In recent years, CBD has emerged as a popular medicinal supplement that is said to provide a variety of benefits for users, seniors included. The legal red tape surrounding the production and sale of medical cannabis has loosened of late, and as such CBD has entered the mainstream.
So what is CBD? And how can it help seniors with their health and wellness? Read on to find out more.
What is CBD oil?
CBD refers to cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in marijuana and used as a medicinal supplement.
Marijuana contains several cannabinoids, chemical compounds that have an effect on the body when ingested. The two major cannabinoids present in cannabis are THC and CBD.
THC refers to tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid that gives you the ‘stoned’ feeling when smoked. Tetrahydrocannabinol is psychoactive, whereas CBD is nonpsychoactive.
When CBD is ingested, the effects are more subtle. It is said to have a number of health benefits for the user, from reducing anxiety to alleviating pain.
CBD comes in a variety of forms. It can be taken as a capsule or tablet, applied as a balm, vaped, and even ingested as sweet gummies. But CBD is most commonly taken as an oil, usually by placing a few drops under the tongue, sometimes with honey to mitigate the bitter taste. This lets it absorb through the tongue to quickly deliver the effects of CBD.
CBD oil can be bought easily (and legally) online from a variety of suppliers. It comes in varying different strengths, strains, and even different flavors. Some suppliers, such as Sol CBD, even offer CBD especially for pets. For those interested in trying CBD oil for the first time, it’s recommended that they take only a small dosage. This can then be gradually increased as required.
What are the benefits of CBD oil for seniors?
CBD has been pointed to as a source of great benefits for a variety of people, particularly seniors. Elder people experience a number of problems that CBD can be highly effective at treating. Here are just a few of the key benefits:
Alleviation of chronic pain and discomfort
CBD oil is probably best known for its success in alleviating chronic pain. Marijuana has been used for years as a painkiller. As a synthesized version of cannabis, CBD is more effective in this regard.
CBD works by interacting with the receptors in the body’s nervous system, lessening painful inflammation as a result.
Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, to name a but a few. CBD can be a good treatment for this, helping older people manage their condition effectively.
Glaucoma management
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many elderly people, reducing their eyesight as a result. However, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that CBD is effective at treating glaucoma.
As well as reducing the pressure in the eye that occurs as a result of glaucoma, CBD can also alleviate the pain associated with the condition as well.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 5 million people in the USA. It causes a gradual loss of memory, language, and thought processes, and there is no known cure for it.
However, some researchers point to cannabinoids, and thus CBD, as a potential preventative tactic against Alzheimer’s and similar afflictions. This is because cannabinoids can help get rid of toxic proteins that cause the disease. It prevents inflammation occurring in the brain and can help regenerate damaged cells.
The power of CBD as a medical supplement is still in its relative infancy, but there’s no doubt that it can be an excellent addition to your lifestyle as you grow older. CBD is by no means a fix-all cure, but it’s a worthwhile supplement that seniors would do well to consider. And if in doubt, consult with your doctor before embarking on a course of CBD oil.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or are considering any recommendations, please consult your health practitioner.
