CBD Oil has grown in popularity recently. Legal in all 50 states and seen as a natural alternative to prescription meds, there is a lot to be said for the health properties of this cannabis compound. Below we will go over some of the most common uses of CBD Oil.
1. Relieve Pain
The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. And while many folks quickly reach for an over the counter drug to treat insomnia and pain, research suggests that CBD from marijuana can be an effective pain reliever, sleep inducer, and appetite booster. Even better, CBD could relieve chronic pain from ailments such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Sativex, an oral spray comprised of THC and CBD, has been approved for use in numerous countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis. In a comprehensive study of people with multiple sclerosis, after using Sativex for one month, the subjects felt relief from pain while walking and had fewer muscle spasms. Another study found that Sativex significantly reduced pain during movement and while at rest. And in people with rheumatoid arthritis, sleep quality increased.
2. Reduce Anxiety and Depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in our society and contribute significantly to disability across the globe. These mental health disorders can have long-term adverse effects on a person’s health and overall well-being. Taking medications for anxiety and depression often cause numerous side effects, including loss of sex drive, sleepiness, and irritability. Nationwide, we are in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with people becoming addicted and accidentally overdosing on benzodiazepines, most famously, Prince, Tom Petty, and Michael Jackson.
Another benefit of CBD oil is its positive effects on reducing depression and anxiety. In a human study where subjects took a placebo or CBD oil before having to perform a speech, the people who took CBD oil had significantly reduced anxiety and discomfort. Other human studies involved using CBD oil to treat insomnia or anxiety caused by PTSD, and in animal studies, CBD regulated mood and behaviour similar to an antidepressant. CBD may even help people with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and other psychotic symptoms.
3. Reduce cancer-related and cancer treatment symptoms.
As if cancer weren’t bad enough on its own, cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, often cause severe nausea and vomiting. CBD may help reduce these symptoms and others related to cancer, like severe pain. The people treated with extracts of CBD and THC had their pain reduced significantly. (People who only took THC did not feel as significant of an effect.) The extract worked better than regular medications.
In some test-tube and animal studies, CBD has shown to prevent the spread of numerous cancers, including breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer. A human study involving the effects of CBD and THC versus simple pain medication demonstrated positive results. Perhaps most surprising, in an animal study with mice, CBD limited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells. Human trials still need to be done to see how they may work.
4. Reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions.
Acne, a relatively common skin condition, has been attributed to genes, bacteria, inflammation, dairy allergies, and overproduction of an oily secretion knows as sebum. Genetics and nutrition aside, CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may interrupt sebum production. One study showed CBD oil could prevent the overproduction of sebum and stopped the activation of an inflammatory agent believed to cause acne. More human studies need to be conducted for conclusive results.
When it comes to ailments that cause chronic pain, human subjects found relief specifically from taking CBD oil. These included advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, migraines, joint pain and more. Not surprisingly, the subjects who witnessed markedly improved relief had chronic diseases related to inflammation. In animal studies using rats, CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes and inflammation.
A few last words
How much CBD oil you need will depend on you, your current state of health and whatever may ail you. Some people take up to five milligrams a day depending on the severity of the pain, and for those with chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis, you may take up to 80 milligrams per day. Always read the instructions and pay close attention to your body. Although serious side effects are rare with CBD oil, it’s best to increase your intake and monitor your comfort level slowly.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/cbd-oil-benefits-uses-side-effects.html
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