Cannabidiol is one of the most popular natural remedies for many common health issues these days. It is best known as CBD oil, and it is one of over 100 different compounds found in the marijuana (or cannabis) plant, also known as Cannabis sativa.
Although it comes from the marijuana plant, CBD cannot get you “high” because it doesn’t contain THC or there may be an inconsiderable amount of THC, depending on the product of choice. For this reason, CBD oils are an appealing option for those who seek relief from pain or other symptoms and are looking for a natural and organic alternative to traditional medications.
Available as CBD vape oil, CBD balm, or plain CBD oil to make for the most convenient use for everyone, these products are manufactured by extracting the cannabidiol compound from cannabis or hemp plants. What are the health benefits of using this product? Although the possibility is there are so much more, let’s take a look at those who have been backed up by sufficient scientific evidence.
CBD Oil Used as a Pain Relief
The latest research revealed that cannabis extract has been used to treat pain for centuries. This has led many scientists to investigate CBD oil’s pain-relieving effects. In fact, human beings have a so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates the functions of our body, including sleep, appetite, and pain.
The endocannabinoids produced by our body naturally bind to cannabinoid receptors found in our nervous system. Cannabinoids found in cannabis are very similar to those our body produces, and when ingested, CBD oil can help reduce chronic pain and reduce inflammation by interacting with our neurotransmitters.
To Reduce Anxiety and Depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the first main contributor to disability worldwide, and anxiety ranks in the top ten as well. These mental health disorders are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, such as benzodiazepines. However, these medications can be addictive and cause several side effects, including insomnia, headache, and sexual dysfunction.
CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for many mental issues. It is now being used to treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder, and doctors all around the world are experimenting with its antidepressant-like effects.
To Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
Research has shown that CBD oils and balms can help reduce symptoms related to cancer, and even side effects due to cancer treatment. This includes nausea, vomiting, and pain, which are some of the most common chemotherapy-related side issues.
On the other hand, the majority of these studies are test-tube and animal experiments. This means that, although they suggest that CBD might work in people fighting against cancer, patients must never rely entirely on these alternatives to traditional medications.
To Reduce Acne and Improve Your Skin
Nowadays, almost one person out of ten suffers from acne or other skin conditions. These issues are caused by different factors, such as genetics, bacteria, and the overproduction of sebum, which is found in the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oils can be used to treat acne when this skin condition is due to underlying inflammation of our skin. In fact, this natural compound extracted from cannabis can help prevent the activation of “pro-acne” agents who are responsible for the excessive production of sebum.
Anti-Seizure Prevention
CBD oils are now being introduced as a possible treatment for epilepsy, but research is still in its early days. A recent study from 2016 has found that, when treated with CBD oils, participants had 36.5% fewer seizures over one month. On the other hand, at least one patient out of ten recorded some adverse effects.
Neuroprotective Properties
Researchers are now focusing on the receptors located in our brain to learn how it interacts with CBD. This extract could help patients with neurodegenerative disorders, which are often due to the deterioration of the brain and nerves. Some of these conditions are multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Although it may not completely cure and prevent these problems, CBD oil can still be effective in reducing the inflammation that can make their symptoms worse. However, more research is undoubtedly needed before CBD oil can be used as a conventional treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
It would be a lie to state that our body and brain can only benefit from the use of CBD oil. Just like any other substance, this extract may have caused some side effects, although there is virtually no significant risk for the users.
Some of the adverse effects that CBD oil may have are hallucinations, low blood pressure, irritability, insomnia, and dizziness. On the other hand, more human studies are now needed to fully understand the risks and benefits that CBD and hemp oils can cause. At the moment, the use of these substances isn’t legal almost everywhere in the world, although individual states accept them for medical purposes by patients holding a special license.
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