INTRODUCTION
CBD, short form for Cannabidiol, is a chemical present in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as Marijuana or hemp. According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
The usage of cannabis in some countries is witnessing a tremendous increase for medicinal and recreational purposes. CBD is one of the Cannabidiol that will not cause intoxication. Therefore, it is employed in numerous restorative practices worldwide. One such variant of CBD is CBD Oil.
What is CBD Oil?
When CBD extracted from the cannabis plant is produced in an oil form, it is called CBD oil. From Kim Kardashian’s CBD themed baby shower to being actively used by many people in their coffees, workout drinks, oils, and tinctures, etc., the use of CBD has massively grown.
Marijuana usually has two kinds of compounds present in it, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. THC is the psychoactive part of Marijuana, which gives you the “sensation of feeling high.” CBD does not have any psychoactive elements present to it. Hence, CBD has been legalized and is practically safe to use.
How is CBD oil extracted and used?
CBD gets extracted from the cannabis plant as either an oil or powder. After extraction, it is diluted with a carrier like a coconut/hemp seed oil, creams, and gels or used as tinctures. One such example is the vegan CBD tincture made with a broad-spectrum CBD derived from sustainably sun-grown U.S. hemp. It is free from pesticides, preservatives, and additives. However, whether we should use CBD oil or not largely depends on the purpose of its use. Thus, one should seek a doctor’s consultation.
What are the benefits of using CBD Oil?
Several scientific resources claimed that CBD oil has health benefits.
-
Helps relieve pain
Scientists in recent years have discovered that CBD, present in Marijuana, can help relieve chronic pain. The way CBD oil affects your brain receptors helps diminish your discomfort.
Our body runs a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. Studies have shown that interacting with neurotransmitters and endocannabinoid receptors, which are a part of the ECS system, can reduce inflammation, which causes chronic pain.
-
Anxiety and Depression Relief
According to WHO, Depression is the major contributor to disabilities worldwide, and anxiety ranks sixth. They are the most occurring mental health diseases with a devastating effect on health and well-being.
Researchers believe Sunday Scaries CBD reacts with the way your brain responds to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health and happiness. Through that, it can manage your anxiety and depression. Studies show that using CBD oil can reduce anxiety and insomnia in children with PTSD
-
Used in treating cancer
The National Cancer Institute states CBD may effectively heal cancer symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment. Some researchers have even studied how CBD can avert cancer cell growth, but it is still in its early stage.
Other Health problems that can be cured or reduced by using CBD oil include:
- Migraine
- Lung conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Acne
- Heart diseases
So now, the question arises that if CBD effectively treats pain, can it also help reduce Labor Pain?
Two distinct sensations characterize labor pain: somatic and visceral pain. The unpleasant sensations felt in kin, tissues, muscles, and joints are somatic. We can describe it as cramping pain. The pain you feel in your body’s abdominal section is called visceral pain. For example, the pain occurring from appendicitis or gallstones.
Labor pain has three stages. Visceral pain is felt during the early stage (tolerable), whereas somatic pain occurs during the latter (intense). The ultimate stage of pain is the baby’s delivery (unbearable).
Doctors usually use physiological relief, physical relief, inhalation analgesia, opioids, regional analgesia, or complementary solutions to relieve pain. During delivery, one needs to be flexible and consider all the options to choose what suits them best.
Can we consider CBD oil as a substitute for painkillers?
During the early stage, the mother may experience somatic pain in her lower abdomen and lower back. This kind of pain is quite similar to menstrual cramps. From then onwards, the pain intensifies. It will be convenient to use small doses of CBD at this stage.
It could lead to a smoother labor process and ease early contractions without affecting the birthing process. CBD might help boost women’s fertility, reduce morning sickness, and regulate healthier sleeping patterns.
CBD products to be used during pregnancy are:
- CBD Topical oils and creams
- CBD bath bombs/shower bombs
- CBD candles for Aromatherapy
There is much-scanted research on the use of CBD during Labor. Though the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) and the experts’ advice against it, many mothers have reported using CBD. It has yielded positive effects, like the decline in morning sickness, stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, food aversions, and the aches, pains, and cramps accompanying pregnancy.
There are concerns that CBD overdose may lead to fetal developmental problems. There might be chances that the CBD consumed will remain in the mother’s system for several days and could also be present in the breast milk the baby is ingesting.
However, as there is no significant evidence that it may be harmful to expectant mothers, doctors sometimes prescribe cannabis medically for pain and muscular conditions.
Mothers are in a very vulnerable state during pregnancy; therefore, it becomes essential that you use CBD Oil with caution. It is always wise to choose a reputable source while selecting the correct CBD product. Use the product only after proper consultation with a doctor.
Self-diagnosis is highly discouraged, and the way CBD is used is also really important. Using the product with proper doses and under supervision is highly advised. Labor pains are agonizing, so any safe method is encouraged, but always do your research before using anything.
