled Release,
93(3), 377-387.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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