CBD (Cannabidiol) oil has become extremely popular in recent times. It is derived from cannabis and offers a ton of benefits. CBD is a type of cannabinoid that contains chemicals that are normally found in marijuana plants. Although marijuana plants provide CBD, it does not make you get high or intoxicated. On the other hand, it is THC that creates the high effect. CBD oil has been surrounded by controversy for quite some time now. However, its use has been legalized in recent times due to the growing awareness involving its health benefits. This ultimate guide to CBD oil looks at the top 15 benefits of using it.

So What Is CBD?

Before we can discuss the benefits of CBD oil, it is important to first understand what CBD is. As CBD products become widely accessible throughout the US, you should know what it is and how it works. In the simplest of words, CBD is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in a cannabis plant. It only contains a negligible percentage of THC. Hence, CBD users have nothing to worry about. There are no psychoactive properties that would get you high. Thus, you only get to take advantage of its therapeutic abilities.

And How Does CBD Work?

CBD is used for its ability to interact with our endocannabinoid system. It affects the regulatory system that is made up of molecules that are similar to naturally occurring cannabis (known as endocannabinoid). It acts like a neurotransmitter and transfers signals throughout the body to maintain the homeostasis. In the past, scientists believed that CBD and THC interact with our body similarly. But, research shows that the two interact in a different way. THC tends to attach itself to the CB1 receptors. These receptors are involved with pain, motor skills, memory, and cognition. As THC attaches itself onto these receptors, it releases neurotransmitters which alter normal functioning. CBD does the same thing but not with the CB1 receptors. It attaches onto the CB2 receptors. This in turn, encourages the body to product more of endocannabinoid.

 

Benefits of CBD Oil

The reason why people use CBD oil in the first place is because of its benefits. Let’s take a closer look at them.

1. Anxiety Relief

One of the main benefits of using CBD oil is because it helps users manage anxiety. Researchers are of the view that it might change the way the receptors of the brain respond with serotonin, the chemical that impacts mental health. The receptors are small proteins that are attached to our cells. They help cells respond to all types of stimuli and receive chemical messages.

A study was conducted to learn more about CBD for anxiety. It found that CBD helps people deal with social anxiety. Similar studies have been done with animals and they reveal that CBD might help treat anxiety as it reduces stress, improves the symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), induces sleep in case of insomnia, and decreases the physiological effects caused by anxiety like an increased heart rate.

2. Anti-Acne

Another great benefit of CBD oil is that it can be used to treat acne. For those of you that suffer from acne, it can be extremely difficult to manage. However, CBD for acne is just what one needs. The impact of CBD on the receptors in our immune system helps reduce the overall inflammation of our body. Therefore, CBD oil is perfect for acne management.

A human study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation which found that CBD oil helps prevent activity in the sebaceous glands. It is these glands that are responsible for the production of sebum, the natural oily substance which hydrates our skin. When too much of sebum is produced, it causes acne. Now, if you want to use CBD oil to treat acne, it is crucial that you first speak with a dermatologist because there is a need for more human studies to be conducted before finding out its true potential.

3. Anti-Seizure

Just about everyone has heard about CBD for quite some time now. It has been in the news for its application for the treatment of epilepsy. Although more research is needed, researches are testing just how effective and safe CBD oil is when it comes to reducing the number of seizures experienced by people that have epilepsy. According to the American Epilepsy Society, cannabidiol research provides hope for those suffering from seizure disorders. The research is being conducted to understand just how safe it is as a solution.

A study was conducted back in 2016 involving 214 people that had epilepsy. The participants were required to take oral doses of CBD every day in addition to their anti-epilepsy medications. They were monitored by the researchers for about 12 weeks. Their health was monitored and negative side effects were recorded as well as the frequency at which they experienced seizures. It was concluded that the participants saw a drop in seizures by 36.5 percent each month. Only 12 percent of the participants experienced severely adverse effects.

4. Neuro-Protective

Another possible benefit of CBD oil is its neuro-protective qualities. Researchers are studying a receptor in our brain to find out how CBD can help people that have neurodegenerative disorders (the diseases which cause the nerves and brain to deteriorate). The receptor is called CB1. Some of the neurodegenerative disorders that researchers are studying to determine if CBD oil can treat them include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s disease. What CBD oil does is that it helps reduce the inflammation which makes the neurodegenerative symptoms worse. There is a need for more research before we can fully understand how CBD oil can be used for treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as arthritis.

