A frequent natural treatment for many common ills is cannabidiol.
It is one of more than 100 chemical substances called cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa, and is more popularly known as CBD.
The primary psychoactive component in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is what gives marijuana users the feeling of being “high.” CBD, on the other hand, is not psychotropic like THC.
Because of this characteristic, CBD is a desirable alternative for people seeking pain relief and other ailments without the debilitating side effects of marijuana or certain prescription medications.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and blended with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil, to create CBD oil.
It’s gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, and some scientific studies have found that it may help treat conditions including anxiety and chronic pain.
Here are seven health advantages of CBD oil that have been supported by research.
Can Relieve Pain
Since 2900 B.C., marijuana has been used to relieve pain.
More recently, researchers have shown that CBD and other marijuana constituents are what give the drug its pain-relieving properties.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), an unique system found in humans, controls a number of bodily processes, including sleep, hunger, pain, and immunological response.
Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that your body makes that attach to cannabinoid receptors in your neurological system.
According to studies, CBD may lessen chronic pain by influencing the activation of endocannabinoid receptors, lowering inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
For instance, one rat study indicated that CBD injections lowered the pain response to surgical incision, while another rat study discovered that CBD medication taken orally greatly reduced inflammation and discomfort in the sciatic nerve.
A combination of CBD and THC is beneficial in relieving pain associated with multiple sclerosis and arthritis, according to many human studies.
Sativex, an oral spray containing a blend of THC and CBD, has received approval to treat multiple sclerosis-related pain in a number of nations.
One research looked at the effects of using Sativex for a month in 47 persons with multiple sclerosis. Improvements were seen in the individuals’ discomfort, walking, and muscular spasms. However, as there was no control group in the trial, the possibility of placebo effects cannot be ruled out.
In 58 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a different research indicated that Sativex significantly reduced pain when moving, discomfort while resting, and sleep quality.
SUMMARY
CBD, especially in combination with THC, may be effective in reducing pain associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health conditions that can seriously harm one’s health and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders come in sixth and depression is the leading cause of disability globally.
Pharmaceutical pharmaceuticals are frequently used to treat anxiety and depression, but these medications have a variety of undesirable side effects, such as sleepiness, agitation, sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
Additionally, some drugs, such as benzodiazepines, can be addictive and contribute to substance misuse.
Many people who suffer from these conditions are now interested in this all-natural method since CBD oil has shown potential as a therapy for both anxiety and depression.
90 minutes before to taking a mock public speaking test, 57 males in a Brazilian research were given either oral CBD or a placebo. The most efficient CBD dosage, according to the study’s findings, was 300 mg, which greatly reduced test-day anxiety.
The effects of the placebo, 150 mg, and 600 mg of CBD on anxiety were negligible.
Even among youngsters with post-traumatic stress disorder, CBD oil has been used to safely treat their anxiety and sleeplessness.
Several investigations on animals have revealed similar antidepressant-like effects of CBD.
These characteristics are related to CBD’s capacity to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which control mood and social behavior.
SUMMARY
Using CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies.
Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
Cancer-related symptoms and treatment-related adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and pain may be lessened with CBD.
In one research, 177 patients with cancer-related pain who had not found relief from painkillers were examined to see how CBD and THC affected them.
Those who got an extract that included both substances had much less discomfort than those who received simply THC extract.
The most typical chemotherapy-related adverse effects for cancer patients are nausea and vomiting, which CBD may help to lessen.
While there are medications that can assist with these unpleasant symptoms, they are occasionally unsuccessful, which prompts some people to look for alternatives.
A one-to-one combination of CBD and THC given as a mouth spray decreased chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting more effectively than conventional treatment alone, according to a research involving 16 patients receiving chemotherapy.
Even some research conducted on animals and test tubes have suggested that CBD may have anticancer qualities. In one test-tube investigation, for instance, it was shown that pure CBD caused human breast cancer cells to die.
Another study found that CBD prevented mice from developing aggressive breast cancer cells.
These investigations were conducted on animals and in test tubes, thus they can only speculate about human outcomes. Before judgments can be drawn, more human investigations are required.
SUMMARY
Though CBD has been shown to help reduce symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment, and may even have cancer-fighting properties, more research is needed to assess its efficacy and safety.
May Reduce Acne
More than 9% of people in the population suffer from acne, a prevalent skin ailment.
Numerous things, including heredity, germs, underlying inflammation, and an excessive amount of sebum, an oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands in the skin, are considered to contribute to its development.
According to recent scientific research, CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory characteristics and capacity to lower sebum production may aid in the treatment of acne.
One test-tube research discovered that CBD oil had anti-inflammatory effects, inhibited the activation of “pro-acne” chemicals such inflammatory cytokines, and stopped sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive amounts of sebum.
Similar results were found in another study, which came to the conclusion that CBD, in part because of its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, may be an effective and secure method of treating acne.
Although these outcomes are encouraging, more research on how CBD affects acne in humans is required.
SUMMARY
CBD may have beneficial effects on acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands.
