CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and immune response. The ECS has two primary receptors – CB1 and CB2 – located throughout the body.
When CBD enters the body through ingestion or application, it binds to these receptors in different ways depending on its form. For instance, when taken orally as an oil or capsule, it travels through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream where it can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
On the other hand, when applied topically as a cream or balm directly onto targeted areas of pain or inflammation on your skin surface level. This method allows for more localized effects because CBD does not have to travel through your bloodstream.
Once CBD binds to these receptors in either case mentioned above- it helps regulate their activity by influencing how they respond to other signals from our bodies that affect homeostasis (balance).
In essence- this interaction between CBD and our endocannabinoid system leads to potential therapeutic benefits like pain relief, anxiety reduction, better sleep quality, etc.