CBD is getting more attention by the day, and its benefits have been backed by science and even the World Health Organization. It is still largely unknown by many people, however, and some might be reluctant to try CBD because of it. There are also many misconceptions about CBD that need to be dispelled. CBD products vary greatly between each other too, and you have to understand the distinctions before you try. Here are a few things you should know before trying CBD products.

The Route of Administration Makes a Big Difference

When people think of CBD, the first thing they often think about is oil. However, the way CBD acts will vary depending on how it’s consumed. Oil is a great option if you want fast and long-term relief. Oil applied under the tongue will get into your bloodstream in minutes and provide fast relief. Gummies, on the other hand, won’t act as fast but will act longer at they need to be digested.

Then you have things like topical creams that you can apply directly. Also know that you can smoke or vaporize the plant.

This is why you need to know what you’re trying to get from the product. If you want instant relief for anxiety, then sublingual application and inhalation are the best choices, as the CBD will get in your bloodstream the fastest. If you want to use CBD as a sleep aid, then gummies might be the best option. And if you need spot relief from inflammation, look at topicals, though edible products can help with long-term relief as well.

Quantities can be Deceptive

Please don’t fall for manufacturers who sell insane amounts of CBD oil for a low price. If you see something in a 500ml or more format for a low price, then you’re probably not getting much in return. You will need to learn how to read quantities and go with a reputable supplier such as BLNCD.

That way, you’ll know that you’ll get value for your money.

If you see anything with the words “hemp seed oil” on there, then it probably means that it’s useless. Seeds do not contain anywhere near as much CBD as the leaves and other plant material. Make sure you go with CBD that was extracted from the whole plant, not just the seeds.

CBD is not Automatically Legal

While CBD in and of itself is legal, it also depends on how it was extracted. For instance, it has to be derived from plants containing less than 0.3% THC. This means that it has to come from hemp and not marijuana.

So, when buying your product, you have to make sure that you know exactly what’s in it. The only way to do that is to look at a lab analysis. Don’t worry, it should be easy to find this information either through the supplier’s website or upon request. If you can’t get your hands on it or the site refuses to produce it, go somewhere else.

These are all very important points that you have to take into consideration before shopping for CBD. The most important thing is knowing the product as much as you can so you can find the perfect product for your needs.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin tissue that covers the white part of the eyes, and which lines the eyelids. There are various causes of pink eye, but they all result in the inflammation of blood vessels in the eye. This is what is responsible for the pinkish-red appearance of the parts of the eye that are normally white.

Depending on the cause of the inflammation, pink eye has the potential to be highly contagious. Thus, if its spread is to be limited, early diagnosis and proper treatment is required. If you or your child have been suffering from irritated eyes or eyes that appear to be waxing pink, we highly recommend you consult a physician immediately. Dr Huma Majeed is a great option for people residing in Lahore that would like a quick and convenient diagnosis.

Causes

As we’ve mentioned above, there are many different factors that can result in the inflammation characteristic of pink eye. The most concerning of these are, of course, infections. These infections are highly contagious, and usually spread rapidly through schools and other closely packed spaces. Here is a list of causes of conjunctivitis:

• Bacteria – This kind of pink eye results in sticky pus, in addition to the usual soreness of the eyes. It is very contagious.
• Viruses – Pink eye caused by viral molecules is the most common kind, and, like bacterial pink eye, is highly contagious. Those with viral pink eye will usually feel a burning, itching sensation, together with sore, red eyes that have a watery discharge.
• Allergies – If pink eye is caused by an allergic reaction it is not contagious. This makes your eyes very red and watery, and the itching sensation of other types of pink eye is also present. In addition to this, the eyelids may also get very puffy.
• Irritants like chlorine, smoke and dirt.
• Fungi

Complications

Pink eye is usually harmless, doing no lasting damage, and normally gets better on its own, without the use of medication. However, some forms of conjunctivitis are more severe and could lead to permanent damage to the conjunctiva, as well as the cornea. This damage would result in the permanent loss of partial, if not complete, loss of vision. Some of the pathogens that trigger these forms of pink eye include gonorrhea and various adenovirus strains.

If the damage is to be minimized, the infection must be neutralised as quickly as possible. Physicians would prescribe antibiotics and/or antiviral medication to help with doing so.

Treatment

If the conjunctivitis is caused by a pathogen like viruses, bacteria or fungi, medications that target these, like various anti-biotics, would be employed to curb the infection. However, there are still steps you can take yourself to reduce the discomfort, even if the pink eye isn’t caused by infection. These include:

• Regularly washing your eyes to avoid the build up of pus or discharge
• Regularly cleaning clothing, bed linens and pillow covers (as well as anything else that could carry the infecting agent)
• Placing a washcloth over your eyes for a few minutes, multiple times during the day, whenever possible. This will help reduce the irritation and discomfort, as well as keep pus from accumulating and drying around the eyes.

If you seem to be having severe symptoms in addition to the characteristic reddening of the eyes, you should visit a physician immediately to discuss a treatment plan. We suggest you book an appointment with Col. (R) Prof. Dr. Sabir Hussain Bhatti in Lahore, if you reside in the city.

