Top Eight Natural Alternatives to CBD

Scientists have found CBD products to be helpful when it comes to pain relief, anxiety, and depression. People also report that it can help with cancer-related symptoms, addiction management, and insomnia. Many people believe that CBD is a wonderful product, and they have benefited from supplementing their diets with it. Still, it contains tetrahydrocannabinol, which is reported to be addictive. For this reason, some people consider CBD to be controversial. Although it would  appear that the good far outweighs the bad when it comes to CBD oil and other products, it’s important to weigh the options. You could choose prescription drugs, but chances are that if you’re looking at CBD, you’d rather avoid them. Instead, you might consider more holistic products to help you cope.

Undeniably, taking alternatives to CBD products would be a great option for anyone who wants to stay natural. If you go this route, you would avoid the harmful effects of prescription chemicals that may have significant side effects, and which may be highly addictive.

This article shares eight CBD alternatives that people report to have similar effects to CBD.

1.   Kratom Powder

Kratom users report many benefits to consuming this plant product. It’s produced by crushing the dried leaves of the tropical mitragyna speciosa tree into a very fine powder. Kratom comes in several strains based on the color of the veins in its leaves, including white, green, and red veins. Red horn kratom products are among the most popular CBD alternatives. While smaller amounts are said to have stimulant qualities similar to coffee, greater quantities are said to help with anxiety and pain. This is due to the leaves containing alkaloids that react with your brain receptors.

2.   Ginger Root

Ginger is a renowned delicious spice worldwide. It contains incredible amounts of nutrients and bioactive compounds that may help to improve the body and brain. For many years, people have used ginger root due to its reported anti-inflammatory and cannabinoid properties.

It also contains antioxidants that may help with pain relief. People with knee arthritis can use ginger root to ease the pain as well.  What’s more, ginger is also said to relieve nausea and vomiting for pregnant women, after surgery and for cancer patients going through chemotherapy.

Ginger is also said to relieve menstrual cramps, diabetes, migraine headaches, etc. Generally ginger has many uses in different situations; however, it may cause mild side effects such as stomach discomfort, heartburn and for some women, it may cause severe menstrual bleeding.

3.   Magnolia

Magnolia bark is obtained from the houpo magnolia tree found in China and has been used for many years as a traditional Chinese herb. Similar to ginger root, people have used magnolia bark to relieve anxiety and depression for many years. Magnolia is also said to promote quality sleep and improve menopause symptoms.

Besides, scientists have found magnolia bark to have bioactive components that have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. What’s more, magnolia bark contains two potent compounds (magnolol and honokiol) that increase its medicinal effects.

4.   Flaxseeds

Research suggests that flax seeds contain cannabinoid-like compounds that have similar effects to CBD. Several studies have also shown flaxseeds to have similar anti-inflammatory properties that could trigger the cell’s immunological response.

5.   Echinacea

Echinacea has been used by Native Americans as a cold remedy for many years. Moreover, Echinacea can be used to trigger CB1 receptors. Besides, it contains N-alkyl amides, a compound that has THC-like properties that could help to ease pain, boost the immune system, and provide inflammation relief.

6.   Peony

Peony is a flower found in China and contains cannabinoids-like compounds. The flower is said to help in treating inflammation in gout and joint pains. Some studies suggest that peony can help to calm muscle spasms as well.

7.   Clove Oil

Clove oil is rich in eugenol, a potent compound with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties.

Traditionally, clove oil has been used to kill bacteria, relieve muscle pain and toothache, ease digestive upset, and for relief of respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough.

Besides, the beta-caryophyllene compound present in clove oil mimics that obtained from the cannabis plant and helps to relieve pain and inflammation. Clove oil has some potential side effects though. For instance, some people have reported skin irritation after using clove oil, so it’s important to test it fast before using large amounts of it.

Some people have also reported difficulty breathing, coughing, passing out, trouble swallowing, diarrhea, and vomiting after using clove oil. Experts recommend avoiding the use of clove oil if you’re taking other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anticoagulants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Besides, you should also avoid using clove oil if you have peptic ulcers or bleeding disorders like hemophilia.

8.   Black Pepper

Black pepper is also used as a spice worldwide but has other CBD-like properties. The substance is made from ground peppercorns; dried berries obtained from the vine Piper nigrum.

Black pepper is a powerful herb that influences CB2 receptors to provide inflammation and pain relief. It is also used to treat arthritis and can be used together with anti-cancer drugs to boost their effectiveness.

Studies have shown that black pepper may help to lower cholesterol levels, boost absorption of nutrients, promote gut health, and suppress hunger.

Do These CBD Alternatives Work?

Currently, people use CBD products for pain relief, managing stress, and anxiety, seizures, etc. Nevertheless, studies have shown few side effects with CBD products. Besides, not all people can use the products.

Thankfully, these CBD alternatives could help you enjoy similar benefits to those of CBD products. Even though these CBD alternatives may have powerful health benefits, talk to your doctor before taking them in large amounts especially for pregnant women, or if you have an existing medical condition.