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What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, or cannabidiol oil, is an extract derived from the hemp plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it does not cause a “high” like THC, and is known for its potential health benefits.

Whilst research surrounding CBD oil’s specific effects on physical health is still in the early stages, there are plenty of studies out there showing how much it can improve mental health and reduce inflammation and pain associated with certain diseases and disorders. 

With that in mind, here are 10 health benefits of CBD oil you probably didn’t know about.

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Health Benefits of CBD Oil

1. Reduces Anxiety

When we’re stressed out or anxious, it takes its toll on our body and mind.

Scientists have discovered that certain compounds in hemp plants work to neutralise stress and anxiety. 

In a report published in Alternative Medicine Review, researchers found that taking a few drops of cannabidiol oil before bed reduces blood pressure by almost 24 per cent. 

This could be used for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) who are at risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions.

Combining these oils with an aromatherapy treatment can help calm your mind as well as relax your body before you fall asleep.

2. Relieves Pain

Hemp oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve pain in a number of ways, according to several studies.

Scientists have shown that cannabinoids may prove effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. 

For those with chronic pain, inflammation can be a major trigger for anxiety and even depression, so a reduction in inflammation can help improve mood as well as ease pain. 

Hemp oil contains phytocannabinoids, which may help reduce inflammation, according to a review published in Neurotherapeutics, which also reported that some cannabis-based treatments had positive effects on animal models used to study various disease states.

3. Controls Seizures

Studies on animals have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in reducing seizures.

In a study conducted on rats, scientists found that CBD significantly reduced grand mal and partial seizures when administered with other medications. 

However, they also noted that research on humans is still needed to fully understand how CBD helps control seizures.

Cannabidiol has also been found to reduce seizure frequency when it’s used with conventional medications.

4. Prevents Cancer Cell Growth

Studies suggest that cannabidiol is able to stop cancer cells from growing.

Many scientists are optimistic about its potential for helping with many types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers.

It can also help to slow down tumour growth and reduce painful symptoms in cancer patients. 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) was found to decrease glioma cell viability in vitro and induce apoptosis via CB1 and CB2 receptor activation and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress.

5. Boosts the Immune System

Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) can increase activity for natural killer cells, which helps protect us from infections and illness.

New research suggests it could boost our resistance to these foreign bodies by stimulating IFN-g and IL-12—two immunoregulatory factors that help regulate the immune response. 

One study in mice found CBD treatment increased IFN-g expression by up to 400%. 

Another animal study involving rats fed with Echinacea found those given a combination of an extract from black cumin (a herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), plus cannabidiol, had stronger protection against infection than other rats not taking either substance.

6. Improves Sleep Quality

CBD oil has a calming effect, which helps reduce anxiety and stress levels.

When you’re lying awake at night or worrying about something, it can be difficult to fall asleep or relax.

This becomes even more of an issue when you have to wake up early for work or school. 

If your mind is racing, you’ll find it harder to ease into your day after getting just a few hours of sleep.

CBD oil can help by relaxing your brain and reducing any anxiety that might be holding you back from falling asleep.

7. Increases Appetite and Weight Gain in Cancer Patients

Medical marijuana is known to increase appetite in cancer patients, as well as promote a sense of well-being and general quality of life. 

A 2006 study published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology found that when cancer patients use cannabinoids, they experience an increase in appetite and weight gain. 

Patients undergoing chemotherapy often lose their appetites, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition—which in turn affects recovery outcomes.

In one study, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was shown to increase appetite by boosting the hormone ghrelin. 

High levels of ghrelin are linked with increased food intake and growth hormone secretion from GH cells.

8. Helps with Depression and Mood Disorders

Some studies have shown that CBD oil is linked to decreased levels of anxiety and depression, which is probably due to its effect on serotonin levels in your brain. 

Low serotonin levels have been linked to issues like panic attacks and intense mood swings, so it makes sense that low doses of CBD oil could potentially help with those symptoms. 

In fact, some patients suffering from depression use small doses (about a milligram) of CBD as a treatment for their condition.

As a result, we’ve also seen a rise in people self-medicating for mental health conditions with the cannabis oil as well.

9. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s possible that CBD oil could help lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

The American Diabetes Association states that several studies have shown that diabetes can often be reversed simply by a proper diet. 

Research also suggests that using CBD oil can increase insulin sensitivity in diabetes patients.

For example, in 2015, a published Pharmacological study found that CBD potently and selectively reduced inflammation and pain without causing apparent analgesic tolerance in animal models.

10. Protects Brain Cells From Degeneration in Diseases Like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, etc.

Studies have suggested that CBD may be beneficial for a range of health issues including stroke, heart attack, cancer and other neurodegenerative diseases. 

Research is still ongoing in many areas but shows great potential.

For example, research on Parkinson’s disease suggests CBD might help slow disease progression and decrease symptoms such as tremors and muscle spasms. 

Studies on Alzheimer’s disease have shown that CBD improves brain function by increasing BDNF levels—and researchers don’t yet fully understand why – BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) can easily cross your blood-brain barrier to increase neurotransmitters. 

In Huntington’s disease, a degenerative genetic disorder, studies suggest that CBD might halt further damage from brain cells dying and even regenerate healthy cells in certain parts of the brain.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medication, it is possible to experience some side effects, which are:

• Low blood pressure and dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• If used in the proper dosage and orally, this drug does not pose a health risk. Despite this, it is possible for an excessive dose to cause liver damage.

Regarding the use of topical cannabidiol cream, there is not enough information to warn about the side effects that it can cause.

Contraindications and Special Precautions

In order to avoid possible adverse effects, it’s necessary to expose what type of patients this drug is contraindicated to, as well as the special precautions that must be taken in its use.

• It is contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation.
• Although Epidiolex is allowed for paediatric patients, other forms of CBD may not be safe. Therefore, we recommend consulting your GP so as not to put your child’s health at risk.
• Patients with liver diseases should consume lower doses of CBD or none at all. It is very important to avoid self-medication.
• CBD oil should be taken with care in combination with other herbs or supplements, as it may cause excessive drowsiness or dizziness.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to its lack of toxicity, CBD oil is safe for most people, which makes it an ideal natural alternative for a variety of ailments.

Cannabinoids have been well tolerated in clinical trials, side effects are minimal and long-term use is well tolerated.

For the patient to really benefit from it, it is necessary to follow the dosage advised by a health practitioner.

We must also consider that the use of CBD oil has generated controversy, therefore, it is illegal in some countries.

We recommend consulting the laws of your country of residency in order to avoid fines or legal penalties.

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The post 10 Health Benefits of CBD Oil You Must Know About first appeared on Fit as a Fiddle.