CBD Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
Table of Contents
What is CBD Hemp Oil?
CBD hemp oil is the product derived from the hemp plant, which is high in CBD (cannabidiol) and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This oil has received a large amount of attention in recent years, due to the growing wave of marijuana legislation and debate in many countries, including the United States. While cannabis and smoking marijuana (which often has a high level of the psychotropic compound THC) is still illegal in many places, as more is being learned about CBD, and its potential effects on health, it is becoming more and more accepted as a legal and safe remedy for a wide variety of health conditions. Since it has a minimal amount of the psychotropic compound THC, use of this oil does not result in a traditional “high”, so its effects are generally considered therapeutic, not mind-altering.
There are more than 80 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, with THC being the primary one, followed by CBD. However, in the hemp plant, which is a different strain of the species Cannabis sativa, CBD is the main active ingredient, and THC is barely present, making its use and legality more widespread. The reason that CBD is such an effective form of support for human health is due to the body’s endogenous cannabinoid system. This regulatory structure of the body has millions of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which react not only to plant-derived cannabinoids (such as hemp and marijuana), but also to natural cannabinoids produced within our body. When hemp oil is used and processed by the body, it is effectively boosting the function of the endocannabinoid system, helping our body regulate itself in many different ways.
Not only does true CBD hemp oil contain high levels of cannabidiol, but also vitamins, nutrients, minerals, volatile acids, and antioxidants that will further supplement your health.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil has become very popular with people suffering from chronic pain, sleep disorders, insomnia, anxiety, stress, depression, skin conditions, inflammation, arthritis, low appetite, poor metabolic function, a weak immune system and chronic diseases, as well as people with a high risk of cancer.
Improves Appetite
Part of the regulation of body processes that the endocannabinoid system controls is the appetite. This is largely due to the release of certain hormones in the body that control hunger and satiety. By optimizing the levels of these hormones based on the actual needs of your body, you can establish a healthy appetite, particularly following surgery, extended illness or injury.
CBD Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
Improving the appearance of the skin, especially reducing the signs and symptoms of acne and eczema, are the great benefits of regular CBD oil use. Topical application is quite popular for this, whether in a diluted or undiluted form, depending on the severity of the skin affliction. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the oil can also soothe redness, itchiness and swollen areas on the skin.
Relieves Pain
Arguably the strongest reason for the legality of CBD oil, its analgesic properties have been proven thousands of times, and this oil is commonly recommended for chronic pain of all kinds, ranging from back pain to the full-body agony of cancer. It can disrupt the activity of pain receptors in the body and instead cause a release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine – “feel good” compounds that can erase discomfort and pain, even if the pharmaceutical painkillers have no effect.
Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
A number of studies have connected the use of cannabidiol (CBD) with decreased occurrence and severity of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. This presents yet another exciting development for medical researchers, given the persistent challenges to finding effective solutions for these conditions.
Reduces Anxiety
Although some people claim that marijuana makes them “paranoid” or anxious, that is largely due to the psychotropic THC found in cannabis. CBD hemp oil is well known to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as reduce depressive episodes by increasing the levels of “positive” hormones and neurotransmitters in the body.
Lowers Inflammation
When it comes to inflammation, some people can only find relief with CBD oil, particularly those with advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, migraines, joint disorders and pervasive muscle pain. In some cases, people have reported nearly miraculous improvement in the inflammatory symptoms of chronic disease.
Treats Epilepsy
Highly concentrated doses of CBD oil have been successfully used to treat epilepsy in a number of research studies. While there has been limited success in medication to prevent or treat epilepsy, the physical and neurological regulatory properties of CBD oil represent an exciting new solution for people with this seizure-inducing condition.
Prevents Cancer
Another major reason why CBD oil has been positively received in some parts of the medical community is its apparent effect on cancer and tumor growth. In multiple studies, the use of CBD oil (even direct injection into tumors) has resulted in tumor reduction or elimination. The antioxidants within CBD hemp oil also provide anti-mutagenic properties and lower users’ risk of cancer.
Promotes Good Sleep
There is a strong sedative quality to CBD hemp oil, making it a popular remedy for people with insomnia, sleeplessness, interrupted sleep, post-traumatic stress disorder, restless leg disorder and other nighttime issues. Inhaling a small amount of CBD oil, applying it to your chest, or even putting a few drops on your pillow can help you get the good night’s sleep you’ve been seeking.
Boosts Immune System
The majority of cannabinoids have been proven to have positive effects on the body’s immune system, particularly CBD oil, as it can help regulate overactive immune systems. This means less susceptibility to allergens, and a possible application for autoimmune diseases, which are some of the most difficult-to-treat medical conditions.
