Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. It has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce chronic pain by affecting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for a wide range of conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and anxiety.
In this article, we will explore nine ways in which CBD oil could potentially benefit your health.
1.Pain Relief
CBD oil has been shown to be effective in reducing pain. In one study, 13 patients with type 2 diabetes who weren't receiving insulin treatment received CBD and a placebo (instead of insulin). The researchers found that CBD reduced their levels of resistin (which causes resistance to insulin, the protein that regulates sugar levels) and increased their levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (a hormone that ensures sufficient release of insulin from digested food) compared to their reference values before starting the test. These results suggest that CBD could be a natural treatment for diabetes by helping the body regulate insulin-related hormone levels. In another small study, patients treated with CBD did not experience much change in pain compared to patients treated with placebo.However, there were statistically significant differences between the group that received the 250 milligram dose and the placebo group when measuring the average weekly improvement in their worst pain levels and their WOMAC physical function score (arthritis index from the universities of Western Ontario and McMaster). In addition, men seemed to benefit from CBD more significantly than women in this test.
2.Anxiety Relief
CBD oil has also been studied as a potential treatment for anxiety. In one study, Japanese adolescents aged 37, 18 and 19 with social anxiety disorder were given repeated treatments with CBD. After almost a month of self-administration of 2% CBD oil, a CT scan showed almost total resolution of his tumor.The results were interesting, though not entirely conclusive.
3.Sleep Aid
CBD oil is said to have a range of potential health benefits, including being used as an appetite stimulant and sleep aid. It is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. One study looked at the effectiveness of repeated treatment with CBD in Japanese adolescents aged 37, 18 and 19 with social anxiety disorder.4.Skin Conditions
CBD oil is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. When introduced topically, CBD oil doesn't affect the systemic problem as it would if introduced directly into the bloodstream.On the other hand, topical CBD is more localized and treats pain in a certain area. Because it's more direct, it can have a more pronounced effect.
5.Seizure Prevention
CBD is often extracted from the cannabis sativa plant in oil form and mixed with an inert carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil, for consumption. Three well-reviewed studies provide the basis for supporting the FDA's decision. In these trials, 516 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome received Epidiolex or a placebo.Epidiolex, when taken together with other prescription medications, decreased the frequency of participant seizures compared to placebo.
6.Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
The study also suggests that CBD may reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. That said, researchers are still working to fully understand how CBD works with the body's ECS.7.Cancer Treatment
If you have cancer and are thinking about consuming CBD, talk to your oncologist first to find out if its use is safe or not.8.PTSD Treatment
CBD may also be effective in treating PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In addition to reducing the fear commonly associated with PTSD, CBD may reduce other symptoms related to the disease.9.Drug Interactions
The interactions between these drugs and CBD are usually mild and you may not need to change your treatment.Conclusion
CBD comes in many forms, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vaporizers, and topical preparations for use on the skin. Currently, the only CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration is a prescription oil called Epidiolex.However, if you're considering using CBD, it's essential that you talk to your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits before using it.
