CBD: A Natural Remedy for Beauty & Health?

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Though it’s long been used in ancient and traditional medicine, in recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has become an increasingly popular natural remedy, attracting the attention of health and wellness experts in the U.S. and worldwide. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive and causes the “high” associated with marijuana. See our new article on THC here!

CBD is known for its potential health and beauty benefits, making it an appealing alternative to traditional treatments with chemical additives. It has been studied for its ability to reduce symptoms like anxiety, chronic pain, chronic inflammation, and sleep disorders. CBD has also shown potential benefits for skin health, hair health, and general anti-aging properties. As research advances, CBD’s therapeutic potential is increasingly recognized. Let’s break down what it’s most useful for:

Anxiety and Depression Relief

CBD could help manage anxiety and depression by interacting with molecules in the brain that influence mood and stress. It may also help increase serotonin levels, contribute to feelings of well-being, and decrease the stress hormone cortisol. While CBD shows promise as a treatment for anxiety and mood disorders, more research is needed to understand its effects and long-term safety fully and of course, it’s always important to seek medical treatment for these conditions.

Manage Chronic Pain Naturally

CBD could help chronic pain sufferers experience some relief. Studies show that it can help manage chronic pain associated with arthritis, cancer, nerve damage, and back pain by interacting with the body’s own pain-regulating system, modulating the sensation of pain. It may also reduce inflammation, which can contribute to chronic pain. While CBD is generally safe with few side effects, it’s important to talk to your doctor first as it may interact with some medications you’re taking. Safety will also depend on whether you’re using it orally or topically.

Improve Sleep Quality

CBD could help improve difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or both in several ways. It can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to relax before bed, or can help regulate sleep patterns by interacting with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. While more research is needed, CBD shows promise as a natural sleep aid and works very well for many people.

Ageless Beauty

The skin naturally loses its firmness and elasticity as you age, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. CBD has shown promise in reducing the appearance of aging by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its structure and bounce. Additionally, it has been shown to keep the skin hydrated by regulating oil production and strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. It can protect the skin from damage, calm irritated skin, and alleviate conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Look for it on its own, in oil form, or as part of lotions and cosmetics.

Hair Revitalization

CBD oil is a natural solution for hair concerns, possibly helping to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and manage dandruff and scalp inflammation. It can be easily incorporated into daily skin care and hair care routines for a holistic skin and hair health approach. There’s been an uptick in CBD in hair products and will likely continue to be even more so in the future.

While CBD has shown potential as a beneficial supplement for beauty and health, it’s important to note that more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and potential side effects. There are many ways to use CBD – orally, topically, and in many types of products. CBD products vary in quality and purity, so choosing reputable brands that provide third-party lab

Resources:

Sreenivas S, Gardner SS. CBD for Skin: What to Know. WebMD. September 18, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cbd-for-skin

Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. Published 2020 Dec 8.

Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836.

Argueta DA, Ventura CM, Kiven S, Sagi V, Gupta K. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:561. Published 2020 Apr 30. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00561

Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818

Ranum RM, Whipple MO, Croghan I, Bauer B, Toussaint LL, Vincent A. Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia: A Systematic Review. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023;8(2):213-229. doi:10.1089/can.2022.0122

Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Ginger Hultin MS RDN CSO is a Seattle-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and long time contributor to nutrition content on Foodtrients®. She is the owner of the concierge, virtual nutrition practice Ginger Hultin Nutrition where she helps clients with complex health conditions through an integrative approach. She specializes in anti-inflammatory diets for integrative oncology nutrition, people with gastrointestinal disease, and autoimmune issues. Her 10-year partnership with Foodtrients® has focused on evidence-based anti-aging nutrition, healthy recipes, and "top foods" lists in many categories from blood sugar control to healing your gut. Ginger serves as adjunct clinical faculty at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle. She is the director of communications at the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a past Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and past-chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. She has authored two nutrition books: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep and the How to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook. Ginger is a graduate of the University of Washington and Bastyr University and is currently pursuing her doctorate of clinical nutrition at the University of North Florida.