From the EDITOR
BACK when we were kids, my late grandmother used traditional remedies for every ailment under the sun. Sore throat? Jamaica ginger and honey. Tight chest? Rooilavental and sweet oil. That’s not to say she shunned modern medicine. When my uncle contracted tuberculosis as a young man, she brewed Artemisia afra (also known as wilde als or African wormwood) tea and forced him to drink it along with the antibiotics the doctor prescribed.
Natural remedies weren’t only easier on the pocket, she believed, they also helped boost the body’s defence system in a more natural way.
Throughout history plants have been used for their many health benefits, yet up until a few years ago most people had never even heard of CBD.
Now it’s one of the biggest wellness trends in the world.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant and is being used in everything from teas and tinctures for everything from anxiety to pain.
But just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe.
CBD is a supplement, not a drug. It’s not subjected to the same testing, manufacturing and labelling standards and regulations as regulated medication.
Scientists are still exploring CBD – and if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that science matters.
Luckily South Africa has strict regulations when it comes to the sale of CBD products (read more on page 14) and there are labs that test products independently to ensure they comply with the law.
There’s also ongoing research being done internationally to determine the exact benefits and potential risks of CBD and the various ways it can be applied safely.
In the meantime, we recommend you ensure the products you use have been properly tested and comply with the law.
We also suggest you consult your medical practitioner before purchasing any CBD products because making decisions about your health is something you and your doctor should address together.
But it’s comforting to know these herbal choices are available to complement our conventional health practices.