7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)

Commonly used to cure many ailments, Cannabidiol is a famous natural remedy. Popularly known as CBD oil, it is one of the 100 compounds called cannabinoids found in the marijuana or the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa).

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, unlike the other psychoactive cannabinoids that contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives the sensation of getting ‘high’.

This nature of CBD makes it more alluring for people who are looking for pain relief and other symptoms without the mind altering effects of marijuana and other pharmaceutical drugs.

CBD oil is made out of the extract of Cannabidiol from the Cannabis plant. Upon extraction, it is further diluted with carrier oils like coconut or hemp seed oils.

Here are 7 benefits and uses of CBD oil with scientific back up:

Can Relieve Pain

Marijuana has been used since 2900 BC to provide relief from pain. It was recently that scientists have discovered that certain constituents of marijuana, along with CBD, are the reason for its pain relieving qualities.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in our human body is associated with the regulation of sleep, pain, appetite and immunity.

Studies have proved that CBD can help in the reduction of chronic pain and inflammation by affecting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors. CBD when combined with THC, may be effective in pain reduction associated with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression

According to the WHO, anxiety and depression are one of the largest contributors to disability worldwide. They are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs which have numerous side effects like drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headaches.

Promising CBD oils like Budmail have shown positive results in the treatment of both depression and anxiety in human as well as animal studies.

It has also been proven useful against insomnia and anxiety in children with post traumatic disorder.

Can Alleviate Cancer Related Symptoms?

CBD may help reduce cancer-related symptoms and other side effects associated with treatment of cancer like pain and nausea.

It also eases the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea, which is amongst the most common chemotherapy-associated side effects for people suffering from cancer.

Few animal studies have revealed that CBD may contain anti-cancer properties. Studies on mice have shown that it hindered the rapid spread of breast cancer cells.

However, these have only been proved in animal studies and are indicative in nature. To be effectively implemented in human treatment, more research is needed.

May Reduce Acne

Around 9% of the world’s population suffers from acne and related skin issues. Acne is caused due to a variety of factors such as genetic conditions, bacteria, underlying inflammation and the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands in the skin.

It has been identified based on recent studies that CBD oil may aid acne treatment owing to its anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to lower the levels of sebum production.

Although the results are quite promising, it is vital that more research is conducted to explore the effects of CBD on acne.

May Have Neuroprotective Properties

Several studies have revealed CBD’s potential to impact the endocannabinoid system and other signaling systems of the brain to aid the treatment of neurological disorders. Recent research has focused on the aid CBD can offer in treating those with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

A combination of THC and CBD in the form of an oral spray has been proven to be effective against the muscle spasms faced by people with multiple sclerosis. However, it has invoked adverse reactions in some people associated with CBD treatment such as fever, convulsions and fatigue.

Whilst the research is limited, CBD has shown positive results in the treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease in test-tube and animal studies.

Could Improve Heart’s Health

Recent studies have associated CBD with benefits for the circulatory system of our body, emphasizing its potential to lower high blood pressure.

High BP alleviates heart problems, thus increasing the chances of stroke, heart attack and metabolic syndrome. CBD’s antioxidant properties, anxiety and stress relieving properties are responsible for this.

However, more research has to be conducted to completely understand how CBD helps with the treatment of heart problems.

Cures Several Other Ailments

CBD may help cure diabetes, mental disorders and substance abuse too. Research has shown that CBD contains antipsychotic properties that can help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders. CBD is also known to be capable of modifying the neural circuits so as to help with drug addiction.

Nevertheless, it is essential for human studies to be encouraged in these areas for a much clearer picture of CBD’s capabilities.

If you have experience with other benefits and uses of CBD oil, share it with us in the comments below!

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Jim

Jim is a passionate blogger and cannabis enthusiast from Melbourne, AU, who likes writing articles that cover health and education related topics. After five years of cannabis activism, he is trying to pass that experience on others through written word. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.