The Benefits of Using CBD Oil
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant or hemp. In recent years, it has become a popular supplement and with very good reason too. More and more research is continually emerging to suggest that CBD has a whole host of benefits for human health. Let’s take a look at CBD and CBD oil benefits.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is one of the many active compounds found in cannabis and hemp. Unlike THC, another well-known chemical found in marijuana, CBD will not make you feel ‘high.’ However, it is thought to have a wealth of health benefits, which are now steadily being confirmed by scientific studies.
CBD is most often taken as an oil which is held under the tongue for 1–2 minutes before swallowing. However, it is now becoming available in many other, more convenient forms including:
- CBD tinctures
- CBD capsules
- CBD edibles
- CBD topical cream
- CBD vape oil
People are often concerned about the legality of CBD oil as it comes from cannabis – which is still prohibited in many places around the world. However, providing that you choose an oil which is extracted from industrial hemp and contains only trace levels of THC, you should not run into any trouble.
Here are some of the reasons why CBD is quickly becoming one of the most popular supplements around.
CBD Oil Benefits to Be Aware Of
CBD interacts with several different biological systems within the body, including the immune system and the endocannabinoid system. This gives it a wide variety of benefits for both physical and mental health. Let’s take a closer look.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
CBD is probably best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It influences the immune system to dampen the inflammatory response that occurs as a result of injury or infection.
Thanks to its ability to relieve inflammation, CBD is widely used as a treatment for pain. This includes chronic conditions such as arthritis and acute issues such as muscle soreness after exercise.
However, the benefits of CBD as an anti-inflammatory do not end there. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many other serious conditions, including heart disease, strokes, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, taking CBD regularly could offer some degree of protection against these potentially fatal diseases.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects
As well as being a potent anti-inflammatory, CBD also has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This means that it could protect nerve cells from damage caused by a process called oxidative stress. These CBD benefits could make it useful in the prevention of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which result from damaged nerve cells in the brain.
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Anti-Tumor Effects
CBD could also help fight cancer thanks to its antioxidant effects. The compound also has anti-proliferative effects, meaning that it could stop cancerous cells from growing and spreading throughout the body. Finally, CBD triggers a process called apoptosis, whereby damaged cells such as cancer cells destroy themselves.
CBD and other cannabinoids have been investigated for the treatment of breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer. They may also be useful for dealing with the side effects of cancer treatments such as pain and nausea.
Anti-Seizure Effects
Another well-known benefit of CBD oil is its ability to reduce seizures in conditions such as epilepsy. It is unclear exactly how CBD works for seizures, but it is likely due to the way it influences certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Research has also shown that CBD can make certain anti-epileptic drugs such as clobazam more effective, meaning that patients suffering from seizures could reduce the dosage of their medication. It could also help patients who do not respond to traditional anti-epileptic drugs.
Anti-Anxiety Effects
By influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain, CBD is thought to relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety. Although the first-line of treatment for anxiety disorders should always include talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), many anxiety sufferers find it useful to take CBD too.
CBD helps anxious people to relax by making them feel calmer, reducing stress, and improving sleep. It has been investigated for various conditions, including social anxiety and PTSD.
Anti-Psychotic Effects
As well as relieving anxiety, CBD may be helpful in other mental health issues such as psychosis and schizophrenia. Although more research is needed, initial studies show great promise and CBD could offer a more natural alternative to traditional antipsychotic medications – which can have a variety of unpleasant side effects.
Treating Addictions
Another potential benefit of CBD is in the treatment of drug and alcohol addictions. Initial research suggests that CBD could help to reduce cravings as well as having a calming effect on people suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
The Safety of CBD
Last but not least, another benefit of CBD oil is its safety profile. Most people can take CBD without experiencing any adverse side effects, even at relatively high doses.
However, it is important to note that CBD is metabolized by the liver, as are many other prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Therefore, it can cause potentially dangerous drug interactions and if you take any other medication, you should ask your physician before taking CBD oil for the first time.
It is also important to recognize that CBD research is in its very early stages and we still have a lot to learn. It may seem like a miracle cure due to its wide range of benefits, but CBD should not be seen as a replacement for proper medical advice and treatment.