Whether you decide to take CBD drops, capsules or edibles, nowadays, there is real hype about CBD and its promising health benefits. It is commonly used for various purposes and conditions, from pain and anxiety to lack of sleep and skin issues, among many others.

Despite its growing popularity, there are also many misconceptions. What’s more, many people do not understand what it is and what benefits it may offer for its users. Let’s try to understand all the issues and find out what is true and what is fiction.

From History

Although CBD may be a new term for you, it has been around for a long time. The very first reported case of using CBD occurred around 2727 BC when the Chinese emperor Sheng Neng used cannabis-based tea to cope with various diseases.

In the 1970s, after the adoption of the law on controlled substances, marijuana became difficult to access for many fields of study, for doctors, scientists and any other people.

The law established some groups in which certain substances were listed on the basis of their potential properties, benefits, as well as abuse and health hazards. Marijuana fell into the first group – the most limited in use.

After a while, CBD began to gain momentum as an anaesthetic, even without any side effects that are usually associated with THC. In 1998, British pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals began conducting official medical trials to learn more about CBD’s capabilities.

This was the first step that they began to take around the world. Thus began international research in this area. After success in the first experiments, Israeli researcher Rafael Meshulam began to uncover the chemistry that underlies the many cannabinoids, namely, how to isolate individual cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from the plant itself.

This allowed for additional research. Meshulam received many international awards for his achievements, which helped bring CBD to a new international level. Thanks to him and his work, trials began to appear that clarified the benefits of using CBD in medicine and beyond.

On a small scale, the cultivation of crops and products with a low THC content and a high CBD content has begun.

In addition, evidence has emerged of how useful CBD can be in treating many disorders and diseases.

With the development of technology and the world as a whole, CBD began to use entire families to treat chronic diseases. People became interested in the tests and, over time, CBD became a popular remedy for many ailments around the world.

So, What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active, chemical substance that refers to a class called “cannabinoids” found within cannabis Sativa plants. It is thought to interact with receptors of the cell-signalling endocannabinoid system to provide various positive effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another component also found in hemp plants, is psychoactive and responsible for the state of the narcotic effect. Thus, CBD is not a psychoactive substance; moreover, it carries a lot of therapeutic benefits.

The content of THC in such a product does not exceed the statutory limit of 0.2 – 0.3%. For example, to obtain a mild narcotic effect, you need to use about 6-9 litres of hemp oil at a time!

There is some controversy surrounding hemp products, such as CBD oil, over the use of marijuana to create drugs. But also, there’s a growing awareness of the benefits of CBD oil for health.

Benefits Of Using CBD

A scientific experiment was conducted in which cases of anxiety were recorded monthly, and data were collected on the quality of sleep in 103 adult patients. The study evaluated sleep and anxiety using proven agents and after treating the same symptoms with CBD.

The results of this experiment were impressive. The final sample consisted of 72 adults with anxiety or poor sleep problems. After using CBD oil, anxiety attacks lowered during the first month of the study in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained so over the study period. Also, sleep indicators improved in 48 patients (66.7%) during the first month but changed slightly during the observation. What’s more, CBD was well tolerated in all subjects except for 3 participants.

Also, in a study of the properties of CBD done on humans, it was found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain caused by multiple sclerosis and arthritis. While research in this area is still relatively new, some of them have already shown promising results.

An oral spray called Sativex, which contains a combination of THC and CBD, has been approved in numerous countries for the treatment of pain associated with multiple sclerosis.

One study involved 47 people with multiple sclerosis. During the experiment, they felt a decrease in pain during walking and muscle cramps. At the same time, this study did not include a control group, and it is important to know that no one ruled out the placebo effect.

For example, several other studies have shown that CBD treatment has improved the quality of life and sleep quality of people with Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, animal and test-tube studies have shown that CBD can also reduce inflammation and help prevent neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It is crucial to note that some people in these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with treatment that used CBD, such as fever, cramps and fatigue.

The Question Of Legality

Currently, CBD is legal in many countries, so despite some confusion around it, it will not be detected on a drug test. Legalised countries include Argentina, the USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uruguay and the United Kingdom.

Even though in the UK, almost all cannabinoids are treated by the law on drug abuse (1971), CBD is not. In the UK, CBD is legal as long as it does not contain more than 0.2% of THC. Bulgaria was the first EU country to permit the sale of CBD infused products, and at the moment, the UK is also the leader in mass sales of CBD in popular healthcare networks Holland & Barrett. All CBD products are sold legally in accordance with strict rules and regulations.

Side Effects

Everything we take to relieve pain, reduce unpleasant symptoms or lift our spirit can have side effects, and CBD is no exception. Despite the fact that not a single case has been reported where CBD had a strong toxic effect on the body, according to some researchers, it is worth paying attention to some side effects after using CBD oil. They include:

• Changes in appetite;
• Diarrhoea;
• Dizziness and drowsiness;
• Dry mouth;
• Nausea and anxiety;
• Bloating and vomiting.

All of the above symptoms are usually mild and depend on the used dose of CBD oil. They also usually disappear within 2-4 hours; however, if any of these symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor.

