Finding the right CBD oil may be stressful because you would want one that is cost effective3 and still gives you maximum health benefits. CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis plant after it has been dried out. The plant contains various chemicals, the two prominent ones are Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is what gives the high and intoxicating feeling in the human body while cannabidiol is generally harmless yet highly effective. The continuous usage of CBD oils provides various health benefits. We will discuss them in this article.
What’s CBD Oil?
It is a natural substitute for some supplements as well as a panacea for various health problems. Some users take it for relaxation after a period of stress while others use it to treat chronic medical conditions involving poor mood, inflammation, and pain. Cannabidiol is gotten from cannabis flowers and processed into oil. This extraction and the solvents used in the process can affect the product quality.
The way cannabidiol affects the human body is still not clear to researchers. However, some experts acknowledge that it balances the endocannabinoid system without stimulating the cannabinoid receptors like THC.
THC binds itself to the cannabinoid receptors present in the human brain. This mimics anandamide, a similar chemical that the brain produces, thereby, causing psychoactive effects. Conversely, cannabidiol affects different pathways in the body. It could change how we experience pain, anxiety, and inflammation. You can watch this video to learn about the endocannabinoid system.
How Is CBD Oil Used?
There are many ways to use CBD oil. Some of them are:
- Dropping it under your tongue using a pipette or dropper
- Dropping it into foods or drinks
- Massaging it on your skin
The dosage recommended depends on individual body weight, the concentration of the oil, and the reason for its use. To get maximum benefits, use the recommended dosage and follow the instructions on the product label. Also, for people who are sensitive to cannabidiol, it is important to go for low dose product that works slowly yet effectively.
Cannabis experts consider full spectrum cannabidiol to be highly effective among the classes of CBD. This is because it contains all naturally occurring chemicals present in the cannabis plant. Some of the chemicals are also present in essential oils and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of CBD Oil
Cannabidiol users are assured of various health benefits by their continuous use of the product. These health benefits include:
1. Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
People with ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease can get relief by using cannabis. Cannabidiol and THC help to promote immune response and interact with the cells that assist the normal gut function. Cannabis blocks off bacteria as well as any compound that could cause intestinal inflammation.
2. Fights Cancer
Research shows that CBD oil is effective in the prevention of some types of cancer. The oil is said to reduce the growth of cancer cells which then self-destructs. Due to low toxicity, cannabidiol has shown progress in improving the immune system of cancer patients. It can boost a patient’s appetite, give pain relief, and reduce nausea they might experience.
3. Treats Neurological Disorders
CBD oil can provide benefits for those that have neurological disorders. For many years, research was carried out to prove the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating epilepsy. However, in 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, which is a purified form of CBD as treatment. It can be used in treating patients from 3 years and above. It can also be used in treating seizures caused by:
- Dravet syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
You may want to visit https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/other-treatment-approaches/medical-marijuana-and-epilepsy to learn more about Epidolex in the treatment of Epilepsy.
Additionally, cannabidiol can also help to relieve convulsions, fatigue, and fever. It can help to improve sleep in people with Parkinson’s disease. It can also block and prevent inflammation caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Treats Anxiety and Depression
These common mental health disorders can cause devastating effects on humans and sometimes, the recommended drugs can cause adverse effects. However, CBD oil serves as an early treatment for anxiety and depression. It can also improve sleeping disorders. It produces serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for improving mood and relieving stress.
4. Alleviates Pain
This is the commonest use of the Cannabis plant. Conventional medication can relieve pain and stiffness, but some persons regard CBD as a natural remedy. Research shows that it helps to reduce chronic pain by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates several functions in the body such as how the immune system responds, sleep, pain, and appetite.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD oil is generally safe and easily ingested into the body, but it may cause a few reactions in some people. Some of the side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite and weight loss
- Tiredness
At times, CBD oil may interact with medications. Hence, it is advisable to discuss with a health specialist to avoid harmful interactions. There is ongoing research on the potentials of CBD oil. But recent studies show that it is safe and effective in the treatment of many health issues such as anxiety, depression, pain, epilepsy, and cancer to some extent. There are various cannabidiol products available in the market today. So, you can consider getting one and start living healthy.