CBD oil, derived from cannabis, is a popular natural remedy for various health issues. It offers benefits like pain relief and relaxation without causing any mind-altering effect
CBD oil is created by extracting it from the cannabis plant and then mixing it with carrier oils such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It’s just one of over 100 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that leads to the sensation of being “high,” CBD does not have psychoactive properties. You can find CBD in a range of products both online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food items.
In this article, we’ll explore six scientifically supported health benefits of CBD. We’ll also discuss possible side effects and safety considerations associated with CBD products.
CBD’s Potential Benefits Explored
Pain Relief
For thousands of years, cannabis has been used to alleviate pain, dating back to 2900 B.C. in Chinese medicine. Scientists believe that components like CBD might contribute to these pain-relieving effects.
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating functions such as pain perception. Within the body, there are neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids that attach to cannabinoid receptors.
Research indicates that CBD might aid in diminishing persistent pain by focusing on the activity of endocannabinoid receptors, lessening inflammation, and engaging with neurotransmitters. Furthermore, preclinical findings suggest its potential effectiveness for conditions like fibromyalgia, including research from 2021.
Reduce Symptoms To Some Mental Health Disorders
CBD oil is showing promise in treating certain mental health disorders, which has captured the interest of individuals dealing with these conditions. A review from 2020 focused on CBD and mood disorders found that multiple studies suggest CBD might help lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Additionally, a small study from 2019 indicated that CBD effectively reduced PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares, in adults. However, current research hasn’t yet established CBD as a recommended treatment for these conditions.
Potential Relief for Cancer Symptoms
Research published in 2022 indicates that CBD might assist in easing some cancer-related symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and pain. However, more research is required to determine the regular usage of CBD for managing cancer symptoms.
Neuroprotective Possibilities
CBD could offer advantages for individuals with neurological disorders. A study from 2022 suggests that a spray called nabiximols (Sativex), containing both CBD and THC, might help alleviate pain and muscle spasticity in those dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS).
In 2017, research indicated that CBD oil reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, although it also led to some negative reactions.
The FDA has approved Epidiolex, a CBD product, for treating various seizure disorders and seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is a rare genetic condition causing non-cancerous tumors to develop in the brain and other body areas.
Limited evidence also suggests that CBD might be effective in alleviating symptoms of other neurological conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- motor disorders like cerebral palsy
Potential Heart Health Benefits
High blood pressure is tied to increased risks of conditions like stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
Studies indicate that CBD might be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure, as it can influence heart muscle contractions and help widen blood vessels.
For instance, a 2020 study involving 26 healthy men found that a 600-milligram CBD treatment for 7 days led to significant short-term reductions in blood pressure compared to a placebo group. However, this effect diminished after 7 days.
While these findings are promising, more research is necessary to better understand the potential impacts of CBD treatment on heart health.
Exploring Additional CBD Benefits
Beyond the mentioned benefits, CBD has been investigated for its potential in addressing various health concerns.
While further research is required, CBD is believed to offer potential advantages in the following areas:
- Treatment for Substance Misuse: CBD might have a role in alleviating anxiety and depression in individuals with a dependency on specific drugs, such as heroin, as suggested by preclinical evidence.
- Potential Life Extension in Glioblastoma Cases: Combining CBD and THC treatment could potentially extend the lives of some individuals with aggressive cancer glioblastoma, although research is limited.
- Potential Sleep Improvement: CBD could aid in enhancing sleep for individuals with certain sleep disorders, yet more research is necessary to fully understand its effects.
What are the drawbacks of CBD oil?
CBD is considered generally safe, but it may causeTrusted Source adverse reactions like diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue in some people.
Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reportedTrusted Source in childhood epilepsy research.
But these effects could stem from CBD interacting with other medications, such as clobazam, as it can interactTrusted Source with various drugs. It’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about the right dosing for you and your risk of experiencing side effects.
Low quality CBD products are common in the marketplace, so it’s important to choose products that have been third-party tested for quality and purity.
NuLeaf Naturals and are two examples of brands that sell CBD products that undergo testing by accredited third-party laboratories and offer batch reports on their websites.
FAQs about CBD
Is CBD Effective for Joint Pain?
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD might be helpful in managing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, there is a lack of human studies in this area.
Which is the Right CBD Oil?
Identifying the best CBD oil can be challenging. Healthline has compiled a list of the top 11 CBD oils for 2023. You can also learn more about our thorough evaluation process.
In Summary
CBD oil could potentially offer relief for anxiety, neurological problems, heart health concerns, and specific types of pain, along with other health issues.
However, definitive conclusions require further research, as some studies are ongoing.
As the full scope of CBD’s potential benefits remains to be determined, it’s advisable to consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering its use.