Introduction
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity in recent years as a natural therapeutic form to treat various diseases and conditions. However, its history dates back thousands of years, when cannabis was used as medicine in different cultures around the world.
The origin of cannabis as natural medicine
Cannabis, also known as hemp, is one of the oldest plants used by humanity. There is evidence of its medicinal use for thousands of years in different cultures, such as traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to treat various diseases and ailments.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cannabis was used to relieve joint pain, treat malaria, rheumatism and constipation. Great figures in history, such as Emperor Sheng Nung, used cannabis as a medicine to treat various ailments.
Cannabis in ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, cannabis was also used for medicinal purposes. Remains of cannabis have been found in the tombs of pharaohs, supporting its use in Egyptian medicine. Ancient Egyptian medical books, such as the Papyrus Ramesseum and the Ebers Papyrus, refer to the use of cannabis to treat different diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, earaches and depression.
Cannabis in other ancient cultures
The use of cannabis spread to other ancient cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans. In Greece, it was used as an analgesic to relieve menstrual pain and other ailments. In the Roman Empire, it was used to calm the sexual desires of soldiers and relieve earaches.
Cannabis was also used by Vikings, Italians and Arabs for different purposes, such as making materials and for recreation during sea voyages.
The rediscovery of CBD in the 20th century
Cannabidiol (CBD) as an isolated compound was discovered in the 20th century. In the 1940s, Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam managed to isolate the different chemical compounds of cannabis, including CBD. Subsequently, the endocannabinoid system of the human body was discovered, which plays a fundamental role in various biological functions.
In the 1970s, it was discovered that CBD had anticonvulsant effects and could alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. In the following years, more research was conducted demonstrating the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of CBD, as well as its potential to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
CBD Advances in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, significant advances have been made in the research and use of CBD. Cannabis strains have been developed with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, which has allowed their therapeutic use without psychoactive effects. Furthermore, more benefits of CBD have been discovered in the treatment of various diseases, such as Parkinson’s, anxiety, and cancer.
Conclusions
The history of CBD dates back thousands of years, when cannabis was used as medicine in different cultures. Over the centuries, cannabis has been used to treat various ailments and diseases, and in the 20th century, the therapeutic potential of CBD was discovered. Currently, CBD is used as a natural treatment for various diseases and conditions, and its research continues to discover more benefits and applications.
