CBD oil, derived from the cannabis plant, has captured widespread attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. But what exactly is CBD, and why is it generating so much buzz?
Today, we explain it all.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis distinct from THC, the psychoactive component responsible for marijuana's "high." Unlike THC, CBD doesn't induce intoxication, making it an enticing option for those seeking the therapeutic advantages of cannabis without cognitive impairment.
Despite its association with marijuana, CBD stands apart, offering a non-psychoactive alternative with a wealth of potential health perks. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the science behind CBD and explore its six significant benefits supported by scientific research and endorsed by healthcare professionals and users alike.
These benefits include:
Pain Management:
Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting one's quality of life significantly. CBD oil offers a natural and potentially effective solution. It operates through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors throughout the body. This system plays a pivotal role in various functions, including pain perception.
When you use CBD oil, it interacts with the ECS receptors, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors, influencing the way they respond to pain signals. This interaction can lead to a reduction in pain intensity and discomfort. Numerous studies have explored the analgesic (pain-relieving) properties of CBD and found it to be beneficial for various chronic pain conditions.
Conditions such as arthritis, which involve inflammation and joint pain, can see notable improvements with CBD use. Additionally, neuropathic pain, often challenging to treat, may respond positively to CBD. Migraine sufferers have reported reduced frequency and severity of attacks, and even cancer-related pain can be more manageable with CBD.
If you've been enduring persistent pain, CBD oil might offer a natural and safer alternative to conventional pain medications, potentially enhancing your overall well-being.
Scientific Research
This 2016 study inquired into the use of CBD in rats with arthritis. The researchers found that, after applying CBD gel for four days in a row, there was reduced inflammation and overall pain in the affected joints. Another 2017 study published in the Pain Journal found that treatment with CBD topicals reduced the development of joint pain in rats with osteoarthritis.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction:
In our fast-paced, modern world, anxiety and stress have become increasingly prevalent issues. CBD oil can be a valuable ally in managing these mental health challenges. It influences receptors in the brain, particularly serotonin receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating mood.
Serotonin is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because it contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. CBD's interaction with these receptors can help balance serotonin levels, leading to reduced anxiety and stress.
Research consistently supports CBD's anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Whether you're dealing with social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CBD oil has shown promise in alleviating symptoms and promoting a sense of calm.
By incorporating CBD oil into your wellness routine, you can potentially find relief from the mental and emotional toll of anxiety and stress, allowing you to better navigate the challenges of everyday life.
Scientific Research
A 37-year-old female presented to the clinic with a 15-year history of anxiety and depression and associated panic attacks, for which she was prescribed sertraline, 100 mg daily. Prior to that, her anxiety was incapacitating and included sleep disturbance and social anxiety.
After beginning sertraline, she stated her symptoms improved by approximately 50%. She was started on full-spectrum hemp oil (FSHO) capsules containing 15 mg CBD, 2-3 times/day. Four weeks later, she reported her symptoms were approximately 60% reduced compared to using sertraline alone.
For the past year, she has also been able to maintain a reduced sertraline dose of 50 mg daily. The emotional blunting she attributed to the higher-dose sertraline was lessened with CBD. She noted increased self-confidence, improved job performance, and quality of her social life. Interestingly, she had comparable effects to the FSHO capsule when using a FSHO spray (containing 3 mg CBD per spray), 4 sprays 2-3 times/day, as well as a marijuana product (20:1 CBD:THC, standardized to 10 mg CBD/mL of tincture), 1 mL 2-3 times/day. She used these products separately, not together, and reported no adverse effects.
Better Sleep Quality:
Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many individuals struggle with sleep disorders. CBD oil offers a natural remedy to improve sleep quality. It achieves this by calming the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and experience more profound, restorative sleep cycles.
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can be particularly disruptive to daily life. CBD's relaxation-inducing properties may help individuals with insomnia achieve a more consistent and restful sleep pattern. Similarly, for those with conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, CBD oil may contribute to more peaceful nights.
By using CBD oil to enhance your sleep, you can wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face the day with increased energy and mental clarity.
Scientific Research
In a study published in 2019, an experiment was conducted in a psychiatric clinic, where the researchers looked at the records of 103 adult patients who were taking CBD (a compound from cannabis) to help with their anxiety and sleep problems. They checked these patients' records every month. Out of these 103 patients, they focused on 72 who were mainly concerned about either anxiety or poor sleep.
