Anyone out there who has been maintaining a routine
with cannabidiol (CBD),
it’s likely because CBD offers at least one property that applies to your daily
needs, such as relating to inflammation, mood, or sleep purposes. But, there is another valuable aspect of the
cannabinoid that rarely gets discussed, which is its antiseptic potential. Yes, CBD is actually noted for its antiseptic
properties, which give it a whole new array of valuable uses that pertain to
our daily life.
What is an Antiseptic?
Antiseptics refer to agents that are capable of
stopping the spread of disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces. This means that they can fight viruses,
bacteria and fungus which can all lead to a host of infections that cause harm
to the body. Antiseptics may be applied
to the human body or to surfaces that are prone to the spread of these
microorganisms, such as surfaces in the kitchen.
Antiseptics are extremely valuable, and we rely on
them daily. Every time we wash our hands
with antibacterial soap, we’re benefiting from the power of antiseptics. We also clean our homes with antiseptic
agents such as bleach, which provides powerful disinfectant properties.
Why Antiseptics are So Useful
We take for granted our knowledge of the relationship
between microorganisms and disease. It
wasn’t until 1861 when renowned scientist Louis Pasteur discovered germ
theory, which proposed that human diseases are caused by
microorganisms of a viral, bacterial or fungal nature. Before then, antiseptics were unheard of, and
even in operating rooms, surgeons did not take care to use antiseptics between
treating patients, or even necessarily wash their hands.
However, our pre-1861 ancestors may have benefited
from antiseptics without even knowing it, as many plants naturally possess this
property, which are commonly found in households. Clove, for example, is a powerful antiseptic
that has been found in many households throughout history. Tea tree is another widely used antiseptic
that continues to be popular to this day.
Plant-Based vs. Synthetic Antiseptic Agents
Overall, most people will tell you that plant-based
antiseptics are preferable to those that are created in laboratories, like
ethyl alcohol. That’s because they are
less likely to cause toxicity, and because they’re generally gentler, better
for the environment and easier on the respiratory tract to breathe in. Plant-based antiseptics can work just as
effectively when used in the right concentrations.
You likely have synthetic antiseptics in your home
already. Examples include isopropyl
alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, two staples of a medicine cabinet which are
commonly used to treat wounds.
What are the Antiseptic Properties of CBD?
Cannabidiol has long been established as an antiseptic
through decades of research,
along with other popular cannabinoids
like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
(delta-9 THC). In fact, newer research
is demonstrating that CBD could potentially be used against antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
which has been a growing concern among medical experts for some time.
Something worth pointing out about cannabidiol’s
antiseptic potential is that this likely works independently of the
cannabinoid’s relationship with the endocannabinoid system. By and large, the properties we associate
with CBD which relate to things like physical discomfort, mood issues and poor
sleep are directly caused by the cannabinoid’s interaction with cannabinoid
receptors within the body, which use CBD and other cannabinoids to regulate
individual processes found within the bodily systems.
Overall, cannabidiol’s antiseptic properties do not
seem to be triggered by the binding process that takes place between
cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors belonging to the endocannabinoid system.
Which CBD Products Have the Most Antiseptic Potential?
Technically, any CBD-based product has antiseptic
properties. But, there are some ways to
make sure you’re getting as much of that antiseptic potential as possible when
selecting a particular product.
#1: The Higher the Milligram Strength, the More Potent
Of course, a more potent CBD product would be more
antiseptic. Make sure to check the
milligram strength of a product to make sure it contains enough CBD to offer as
much antiseptic potential as possible.
#2: Full Spectrum May Make a Difference
It’s likely that a full spectrum hemp product is more
antiseptic than any other type of product.
That’s because this type of product boasts every naturally occurring
compound in hemp, including the trace amount of delta 9 which has antiseptic
capabilities, and a rich variety of terpenes that may be antiseptic as well.
#3: Go with Products that Can Be Used Topically
Antiseptics are used topically, either on the skin or
on mucus membranes such as those inside the nose. So, use a product that can work topically,
such as a topical formula or an unflavored CBD tincture.
A Final Word
If you’re suffering from some type of infection, you
should first address this with a doctor.
While cannabidiol is an antiseptic agent, only your doctor can recommend
certain treatments and decide if CBD is suitable based on your specific
needs. Follow your doctor’s recommendations
and ask them about using this cannabinoid alongside other treatments to either
address or prevent certain types of infections.
At The Vape Mall, we offer a wide array of CBD-infused
products that have the ability to be used specifically for antiseptic reasons,
with generous milligram strengths and a richness of compounds that all play a role
in fending off a variety of germs.
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