CBD oil has had a lot of hype, and you may be a little bit confused and unsure whether it's safe (or even addictive!).
Dr. Elizabeth Phillips is a clinical neuroscientist and functional medicine practitioner, specializing in phytocannabinoids and THE go to expert on CBD oil.
I caught up with her to find out more about our little understood ‘endocannabinoid' system and how CBD oil is very safe, and can help with sleep, mood, anxiety and pain.
You can watch the video below or listen to the full interview on the podcast (episode 64).
What is this ‘endocannabinoid' system that scientists are getting so excited about?
“Well to me it’s the missing link because it underpins the balance in our bodies. We need good blood pressure, good body temperature, appetite regulation, good circadian rhythms. And our hormones need balance throughout the day. The body is constantly trying to remain in this balanced state. And the endocannabinoid system is involved in all of those areas of balance.
It underpins sleep, pain and inflammation. our hormone levels, our appetite, our muscle function. It really is absolutely key. And we need to be thinking about the endocannabinoid system as much as we think about, the brain, the heart, the guts, and all the other systems.”
How do we support this system?
“Our body produces its own endocannabinoids. It's actually the Sanskrit word for bliss, which I love. It's called Anandamide, and we can get it in our diet.
Essential fatty acids that we find in oily fish, nuts and seeds are the precursors, the building blocks of our body's own endocannabinoids. And actually dark chocolate as well, contains Anandamide. And Echinacea, the herb, is another source.
Stress has a big impact on the endocannabinoid system. So again, the more that we can do with our lifestyles to manage stress, and provide the balance within the endocannabinoid system.”
What exactly is CBD oil?
“CBD is short for Cannabidiol and it’s found inside the hemp plant. When it's just extracted from hemp into a quality product and there is less than 0.2% THC detectable in the oil, then that product is legal as a food supplement.”
What symptoms can CBD oil help with?
“First of all, sleep. It is not a sedative, it can just really help you naturally fall asleep and stay in a good quality sleep. It's also really important for mood, helping to calm you down, and relieve anxious, hyper feelings.
The other main area is pain management and reducing inflammation in the body. That includes gut health, joint pain, back pain, migraines, helping to reduce cramping and period pains as well.”
What do we look for in a CBD oil?
“I would always recommend you look for a certified brand. And the best way to take it is under the tongue. You can get drops or mouth sprays, and you want to start low, go slow.
I recommend you start with a 500mg product where a couple of sprays or drops will deliver approximately 2mg and build from there.”
Connect with Dr Phillips on Instagram or Twitter.
If you would like to try CBD oil, take a look at Eve Sleep's Chamomile & Passionflower CBD oil.