Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a popular natural remedy for many common ailments. Although often lumped together with herb, it is only 1 of the 104 chemical compounds of CBD sativa , the hemp plant or CBD. THC, one of the other compounds in CBD, is the main mind-altering component and will get you high. You (probably) do not want that, but with CBD oil you can benefit from these 6 effects that it could give according to scientific research:
- Relieving Pain
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Alleviating cancer-related symptoms
- Reduce acne
- Provide neurological protection
- Positive for the heart condition
Because CBD does not have a mind-altering effect like THC, it is an attractive alternative for many to use as a pain reliever. But that’s not the only effect. At the moment there is a lot of research being done on the effect in various conditions, ranging from chronic pain to anxiety disorders. We have listed 6 of the complaints examined.
CBD oil, Hemp oil, Hemp seed oil
For those who can no longer see the forest for the trees: CBD oil does contain THC and is therefore not legal, unlike CBD or hemp oil. This is extracted from the CBD plant by extraction and then diluted with, for example, coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
And hemp seed oil is the third variant from the hemp plant. It does not contain CBD and therefore does not have the same beneficial effect, but is healthy because of:
– optimal ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids (3:1)
– high concentration of vitamin E
– unique source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid)
– 15x more CLA (for fat burning) than fish oil
1 – Pain
CBD has been used for pain since 2900 BC. Scientists have now discovered that it is, among other things, CBD that is responsible for this pain relief. This has everything to do with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in the regulation of a number of different functions, such as sleep, food cravings, pain and our immune system. Our bodies produce so-called endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters that bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. CBD intervenes in this system, according to research and thereby reduces chronic pain and inflammation.
For example, a study showedamong 47 MS patients a significant improvement in pain, gait and spasms compared to a control group. It must be said that the spray used contained THC in addition to CBD. The combination provides a greater effect. This was also shown in a study among people with rheumatism. Who noticed an improvement in their pain symptoms when moving, at rest and in the quality of sleep.
2 – Anxiety and Depression
These are two common mental illnesses that can have a devastating effect on our health and well-being. According to the WHO, depression is by far the leading cause of disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders come in sixth place. The drugs taken for this have a number of side effects, including drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headaches. In addition, those who take benzodiapines run a high risk of addiction. CBD oil appears to be a promising natural alternative to these drugs. CBD has these properties in that it is able to bind to the serotonin receptors in the brain and serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is able to regulate mood and social behavior. Read this post about hemp to learn more information.
3 – Symptoms due to cancer
Many cancer drugs have quite a few unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and pain. Research on the intake of CBD (and THC) in cancer patients with pain also showed good results. And also nausea and vomiting can be relieved. However, we are far from done with these promising effects. Therefore, more research is needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of CBD (and THC) use.
4 – Acne
This skin abnormality occurs in almost 10% of people and it is often difficult to get rid of. There are several factors that play a role in the development, including genetics, bacteria, inflammation and excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Laboratory research has shown that CBD oil counteracts this sebum production, has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the activation of cytokines, which can cause inflammation.
5 – Brain
Because CBD acts on the ECS and other brain functions, scientists suspect that people with neurological disorders may also benefit from this. Research is now being done on this in various areas, including Alzheimer’s, MS and Parkinson’s. The lab and animal studies are promising, but much more research is needed to be sure what it does in patients.
6 – Heart
High blood pressure is a risk factor for a number of health problems and CBD can lower your blood pressure and thus the risk of stroke, heart attack and metabolic syndrome. Both at rest and during a stress test, the blood pressure in the subjects with CBD oil remained significantly lower than without. In addition, it has also been found to counteract damage from oxidative stress or free radicals.
A number of research results suggest even more positive effects of CBD. It could be used for the treatment of diabetes, drug addiction, psychological disorders and certain types of cancer. Research with humans – and not with laboratory animals, as was the case – has yet to be done.
