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CBD vs. St. John's Wort

CBD vs. St. John's Wort

If you're suffering from symptoms of a condition, you may be wondering if there's a natural solution available. There are several natural alternatives to OTC or prescription medications, and today we’re focusing on CBD and St. John's Wort. Each works differently, and offers its own benefits.  (And, in case you missed it, we’ve written about CBD vs. melatonin on our blog earlier this year.)

CBD vs. St. John's Wort

Here, you'll learn the difference between CBD vs. St. John's Wort, and the benefits and side effects of each, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your individual needs.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that's found naturally in cannabis plants. But, while CBD does come from the marijuana plant, it doesn't make you high or cause any type of intoxication like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other main cannabinoid in cannabis plants, does.

Still, there is some debate about cannabis products like CBD-infused oil due to recreational marijuana use. However, there's also increasing awareness about CBD's potential health benefits.

Benefits of CBD

CBD provides a host of potential benefits, including:

  1. CBD for Anxiety

CBD might help you manage anxiety. According to researchers, it might change how the receptors in your brain responds to serotonin — a chemical in your brain linked to mental health. A study showed 600 mg of CBD helped individuals give a speech despite suffering from social anxiety. Other animal studies found CBD might help ease anxiety by:

  • Reducing physiological effects of anxiety, like increased heart rate
  • Decreasing stress
  • Inducing sleep in insomnia cases
  • Improving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
  1. Cannabidiol and Sleep Disorders

Cannabinoids like CBD attach to the cells in your brain, and have a variety of effects. Some research shows CBD may affect sleep by interacting with certain receptors, possibly impacting your sleep-wake cycle.

Also, CBD for sleep disorders might also reduce pain and anxiety, which both can disrupt your sleep. By decreasing certain symptoms, your sleep may potentially improve.

  1. CBD for Pain

CBD's effects on the receptors in your brain might also help you manage pain. The National Institutes of Health sponsored pre-clinical studies are studying cannabis's role in easing symptoms caused by:

  • MS pain
  • Arthritis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Muscle pain
  • Chronic pain
  1. CBD as a Neuroprotective Agent

Researchers are also looking at a brain receptor to get an idea on how CBD may help individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. These are diseases that cause your nerves and brain to deteriorate over time. The receptor they're studying is the CB1 receptor. The researchers are studying CBD infused oil for treating:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Stroke
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease

CBD oil might also decrease the inflammation that can worsen neurodegenerative symptoms.

Side Effects of CBD

Cannabidiol has been reported rarely to cause:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure
  • Drowsiness

Not everyone experiences side effects.

What Is St. John's Wort?

St. John's Wort is a European native flowering shrub. It stands for Hypericum perforatum. The leaves and flowers of this shrub contain active ingredients like hyperforin. You can obtain St. John's Wort as a supplement in:

  • Tablets
  • Teas
  • Topical preparations
  • Liquids

Benefits of St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is used for a couple specific conditions which are:

  1. Depression

A few studies show St. John's Wort's therapeutic benefit in treating depression (mild to moderate). Some research shows it can be as effective as a few prescription antidepressants.

  1. Menopause Symptoms

Some research suggests when you combine St. John's Wort with a certain form of black cohosh extract, it may decrease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. But, when St. John's Wort is used alone, the research isn't as compelling.

Side Effects of St. John's Wort

The downside to St. John's Wort is it could come with many side effects, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Light sensitivity
  • Dry mouth
  • Skin reactions
  • Restlessness
  • Headache
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Stomach upset
  • Sedation

It also might take three to six weeks for you to experience any benefit. If you plan to stop using St. John's Wort, you should do so gradually to help prevent side effects.

While St. John's Wort could be effective for some people to treat their mild to moderate depression, it does interact with many medicines, and could cause severe side effects. If you're taking any type of medicine, it's important you consult with your doctor first before starting St. John's Wort.

Whether you're considering CBD or St. John's Wort, your doctor should be your first stop. They can help you with dosage, side effects, and more.

Benefit from CBD with a CBD Pillow

If you've made the choice to try CBD to experience its potential benefits for yourself, why not try a CBD pillow? CBD-infused pillows contain treated textiles that touch your hair and skin. The microcapsules break, and release microdoses of CBD from the friction.

Your skin absorbs the active ingredients, and delivers them throughout your body where they go to work disarming free radicals, and reinforcing other antioxidants as well as providing you with a host of other potential benefits, like having a better night’s sleep.

Buy our CBD-infused pillow today to experience the potential therapeutic benefits for yourself. It’s guaranteed to contain no THC, so it won’t get you high. We offer free shipping and a 30-day return policy.

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