Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy used for many common disorders.
Better known as CBD, it’s but one of over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and causes the sensation of having”high” that is often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD an attractive option for people that are interested in finding relief from pain and other ailments with no mind-altering effects of marijuana or specific pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
It’s gaining momentum in the health and health world, with a few scientific research confirming it may alleviate symptoms of disorders like chronic pain and stress.
Listed below are seven health benefits of CBD oil which are backed by scientific evidence.
1. Can Relieve Pain
Marijuana was used as a treatment for pain as far back as 2900 B.C.
More recently, scientists have found that certain components of marijuana, for example CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body includes a specialized system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating many different functions including sleep, hunger, pain and immune system response.
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are receptors that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have revealed that CBD can decrease chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
For instance, one study in rats found that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical incision, whereas another rat study found that oral CBD treatment significantly reduced sciatic nerve inflammation and pain.
Several human studies have found that a blend of CBD and THC is successful in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
An oral spray called Sativex, which is a mix of THC and CBD, is accepted in many states to deal with the pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
One study of 47 individuals with multiple sclerosis examined the ramifications of taking Sativex for one month. The participants underwent improvements in walking, pain, and muscle spasms. Still, the study did not include any management group and placebo effects can’t be ruled out.
Still another study found that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis.
SUMMARY: CBD, particularly in combination with THC, may be effective in reducing pain associated with diseases including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Could Reduce Stress and Depression
Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that could have catastrophic impacts on health and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the single biggest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are rated sixth.
Anxiety and depression are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which may cause a number of side effects such as nausea, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache.
Moreover, drugs like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may result in substance abuse.
CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with such disorders to become interested in this organic approach.
In one Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they underwent a public speaking evaluation. The researchers found that a 300-mg dose of CBD has been the best at significantly reducing stress during the test.
The placebo, a 150-mg dose of CBD, and also a 600-mg dose of CBD had little to no impact on anxiety.
CBD oil has even been used to safely treat sleeplessness and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.
CBD has also shown antidepressant-like effects in many animal research.
These qualities are connected to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and societal behavior.
SUMMARY: Utilizing CBD has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety in both animal and human research.
3. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Infection
CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer therapy, like nausea, nausea and vomiting.
One study looked at the consequences of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who didn’t experience relief from pain drugs.
Those treated with an infusion containing both chemicals experienced a substantial reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC infusion.
CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are one of the most common chemotherapy-related unwanted effects for anyone who has cancer.
Even though there are drugs that assist with these distressing symptoms, they are sometimes ineffective, leading some people to seek options.
A study of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy discovered a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered through mouth spray decreased chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better than conventional treatment alone.
Several test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For instance, 1 test-tube study found that focused CBD triggered cell death in human breast cancer cells.
Another study showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice.
However, these are test-tube and animal research, so that they could only suggest what may work in people. More studies in humans are needed before decisions can be made.
SUMMARY: Although CBD has been demonstrated to help decrease symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment, and may also have anti-cancer properties, more research is needed to assess its effectiveness and safety.
4. May Reduce Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 9 percent of the population.
It’s thought to be caused by a range of factors, such as bacteria, genetics, underlying inflammation and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion created by sebaceous glands in the skin.
Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to the anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce sebum production.
One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells by secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of”pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.
Still another study had similar findings, concluding that CBD could be an efficient and secure way to treat acne, thanks in part to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Though these results are promising, human research investigating the effects of CBD on acne has been required.
SUMMARY: CBD may have beneficial impacts on acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous glands.
5. Might Have Neuroprotective Properties
Researchers believe that CBD’s capacity to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
Actually, among the most studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Though research in this region is still relatively new, many studies have shown promising results.
Sativex, an oral spray consisting of CBD and THC, has been demonstrated to be a safe and efficient means to reduce muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis.
One study found that Sativex reduced spasms in 75% of 276 individuals with multiple sclerosis that were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications.
Still another study gave 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 g of CBD petroleum per pound (two –5 g/kg) of body fat. Their seizures reduced by a median of 36.5percent.
An additional study discovered that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in kids with Dravet syndrome, an intricate childhood epilepsy disorder, compared to a placebo.
But, it is important to note that a few individuals in both these studies experienced adverse reactions connected with CBD therapy, such as convulsions, fever and exhaustion.
CBD has also been investigated for its potential effectiveness in curing many other neurological diseases.
For example, several studies have revealed that therapy with CBD improved the quality of sleep and life quality for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, animal and test-tube research have shown that CBD may decrease inflammation and help stop the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In a long-term study, researchers gave CBD to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease, finding it helped prevent cognitive decline.
SUMMARY: Though research is restricted at this time, CBD has been proven to alleviate symptoms related to epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. CBD was also shown to reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease in test-tube and animal studies.
6. Could Benefit Heart Health
Recent research has linked CBD with several advantages for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of quite a few health ailments, including stroke, heart attack and metabolic syndrome.
Studies suggest that CBD may have the ability to assist with high blood pressure.
1 recent study handled nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it decreased resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.
The same study also gave the men strain tests that typically raise blood pressure. Interestingly, the only dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure growth than ordinary in reaction to such tests.
Researchers have indicated that the anxiety – and – anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are responsible for the way it can help lower blood pressure.
Additionally, several animal studies have demonstrated that CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to the strong antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.
By way of instance, one study found that treatment using CBD reduced oxidative stress and prevented heart damage in diabetic mice with coronary disease.
SUMMARY: Even more human studies are required, CBD may benefit heart health in many ways, including by reducing blood pressure and preventing heart damage.
7. Several Other Possible Benefits
CBD has been analyzed for its role in treating several health issues aside from those outlined above.
Though more studies are needed, CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits:
- Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD can help individuals with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.
- Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been proven to modify circuits in the brain related to drug dependence. In rats, CBD was shown to decrease morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior.
- Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD has shown anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been demonstrated to protect against the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.
- Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD decreased the incidence of diabetes by 56% and significantly decreased inflammation.
SUMMARY: Some research suggests that CBD may assist with diabetes, substance abuse, mental disorders and certain kinds of cancers. But more study in humans is required.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Although CBD is usually well-tolerated and considered secure, it might cause adverse reactions in certain people.
Side effects mentioned in studies comprise:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Infection
CBD is also known to interact with different medications. Before you start using CBD oil, talk about it with your doctor to ensure your safety and prevent potentially damaging interactions.
This is particularly important when you take supplements or medications that include a “grapefruit warning.” Both grapefruit and CBD interfere with cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a set of enzymes that are important to drug metabolism.
One study conducted on mice revealed that CBD-rich cannabis extracts possess the potential to cause liver toxicity. But, some of the mice in the analysis were force-fed extremely large doses of the infusion.
SUMMARY: Though CBD is usually considered safe, it can result in adverse reactions such as diarrhea and fatigue in some individuals. It may also interfere with certain medicines.
The Bottom Line
CBD oil was analyzed for its potential role in relieving symptoms of many common health problems, such as anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.
For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief.
Research on the possible health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses with this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.
Even though there’s much to be learned concerning the effectiveness and safety of CBD, results from recent studies imply that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural remedy for many health problems.
If you’re interested in attempting CBD, you can buy many products on the internet, including gummies, oils, and creams.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3% THC) are legal on the national level but remain illegal under certain state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are prohibited on the federal level but are legal under some state laws. Check your country’s laws and people anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products aren’t FDA-approved, and maybe inaccurately labeled.