Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD oil is a product that has drawn the attention of many people in different parts of the world. It is one of more than 120 compounds called cannabinoids. Although there are many plants which contain cannabinoids, many people link them to cannabis.
CBD oil benefits are many according to reliable sources. However, to reap all its benefits you need to know more about it. Through this post, you will learn all about CBD oil, its uses, benefits, side effects and if you like it, where to buy CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a phytocannabinoid which was discovered in 1940. It is a natural compound found in both marijuana and hemp plants. Further, it is believed to treat pain, seizures and some other health problems. However, much more research is required to help doctors know what exactly CBD oil can treat.
There are different levels of compounds found in the natural hemp or cannabis plant. The CBD levels are normally affected by how different people breed the plant. In most cases, CBD oil comes from industrial hemp which normally contains higher CBD content than marijuana.
Different ways are used to extract the compound. When that extract is added to a carrier oil, the mixture is known as CBD oil. In other words, CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. In general, CBD oil comes in many different ways and the same case it is used in various ways by different people. Therefore, before you buy CBD oil and start using it, it’s advisable you discuss it with your doctor.
Research about CBD oil
The researchers have tested CBD oil against a wide variety of bacteria including the ones that often become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. According to the research, CBD has similar potency to that of common antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this development is crucial since antibiotic resistance is reaching very dangerously high levels. Currently, the FDA has approved CBD to treat rare and severe forms of seizure. However, CBD oil is promoted for many other health benefits.
Further, researchers tested CBD oil against some strains of Staphylococcus which are known to cause skin infections and streptococcus, which causes strep throat. They also looked at how the CBD quickly killed the bacteria. It was able to kill the bacteria within 3 hours while the common antibiotics such as Vancomycin kills it in about 6 to 8 hours.
In yet another study, the researchers tested topical CBD to treat skin infection on mice. The CBD cut the number of bacteria after 48 hours although it didn’t clear the infection. However, this research is still going on.
Benefits of CBD oil
CBD oil is a natural remedy commonly used for many common ailments. Being one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant makes it an appealing option for people looking for relief from pain. It is also considered effective for other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world at a commendable level. In fact, most CBD oil reviews present it as a beneficial natural remedy to many health problems. Some scientific studies have confirmed that it may assist in the treatment of a number of ailments such as chronic pain and anxiety.
Below are several health benefits that you may get when using CBD oil.
1. Pain reliever
Scientists have recently discovered that certain components of marijuana including CBD help in relieving pain. The human body involved in regulating a variety of body functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and the immune response is a specialized system known as the endocannabinoid system. The body produces endocannabinoids, the neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Therefore, some studies have shown that CBD may actually help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
More so, a combination of THC and CBD is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. This is according to several human studies. For instance, several countries have approved the use of an oral spray known as Sativex, a combination of THC and CBD, to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis. Hence, CBD may be effective in reducing pain associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis especially in combination with THC.
2. Reduces anxiety and depression
CBD oil is has shown promise to have a solution to people suffering from anxiety and depression. This is according to a report published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015. Both anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that have severe impacts on the health and well-being of people. Depression alone is the single largest contributor to disability in the whole world according to the World Health Organization.
Although anxiety and depression are treated with pharmaceutical drugs, the patients experience a number of side effects which include drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache. Furthermore, medications such as benzodiazepines can be addictive which can lead someone to substance abuse.
When the CBD oil showed some promises to treat both depression and anxiety, people living with these disorders became very much interested in this natural approach. In one study, 24 people living with a social anxiety disorder were given either 6oo mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test. It was noted that the group which received the CBD has significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort during their speech performance compared to the placebo group.
CBD oil is also effective when it comes to treating insomnia and anxiety to children with post-traumatic stress disorder. CBD also shown antidepressant-like effects in a number of several animal studies. All these qualities are linked to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates social behavior and mood.
3. Reduces acne
Acne is a common skin condition and can be bothersome. Acne is thought to be caused by a number of factors such as bacteria, the genetics underlying inflammation and overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion made by sebaceous glands in the skin. In a recent study, CBD is believed to offer a solution to people suffering from acne due to its inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production. In one test-tube study, CBD oil was shown to have the ability to prevent sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum and prevent the activation of pro-acne agents like inflammatory cytokines.
