6 minute read
healing ways
CBD’s New Frontier Help for Mental Health
When Kaye Herbert’s husband brought home a free sample of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, she didn’t hesitate to give it a try. Having heard about its calming effects, she gave CBD to her three sons, whose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder made home-schooling difficult due to frequent tantrums and lack of focus. “I didn’t expect CBD to be miraculous, but I was surprised that my kids’ frustrations were greatly reduced,” says the Austin, Texas, mom. “We weren’t seeing the severity of meltdowns.” The use of CBD in tinctures, capsules and lotions has grown exponentially, along with the science to prove its efficacy in remediating physical pain. Newer, but equally as robust, is the viability of CBD as a remedy for mental health-related issues, experts say, pointing to anxiety, depression and stress as the top three applications. However, as an unregulated supplement, CBD presents a challenge for consumers in its ubiquity from CBD-infused pillows to gummies, soaps and even pet food. Discerning purity, dosage and safety are real concerns for those that may grab any bottle off the shelf. C onsumers must become well informed, especially when replacing medications for serious disorders, experts say. But by Julie Marshall
for anxiety and emotional well-being, CBD is largely heralded as a safe and natural choice by providers well-versed in CBD, such as Peter Bongiorno, past president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. “It’s really important for people to know their options and to keep looking for what works for them,” he says. The Feel-Good Molecule CBD, a compound extracted from the hemp plant, is appealing because it can raise the level of cannabinoids—feel-good molecules naturally created within the human body. “When we can’t sleep or are stressed out, cannabinoid levels go way down,” Bongiorno says. While prescription drugs overwhelm the body with adverse side effects, CBD can healthfully bring back balance. B ut CBD won’t trigger an altered state because there is little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high, he says, adding that he starts patients at a low daily dose of 25 milligrams. I t’s important to talk with a physician about drug interactions, Bongiorno says. For instance, CBD can increase levels of blood-thinning medications, according to a 2017 study published in Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports. CB D can possibly treat a wide range of conditions, from fear of public speaking to bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders, but more research is needed, experts say. A 2018 clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests CBD offers potential in treating psychosis. More recently, researchers in a 2019 case study of 27 patients published by the Permanente Journal concluded, “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders.”
Seeds of Hope The most important step consumers can take to find a safe, quality product is to know where their CBD comes from, experts say. Lara Miller is an organic farmer in Lafayette, Colorado, who in 2017 dedicated a parcel of her two-acre farm to growing hemp for her business, North Field Farmacy. “I added in hemp because it is a dynamic plant that produces fiber, seed and medicine for us humans, all at the same time,” she says. M iller’s small, women-owned business grows the leafy plants outdoors in organic soil and harvests by hand. “We test in the field, post-harvest, during extraction and in the final product,” she says. “We know our product is clean and pure and potent.” Thi s isn’t always the case. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that in 84 CBD products sold online by 31 companies, 26 percent contained less CBD than the amount listed on the label. M iller receives weekly calls from those wanting to purchase her plants and start a CBD business. “What bothers me the most is that not one person has asked how my hemp is grown,” she says. “It all feels like a big grab; the integrity isn’t there.” M iller continues to decline these requests and spends her days on the farm, where—come harvest time—she, alongside her crew, engages in some visualizations. “We imagine the people suffering who need support and think about how we are growing the plants to help them.”
Julie Marshall is a Colorado-based writer and author of Making Burros Fly: Cleveland Amory, Animal Rescue Pioneer. Connect with her at FlyingBurros@gmail.com.
CBD – What You Need to Know CBD, in liquid, gummy, chocolate bar or topical lotion, seems to be nearly everywhere. What product you buy and where you buy it can make a world of difference as to your experience with this wonderful, hemp plant-based remedy. All products are not created equal. One way to know what you are getting is to buy a product with a Certificate of Analysis (C of A). The C of A comes from an independent lab that tests the CBD product. It’ll tell you if the strength listed on the container is, in fact, what you are getting. It’ll also list any other cannabinoids that might be in the product. Full-spectrum hemp products will not only have CBD, but may have CBG, CBN and/or THC. These all can be beneficial, but if you are trying to avoid THC, this would be helpful information. The C of A’s should also show the product is free of pesticides and other contaminates. The other thing to know is that CBD and other cannabinoids can have drug interactions. Be sure you review your current medications with your pharmacist or physician before starting CBD. D osing is important too. CBD can be less effective dosed too high for your individual needs. Therefore, start at a low dose and slowly work your way up to the dose that works the best for you. Take more than you need and it won’t work.
Source: Doug Yoch, PharmD (pharmacist), Stanley Specialty Pharmacy, 3120 Latrobe Dr., Ste. 200, Charlotte. For more information, call 704-370-6612 or visit StanleyRX.com. See ad, page 21.
ORGANIC FOODS, PRODUCTS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Is The Mold In Your Home Making Your Family Sick?
Our mold remediation and waterproofing services can keep your family breathing easy
Toxic mold floating around in our air is actually invisible to the eye, but still may be seriously affecting your health.
Turn a Moldy Crawlspace into Clean Living Damp Basement or Crawlspace?
15% OFF ANY ONE REGULAR PRICED ITEM One offer per family. Valid Through March 31, 2020. In-store only. Excludes Wine. Please bring a copy of this ad to redeem.
Renée C Southard, Owner 1012 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 704.864.0605 www.organicmarketplacenc.com Employment opportunities available. Apply in person.
Basement Repair - Crawlspace Repair Crawlspace Care - Crawlspace Encapsulation Downspout/French Drains - Mold Remediation Moisture Prevention - Annual Maintenance Emergency Services 6% Discount with mention of Natural Awakenings
