Health Benefits of CBD Oil — and a Look at Side Effects
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a popular natural remedy for many common ailments.
Better known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, which means it causes the euphoria typically associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD oil an attractive option for those seeking relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other side effects associated with certain drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and then mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD oil can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, body washes, beverages, and foods.
This article covers some of the evidence-based health benefits of CBD oil, as well as potential side effects and safety concerns associated with CBD products.
CBD Oil Benefits
May relieve pain
As of late, researchers have found that specific parts of hemp, including CBD, are answerable for its aggravation alleviating impacts.
The human body has a special system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating many functions, including sleep, appetite, pain perception, and immune system responses.
Research suggests that CBD oil may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
Some research suggests that CBD alone may be effective for certain types of pain, including neuralgia and back pain. However, it gives off an impression of being best when joined with THC.
May reduce symptoms associated with certain mental illnesses.
Mental health disorders are often treated with medication, which can cause many side effects, including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
What’s more, drugs such as benzodiazepines have the potential to create dependence and possibly lead to substance use disorders.
CBD oil has shown promise in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, which has led many people with these disorders to become interested in this natural remedy.
May alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms
CBD might assist with decreasing some malignant growth related side effects and aftereffects related with disease treatment, like sickness, retching and torment.
An earlier study looked at the effects of CBD and THC on 177 patients with cancer-related pain who did not get relief from pain medication.
Patients treated with extracts containing both compounds had significantly less pain than patients who received the THC extract alone.
May have neuroprotective properties
Scientists trust that CBD’s capacity to follow up on the endocannabinoid framework and other mind indicating frameworks might give benefits for individuals’ neurological problems.
CBDV distillate, also known as cannabidivarin distillate, is gaining increasing attention for its potential therapeutic applications. One area where CBDV distillate has been extensively studied is in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers are continuously exploring the effects of CBDV distillate in these conditions, and although the field of investigation is relatively new, several studies have demonstrated promising results.
May benefit heart health
Several studies have linked CBD to several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of many health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
Other potential benefits
CBD has been studied for its role in the treatment of many health problems in addition to those mentioned above.
Although more research is needed, CBD oil is believed to have the following health benefits:
- Antipsychotic effects. Research shows that CBD can help people with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions by reducing psychotic symptoms.
- Substance abuse treatment. CBD may help relieve anxiety and depression in people who are dependent on certain medications, including heroin.
- Possible extension of life in those with glioblastoma. Recent research suggests that treatment with a combination of CBD and THC may help prolong the lives of some patients with an aggressive form of cancer called glioblastoma, but research is limited.
- Possible improvement in sleep. Some research suggests that CBD may help improve sleep in people with certain sleep disorders, although more research is needed.
Potential side effects of CBD Oil
In spite of the fact that CBD is for the most part very much endured and considered safe, it might cause unfavorable responses in certain individuals:
Side effects noted in studies include
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite and weight
- fatigue
Other side effects reported in the Childhood Epilepsy Study included abnormal liver function test results, somnolence, sedation, and pneumonia. But these effects may stem from CBD interactions with other drugs, such as clobazam.
In fact, CBD oil interacts with a variety of medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, epilepsy medications, and diabetes medications. Before you try CBD oil, please discuss it with a healthcare professional to assess safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions.
Also, it’s worth noting that the market is currently flooded with CBD products, many of which are of low quality.
CBD is added to foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and body care products, which are often marketed as a way to improve stress, pain, and sleep problems.
However, that doesn’t mean you should include these items in your diet or health plan.
Conclusion
CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in relieving symptoms of many common health conditions, including anxiety and neurological disorders. Additionally, it may benefit heart health and help relieve certain types of pain.
Keep in mind that some of these health benefits are related to the combined use of CBD and THC, not just CBD.
Research into the effects of CBD on certain conditions is ongoing, and there is still a lot to learn about CBD’s potential uses.
