A popular natural remedy that is used for many common ailments is cannabidiol, which is also known as CBD for short.
It is among more than 100 chemical compounds that go by the name cannabinoids, which are constituents of the marijuana plant and cannabis plant called Cannabis Sativa.
CBD is not to be confused with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and creates the sensation of being “high”. CBD has no psychoactive properties.
As a consequence CBD has become an option that appeals for those people who seek relief from pain and similar symptoms with none of the mind-altering properties commonly associated with marijuana and certain other drugs.
The way CBD oil is made is through the extraction of CBD from the plant, and then its dilution with oil like that of hemp seed of coconut.
Scientific research has confirmed that CBD may ease the symptoms of ailments including both chronic pain and anxiety.
This evidence indicates that among the benefits of CBD oil is that it:
- Is able to relieve pain
The history of Marijuana shows that the plant and its extracts have been used to treat pain since around 2900 B.C.
Our bodies contain something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This helps regulate functions like sleep, immune system response, appetite, and pain. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that tie together cannabinoid receptors in our nervous systems.
The way CBD could be helping reduce chronic pain is by interacting with neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. An example is shown in one study that discovered CBD injections into rats reduced their pain responses to surgical incision. This was backed by another study that found oral CBD treatment was capable of reducing sciatic nerve pain along with inflammation.
- Is able to reduce depression and anxiety
CBD oil has been found to have promising outcomes when used to treat both anxiety and depression. One Brazilian study, for instance, found that when 57 men who were given either a placebo or CBD oil 90 minutes before undergoing a public speaking simulation test, the CBD users had significantly reduced anxiety.
CBD oil, which has also be found to have antidepressant-like effects in animal studies, is being used with post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers to treat insomnia and anxiety in children.
It is believed these calming qualities are linked to CBD acting on brain receptors for serotonin, which regulates our moods and social behavior.
- Alleviates cancer-related symptoms
CBD has been found to reduce symptoms that are associated with cancer and cancer treatment side effects, including vomiting, nausea, and pain.
When the effects of both CBD and THC were studied in a sample of 177 people with cancer-related pain it was found that the people treated with an extract containing both CBD and THC compounds reported significant reductions in pain compared to the people who only received the THC extracts.
CBD may also help tackle nausea and vomiting that can be induced by chemotherapy. Indeed in one study of 16 chemotherapy patients discovered that when a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC was administered chemotherapy-related nausea was reduced more than it had been using just the standard treatment.
- Can reduce outbreaks of acne
The common skin condition which affects over 9% of the population is believed to be caused by many factors, including bacteria, genetics, inflammation and overproduction of an oily secretion from the skin’s sebaceous glands.
Scientific studies are demonstrating that CBD oil may be helping in the treatment of acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and because it reduces the production of sebum.
One study has found that CBD oil prevented “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines being activated. Another study concluded that CBD could be a safe, efficient way of treating acne.
- Could have neuroprotective properties
Research has indicated that the ability of CBD to act on the endocannabinoid and other brain signaling systems could offer benefits for those who suffer from neurological disorders.
CBD is used in treating epilepsy and multiple sclerosis among other neurological disorders and several research studies are reporting promising results.
Indeed, one oral spray that is made up of both CBD and THC has been shown to be both safe and effective for reducing the spasticity of muscles in multiple sclerosis sufferers.
CBD is also being researched for potential effectiveness when treating many other neurological problems. An example of this is encapsulated in studies that have indicated CBD treatments improved the quality of life and sleep for Parkinson’s disease sufferers.
In addition, there are signs that CBD may be able to decrease inflammation and help prevent neurodegeneration, which is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Has the potential to benefit heart health
Research is showing that there may be links between CBD and benefits for the human circulatory system, including being able to bring down high blood pressure, which is linked to higher risks of conditions, like strokes, heart attacks, and metabolic syndromes.
There are indications CBD may be able to help lower high blood pressure and the research indicates this may be due to CBD’s stress- and anxiety-reducing properties.
- Other potential benefits include tackling schizophrenia and other mental disorders
As well as the potential to help sufferers with schizophrenia and other similar disorders CBD is believed to be able to help with substance abuse treatment because it can modify the brain circuits that are related to drug addiction.
It also seems that CBD has anti-tumor effects that means it could be used to help prevent the spreading of many types of cancer including the strains that affect breasts, prostates, brains, colons and lungs.
In addition tests on diabetic mice have shown that CBD treatment can reduce incidences of diabetes by as much as 56%.
In conclusion
The studies of CBD oil have found that the oil has the potential to ease symptoms associated with many common health challenges, including depression and anxiety, acne and heart disease.
It may even provide people with cancer with a natural pain killer and provider of symptom relief.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