In yet another study with similar findings concluded that CBD oil may provide a safe way to treat acne due to its impressive anti-inflammatory qualities. Although all these findings are something worth celebrating, more human studies are required if CBD oil is to be used as a treatment to acne.
4. Heart health
In recent research, CBD oil has been linked to having several benefits for the heart and circulatory system which include the ability to lower high blood pressure. A good number of heart conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome are linked to high blood pressure and if it is treated, one has higher chances of living a healthy and normal life. This is where CBD oil comes in. there are studies that have indicated that CBD may provide a natural and effective way to treat high blood pressure.
Furthermore, researchers have suggested that CBD has the ability to help lower blood pressure due to the stress and anxiety-reducing properties found in it. In addition to this, several animal studies have demonstrated that CBD can also reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease because of its stress-reducing and antioxidant properties it contains. Although more human studies are needed, it is clear that CBD oil is beneficial to heart health in so many ways like reducing blood pressure and preventing heart damage.
5. Addiction
A review published in the journal Substance Abuse in 2015 suggests that CBD oil could have some benefits to people with addiction. The scientists determined that CBD may actually have therapeutic effects in people with opioid, cocaine and/or psychostimulant addiction. The research further found that CBD oil me also benefit the treatment of cannabis and tobacco addiction. Some evidence shows that CBD may block or reduce the effects of THC on the mind. Hence, a great relief to people addicted to hard drugs and would want to stop.
6. Neuroprotective properties
Researchers believe that CBD oil could have neuroprotective properties. This is due to the fact that CBD oil has the ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems which may be beneficial to those people living with neurological disorders. Interestingly, the most studied use of CBD oil is its ability to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Several studies so far have shown promising results although research in this area is still relatively new.
Additionally, CBD has been researched on its ability to treat several other neurological diseases. The quality of life and sleep quality of people with Parkinson’s disease greatly improved as a result of CBD treatment. CBD was also shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer disease in test-tube and animal studies.
7. Alleviate cancer-related symptoms
CBD oil can help reduce the symptoms related to cancer and the side effects associated with cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. It is a great relief to those people with cancer since CBD is also believed to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the most common side effects in relation to chemotherapy. However, more research is needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of CBD oil in reducing symptoms related to cancer, cancer treatment or it is having cancer-fighting properties.
Other common uses of CBD oil
Apart from its ability to treat the above-mentioned health issues, CBD oil is believed to treat conditions such as:
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Loss of appetite and body weight
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
Moreover, CBD oil is also believed to promote sounder sleep and fight oxidative stress. People who want to lose weight can also benefit from using CBD oil since it contains supportive weight loss properties.
The right CBD dosage
The answer to the right CBD oil dosage is quite complicated. In short, there is no correct dosage per se. There are several factors that may determine the consumer’s optimal dose. Such factors may include body type, CBD tolerance and the level of consumer’s pain or discomfort. Other things to put into consideration include the type of CBD product and its concentration since there are some products which interact differently with the body than others.
Even as you learn how to take CBD oil, it is very important to note that long term effects of it have not been extensively studied. There are some researchers who have pinpointed certain side effects but most experts agree that CBD appears to be reasonably safe. Measured doses are recommended when using CBD oil even though CBD products do not produce the same psychoactive high products as THC.
When you clear information on how to use CBD oil, you will enjoy maximum benefits. Below are some few points that can help you choose the required dosage.
a) Concentration
Concentration or strength is basically the total amount of CBD in a given product and it is measured in milligrams (mg). It indicates the amount of CBD preserving.
b) Body weight
Your body weight can dictate a safe dosage of CBD. Your body weight actually plays a major role in how much and how little CBD affects your body. Obviously, heavier people will require higher doses to experience the calming effects of this natural remedy. On the other hand, lighter people will need a lower dose to experience the same calming effect.
c) Desired effects
Different people will have different desired effects depending on the reason that made them choose to use CBD oil. People with chronic pain or severe anxiety may require higher doses to alleviate their symptoms as compared to someone with a milder condition.
d) Tolerance
Over time, the consumers of CBD products may develop a tolerance and this may result in reduced effects from the usage of the same dose. Therefore, to achieve the same desired results, one may be needed to increase the dosage.