Might Have Neuroprotective Properties
The capacity of CBD to influence the endocannabinoid system and other brain communication systems, according to researchers, may aid people with neurological illnesses.
In fact, CBD’s potential to treat neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis is one of its most extensively researched applications. Despite the fact that this field of study is still relatively young, numerous studies have shown encouraging findings.
Multiple sclerosis patients can safely and effectively lessen muscular stiffness using Sativex, an oral spray made of CBD and THC.
According to one research, Sativex helped lessen spasms in 75% of the 276 MS patients who were dealing with drug-resistant muscular spasticity.
Another trial administered 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg) of body weight to 214 individuals with severe epilepsy. Their median number of seizures decreased by 36.5%.
A further study discovered that CBD oil dramatically reduced seizure activity in comparison to a placebo in kids with Dravet syndrome, a severe pediatric epilepsy illness.
It’s crucial to remember that some participants in each of these trials reported negative side effects from CBD medication, including seizures, fever, and exhaustion.
Research has also been done on CBD’s potential efficacy in treating many other neurological conditions.
For instance, several studies have demonstrated that CBD therapy enhanced the quality of life and sleep for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Furthermore, research on animals and in test tubes suggests that CBD may lessen inflammation and aid in preventing the neurodegeneration linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
In a lengthy trial, CBD was administered to mice who were genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, and the results showed that it prevented cognitive impairment.
SUMMARY
Though research is limited at this time, CBD has been shown to ease symptoms related to epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. CBD was also shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in test-tube and animal studies.
Could Benefit Heart Health
Recent studies have connected CBD to a number of advantages for the heart and circulatory system, including a reduction in excessive blood pressure.
Increased risks of a range of diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, heart attack, and stroke are associated with high blood pressure.
According to studies, CBD may be able to lower blood pressure.
Nine healthy males were given one dosage of 600 mg of CBD oil in a recent trial, and the results showed that it was more effective than a placebo at lowering resting blood pressure.
The males in the research were also subjected to stress tests, which typically raise blood pressure. Interestingly, the men’s blood pressure increased less than usual in response to these tests after taking a single dosage of CBD.
Researchers have hypothesized that CBD’s capacity to assist lower blood pressure is due to its capacity to reduce stress and anxiety.
Additionally, because to its potent antioxidant and stress-relieving qualities, multiple studies on animals have shown that CBD may help decrease the inflammation and cell death linked to heart disease.
For instance, a research on diabetic mice with heart disease discovered that CBD therapy decreased oxidative stress and protected heart damage.
SUMMARY
Though more human studies are needed, CBD may benefit heart health in several ways, including by reducing blood pressure and preventing heart damage.
Several Other Potential Benefits
Other than the conditions mentioned above, CBD has also been investigated for its potential to cure a variety of other health conditions.
Although additional research is required, the following health advantages of CBD are considered to exist:
- Antipsychotic effects: According to studies, CBD may lessen psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and other mental diseases.
- Substance abuse treatment: It has been demonstrated that CBD alters brain circuitry connected to drug addiction. It has been demonstrated that CBD decreases morphine dependency and heroin-seeking behavior in rats.
- Anti-tumor effects: Animal and test-tube research have shown that CBD has anti-tumor properties. It has been demonstrated to stop the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon, and lung cancer in animals.
- Diabetes prevention: Treatment with CBD dramatically decreased inflammation and cut the incidence of diabetes in diabetic mice by 56%.
SUMMARY
Some studies suggest that CBD may help with diabetes, substance abuse, mental disorders and certain types of cancers. However, more research in humans is needed.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Even while CBD is typically well accepted and regarded as safe, some people may have negative side effects.
Study-reported adverse effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Fatigue
Several medicines and CBD are known to interact with one another. Consult your doctor before taking CBD oil to guarantee your safety and prevent any potential interactions that might be detrimental.
This is crucial if you use vitamins or drugs that have a “grapefruit warning.” The group of enzymes known as cytochromes P450 (CYPs), which are crucial for the metabolism of drugs, are affected by both grapefruit and CBD.
CBD-rich cannabis extracts have the potential to harm the liver, according to a research done on mice. However, some of the study’s mice was forcibly given amounts of the extract that were very high.
SUMMARY
Although CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions like diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also interfere with certain medications.
The Bottom Line
Anxiety, depression, acne, and heart disease are just a few of the prevalent health problems for which CBD oil has being investigated for its potential to provide relief.
It could even offer a safe, all-natural option for cancer patients to relieve pain and other symptoms.
New therapeutic applications for this natural treatment will undoubtedly be found as research into the possible health advantages of CBD oil continues.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CBD, the findings of recent research indicate that CBD may offer a reliable, potent natural therapy for a variety of health problems.
You can buy a variety of CBD-related goods online, including as candies, oils, and lotions, if you’re interested in giving it a try.
Is CBD Legal? Federal law makes hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) lawful, but certain state laws still forbid their use. CBD products made from marijuana are forbidden under federal law, however they are permitted by some state regulations. Verify local and national laws wherever you go. Remember that nonprescription CBD products may not be appropriately labeled and are not FDA-approved.