Cannabis oil
Cannabidiol is a
popular natural remedy used for many common ailments.
Better known as CBD, it is one of over 100 chemical
compounds known as 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 getting “high”
that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those
who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the
mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain 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 wellness
world, with some scientific studies confirming it may ease symptoms of ailments
like chronic pain and anxiety.
Here are seven health benefits of CBD oil that are
backed by scientific evidence.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
oil is a product that’s derived from cannabis. It’s a type of cannabinoid,
which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants. Even though it
comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of
intoxication — that’s caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.
There’s some controversy around cannabis products like
CBD oil because of recreational marijuana use. But there’s growing awareness
about the possible health benefits of CBD oil. Here’s what you need to know
about six potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands:
1. Anxiety relief
CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety.
Researchers
One
- reducing stress
- decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased
heart rate
- improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- inducing sleep in cases of insomnia
2. Anti-seizure
CBD has been in the news before, as a possible
treatment for epilepsy. Research is still in its early days. Researchers
are testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in people
with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society states
that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that
research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.
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3. Neuroprotective
Researchers are looking at a receptor located in the
brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative
disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate
over time. This receptor is known as CB1.
Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil
for treating:
- Alzheimer’s
disease
- multiple
sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s
disease
- stroke
CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make
neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is needed to fully understand
the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Pain relief
The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may
also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some
benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies
sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at
the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:
- arthritis
- chronic pain
- MS pain
- muscle pain
- spinal cord
injuries
Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made
from a combination of TCH and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada
to treat MS pain. However, researchers think the CBD in the drug may be
contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against
the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are necessary to determine whether or not it
should be used for pain management.
5. Anti-acne
The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system
may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer
benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of
Clinical Investigationfound that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous
glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily
substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.
Before you consider CBD oil for acne treatment, it’s
worth discussing with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to
evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne.
5. Cancer treatment
Some studies have investigated the role of CBD in
preventing cancer cell growth, but research is still in its early stages. The
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