The above criteria will help you determine the right dosage for you. If you are just beginning, it is better you take the lowest dosage and see how things unveil. Stronger doses should only be considered to people with severe pain, other debilitating symptoms or those with a relatively high CBD tolerance.
Is CBD oil legal?
Confusion of whether CBD oil is legal or not is not yet over. Although CBD is common in some neighborhoods and even sold in the shopping malls, there still some places where this can prompt an arrest. Hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant and they are believed to be among the first plants that humans cultivated in the early days. While marijuana is rich in THC, hemp is richer CBD, generally containing only 0.3% THC or even less.
Therefore, CBD oil comes from hemp, a type of cannabis plant with relatively low concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a higher concentration of CBD. Most CBD products contain little or no THC. From 2018, hemp was decriminalized at the federal level and therefore it is legal to grow, sell, buy and consume CBD hemp oil and other hemp-based CBD products.
CBD oil side effects
As much as CBD oil is generally considered safe and well tolerated by most people. There are few who might experience adverse reactions like:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Changes in mood
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are some concerns that the use of CBD oil could lead to increased levels of liver enzymes and this can contribute to liver damage or inflammation. CBD is also known to interact with several medications. Hence, it is important you discuss with your doctor before you start using CBD oil. This will ensure your safety and avoid any potentially harmful interactions.
Since CBD oil may contain some THC, it can impair your ability to drive safely or operate machinery. It can also have short and long term effects on your memory, attention, mood, heart rate, and mental health. It is also quite easy to take an overdose of the CBD oil as it takes several hours or longer before you start to feel the effect after consuming it. To be safe, it is better to start with a low dose.
Can CBD promote weight loss?
CBD has been purported to improve many aspects of health and weight loss is one of them. Here are a few of its potential effects in regards to weight loss.
a) May boost metabolism
CBD is believed to reduce food intake and boost metabolism and these are factors which could promote weight loss. In one study which took two weeks, rats were injected with CBD daily doses of 1.1 and 2.3 mg per pound of body weight. The two doses produced significant reduction of body weight where the higher doses produced the highest effect. Although such results could be promising to people who want to lose weight, it is important to note that this dosage was given through injection and there are not enough human studies to support these findings. Hence more research is needed.
b) Reduces appetite
Reduced appetite is a good thing if you want to lose some weight. Cannabis is associated with a stimulated appetite as most people who smoke cannabis tend to feel hungrier than usual. While this could be true due to THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis which may cause hunger, CBD does the opposite. CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors and may actually influence other molecules to block them off. If these receptors are shut off, this may result in reduced appetite and reduce overeating.
In an older animal study in 2012, exposure to CBD reduced appetite in rats. However, there are no direct studies that suggest the same effect on humans. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that could suggest that CBD oil is helpful for appetite suppression and of course help in reducing some weight.
c) Turns bad fat into good
The proponents of CBD oil claims to have the ability to convert the white or ‘’bad” oil into brown fat and this helps in burning body calories. White fact is also known to increase the risk of many chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that CBD could be a promising therapy for preventing obesity although more studies are needed if it is going to be considered safe for humans.
The bottom line
If where you live the use of CBD oil is legal and you are thinking of using it to treat a health problem, consider consulting your health care provider. The outcome of your discussion will dictate whether CBD is appropriate for you or not.
Although there is a lot that needs to be researched for effective treatment of CBD oil, so far, it has shown the ability to treat many common health issues such as anxiety, depression, acne, and heart disease. People with cancer also have a reason to celebrate because CBD oil has shown the ability to provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief.
There are more therapeutic uses for this natural remedy which are yet to be discovered through research on more health potential benefits of CBD oil. Recent research suggests that CBD oil can provide a commendable safe and powerful natural treatment to many health issues although much needs to be learned about its efficacy and safety for a concrete conclusion.
Finally, it is important you take charge of your health with lots of seriousness. This is because getting pure CBD oil can be a nightmare. Most of CBD oil products are unregulated and there is no guarantee that the product you buy contains a safe or effective level of CBD. CBD for sale is almost everywhere especially the online shops and some of the sources are not reliable. If unfortunately, you end up buying CBD oil with incorrectly labeled amounts of THC and other compounds, you might experience serious harm. Hence, only buy CBD oil from trusted sources.
