CBD is big in the wellness world and science continues to find new applications. Check out these six new applications for CBD.
By now, we all know what CBD is and have heard about many of the benefits it’s purported to have on both physical health and psychological wellbeing.
The best-known non-intoxicating chemical compound of cannabis has been proclaimed as a potential treatment for an array of conditions and, where legal (and even where not), is used orally and topically, in tinctures, skincare, body products and more.
Luxury spas started using CBD in treatments and services a couple of years ago. Ste. Anne’s Spa, in Grafton Ontario, for example, offers the Canna Massage, a full body treatment using a blend of essential oils including hemp derived CBD. And, on the menu at the Spa at St Julien in Boulder, Colorado, is a selection of “Colorado Bliss CBD treatments” which includes a CBD Classic Massage, a CBD Deep Tissue Massage and The Ultimate Colorado Bliss CBD Experience. Used in this area, CBD is said to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and inflammation, among other benefits.
As CBD becomes more popular, the body of research is growing. It’s still not what one would call “robust,” particularly regarding long term effects, because people simply haven’t been using it long term. But it’s certainly being tackled with zeal. New uses are being studied by scientists all over the world and it feels like new applications are found every day. Spa clients may naturally be curious about this research and information.
Here are six new applications for CBD that you might not have heard about.
1. CBD and COVID-19
Researchers at the University of Lethbridge say that some cannabis extracts may help in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Clinical trials have not been conducted but the researchers examined data collected over four years and found that high-CBD cannabis extracts may aid in reducing inflammation and slow the virus’ entry into the body.
Another study found that CBD may be helpful in reducing the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19. “Clinical reports indicate that the cytokine storm associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of mortality in severe cases of some respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19,” states the report. The researchers say their results suggest a potential for CBD as part of the treatment of COVID-19 “by reducing the cytokine storm, protecting pulmonary tissues, and re-establishing inflammatory homeostasis.”
2. CBD for athletes
A metastudy of more than 200 studies and trials found that “CBD may exert a number of physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects with the potential to benefit athletes.” The authors note that previous studies have observed anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and analgesic effects in animal models. They also state that CBD may reduce anxiety, protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with inflammation, and promote healing of injuries. They recommend further studies in athlete populations regarding the use of CBD in supporting athletic performance. Athletes may use
CBD as an oral supplement for anxiety and pain relief, or topically to treat a specific area.
3. CBD as antibiotic
CBD has been found to have antibacterial properties and is being looked at as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. A 2019 study found that Cannabidiol is active against Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria responsible for serious infections, such as Staphyloccocus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, “with potency similar to that of established antibiotics such as vancomycin or daptomycin.”
Researcher Mark Blaskovich of The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience’s Centre for Superbug Solutions said, “Given cannabidiol’s documented anti-inflammatory effects, existing safety data in humans, and potential for varied delivery routes, it is a promising new antibiotic worth further investigation. The combination of inherent antimicrobial activity and potential to reduce damage caused by the inflammatory response to infections is particularly attractive.”
4. CBD and cancer treatment
There have been reports that THC and CBD may be helpful for nausea and vomiting, which can be side effects of cancer treatment, as well as anxiety, depression and insomnia.
More recently, lab tests conducted at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute found that a modified form of medicinal cannabis can kill or inhibit cancer cells without impacting normal cells. This means there is potential for its use as a cancer treatment rather than simply a relief medication. The researchers compared THC-containing cannabis with cannabis with no THC and elevated levels of CBD. They found that the CBD-enriched variety was more effective at killing cancer cells than THC varieties.
5. CBD and oral care
A 2020 study conducted in Belgium and published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that mouthwash infused with CBD and CBG was more effective at killing certain plaque-related oral bacteria than two over-the-counter products and equally as effective as chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is an active ingredient in many prescription mouthwashes.
“Most of the reported studies show chlorhexidine containing mouthwash as the most effective mouthwash, however tooth staining is an unacceptable side effect of chlorhexidine,” the study says. “Mouthwash products with cannabinoids infusion offer a safer and effective alternative without any fluorides or alcohol.”
6. CBD and osteoarthritis
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Immunology suggests that CBD may help dogs with osteoarthritis. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that included 20 large dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis and found that dogs given large doses of CBD saw significant improvement in their mobility and quality of life while dogs in placebo and lower dose groups did not. The benefits continued for two weeks after the dogs stopped taking the CBD.
The researchers wrote, “This study supports the safety and therapeutic potential of hemp-derived CBD for relieving arthritic pain and suggests follow-up investigations in humans is warranted.”
Spa Executive is published by Book4Time, the leader in guest management, revenue and mobile solutions for the most exclusive spas, hotels, and resorts around the globe. Learn more at book4time.com.