Uses of CBD Oil
CDB hemp oil has a number of uses and comes in many forms including capsules, tinctures, sublingual supplements, liquid oil, oil as a paste, sprays, salves, creams and in edible forms, such as candies or sweets. You can also inhale CBD oil from vapor-releasing pens, similar to the technology for e-cigarettes. This variety of forms also provides a lot of controlled flexibility in terms of concentration, making CBD hemp oil useful and desirable for people of all ages, economic means, and personal needs.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
There are a number of possible side effects to using CBD oil, such as fatigue, dry mouth, lightheadedness, hypotension and impaired motor functions. However, when used in moderate amounts, most people do not experience these side effects, and none of them are known for being fatal or particularly dangerous. More than 20,000 studies have been done in the past 15 years on cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoids, and the results have been overwhelmingly supportive of the therapeutic potential and viability of CBD oil. That being said, some people should be cautious before using this powerful oil.
- Blood Pressure – One of the notable soothing benefits of CBD oil is its effect on blood pressure, helping to protect heart health and promote calm in the body. However, if you are already taking medication for hypertension, combining this with CBD oil can potentially cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Appropriate Use – Since sedation, fatigue, and lightheadedness are known effects of CBD hemp oil, particularly when consumed in large amounts, it is important that you not use heavy machinery or attempt to drive while under the effects of this therapeutic oil.
- Motor Functions – The sluggishness that many people associate with being “high” can be a side effect of concentrated CBD oil use, resulting in motor function impairment. This effect is temporary and will pass in a matter of hours.
- Weight Gain – Appetite stimulation, or at least regulation, is a side effect of CBD oil. So, if you are already struggling with obesity, be sure to monitor your intake of food to prevent overeating, snacking between meals and additional weight gain.
- Oil Quality – The most dangerous aspect of CBD oil is potentially using low-quality oil or CBD oil that hasn’t been properly produced. With thousands of small businesses getting involved in the medicinal marijuana industry, it is more important than ever to research brands and pay attention to consumer reports concerning these oils.
- Pregnancy – Research on the use of CBD oil during pregnancy is unfortunately lacking, but most experts do not recommend it. Other anecdotal reports support its use, particularly for aching muscles and anxiety or depression. Before using this oil – or any essential oil – while pregnant, always speak with a doctor about your particular condition.
CBD Oil Dosage
An appropriate dosage of CBD oil will depend on the individual, as well as the severity of the health condition a person is trying to remedy. For example, someone using CBD hemp oil to relieve chronic pain may use 5 mg per day until the pain subsides, whereas a multiple sclerosis patient may take 80 mg per day for 2-3 weeks at a time to soothe their symptoms. Generally speaking, the average amount for most medicinal applications is 25 mg, taken twice per day.
If this is not sufficient for calming your symptoms, a gradual increase of another 25 mg per day, over the course of 3-4 weeks, is recommended. While there have been no reports of more serious side effects when this oil is taken in larger concentrations, it is best to slowly increase your dose to find a comfortable and effective level, given your individual characteristics and needs.
More and more medical professionals and becoming informed about the potential benefits of CBD hemp oil, and are more commonly recommending it for their patients. Before adding this potent oil to your daily life, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition, speak with your doctor about any risks.
Hemp Oil
Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant – typically industrial hemp. This means that the amount of cannabinoids found in hemp oil are actually quite low. The CBD content of this oil may be close to 0%, whereas the CBD content of CBD hemp oil can be as high as 15%, or more!
Hemp oil does have a number of uses and is often marketed as a cooking oil or a product that is good for moisturizing the skin. It is also used in the production of certain soaps, shampoos, and even foods, as well as being a basic ingredient for bio-fuel and even a more sustainable form of plastic. Hemp has been cultivated and used for roughly 10,000 years, and it definitely has useful purposes. However, its lack of cannabinoids, namely CBD, means that it has little therapeutic value.
Be wary of any manufacturers who try to market natural hemp oil for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory or other medicinal applications. You will be much better off with CBD hemp oil, which can have critical effects on human health that have been proven countless times.
Note: Use of CBD oil and Hemp oil is banned/restricted by some countries such as UAE, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia so consult your local health specialist before use.
I haven’t really thought much about using natural oils for health reasons, but you do raise some good points. For example, I would have never realized that CBD Oil could promote better sleeping. If that is true then I might need to give that a shot just to help with my insomnia problems.
CBD oil is the revolutionary item in medical science. The benefits are just awesome. I am using this for a long time and i am getting best service.
I am using CBD for 1 year and i haven’t faced any side effects yet. It really doing great for me. I am happy with it.