Uses for CBD. Anxiety, sleep, pain and menopause.

5 Science Backed Uses for CBD

CBD is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms such as chronic pain, poor sleep, anxiety and menopause. But is CBD the right choice for you?


Even with this growth in popularity, there is still a lack of understanding of what CBD is, how it works and its potential benefits. You’ve probably seen CBD advertised in your local coffee shops as an addition to your coffee, spas are offering CBD facials, and beauty companies are adding it to their products.


So what is CBD?


Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid works on a specialised system called the endocannabinoid system in the human body and is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, learning, memory, and immune system response.


Our bodies produce endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in different systems in the body, regulating inflammation and neurotransmitter activity. Pretty incredible right?


Let’s look at the health concerns it’s been positively linked to.


CBD and Sleep


Craving deep and restorative sleep, CBD might be the answer. According to research, it might help people with different sleep disorders, including insomnia and restless leg syndrome, as well as other conditions that are known to negatively impact sleep.


With 80% of Irish people reporting feeling sleep deprived or experiencing poor sleep, it’s no wonder that supplements promoting sleep are on the rise.


CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality and quantity by ensuring the body progresses through the normal stages of sleep and REM sleep without interruption.


Hemp Hero’s recommends taking it approx 30-40 minutes before bed.



CBD and PMS


PMS, aka premenstrual syndrome, is a collection of symptoms ranging from painful cramps and lower back pain to changes in mood and sleep patterns. Not ideal for this to happen every month, right?


CBD is a promising supplement for PMS, as the endocannabinoid system that it works on regulates inflammatory pathways and balances the production of neurotransmitters.


More research is needed in this area, but anecdotal evidence shows that women notice a great improvement in the severity of their PMS when regularly supplementing with CBD.



CBD and Anxiety


CBD’s ability to calm the nervous system is perhaps its most popular effect and the reason its use is so widespread. This is an area of research that continues to show extremely positive results, especially in the area of social anxiety.


With 1 in 9 people expected to experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, the use of CBD could provide a natural alternative to medication. 




CBD and Joint Pain


Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C.


A 2017 study found CBD to be a safe and useful treatment for joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. 


CBD balms, gels and creams are also available and can be applied directly to the affected area for pain relief.



CBD and Menopause


Hot flashes, broken sleep, brain fog or mood changes are well-known, troublesome symptoms that can occur during perimenopause and menopause.


These symptoms, along with others, can be debilitating, impacting areas of a woman's life such as work, relationships and confidence. We know nutrition and lifestyle factors can play a role in reducing many of these symptoms, but could the addition of CBD be effective during menopause?


A Havard survey in Sept 2022 showed that 79% of perimenopausal and menopausal women had used cannabidiol (CBD) to alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause. 67% of those said CBD helped with sleep disturbance, while 46% reported it helps improve mood and anxiety.


More and more women are now beginning to use CBD Oil, especially those who can not take HRT.