Does CBD Oil Help in Breast Cancer Treatment? Let's Find Out Exactly

If you're a breast cancer survivor, you're probably familiar with the pain, fatigue, nausea, body aches, and anxiety that come with it. You've probably heard that other people struggling with these conditions are using CBD to help ease their symptoms . But what is CBD? How does it work? Can it really help someone with breast cancer? Let's talk about it all in detail.

First, let's understand these words.

There are a few terms used when talking about this. First, let's understand them properly, because they can be a bit confusing.

Simply put, Cannabis is a flowering plant that contains over 500 chemicals. Marijuana and Hemp, which we all know, are two varieties of the same plant.

The main chemical in this plant is tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ), which is known to many people. It is this psychoactive property that causes the "high" or "intoxication."

Cannabidiol , or CBD , is another well-known chemical found in the cannabis plant. Although it is technically a psychoactive compound, it does not produce the same effects as THC, as it works in a very different way to the brain.

Think of it this way: THC is like a naughty friend who gets you high, while CBD is like a good friend who calms you down and helps you. The effects of the two are very different.

The hemp plant mainly contains CBD and less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, hemp does not cause intoxication. The THC content in marijuana is much higher than 0.3%, which is what causes intoxication.

How can CBD help?

Our bodies naturally have something called the endocannabinoid system . Simply put, it's a complex network of cells in our bodies that regulates daily functions in our bodies, such as inflammation, mood, and sleep.

CBD works by interacting with this system in our body. This means that CBD can help reduce side effects of breast cancer treatment , such as pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting .

Andrea Mathias Schmucki, a doctor living with breast cancer, describes her experience: "As a doctor, I see the difference between complementary medicine and alternative medicine. I see CBD as a complementary therapy. That is, I don't stop my cancer treatment and take CBD, but I use it as an additional thing to reduce the side effects of the treatment ."

She wasn't a big believer in CBD before undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for her cancer. But after treatment, she found that the unbearable itching and pain she was experiencing were not relieved by regular painkillers. The discomfort was so severe that she was willing to try anything. She didn't want the high that THC gave her, so she decided to try CBD oil.

Although she didn't notice much difference at first, the severe discomfort returned after she stopped using it. It was only then that she researched and started using CBD from a trusted source. "It has helped tremendously in improving the quality of my daily life," she says.

Different ways to use CBD

There are many other products besides CBD oil. For example:

• Edibles
• Capsules ( CAPS ules)
• Sublingual tinctures
• Skin creams and oils
• Sublingual sprays

What are the side effects and risks?

Like anything, CBD can have some side effects and risks. While research is still ongoing, it's important to be aware of what's known so far.

It is imperative to talk to your doctor!

This is the most important thing. If you're thinking about using CBD, especially if you're being treated for cancer, it's imperative to talk to your doctor first. There are several reasons for this.

The first thing is to make sure it's safe for you. CBD can interact with other medications you're taking. For example, if you're taking blood thinners , thyroid medication, or epilepsy medication, you'll need to have regular blood tests to make sure your blood levels are in check. So if you start using CBD, your doctor will need to monitor you to make sure those levels don't change.

Your doctor may not be very interested in CBD, but that doesn't mean he or she doesn't want to help you.

You don't need to put the responsibility for your decisions on the doctor, but by saying, "Doctor, I decided to do this, this is my decision, but I want the doctor to be aware of this," you are giving him the information he needs to give you the best treatment.

How to buy CBD products?

If you decide to use CBD, what should you look for?

1. Medical-grade products: Don't assume that all CBD products are safe and of high quality just because they are available everywhere. Try to choose medical-grade products if possible.

2. Certificate of Analysis (COA): This is very important. Ask for this certificate from the company or place you buy the product from. This is an independent laboratory that certifies the exact types and amounts of cannabinoids in the product. That way, you know exactly what you are getting. Some COAs also mention levels of pesticides and toxins like arsenic.

Reputable, trustworthy companies usually provide this certificate with every product.

Also, remember to "start low and go slow." Everyone reacts differently to CBD. So it may take some time to find the product and dosage that works for you. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results the first time.

CBD oil, breast cancer, pain management, cancer side effects, cannabidiol