CBD oil is a product extracted from marijuana, but it has no psychoactive effects (it does not change consciousness or behavior). Its level of safety and efficacy is still under study.
CBD oil, also called cannabidiol oil, is one of the most important medicinal components of the cannabis or marijuana plant. Although it is most commonly found in the form of oil, it is also available in capsules made from oil, extract, or vaporized liquid.
CBD oil is believed to be effective in relieving various symptoms and diseases. In particular, it is considered an effective anticonvulsant. Only mild side effects have been reported across a wide range of doses.
It is important to clarify that cannabis or marijuana has some components that generate psychoactive effects and others that do not. CBD oil is composed of cannabidiol, which, although it has effects on the nervous system, does not cause alterations in consciousness.
CBD oil: 8 benefits
CBD oil has a wide range of therapeutic properties; however, it is necessary to consult your doctor before starting its consumption. There is evidence that some effects are as follows:
- Painkiller.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Anticonvulsant.
- Antioxidant.
- Neuroprotective.
- Anti-nausea and antiemetic (i.e. prevents vomiting).
- Anxiolytic.
- Antipsychotic.
- Immunomodulator.
- Cocaine, heroin, and alcohol appetite reducer.
Due to these properties, CBD oil can be used in addition to various treatments in numerous conditions. In addition to the above, it is also recommended as a food supplement. The best-known benefits of this product are the following:
1. Energizing effect
The body has natural cannabinoids and these affect the brain and immunological aspects such as mood, emotions, pain relief, appetite, and others. They also help maintain the body’s natural energy balance.
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CBD oil acts on cannabinoid receptors and helps restore the natural energy balance when it has been lost. This happens due to stress, inadequate sleep, unbalanced diet, overwork, etc. Cannabidiol helps restore energy.
2. Neurodegenerative disorders
CBD oil would also help rebalance the nervous system and, for this reason, it is recommended as an adjunct in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, sclerosis, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, a study published in the journal Pharmacology Research has shown that cannabidiol reduces brain damage associated with ischemic and degenerative diseases. It also increases the transmission of nerve impulses and facilitates the creation of new neurons.
All the diseases mentioned above weaken cognitive abilities and lead to depression. Cannabidiol would also act as an antidepressant and reduce agitation and aggression, two very common symptoms in these types of ailments.
3. Against anxiety and insomnia
CBD oil is indicated for severe cases of anxiety. These include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even post-traumatic stress symptoms. It would also help with less severe problems like social anxiety or nervousness. It would also help reduce insomnia.
Numerous studies demonstrate the usefulness of cannabidiol in the treatment of various anxiety disorders. However, a study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics states that all of these effects are observed when administered acutely. Further studies are needed to evaluate the chronic use of this substance.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a very serious disease characterized by the body’s inability to use glucose. It causes considerable consequences including loss of vision and damage to various organs. Severe neuropathic pain is also common.
CBD oil would reduce the risk of developing diabetes. In those who already have this disease, it would help keep insulin levels more balanced. Furthermore, it would act to relieve diabetic neuropathy. However, there are no conclusive data in this regard.
5. Heart health
There is limited evidence that CBD oil can help prevent and reduce cardiovascular ailments. Overall, it would offer benefits for the functioning of the circulatory system and heart disease. On the other hand, it would help reduce high blood pressure.
According to various studies, CBD is able to reduce organ damage and dysfunction in various cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic injuries. Furthermore, it has hypotensive properties in stressful situations, without affecting blood pressure values under normal conditions.
Many cardiovascular disorders are caused by stress and anxiety. Although cannabidiol would help reduce both, it could also prevent these diseases from developing.
6. Pain and inflammation
CBD oil binds to endocannabinoid receptors and this contributes to the regulation of functions such as sleep, appetite, and pain. By doing this, it would reduce the severity of pain and inflammation.
Therefore, this product is used to relieve problems such as chronic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasticity. pain and swelling in general. It would also favor faster recovery from injuries.
In addition to relieving chronic inflammation, a study published in the FASEB Journal showed that this substance also has antifibrotic properties. It is believed that the antifibrotic effect of cannabidiol is due to the scavenging of free radicals and the modulation of the immune system.
7. Bacterial infections
A recent study published in the journal Communications Biology showed that cannabidiol has antibacterial properties against gram-positive microorganisms. The aforementioned study showed that the compound is effective against resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia.
Experts believe that cannabidiol has the ability to alter the cell membrane of bacteria, thus inducing the death of the microorganism. The in vivo topical efficacy of the substance was demonstrated in the study and it was established that it has little ability to generate resistance.
8. Others
CBD oil is used to relieve the symptoms of various diseases. Just to name a few: epilepsy, chemical addictions, autism spectrum disorder, psychosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, cancers, and the effects of chemotherapy.
Safety and risks of CBD oil
It must be said that while there is a lot of research supporting the effectiveness of CBD oil, the available evidence is still considered limited. There are still no in-depth studies on the side effects and possible long-term effects of this substance.
It is also important to know that using this product carries some risks. Interactions with other drugs, especially anticoagulants, can be dangerous. Likewise, side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, decreased appetite, and, less frequently, hypotension have been reported.
Added to the above is the fact that in many countries this substance is not regulated. Therefore, in many cases, the quality of CBD oil cannot be certified, nor can it be guaranteed that it does not contain THC or other psychoactive components of marijuana.
Before using CBD oil, a medical examination is required
Before using CBD oil, you should consult your doctor. This will assess whether the use of this substance, in the specific case, is safe or not. It can also indicate where to buy good quality cannabidiol.
It is worth noting that CBD oil acts on the nervous system, but has no psychoactive effects. When you consume the product, you do not feel anything in particular. In other words, don’t expect some form of altered consciousness.
