Benefits of CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from the cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil uses include smoking or inhaling it, eating it or applying it topically. When inhaled, consumed or applied, CBD interacts with your signalling molecules that regulate pain, movement, mood, stress, immunity and memory. There are many CBD oil benefits. Below are some of the key health benefits of cannabinoids.

Counteracting depression and anxiety

One of the most popular health benefits of CBD is that this substance can significantly counteract depression and anxiety. Frontiers did a study in Psychiatry in 2021 that proved without a doubt the effectiveness of CBD oils. In addition, at least one study revealed that CBD had similar effects to the antidepressant Imipramine.

Treating certain epilepsy syndromes

The benefits of cannabinoids also include the treatment of certain epilepsy syndromes and seizures. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use and consumption of CBD under the Epidiolex brand name to treat epileptic seizures caused by Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients as young as two years. According to the Cambridge University Press, studies on the effectiveness of treating this syndrome also produced positive results.

Reducing PTSD symptoms

Four trials were conducted between 2012 to 2016 that indicate CBD oil reduces the symptoms of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). It must be mentioned that CBD was used in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

When these two substances are used in conjunction, they complement each other (known as an ‘entourage effect’) and increase the potency. For instance, taking a dose of CBD and THC jointly tempers the ‘high’ effect of the THC and enhances the calming effects of the CBD.

Another small study was completed in 2019 to test the effects of CBD on patients taking it. As per the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the administration of CBD showed a reduction of PTSD symptoms when administered with routine psychiatric care. Patients also experienced a decline in nightmares.

Treating opioid addiction

Human clinical trials suggest that CBD can be used to treat opioid addiction. People dependent on opioids like heroin were administered CBD, and it showed a significant reduction in cue-induced cravings, salivary cortisol levels, withdrawal anxiety and resting heart rate. Other benefits of CBD included decreased withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, pain and insomnia in patients with substance abuse disorders.

Relieving unmanageable pain

Canada approved the use of a cannabis plant extract spray (with 50/50 proportions of CBD and THC) for the treatment of neuropathic pain experienced in multiple sclerosis patients. Later in 2007, Canada approved the use of this compound to treat the pain experienced by cancer patients. The substance is also effective at alleviating nausea after chemotherapy. Some can even inhibit the disease from spreading in breast cancer patients.

Hemp extract benefits patients with chronic pain. In 2020, a study was completed on patients with spinal cord and brain nerve damage who were given CBD to reduce pain. The study results indicated a considerable reduction in sharp, intense pain. The end results showed no adverse effects on the patients.

Easing diabetic complications

Cannabinoids benefits were recorded in patients with type 2 diabetes (who weren’t administered additional insulin). Researchers found that patients given CBD showed a decrease in their resisten (the protein that regulates sugar levels) and an increase in the insulinotropic peptide (the hormone that ensures that insulin is released from digested food). This makes CBD the ideal natural substance for regulating the body’s insulin hormone levels.

Inhibiting arthritis symptoms

This illness involves the deterioration of tissues around the body’s joints. Arthritis has many types. Common symptoms include stiffness, pain and loss of motion. Traditional treatments for arthritis include improving the body’s joint functions.

Patients that are given CBD showed a significant improvement in the quality of sleep. Other hemp benefits included less pain during movement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, there were also signs that CBD could suppress the activity of the disease.

Protecting against neurological disease

CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers have come to the conclusion that these properties can provide protection against pathological disorders as well as neuroprotection. Many studies suggest that CBD can produce considerable positive effects against Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Alleviating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms

ALS is a debilitating disease that causes the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain to deteriorate. This results in loss of muscle control, which is aggravated over time. It’s not yet clear to the medical community why ALS occurs. However, certain cases have found that the disease is hereditary. We don’t have a cure for ALS, and the FDA has approved only a few medications to help treat symptoms.

Studies have indicated that ALS patients can benefit from CBD and THC’s ‘entourage effect’. Research reported that when patients were administered CBD and THC in a 1:1 ratio in varying doses, those with moderate to mild muscle stiffness and spasms had high levels of relief. Patients with severe muscle spasticity reported having an even higher comfort.

Benefiting heart health

There are several benefits for the circulatory system (high blood pressure) and the heart. CBD can lower blood pressure linked to several debilitating heart conditions, including strokes, metabolic syndrome and heart attacks. As per the National Library of Medicine, a small study was completed in 2017 where nine participants, which included nine healthy men, were given 600 milligrams of CBD oil. These participants showed a reduction in resting blood pressure.

In that same study, these participants were asked to take stress tests designed to increase their blood pressure. It was found that these men had a significantly lower increase in their blood pressure compared to the placebo group. These men also maintained lower blood pressure levels over an extended period of being given CBD doses. They also experienced improved blood flow and reduced stiffness in their heart arteries.

More potential benefits

There are many studies done regarding cannabinoids uses and the effectiveness of CBD in several other health problems. Below are more potential benefits.

• Antipsychotic – Research has shown that CBD helps people with schizophrenia and other severe mental health issues.
• Glioblastoma – This is a very aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the spinal cord and the brain. The cancer forms cells (astrocytes) that form on the nerve cells. This disease can occur at any age. However, it seems to appear more in older adults. It causes headaches, vomiting, nausea and seizures. Studies have shown that a combination of THC and CBD administered to these patients may increase their life expectancy.
• Sleep disorders – Many people suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia. Studies indicate CBD improves sleep.     

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