5. Relief from Arthritis

If you ask anyone suffering from arthritis about what they experience, they will tell you that they deal with severe inflammation in the joins. The pain caused by arthritis is brutal. Hence, many people have started using CBD for arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil provide relief from arthritis. It is used in a natural way for easing the pain you might be experiencing. CBD oil effectively interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors to reduce he pain and provide support to the immune system. Moreover, CBD oil even helps slow down the progress of arthritis.

6. Pain Relief

The way CBD oil impacts the receptors in our brain might also prove useful in managing pain. Various studies reveal that cannabis can prove useful when taken along with chemotherapy treatments. There have been other pre-clinical studies as well that were sponsored by the National Institute of Health that look at how cannabis can be used to relieve symptoms caused by chronic pain, arthritis, MS pain, spinal cord injuries, and muscle pain.

Nabiximoils (Sativex) is a popular multiple sclerosis drug that is made from a CBD and THC combination that has been approved by Canada and the United Kingdom for treating MS pain. But, researchers are of the view that it is the CBD component of the drug which might be what contributes more due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical trials are needed to determine the impact of CBD for pain. It is obvious that CBD can be used for better pain management.

7. Cancer Treatment

There are a few studies that are actively investigating CBD’s role in helping prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, more research is needed as it is only in the early stages. According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD might also help treat the side effect of cancer treatment and cancer symptoms. But, the institute is yet to fully endorse any type of cannabis for the treatment of cancer. What is promising about CBD is the fact that it moderates inflammation and changes the way cells reproduce. Moreover, CBD might help reduce the ability of tumor cells from reproducing.

8. Decreases the Risk of Diabetes

As more and more diabetes cases are emerging across the globe, chances are that you might know someone who has diabetes. Since many diseases are associated with diabetes, patients need to get the proper treatment and medical attention. You might be wondering how CBD oil benefits those suffering from diabetes. It helps reduce the nerve damage and symptoms of neuropathy which stabilizes blood sugar levels. Thus, it is possible to manage diabetes using CBD oil.

9. Helps with Insomnia and Sleep Apnea

As the term beauty sleep is normally used, it is obvious that getting quality sleep is crucial for one’s health. There is simply no alternative for a good night’s sleep. Sleep issues such as insomnia and sleep apnea impact your health. Research reveals that CBD oil helps improve the quality of sleep as it has a calming effect on our endocannabinoid system. It is this system that consists of cell receptors that are responsible for most of our bodily functions like sleep. Our bodies have to be well-balanced to function.

10. Decreases the Risk of Obesity

Obesity has become a huge problem worldwide. If someone is overweight, it increases their risk of suffering from other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. When you use CBD oil, it helps control obesity as it regulates your blood sugar levels. Besides, CBD also impacts the metabolism of our body. It converts the white fat into brown fat that leads to weight loss.

11. Stress

Stress has become a part of our lives for quite some time now and it is important to take the right decisions to treat it. Since stress causes a wide range of health issues, it has to be treated. This is where CBD oil comes in handy. Instead of having to rely on medication or psychotherapy o deal with stress, it can be used to control your stress levels.

12. Protects and Heals the Skin

Many of us suffer from various skin conditions besides just acne. The best way to calm your skin and get rid of those wrinkle lines is by using CBD oil. It boasts anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in anti-oxidants. This makes it perfect for treating skin conditions. You will be blown away by how CBD oil can make your skin look fresh and radiant.

13. Helps Maintain Brain Health

Our brain is the most important body part. It is our responsibility to take good care of it by eating right, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising. However, not everyone has perfect brain health and that is why it is important to put CBD oil to good use. It impacts our brain and encourages the creation of new nerve cells in our brain which help protect the brain cells.

14. Might Help Deal with Substance Abuse

Not many people know that CBD oil can also be used for dealing with substance abuse. Since it comes from cannabis, it makes sense to give it a try. A study was conducted on rats to determine how CBD oil can be used for reducing dependence on morphine. It was found that regular use of CBD oil helps decrease the dependence on heroin. Some other benefits of using CBD oil include less likelihood of a relapse and ease with withdrawal symptoms. Thus, anyone suffering from substance abuse can rely on CBD oil for relief.

15. Decreases the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

When it comes to the cardiovascular system, it is composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Hence, it is vital to take great care of oneself to avoid any health complications. Regular use of CBD oil helps lower the risk of high blood pressure levels. It lowers blood pressure caused by stress and reduces systolic blood pressure as well. Therefore, CBD oil has great potential for preventing and even treating cardiovascular disease.

 

Conclusion

CBD oil is packed with health benefits. When you consume it orally, you can utilize its full potential. There is more research being conducted on the use of CBD oil. It is only a matter of time until everyone realizes just how useful CBD oil is.