The Global Sleep Survey showed that about 62% of the population worldwide have troubles falling asleep. Moreover, the COVID 19 pandemic even exacerbated this problem, according to the specialists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In this article, we’re going to consider insomnia-related issues and talk about effective natural aids that can help you combat this state and return your appetite for life.

Why It’s Essential To Sleep Well

Inability to stay concentrated on your duties and everyday life is only half the problem. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to the following severe disorders:

• Brain activity decreases, memory deteriorates, and attention weakens due to insomnia. It’s difficult for a person to focus on his/her work and daily activities. Scientists attribute this condition to oxidative stress. Simply put, it’s a process when brain cells are damaged due to oxidation. In addition, when we sleep, our brain sorts information received during the day. Important information is stored in long-term memory, while the rest is “erased”. If you don’t sleep enough, your brain can’t process the data, which adversely affects your cognitive functions;
• Insufficient sleep impairs our mental health. A person who has insomnia becomes irritable, anxious and nervous. Also, it may cause depressive disorders;
• Constant sleep deprivation is detrimental to the cardiovascular system. People with insomnia are at high risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension and are also more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who don’t have trouble sleeping;
• Insomnia may lead to weight gain. There are two explanations for this phenomenon. Firstly, metabolism slows down because of lack of sleep. Therefore, energy consumption decreases. Even if you eat as before, you will put on weight. Secondly, it was found that a lack of sleep increases hunger and appetite. Both of these factors can lead to obesity;
• Sleep deficiency adversely affects our immune system. People who sleep fewer hours than normal are more prone to colds. This fact can be explained by a decreased number of produced protective proteins, cytokines, which are synthesised in the body when we sleep;
• Numerous studies demonstrate that insulin resistance occurs more often in people with constant insomnia. These persons are at risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus. The risk is especially high if the individual with sleep problems is overweight;
• Chronic lack of sleep leads to premature ageing and adversely affects our appearance. When we sleep, our body rests and recovers. If you don’t give your body this opportunity, you will immediately see the results. After the first sleepless night, bruises will appear under your eyes, and wrinkles will become more noticeable. When unhealthy sleep becomes systematic, the ageing process accelerates rapidly.

There are two methods to cope with insomnia and sleep problems. The first one involves the intake of pharmaceuticals and the second one relies on natural remedies. Which one is more preferable?

Why It’s Not Good To Take Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills should be taken with great care, under the doctor’s supervision and only for a short period of time. The long-term use of sedatives can cause various side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, as well as memory and attention disorders. Some sleeping pills can be addictive, and you won’t be able to sleep at all without them. That’s why it’s recommended to try natural and safer means.

Six Best Natural Remedies For Insomnia

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is a simple, delicious, yet effective sleeping aid. In addition to the lack of caffeine and its aromatic earthy-floral flavour, chamomile acts as a mild sedative, helping to relieve anxiety, calm the nerves and ease insomnia.

To get a sleep-promoting effect, you can drink chamomile tea, take it as a dietary supplement or inhale chamomile essential oil.

Valerian Root

This flowering plant is also known to lower anxiety, promote relaxation and sleep. According to a review of 16 small studies, valerian might help people fall to sleep faster and may improve the quality of sleep. However, make sure to discuss the use of valerian root with a healthcare provider before taking this remedy, as it can not be ideal for long-term use.

Lavender

When it comes to relaxation and better sleep, lavender essential oil is considered a popular aromatherapy choice. A 2020 review of plant extracts for sleep disturbances found that thanks to its anxiolytic effects, lavender improved the quality and duration of sleep.

Since essential oils are intended for aromatherapy, inhaling lavender is considered safe, but oral ingestion might cause nausea, headache or constipation. If you experience sleep issues, you can spray lavender oil on a pillow or cotton pad or add a сouple of drops in a diffuser to inhale its soothing aroma.

Tart Cherry Juice

Cherry juice can help promote restful sleep as it is believed to be naturally rich in melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles of your body.

A small 2017 study of 11 subjects found that individuals with insomnia that drank tart cherry juice daily for two weeks experienced increased sleep time and sleep efficiency. Presumably, cherry juice poses a low risk, but if you have a tendency toward elevated sugar, it is highly recommended to discuss it with your doctor before starting.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that not only helps muscles relax and decreases stress but also thought to play a significant role in achieving quality sleep. A 2012 study suggests that daily intake of magnesium can help people that are subjected to insomnia sleep better and for longer.

You can consume magnesium from natural sources, such as whole grains, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. However, be sure to check with an experienced physician prior to taking magnesium supplements as magnesium can interact with various medications, while too much of it can cause serious health problems.

CBD Oil

Many people also use CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants, which can be beneficial for treating insomnia. One small study in 2019 found that 66.7% of 72 patients reporting stress and anxiety or poor sleep reported improved sleep within the first month after CBD use. Another 2019 critical review on clinical trials found that cannabinoids like CBD could improve sleep quality, reduce sleep onset latency and diminish sleep disturbances. There are also many ways to take CBD oil for sleep, such as inhaling CBD vape oil, taking tinctures, capsules or edibles.