CBD Oil: Benefits, Applications, Side Effects

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

In recent years, CBD oil has been at the heart of a controversy. A lot of people don't understand what it is exactly. Despite its growing popularity, there are many misconceptions about this remedy that doctors believe has promise in treating certain chronic conditions. This is because cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil derived from the cannabis sativa plant. The latter contains a wide range of chemical compounds with varying effects. In the text below, we explain what the preparation from this plant is, how it works and if it could be beneficial for health, its uses and all possible risks.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is one of the many cannabinoids (compounds) in the cannabis plant. Researchers have looked at its possible therapeutic uses.

Two of the compounds in cannabis are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. These compounds, however, have different effects on the human organism. Until recently, THC was more widely known. It is the most active constituent and it has a psychological effect altering the mind when a person smokes it or uses it in cooking. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and therefore does not change the state of mind of people who use it. However, it can produce significant changes in the body and has significant medical benefits.

What is the role of CBD oil in the treatment of certain diseases?

Relieves chronic pain naturally thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties

There is growing evidence that the non-psychoactive compounds in CBD may provide a new treatment for chronic pain. In 2018, studies in mice showed that the oil reduces inflammation by preventing the release of inflammatory substances in the body. Another 2019 study found that when applied to the skin as an ointment, the oil significantly reduced symptomatic pain from arthritis, muscle pain and pain from spinal cord injuries, as well as other pains. chronic.

Facilitates smoking cessation and drug withdrawal

A 2013 pilot study found that smokers who used inhalers containing CBD smoked fewer cigarettes than usual and stopped craving nicotine. This suggests that the oil can help people quit smoking. Another study from 2018 proved that this product reduced cravings during smoking cessation due to its relaxing effect.

The authors of a 2015 review found evidence that specific cannabinoids, such as CBD, can help people with opioid addiction overcome withdrawal symptoms, such as pain, insomnia, l anxiety and mood swings.

Epilepsy

After years of research into the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil in treating epilepsy, scientists are already certain that it has the ability to control the seizures of some rare forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. This is in fact impossible with other types of conventional medicines.

Alzheimer's disease

In 2014, a study in rodents showed that CBD may help people with Alzheimer's disease retain the ability to recognize familiar faces. A 2019 review brought up the fact that the oil may even slow the onset and progression of this mental disorder.

Neurological symptoms and disorders

Research suggests that the oilseed product may be useful in treating complications related to epilepsy, such as neurodegeneration, neuronal damage, and psychiatric illness. Additionally, a 2012 study indicated that CBD may produce effects similar to those of certain antipsychotic drugs and may provide safe and effective treatment for people with schizophrenia.

Researchers believe that CBD oil may act as a neuroprotective compound reducing damage to the nervous system and brain, and stimulating the development and growth of neurons. Temporary or permanent damage to the nervous system can be caused by several factors such as genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, traumatic shock, oxidative stress.

CBD has a number of therapeutic properties useful for treating stroke, head injuries, and spinal cord disease and injury. Its neuroprotective properties have also shown promising results in curing and limiting the progression of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and sclerosis.

Alleviates symptoms and fights cancer

Authors of a 2012 review found evidence that CBD had the power to prevent the spread of certain types of cancer. The active compound appeared to slow the growth of cancer cells and promote their destruction.

Other research has looked at how CBD may improve the work of chemotherapy and reduce side effects.

Anxiety relief

One study found that CBD oil helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Other preliminary animal studies showed that CBD changed the way receptors in the brain react to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health, and in this way reduced stress and increased heart rate, improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and the quality of sleep in cases of insomnia.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas, causing inflammation. In 2016, researchers found evidence that CBD could alleviate this inflammation and protect against or delay the onset of the disease.

Acne treatment

Through a 2014 study, it was revealed that the oilseed product has the ability to reduce the production of sebum that leads to acne, in part due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Topical application can also relieve psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Heart disease

Indeed, various cardiovascular diseases are among the most common health problems of our time. Of course, a healthy lifestyle and consuming specific foods is a top priority for those prone to it, although CBD can be beneficial as well. For example, it can prevent fluctuations in blood pressure due to stress. According to researchers, cannabidiol has many other virtues such as:

• reduced risk of blocked arteries
• prevention of processes that later cause heart attacks
• reduction of bad cholesterol

Pros and Cons of CBD Oil

Some of the benefits of this miracle product include the following:

• 100% natural: CBD and other cannabinoids are completely natural. No chemical additives are used during production, making them 100% organic.
• A Wide Range of Uses: One of the most interesting features of CBD is that it has a lot of applications in medicine and in everyday life.
• Various concentration options: everyone has their own needs and the fact that the products have a different concentration is a big plus.
• Long-term use: the natural components do not harm the body even after long-term use.

However, the oil also has some disadvantages including:

• High Price: It is important to understand that the creation process is very laborious and complicated.
• Bad taste: For some people it is more difficult to get used to the specific, bitter taste of CBD oil. Still, there is an alternative: you can buy it in capsules.
• Effectiveness may decrease over time: if so, you should take a week break. The good news is that immediately after the break, all of its beneficial effects return to their former strength.
• Many brands of CBD are unreliable: There are quite a few brands and products of CBD that often contain much less CBD than they claim.

How to use CBD?

CBD often comes in many different forms. This makes it easy for consumers to use it in a way that best suits their needs. Here are the shapes available on the market:

Oral acceptance

Swallowing CBD oil allows it to pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver, sending its active compounds throughout the body for several hours. The product is typically ingested in drops, tinctures, and capsules, or added to foods and drinks, such as gummy candies and coffee. CBD can also be consumed in powder form by removing all plant matter.

A popular way to take CBD is to place a few drops of the oil or tincture, or a small amount of powder, under the tongue and hold it for several seconds. This allows the active ingredients to be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Inhalation

CBD can be inhaled by vaporizing the oil or adding the powder to electronic cigarettes. In this way, cannabidiol quickly enters the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system.

Topical products - lotions, creams, ointments, balms, etc

These products are applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation right where it's needed.

The recommended dosages vary among individuals and depend on factors such as weight, strength of the product, and the reason for use.

Risks and side effects

As with most therapies, using CBD can come with some risks. It can indeed interact with supplements and medications. Moreover, its effects on different people cannot always be predicted. So, before using this oil, you must consult a doctor!

Possible side effects include:

• liver damage
• interactions with drugs and alcohol
• changes in alertness that can make driving dangerous
• gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite
• mood changes, including irritability
• reduced fertility in men
• depression
• dizziness
• hallucinations
• low blood pressure
• insomnia

During pregnancy

Experts believe that using CBD oil during pregnancy can affect fetal neural development. Regular use in adolescents is associated with problems with memory, behavior and intelligence. In general, it is advised that pregnant women refrain from trying the product! This also applies to women who are breastfeeding!

* Sources: medicalnewstoday.com

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