Truth and myths about CBD

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, which is most often referred to by the abbreviation “CBD”, has become very popular on the global wellness scene, as well as in Bulgaria, but this is no coincidence. From dietary supplements to a variety of cosmetic products, CBD is increasingly found in the market, satisfying the growing demand for natural solutions to health and well-being. Let’s outline its nature before moving on to its benefits.

CBD: The science behind the buzz

CBD is a natural compound that is found in the cannabis plant. But, before you imagine scenes from some funny movie about stoned teenagers, let us reassure you: unlike THC (that compound that leads to “being high”), CBD has no psychoactive properties. In other words, it won’t make you wonder where you left your keys while they’re in your hand.

Research shows that CBD communicates with our body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that helps keep order in the chaos of functions like sleep, mood, and inflammation [1]. It’s like having a personal superhero that quietly works to maintain your internal balance.

The benefits of CBD

While research on CBD is still evolving, some studies show promise for the benefits of its use in addressing a variety of issues:

  • Stress and anxiety: In 2017, a study published in the prestigious journal Neuropsychopharmacology examined the effects of CBD on social anxiety disorder (SAD). The study found that CBD treatment helped reduce anxiety symptoms in participants with SAD compared to the placebo group [2].
  • Sleep: Initial research suggests that CBD may improve sleep quality. A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal examined the use of CBD oil to treat insomnia and improve sleep outcomes in a group of adults. The results of the study were promising, with participants reporting better sleep quality and reduced anxiety after taking CBD [3].
  • Pain relief: CBD can offer relief from chronic pain. A 2020 article published in Frontiers in Pharmacology discusses research on CBD’s potential for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. The review concludes that there is evidence to suggest the effectiveness of CBD in pain management [4].
  • Inflammation: some studies show that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Although more research is needed, this potential benefit may be useful for treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis [5, 6].
  • Neuroprotection: Initial research suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective qualities. This means it could potentially offer benefits for neurological conditions such as epilepsy or Alzheimer’s disease [7, 8].

Safety considerations and potential side effects

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers CBD safe for most people when used appropriately [9]. However, some potential side effects include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Diarrhoea
  • Changes in appetite

Zen by Æterna

Æterna offers CBD through our Zen product line, featuring patches in two concentrations (Zen 15mg and Zen 50mg) designed for relaxation and stress management. But with the abundance of information (and sometimes misinformation) on the web, it’s only natural to wonder: is CBD safe and effective? Is it the right choice for you?

The decision to use CBD is a personal one. If you are considering incorporating Æterna Zen into your routine, it is important:

  • Consult your doctor: discuss potential interactions with any medications you are taking and make sure CBD is right for your individual health needs. Your doctor can advise you on the appropriate dose and potential risks based on your medical history.
  • Always go for brands that offer third-party lab testing to verify the CBD content and purity of their products. Æterna Zen offers third-party lab reports ensuring transparency and quality.
  • Start slowly and gradually: start with the Zen patch at a lower dose (Zen 15mg) and gradually increase the dose to Zen 50mg as needed to assess your body’s tolerance. This allows you to find the most effective dose while reducing the risk of side effects.

Æterna Zen and the synergistic effect

Æterna Zen offers transdermal delivery of CBD via patches, which is convenient and easy to use. This is a great choice for those who aren’t fans of ingesting CBD orally.

In Bulgaria, unlike most countries, CBD is not allowed for use as a dietary supplement, which precludes its ingestion in the form of an oil, capsule or otherwise.

In fact, transdermal delivery enters the bloodstream directly, bypassing the digestive system. This provides faster and more effective CBD action.

And let’s say two words about bioavailability. Yes, it’s a complicated word, but we’ll keep the explanation as simple as possible. When taken orally, most of the active substances are lost along the way, which is not short at all and has to pass through obstacles such as stomach acid, liver and intestines to enter the circulatory system. This obstacle course leads to the result that much is not absorbed by the body.

The transdermal patch provides maximum effectiveness, avoiding these obstacles. And let’s be more correct – the transdermal patch, otherwise known as a patch, delivers 6-10 times more efficient CBD absorption for the body.

In addition to Zen, Æterna offers a variety of other products formulated to support your overall well-being:

  • Cell: Created to support cellular health with a blend of antioxidants and nutrients [reference to research on the ingredients in the Cell product].
  • Mind: A nootropic supplement that improves cognitive function, memory, and brain health. It uses natural ingredients to optimize brain function, protect against brain disease and reduce stress.

Sources used

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