Cannabidiol happens to be a popular natural remedy that is used for many common ailments.
Better known as CBD, it is one of the 104 chemical compounds that are referred to as cannabinoids that is found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and does cause the sensation of getting “high” that is often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It is for this reason that CBD turns out to be an appealing option for those who are looking for much relief from pain as well as other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is prepared by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil.
Table of Contents
1. Can Relieve Pain
Marijuana can treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C.
Certain components of marijuana, which includes CBD, are responsible for pain-relieving effects.
The human body does contain a specialized system which is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is rather involved in regulating a variety of functions that includes sleep, appetite, pain as well as immune system response.
The body does produce endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in one’s nervous system.
CBD does help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, thus reducing inflammation as well as interacting with neurotransmitters.
CBD injections do reduce pain response to surgical incision, while another rat study found that oral CBD treatment does significantly reduce sciatic nerve pain as well as inflammation.
Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC are effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis as well as arthritis.
2. Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are rather common mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health as well as well-being.
Depression is indeed the single largest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are indeed ranked sixth.
Anxiety and depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can rather cause a number of side effects that include drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache.
Medications such s benzodiazepines can be addictive and may also lead to substance abuse.
CBD oil has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in children who suffer from a post-traumatic stress disorder.
It has the ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
CBD has been indicative of reducing anxiety and depression in both human as well as animal studies.
3. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD may be able to help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side- effects that are related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting as well as pain.
CBD may also be able to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those suffering from cancer.
Though there are drugs that help with these distressing symptoms, they are sometimes ineffective, leading some people to seek alternatives.
A study of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy found that a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better than standard treatment alone.
Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. More research is required on cancer qualities.
4. May Reduce Acne
Acne affects more than 9% of the population and is a common skin ailment.
It is due to genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation as well as the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion that is made by sebaceous glands in the skin.
CBD oil can help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to reduce sebum production.
5. Might Have Neuroprotective Properties
CBD has the ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems that may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
CBD can treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
CBD improves the quality of life and sleeps quality for people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
CBD may decrease inflammation and also help in preventing the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Could Benefit Heart Health
CBD has several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, which include the ability to lower high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is indeed linked to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
CBD may be a natural as well as effective treatment for high blood pressure.
It also consists of stress- and anxiety-reducing properties deal with low blood pressure.
CBD reduced oxidative stress and also prevents heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease.
7. Several Other Potential Benefits
• Antipsychotic effects: CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.
• Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in one’s brain that are related to drug addiction. In rats, CBD has been shown to reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behaviors.
• Anti-tumor effects: Judging by test-tube and animal studies, CBD has indeed demonstrated anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been shown to be able to prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.
• Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD reduces the incidence of diabetes by 56% and significantly reduces inflammation.
Side Effects:
CBD is usually accepted as being safe and tolerable but can cause adverse reactions:
• Anxiety and depression
• Psychosis
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Changes in appetite
CBD can interact with several medications. One must consult the doctor before using it.