12 • Innovative healthcare & alternative remedies Growing pains
Can CBD products really do what they say on the tin? Rhonda Carrier examines the evidence, effi cacy and risks
“ More and more people are seeking out this legal cannabinoid in the belief it may off er a range of benefi ts without the high”
European Journal of Pain showed that, using an animal model, CBD applied to the skin could help lessen the discomfort and infl ammation caused by arthritis. T ere’s also talk of CBD having
calming eff ects. A 2019 case study in T e Permanente Journal 2
examined IMAGES: GETTY C
annabidiol (CBD) has been making headlines across the UK over the past few
years, with products containing the ingredient seeing a surge in popularity. Research by Savills1
found
that the number of CBD oil users in the country doubled from 125,000 to 250,000 between 2017 and 2018, and that the UK’s CBD market is currently worth £300m — a fi gure that’s expected to more than triple to £1 billion by 2025.
More and more people are seeking
out this legal, non-psychoactive cannabinoid — usually in the form of products that can be ingested or applied topically — in the belief it may off er a range of benefi ts without the high you’d get from psychoactive cannabinoid THC. But is there any truth behind it?
What claims are being made? High-street sellers tout CBD products that claim to support general wellness
and aid pain relief, among other things, although studies into the ingredient’s effi cacy aren’t conclusive. Whether consumed in edible form
or applied to the skin as a cream, lotion or salve, CBD oil is believed by some to have anti-infl ammatory properties and a number of brands claim it can help with joint pain or stiff ness. Some animal studies suggest this could be the case, although this hasn’t been confi rmed in quality studies in humans. Research in the
A new way to treat your dry mouth symptoms
Up to eight hours’ relief
What is dry mouth? Dry mouth, or xerostomia is the sensation of dryness in the mouth that occurs when the salivary glands produce insuffi cient saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth is very common; in fact, around 25% of the adult population regularly experience symptoms. It’s a common side eff ect of certain medications, health conditions, stress and the natural ageing process.
Common symptoms of dry mouth include: • Sticky, dry feeling in mouth • Unquenchable thirst • Sores and split skin, cracked lips • Burning, tingling in mouth and on tongue
• Dry, red-raw tongue
What are XyliMelts and how can they help? XyliMelts are discs that stick to your gums, teeth or dentures that stim- ulate your saliva fl ow to help keep your mouth moist. T e slow release of active ingredients will moisturise your mouth and provide hours of comfort and relief from dry mouth symptoms.
You’ll also notice an
improvement in your speech, comfort and enjoyment when eating.
T e safe, convenient formulation
can be used throughout the day and night to stimulate saliva and has the added benefi t of
protecting teeth
from decay due to the role of xylitol in inhibiting plaque.
The results speak for themselves: “I’ve suff ered an extremely dry mouth at night, I had hardly any saliva at all. T is aff ected my sleep; I used to wake almost hourly to drink water. T anks to XyliMelts I now get a good night’s sleep.” Carole H “I’ve suff ered from dry mouth for
over 20 years and XyliMelts are the most eff ective product I’ve ever used.” Vicki
“XyliMelts are the answer to my
prayers. Can’t say enough about these little things, they’ve been a life changer for me” K.E
the role of CBD treatment in helping to improve sleep and/or anxiety. T e research found that, on average, anxiety and sleep improved for most patients, and that these improvements were sustained over time.
The risks and regulations T e Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) is the UK’s fi rst and only industry membership body for businesses and investors operating in cannabis-based medicinal products and CBD wellness markets. Last year, it released an executive summary that highlighted a number of red fl ags, stating: “T e legal framework that now impacts CBD products is decades old, and the applicable regulations
were enacted in 2001 — long before the emergence of a mass consumer market in cannabidiol products.” Indeed, there’s a risk that products may not be fully researched nor strongly regulated. Consult your GP if you’re on any other medication and remember that pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t take CBD. It’s also vital to read the patient information that comes with a product.
How to get what you pay for When choosing CBD products, check that the manufacturer is a member of the Cannabis Trades Association. Also, look for the amount of CBD in grams, so you can see if you’re getting value for money.
Sources 1
Spotlight: Hemp cultivation in the UK, Savills Research (2020).
savills.co.uk/landing-pages/
landscope/HempSpotlight.pdf 2
‘Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case
Series’, Scott Shannon, Nicole Lewis, Heather Lee, Shannon Hughes, T e Permanente Journal (2019)
Healthcare Innovations • Sunday 26 July 2020
To fi nd out more about XyliMelts,
available retailers and how you can get hold of a £1 Trial Pack, visit
xylimelts.co.uk
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