Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has become increasingly popular, and for many good reasons. This type of oil claims to help with many disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia in an appealing way to people. Being a natural treatment, it’s essential to learn about the benefits and risks of CBD oil, as well as instructions on how to take it.
But what exactly is cannabidiol and how effective is it? If you’re looking for a natural remedy to improve different aspects of your life, CBD oil might be the one for you. The extraction of this oil could benefit you in many ways but it’s crucial to gain an understanding before giving it a try.
What is CBD Oil?
As part of one of over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. As a plant, cannabis is derived into two main types: Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica, but only Cannabis Sativa contains hemp. However, the law states that hemp must contain only 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Hemp (the oil in marijuana that gives you a ‘’high’’) has psychoactive properties in THC, while CBD doesn’t. There’s no evidence that CBD oil can cause dependence or abuse, except that it’s proven to be beneficial for many medical conditions.
Further, CBD oil can be consumed or applied through edible consumption or inhalation. Once it merges with neuroreceptors, CBD starts sending cues between your cells to improve your mood, immune system, movement, and homeostasis.
Since it’s becoming a popular natural alternative, the CBD market is increasing yearly, with a forecasted revenue of more than 20 billion in 2024. That said, it’s evident that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which is why you can get different uses out of it.
How CBD Oil Can Benefit Your Health
Nowadays, you can find CBD oil in many products, such as food, drinks, and dietary supplements. As such, CBD can help with many medical conditions, including the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Nerve pain
- Inflammation
- Substance use disorders
Whether you or a relative suffers from one of these conditions, we’ll tackle some of the main benefits that CBD can provide to improve your health.
May Relieve Pain
Undoubtedly, one of the main uses of CBD is its ability to treat pain. Different studies show that the way CBD interacts with neurotransmitters and targets endocannabinoid receptors may help reduce inflammation in an effective way.
Also, CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects as well as treat immunosuppressants or heart conditions, but you should always have a talk with your doctor before proceeding with it.
Although more research is needed, CBD may also help relieve chronic pain. At the same time, people who suffer from chronic pain can benefit from CBD oil as it can improve sleep and quality of life.
Reduce Symptoms Related to Mental Health Disorders
As CBD oil has been spreading everywhere, it has also shown promise as a type of treatment for some mental disorders. As a result, many people have become interested in learning more about this natural remedy.
A 2020 review shows that CBD can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, or psychosis. Similarly, a 2019 study found that people, especially adults with PTSD-related symptoms, have benefited from using CBD. Regardless of the research, not every doctor can recommend CBD as a form of treatment for these health conditions, but researchers are constantly investigating this matter.
May Ease Some Cancer-Related Symptoms
Apart from helping reduce some mental health disorders, CBD oil has also been shown to be effective in alleviating some cancer-related symptoms. According to research, CBD has been proven to treat side effects like pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Though CBD may help some people with cancer-related symptoms, more studies are needed to assess its safety and effectiveness for further use.
May Benefit Heart Health
It’s no surprise that high blood pressure is often related to other severe risks, such as heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Luckily, research shows that CBD may be helpful in that it can help widen blood vessels or influence heart muscle contractions. Also, CBD may benefit heart health in other different ways, especially by improving artery function and decreasing blood pressure.
May Provide Neuroprotective Properties
Among many other benefits, a 2022 study suggests that CBD can help people with neurological disorders. Further, Sativex spray which includes THC and CBD may help in reducing muscle spasticity and pain in people with multiple sclerosis.
However, some other limited evidence shows that CBD may have a positive effect on other neurological conditions, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Cerebral palsy