CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical which is extracted from a type of marijuana plant called cannabis sativa. It is naturally occurring and not psychoactive – it does not get you ‘high’. This is an important distinction and is why CBD is now legal in most states (click the link to find out the states that do not allow CBD), whereas marijuana itself is still illegal in most states.
Since CBD has become more popular, many people advocate its various health benefits. It can sometimes be difficult to know what is reliable information and what is exaggerated, but here, we will look at proven benefits of CBD oil.
Pain relief
Marijuana has been used to treat pain for thousands of years. Scientists have now discovered that this is because of the CBD properties.
Our bodies have a system called the ‘endocannabinoid system’ which has many functions, including regulating the following: sleep, pain, appetite and the immune system.
This system produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids which bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
CBD can relieve pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, interacting with neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation.
Reducing anxiety and depression
Depression and anxiety are extremely common mental health disorders and are often treated with prescription drugs which can have some negative side-effects including drowsiness, insomnia, agitation and headaches. Furthermore, many of these medications can be addictive.
CBD is effective for some people with these conditions. This is because CBD impacts the neurotransmitter serotonin which regulates mood.
Alleviating symptoms related to cancer
CBD can reduce some symptoms of cancer and cancer-treatment. It can relieve pain, nausea and increase appetite.
There have also been claims about CBD fighting against cancer itself. However, more research needs to be done into its efficiency.
Reducing acne
Acne affects nearly 10% of people, particularly teenagers. It can be caused by bacteria, genetics, inflammation and an overproduction of sebum, a naturally occurring skin oil.
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce sebum, which can subsequently help with acne.
Neuroprotection
Because CBD affects brain signalling it may be beneficial to those with neurological disorders.
CBD is now widely used to treat certain neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Although research is still quite limited, there have been some incredible results.
This leads scientists to wonder about the possibility of CBD reducing the progression of Alzheimer’s, but more research needs to be done to find out the true extent of its properties.
Heart Health
CBD may benefit the circulatory system including the heart and blood pressure.
This may be because of their impact on anxiety and stress. It is also an antioxidant.
Side effects
CBD is generally considered safe to use. However, there are testimonials of people experiencing fatigue, changes in appetite and diarrhoea. It can also interfere with other medications.
If you are considering using CBD for any reason, talk to your doctor first.
Conclusion
CBD oil is an incredible chemical with lots of potential benefits. However, it is still relatively new to the scientific community, and therefore, many benefits are still speculated. There is also likely to be a lot more possibilities as we learn more about it – do your research and if it sounds right for you, try it for yourself!
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
