Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is growing in popularity as a natural supplement that complements many medical treatments. The inclusion of CBD in one’s daily routine has resulted in life-changing effects like better sleep, enhanced pain management, and a significant improvement in the overall quality of life. Early research suggests it may offer health benefits for numerous conditions like anxiety, seizures, epilepsy, chronic pain, etc. The popularity of CBD products is showcased in all shapes and sizes- be it in the form of oil, gummies, or patches. While CBD is the rage in a world that depends on mainstream healthcare practices, it is important to look at exactly how it works.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoid is THC, which causes the “high” associated with marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD does not have intoxicating effects. This allows CBD to provide potential therapeutic benefits without causing a high. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. It comes in various formulations including tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals and more.
Now let’s explore some of the evidence-based health benefits CBD offers:
- Epilepsy –
Epilepsy causes recurrent, uncontrolled seizures. These seizures can significantly impact the quality of life. Research indicates CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation by interacting with specialized receptor proteins called vanilloid receptors. A study in Current Neuropharmacology found that CBD reaching vanilloid receptors resulted in lowered inflammation and pain perception. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain examined CBD use in animals with arthritis. Researchers applied a CBD gel to the skin of arthritic animals and concluded that the topical CBD product effectively reduced inflammatory pain-related behaviours without any evident side effects.
- Relief from the side effects of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can cause very unpleasant side effects. The most common include pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Studies show CBD may help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Recently, CBD products have been approved by the FDA to combat these side effects and help patients recover at a rapid rate from ailments caused by cancer. What’s more, scientists have unravelled that CBD can significantly delay the growth of cancer cells, a claim endorsed by the reputed American Cancer Society. While this wonder ingredient is under the scrutiny of researchers and doctors all over the world, CBD could provide some much-needed relief from the adverse effects of cancer therapies.
- Acne and Other Skin Issues
CBD’s potential benefits extend beyond internal conditions. When applied topically, it may improve inflammatory skin issues like acne, eczema and psoriasis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may also make it effective against acne. A recent lab study found CBD suppressed excessive oil production in human sebaceous glands, suggesting promise as an acne treatment.
- High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. While medication can help, some people seek complementary remedies. Researchers in England found that a single dosage of CBD decreased resting blood pressure by 6 millimetres of mercury (mmHg), which may ultimately also lessen the risk of stroke. The study featured a small group of healthy men ages 19 to 29 who were nonsmokers and had never used cannabis. The research, which was published in July 2017 in JCI Insight, came to the conclusion that CBD’s analgesic (pain-relieving) and anxiolytic (lowering anxiety) effects might be the cause of the response. The authors say CBD’s anxiety and stress-reducing properties may have contributed to lower blood pressure.
- Addiction
Breaking an addiction to things like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs can be extremely tough. Currently, the available treatments for addiction do not fit every individual and require great reforms. This is leading researchers to explore new options like CBD. A 2015 review found CBD reduced addictive behaviours in animal studies. Rodents treated with CBD had fewer drug-seeking behaviours and were less likely to relapse after going through withdrawal. The mechanisms are still being studied, but CBD may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms to support addiction recovery.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting blood sugar regulation. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to complications like nerve damage, vision loss and kidney disease. Numerous studies have indicated that CBD may have an impact on the quality of life for diabetics, one of which was published in the American Journal of Pathology in February 2012. Research using observational data has demonstrated that marijuana users have reduced insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels. In conclusion, by reducing neuroinflammation, CBD could help mitigate diabetes complications.
- Chronic Pain Relief
Chronic pain conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia can significantly reduce quality of life. While pharmaceutical medications have come to the rescue for many patients, these medicines have a lot of side effects as well that do not suit all patients who are looking for relief. A 2020 clinical review found substantial evidence that CBD can effectively reduce various types of pain. This included neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, cancer pain, and pain from inflammation. CBD may ease pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with brain receptors involved in processing pain. The research so far has been nothing but promising, thus resulting in the popularity of CBD products.
- Anxiety and Depression
Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression have become extremely common, affecting the lives of many people all over the world. While the importance of mental health is being discussed widely, many people still choose to suffer in silence. This is where CBD comes into play and shows a ray of hope. Many researches and studies have identified how cannabidiol can be used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. A study review published in the Journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics stated that preclinical proof significantly supports CBD as an effective treatment against anxiety disorders like PTSD and OCD. All in all, CBD’s promising effects has the potential to enlighten the lives of various individuals who suffer from mental health ailments.
Is CBD Right for You?
Current research suggests CBD may offer natural relief for numerous health issues from epilepsy to diabetes. In order to craft the perfect course of treatment or enhancement in your lifestyle, talk to your doctor first before trying CBD, especially if you take any medications. While a considerable amount of studies indicate that CBD products have no side effects, some people have experienced gastrointestinal issues as well as dry mouth and dizziness. Apart from this, the inclusion of CBD in your daily life is bound to enhance your everyday experiences.
