CBD oil has been making headlines lately, but what exactly is it, and what does science say about its effects? This post will break down what CBD oil is, how it works, its common uses, and what the research says about its benefits and risks.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a compound sourced from the cannabis plant, most abundantly in hemp, a subspecies of cannabis. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another well-known compound from the same plant (but present in higher concentrations in marijuana), CBD does not make you high. CBD oil requires extracting cannabidiol from the plant and then diluting it with coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or any carrier oil you prefer.
So, when you hear about CBD oil, think of it as a product that contains this non-intoxicating compound, which is believed to have various effects on the body.
How CBD Oil Works in the Body
CBD oil affects the body by tapping into our natural regulatory system, the endocannabinoid system, or simply ECS. This internal modulatory network maintains balance and harmony in various bodily functions, including mood, pain, and sleep. The ECS achieves this balance by using specialized receptors found throughout the body, which are naturally present and waiting to receive signals from the body’s internal chemistry. By interacting with the ECS receptors, CBD oil can help modulate and fine-tune these bodily functions, leading to a list of potential benefits for overall health and well-being.
To maximize CBD oil’s uses, only purchase from reputable sources that use third-party lab testing to guarantee product quality. Dutch Natural Healing is a notable example, and it is known for its extensive range of organic CBD products made in Europe.
Effects on Pain
One of the most widely touted benefits of CBD oil is its ability to ease pain. But does it really work? According to a study published in Front Pharmacol, part of the Frontiers in Pharmacology series, CBD was shown to significantly reduce pain in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. The study found that CBD reduced pain by an average of 30% compared to a placebo. Besides CBDโs interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Effects on Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are unsurprisingly among the most common mental health concerns affecting people today.
Thankfully, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety severity in patients with social anxiety disorder by over 40% compared to a placebo. This can be due to CBDโs interaction with the brain’s serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is key in regulating mood and emotional response.
Effects on Sleep
Sleep is ultra-crucial for our overall well-being, yet many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Can CBD help?
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that CBD effectively improved sleep quality in the active group of patients with insomnia by up to 80%. Apart from CBDโs interaction with the body’s ECS, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, CBD also has anti-anxiety properties, helping ease anxiety and stress that interfere with sleep.
Effects on Inflammation
If you need help with chronic inflammation, CBD oil has incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that CBD provided significant improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), as well as sleep quality (66%), indicating a positive impact on arthritis patients’ overall well-being.
Effects on Seizures and Epilepsy
CBD oil has shown great potential in effectively reducing seizures and improving symptoms of epilepsy–both of which have a massive impact on quality of life. Also published in the National Library of Medicine, the study found that CBD significantly reduced convulsive seizures compared to placebo, while common adverse effects such as somnolence, decreased appetite, and diarrhea were mostly resolved within 4 weeks.
Research Continues on CBD Oilโs Promising Effects
CBD oil has captured the publicโs attention with its potential benefits and uses. The science behind CBD oil shows some promising results, particularly for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep issues. However, there is still much to learn about its full effects and the best ways to use it.
As research continues, weโll get a clearer picture of how effective CBD oil truly is and how it can best be used. For now, if youโre considering trying CBD oil, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional and choose high-quality products to ensure youโre getting the best results.