Cannabidiol: Is the Ultimate Treatment for Depression? And Where Else Can You Find it

August 09, 2019

CBD (cannabidiol) is an amazing substance with a lot of benefits. In states where it’s legal, it's being used for everything - from the treatment of cancer patients to managing depression and anxiety. It has been shown in some researches to slow down and even stop the progression of cancer. It's also effective in managing the symptoms of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting.

In managing depression, it has been shown to bind to receptors in the brain that release hormones like serotonin - the hormone that elevates mood. However, despite all of these wonderful effects, CBD and its source plant, cannabis, isn't legal in all states in the US. If you live in one of these states, you might feel like you’re missing out on its benefits.

However, this doesn't have to be the case. We've compiled a list of four substances that can elicit the same effects as CBD on the body. While they may not be the same, they can still be quite useful.

Note; if you live in a state where cannabis and CBD are legal, you can get some CBD on this page.

1. Ginger root: Ginger is another plant besides cannabis that's rich in cannabinoids. Remember that cannabinoids aren't exclusively found in strains of cannabis; marijuana is just the most popular source. Besides being rich in cannabinoids, ginger is also rich in antioxidants. These are responsible for “arresting” free radicals that can cause tissue damage in our body. Besides being an alternative source of CBD and other cannabinoids, ginger can also give you a boost of antioxidants. How great is that?

2. Magnolia: Scientists have discovered that magnolia bark has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-bacterial effects. Its active substances, magnolol and honokiol, are responsible for these reactions in the body. They help to fight off infections caused by bacteria, reduce inflammations, and even help protect your body against allergic reactions. But then, that's not all. Magnolia has also been shown to be able to activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain that regulate memory and sleep. Talk about a potent substitute.

3. Black pepper: Growing up, almost everyone hated vegetables because of the way they tasted. However, even if you don’t like this one’s taste, you can’t pass up its benefits. Black pepper can bind to CB2 receptors (a kind of cannabinoid receptors in the brain) which are responsible for modulating pain in our bodies and create the same effects as CBD. It's also interesting to note that black pepper is useful in the management of some conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. It even functions like CBD by countering nausea and other side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments.

4. Echinacea: You may have heard of how potent Echinacea is as a cold remedy. You might have even used it at one time or another. However, here's something you might not have heard of - it can also activate cannabinoid receptors in the brain. One of its active compounds is called N-alkyl amides, and it acts very similarly to the way CBD affects the immune system, pain, and even inflammation.

As you can see, even if CBD isn't legal in your area yet, you can still enjoy its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It's by substituting it for one of these other herbs and vegetables.