What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is among the many substances found in cannabis, also known as marijuana. These chemicals are known as cannabinoids and they have various attributes, effects, benefits, and dangers.
Although related, they could trigger very different answers. The cannabinoid THC is responsible for its psychoactive effects on marijuana. CBD does not produce these effects.
To put it differently, you can’t get high from CBD. CBD oil is simply an extraction of the chemical from the cannabis plant. Because it creates no euphoria or adverse consequences, CBD oil is not addictive. It won’t cause withdrawal or put you in danger of developing dependence.
However, as with any nutritional supplement, there may be significant reasons you should not use it. Always check with your doctor before beginning a new herbal or supplement.
What are the health benefits and uses of CBD oil?
CBD oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various types of pain, and various studies have shown that the CBD can help treat a lot of disorder. Here are some health benefits of CBD oil:
Cancer:
CBD can help ease symptoms related to cancer and side effects of chemotherapy – such as nausea, vomiting, pain etc. Research also suggests that CBD may contain cancer-fighting properties.
Nonetheless, more work is needed to determine the safety and adequacy of CBD oil in cancer treatment.
Heart health:
Studies suggest that CBD may promote heart health in many ways – such as by lowering blood pressure and preventing damage to the heart.
Several studies done in animals also indicated that the powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties of CBD may reduce inflammation and cell damage linked with heart disease.
Diabetes:
Researchers found evidence that CBD may protect against or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas resulting in inflammation.
Research also suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective effects on rats with diabetes.
Neurological disorders:
One of the most studied uses for CBD is in treating and controlling neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy with several studies revealing promising results.
An oral spray having both CBD and THC, has shown to be efficient in reducing muscle spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Another study reported that CBD oil reduced seizures in people with epilepsy.
CBD is also being studied for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological conditions.
Anxiety and depression:
CBD oil has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies. CBD has also been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Other uses and promising possibilities of CBD oil include – smoking cessation and drug withdrawal, antipsychotic effects on people with schizophrenia, applications in reducing acne, etc.
Are there any side effects of CBD oil?
CBD is usually well-tolerated in most cases, however, it can cause adverse reactions in some people. Side effects observed in studies are:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Irritability and irritation
CBD can also interfere with certain supplements or medications, especially those that warn against consuming grapefruit. Both CBD and grapefruit interfere with a group of enzymes, called cytochromes P450 (CYPs), and this disruption can affect the ability of the liver to break down toxins leading to liver damage.
The rear line is, it requires more investigation to figure out the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil in humans although several studies show that it can be helpful for dealing with a range of conditions. Anyone who is considering using CBD oil should first speak to their doctor.