Benefits of CBD Oil

Wondering what the recent hype on CBD oil is all about? Here let’s check out the medicinal uses of CBD and how it can benefit your health too.

What is the hype all about?

CBD oil is an organic compound that comes from the cannabis plant.

You read that right. It comes from the main source of both marijuana and hemp. Perhaps you’re now thinking about its safety and legality – and it’s entirely expected. Anything that’s related to marijuana raises concerns.

But let me douse your fears right here. CBD oil is a component of cannabis that does not get you that “high”. It is legal and safe.

In fact, in June 2018, the US FDA approved a purified form of cannabidiol for treatment of rare types of epilepsy that don’t respond to anti-seizure medications. This validation from the FDA further ignited the buzz around CBD oil and its benefits.

Unlike marijuana, CBD products are free of THC, hence, are not considered controlled substances. Trading and consumption of CBD products are legal. It should be noted that over the recent years, CBD oil has become increasingly popular and widely acceptable. It is estimated that CBD consumer sales will total around US $1.15 billion by 2020.

What is CBD?

Just like any other plants, thousands of compounds can be derived from cannabis sativa or marijuana plant but the most potent compounds belong to Cannabinoid class. Under this class of organic compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two of the well-recognized derivatives.

THC causes the psychoactive effects of marijuana which gives people the sense of “high.”Meanwhile, CBD doesn’t have these psychoactive properties and is, therefore, the best alternative for those who want to take advantage of the benefits of marijuana but don’t want the high.

CBD is extracted from the resin of cannabis buds and flowers and is usually diluted with oil. It is available in concentrated liquid form (flavored and unflavored) and consumed orally.

There are a lot of creative ways to incorporate CBD oil in your regular regimen but fruit shakes, juices, and smoothies are the most popular. To make a CBD oil-infused smoothie, you simply add prescribed drops of CBD oil into your smoothie blender or juicer along with all other ingredients. CBD smoothie is a healthy and delicious way of enjoying the benefits of CBD oil. It’s cannabis in a cup!

What are the benefits of CBD Oil?

CBD oil is associated with a number of health benefits. Below are some conditions CBD could be used for.

1. Chronic Pain

CBD offers relief for chronic pain sufferers such as those with fibromyalgia. In Canada, CBD has been approved as adjunctive treatment for pain due to cancer and multiple sclerosis. Aside from pain relief, CBD is thought to help prevent degeneration of the nervous system. Because of these effects, CBD is touted as a natural alternative to opioids.

2. Anxiety and depression

Depression Health details how CBD oil could help people suffering from stress-related conditions, such as anxiety and depression. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system of the nervous system which stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two brain chemicals or neurotransmitters are primarily associated with stress response. Regulating the production of these neurotransmitters has been shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

3. Epilepsy in children

Rare cases of seizure that don’t respond to conventional medication can be managed with CBD, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The anti-seizure properties of CBD reduced the frequency of seizures by up to 23 percent. And as mentioned above, the FDA has recently approved the use of a cannabis-derived medication (first of its kind) for treatment of seizures.

4. Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a prevalent health concern that can lead to severe conditions if not managed. Treatment of this condition requires a holistic approach that involves medication, healthy lifestyle, and diet. Current studies show that CBD oil can potentially minimize chronic inflammation and thus can be used to prevent it from resulting in a more serious illness.

5. Oxidative stress

Health experts point to oxidative stress as the main cause of many diseases today. It occurs when the body accumulates free radicals (cells that destroy healthy cells). To prevent oxidative stress, you need antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. CBD oil has antioxidant properties that can help get rid of these unwanted toxins.

Aside from these five well-known benefits of CBD, it has been shown to help fight multi-drug resistant bacteria, treat acne, manage schizophrenia, promote healthy weight, and fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases. As more studies are being conducted on CBD oil’s health benefits, we can expect to see this list add up.

Final Thoughts

CBD continues to gain more following and for good reasons. Emerging studies show how this powerful ingredient derived from marijuana plant can benefit your health sans the psychotropic effect of cannabis. But as with any other natural supplement, you have to be careful when using CBD oil as it can have some unpleasant side effects. If you are unsure or have pre-existing health conditions, you can check with your doctor before taking this natural remedy. Again, CBD oil is a natural supplement and should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.