Here's what they found:
Anxiety: In 47 patients who were worried about anxiety, about 79% of them felt better within the first month of taking CBD, and this improvement continued over time.
Sleep: Among the 25 patients who had trouble sleeping, about 67% of them saw an improvement in their sleep within the first month after starting CBD.
Safety: Most people didn't have any problems with taking CBD.
In simple terms, this study looked at how CBD helped people with anxiety and sleep problems. It found that CBD seemed to work well for anxiety and had some positive effects on sleep for many. Also to be noted that most people didn't have any bad side effects from taking CBD.
Neuroprotective Properties:
The brain is one of the most vital organs in the body, and CBD has shown promise in protecting its health. CBD's neuroprotective properties arise from its ability to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and excitotoxicity in the brain—factors that contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease involve various forms of neurological damage and dysfunction. CBD has demonstrated potential in mitigating these effects, providing a glimmer of hope for those living with these challenging conditions.
Scientific Research
In a study published in 2022, researchers discovered the significant impact of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. This discovery led to the recognition of the endocannabinoid system as a molecular target within the central nervous system (CNS).
Cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has recently emerged as a potential model for developing neuroprotective drugs. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its well-tolerated pharmacological characteristics.
The study's summary highlights that both preclinical and clinical findings concerning CBD's therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) emphasize the need to determine its optimal therapeutic dosage range. Additionally, these findings offer insights into identifying promising new avenues for research.
Skin Health:
The skin is your body's largest organ, and CBD oil has a role to play in maintaining its health and appearance. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD oil can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote the healing of various skin conditions.
If you struggle with acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or simply want to maintain youthful and radiant skin, CBD-infused skincare products can be a valuable addition to your beauty routine. By harnessing the power of CBD, you can address skin concerns and enhance your complexion.
Scientific Research
A 2019 study notes that CBD may be useful for treating some common symptoms of skin conditions, such as dryness and itching. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may be particularly useful for reducing potential triggers of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
It mentioned that although the best-studied functions of the ECS are related to the central nervous system and to immune processes, experimental efforts over the last two decades have unambiguously confirmed that cutaneous cannabinoid (“c[ut]annabinoid”) signaling is deeply involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, barrier formation, and regeneration, and its dysregulation was implicated to contribute to several highly prevalent diseases and disorders, e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch.
Inflammation Reduction:
Inflammation is an underlying factor in many chronic diseases, from autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis to digestive disorders like Crohn's disease. CBD oil interacts with ECS receptors, helping to modulate and reduce the body's inflammatory response.
By tempering inflammation, CBD oil can provide relief to individuals dealing with chronic inflammatory conditions. It offers hope for those seeking alternative approaches to managing their health and well-being.
Scientific Research
A study was conducted in 2019 where CBD, a substance from the cannabis plant, has been studied for its potential to help with various health problems like heart issues, brain diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. These conditions often involve problems like too much oxidative stress (harmful molecules) and inflammation (swelling).
One of the things scientists have looked at is how CBD can be used to treat diabetes and its related problems in both animals and humans. Here's what they found:
Blood Vessel Relaxation: CBD can make blood vessels wider (vasodilation) in rats with type 2 diabetes. This can be helpful for people with diabetes because it can improve blood flow.
Nerve Pain Relief: CBD can also reduce nerve pain in diabetic rats by activating certain receptors in the body. This might be useful for people with diabetic neuropathy, a condition where diabetes damages nerves and causes pain.
Faster Wound Healing: In diabetic rats, CBD helped wounds heal faster. It did this by protecting a growth factor called VEGF, which is important for healing.
Protecting the Eyes: CBD prevented damage in the eyes of diabetic animals by stopping the build-up of harmful molecules. This damage can lead to problems like glutamate accumulation and the death of nerve cells in the eyes.
In simple terms, CBD has shown promise in helping with diabetes and its complications by improving blood vessel function, reducing nerve pain, speeding up wound healing, and protecting the eyes from damage.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that while CBD is incredibly promising, individual responses may vary. Your healthcare provider's guidance will help you navigate any potential interactions with your existing medications or health conditions, ensuring that CBD's positive effects shine through without any concerns.
So, take that step towards a healthier, happier you—consult with your healthcare professional and unlock the full potential of CBD oil in your life!
