There is a general increase in awareness concerning the use of cannabis-based products than never before. This increased interest can be linked to the potential benefits of CBD and other members of the cannabinoids. In this article, we shall discuss the various potential benefits of CBD in providing relief from pain and other ailments.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil (cannabis oil) is extracted by hard pressing the flowers, stems, leaves, and roots of the cannabis plant. Just as the name implies, it contains a high concentration of CBD, which is responsible for its potential therapeutic potentials. CBD is a non-psychoactive member of the cannabinoid family; unlike THC, it does not tamper with brain activities nor make users high. It can interact with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found in the central nervous system, peripheral organs, and the immune system.
The level of interaction between CBD and the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) makes it a compound with an excellent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties.
Benefits of CBD oil
Please note that unless otherwise stated, all health claims stated in this article are based on scientific research and not official statements from the FDA. Some of the commonly encountered benefits of the CBD oil include but are not limited to the following;
a. Pain relief
Although pain is a natural part of our existence as humans. Chronic pains may lead to discomfort or inability to sleep. These pains are often remedied with over-the-counter prescription drugs and pain killers, which produce a wide range of side effects on the users. The use of CBD oil can aid in pain relief by interacting with the neurotransmitters to promote pain management. The ECS plays a significant role in the pain circuit but blocking synaptic transmission and neuronal activity, and this activity can be enhanced with the presence of CBD.
b. Mood control
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for modulating cognitive responses like mood, appetite, pain, and homeostasis. These activities can be controlled via the interaction of cannabinoid receptors with the CBD or other cannabinoids. Apart from the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD can also interact with serotonin and GABA receptors to control mood and improve focus.
c. Antioxidant activity
One of the roles of the ECS is to promote internal balance, and this activity can be enhanced in the presence of CBD. The internal balance of electrolytes and hormones is necessary for healthy living since they keep the body within physiological limits. CBD possesses an excellent antioxidant activity stronger than those produced by vitamin D and E, and this can serve to inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells, it can arrest the appearance of aging (learn more about CBD for anti-aging and wrinkles) and also neutralize the harmful effect of free radicals.
d. Anti-inflammatory property
The expression of CB2 receptors in the immune system aids in modulating the activities of the immune system. By modulation, we mean CBD tends to keep the activity within check, ensuring that the right concentration of immune cells is recruited to the target sites. This activity has come in handy in reducing the causes of arthritis in lab rats. It is also believed that the anti-inflammatory activities of CBD can serve to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with Irritable bowel diseases.
e. Treatment of seizures
The FDA has approved the use of epidiolex, the first CBD-based drug as a medication for the treatment of Dragnet syndrome and other forms of chronic seizures associated with epilepsy.
f. Promotes brain health
CBD can promote brain health by triggering the formation of new brain cells via neurogenesis. This activity was tested in both laboratory animals and humans. Although it is unclear, the mechanism of this activity is yet to be uncovered by scientists.
g. Bone health
Full-spectrum CBD oils can interact with receptors in the musculoskeletal system to promote bone health. There is growing speculation indication of how CBD may serve to trigger bone healing in fractures.
h. Anxiety
Cannabidiol oil and CBD tinctures possess some anxiolytic properties, which enables it to serve important roles in providing relief in anxiety-induced cases. CBD can trigger the release of feel-good hormones to keep the body relaxed and at physiological levels.
i. Sleep
CBD can promote sleep by interacting with serotonin receptors and other neurotransmitters. This activity can be very important in assisting people in dealing with insomnia and other sleep-related challenges.
j. Pet health
The presence of an endocannabinoid system is not only limited to humans. All mammals possess this system and can benefit from the numerous potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids. The use of CBD in reducing pet anxiety, relieving pain, promoting appetite, triggering the formation of glossy coats, and modulating the immune system have been documented.
Is CBD oil safe?
CBD oil comes in different categories ranging from a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. While full-spectrum CBD oils contain all the naturally occurring chemicals in the cannabis plant, including THC, broad-spectrum CBD products are void of THC but contain other cannabinoids and terpenes.
As a sign of regulation, all full-spectrum CBD oils must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legal. Apart from this exception, all other CBD products are legal and can be used for a variety of purposes, including the ones listed above. Please note that CBD can elicit some side effects, which will be discussed in our next article.
How can I get CBD oils?
You can find CBD oil for sale in many places now, including online CBD stores. For your own safety, it is recommended that you purchase your CBD products only from accredited or certified outlets or shops. Purchasing CBD oil from sites like Amazon is a bad idea since the CBD products may not have been verified by the right regulatory bodies.
To purchase the best CBD oil, it is important that you pay attention to certifications and third-party laboratory reports. This will give you an idea of the possible benefits to expect from the product. The certificate of analysis must be endorsed by a third-party lab to validate its results. Each batch must be accompanied by this certificate, and it is recommended that you don’t use any CBD product without this certificate.
