What is CBD Oil? What are its Uses and Benefits?

cbd oils

CBD or Cannabidiol is a popular and natural treatment for many common ailments. It is one of several compounds known as cannabinoids found in cannabis (marijuana plant), Cannabis sativa.

Another compound similar to CBD is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the main psychoactive component that produces the sensation of getting “high” attributed to marijuana. 

CBD is not psychoactive like THC, which makes it an attractive option for alleviating pain without the mind-altering effects of cannabis and some therapeutic drugs. It is also the major reason why CBD is legal in some US states and gaining ground.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the marijuana or hemp plant.  It is then mixed with a carrier oil to dilute it. Popular carrier oils used are coconut oil and hemp seed oil.

Here are the main health benefits of CBD oil supported by scientific evidence.

 

  • Relieves Chronic Pain

 

Scientists have learned that CBD and other components of marijuana can relieve pain. They found that CBD can do this by interacting with a specialized system in our bodies, the endocannabinoid system or ECS. This system regulates many functions like appetite, sleep, pain, and immune system response. 

Studies show that pain due to arthritis and multiple sclerosis can be reduced by a combination of CBD with THC. Several countries have approved the use of an oral spray with this combination to relieve pain caused by multiple sclerosis. A separate study has found that the same oral spray reduces pain related to rheumatoid arthritis.

 

  • Reduce Anxiety and Depression

 

Anxiety and depression have debilitating effects on a person’s health and well-being. They are normally treated with pharmaceutical drugs but have side-effects such as agitation, insomnia, and headaches. And they can be addictive.

CBD offers a natural remedy to these mental health disorders without the mentioned side-effects. Studies show that a 300mg dose of CBD taken orally can significantly reduce anxiety in adults. CBD oil is effective in safely treating anxiety and sleep disorders like insomnia in children affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD is also known to have anti-depressant qualities.

CBD does all this by having similar qualities to serotonin, which regulates our mood and social behavior.

 

  • Helps in Relieving Cancer issues

 

CBD has been found to reduce cancer symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy like nausea and pain. CBD oil with THC used reduced pain caused by cancer. A mouth spray variant eased vomiting for chemotherapy patients.

A study showed that concentrated doses of CBD can stop the spread of breast cancer cells in mice. That has to be yet tested on human tissue to be conclusive. 

 

  • Treat Acne

 

Recent studies indicate that CBD oil can help treat acne because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. CBD can also control the excessive production of sebum (oily secretion) by sebaceous glands.

 

  • Can Help in Neurological Disorders

 

CBD has been actively tested in the treatment of neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. 

CBD with THC reduced spasms in 75% of people with multiple sclerosis. Another study showed an average of 36.5% reduction of seizures on patients with severe epilepsy by administering 0.9 to 2.3g of CBD oil per pound body weight. 

 

  • Possible Heart Health Benefits

 

CBD can help in lowering blood pressure due to its stress- and anxiety-reducing properties. A study gave a dose of 600mg of CBD oil to a group of men and found it reduced blood pressure both during rest and in stressful situations.

 

  • Other potential benefits

 

CBD can reduce psychotic symptoms like schizophrenia. It can also help in substance abuse and drug addiction. CBD has been also shown to reduce diabetes in mice by 56%.

 

Conclusion

CBD oil offers many benefits and promises more as further research proves its potentials. Its usage has side effects like diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.  However, scientists and researchers are working to reduce them so many more people can benefit.