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CBD Oil
CBD Oil

CBD Oil

The product derived from the hemp plant, which is high in CBD (cannabidiol) and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While cannabis and marijuana (contains the psychotropic compound THC) is still illegal in many places, CBD 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. CBD hemp oil has a huge range of potential health benefits and uses, including reducing pain, soothing anxiety, fighting chronic diseases, improving mood, eliminating depression, preventing inflammatory arthritis, protecting the immune system, balancing the metabolism, aiding sleep disorders, and healing the skin, among others. CBD oil can also be used in many different ways and has a variety of applications for natural health. It may have mild side effects such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness, fatigue, dry mouth, and slowed motor functions.

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 it also vitamins, nutrients, minerals, volatile acids, and antioxidants that will further supplement your health. Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant – typically industrial hemp. This means that a number 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 foods. It is also 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, a 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.

What about cannabis oil? Well, unlike both CBD oil and hemp oil, cannabis oil does contain THC and it has intoxicating effects. Cannabis oil comes from the Cannabis sativa plant that’s bred for its trichomes.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about CBD as well as medical marijuana in general, and WebMD is right in warning that not every bottle of CBD oil on the market is guaranteed to be what you’re told. So, if you are in a state where you can purchase it legally, make sure the product is a quality one bottled by a reputable company that can guarantee that what they’re selling you is actually in that bottle.

But that said, while WebMD advocates only for the “one purported use” for it (epilepsy) the truth is there is an abundance of evidence that it has other medicinal benefits, including treatment of:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases
  • Autism
  • Glaucoma
  • Nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite
  • High blood pressure

And that’s just the short list. One important undeniable medical use for CBD oil is for pain. In fact, medical cannabis has a long history as a natural analgesic, and there are 14 clinical studies backing that up, most of which were FDA-approved, double-blind and placebo-controlled. These studies revealed that cannabis not only controls pain but in many cases, it does so better than pharmaceutical alternatives.

Researchers at the Department of Pharmacognosy, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK, basis the study conducted on mice found that CBD oil has analgesic properties and may relieve chronic pain of all kinds . 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 ease discomfort and pain, even if the pharmaceutical painkillers have no effect.

CBD oil is highly beneficial for the cardiovascular system too. It enhances the vasorelaxation of the arteries, protecting it against the vascular damage caused by inflammation in a high glucose environment. However, deeper studies need to be made in order to fully explore its dosage and effects on cardiovascular health.

CBD oil has even been shown to protect the brains of stroke patients and those with Parkinson’s, and may also slow neurodegeneration caused by alcohol abuse.

CBD oil can cure vomiting and nausea. The non-psychotropic components of this oil activate certain autoreceptors, which causes antiemetic/anti-nausea effects in the body.

When it comes to inflammation, an animal study by M Lodzki, et al. suggests that CBD oil has the anti-inflammatory potential and may benefit particularly those with advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, migraines, joint disorders, and pervasive muscle pain.

Another 2016 mice study suggests that CBD has the potential to provide relief from arthritis pain-related inflammation and behavior. Other studies also suggest the anti-inflammatory effects in case of acute pancreatitis, acute lung injury, inflammatory bowel diseases. However, further studies and research are needed to support these benefits.

CBD hemp oil is well known to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as prevent depressive episodes by increasing the levels of “positive” hormones and neurotransmitters in the body. Although some people claim that marijuana makes them “paranoid” or anxious, that is largely due to the psychotropic THC found in cannabis.

A study published by David Cheng, Postdoctoral Scientist, Neuroscience Research, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia, says that CBD has a potential as a preventive measure against symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This presents yet another exciting development for medical researchers, given the persistent challenges to finding effective solutions for this condition.

But another promising use is for cancer treatment. Doctors working with medical cannabis are also using it to treat cancer-related side effects, and evidence suggests the herb may even have antitumor effects all on its own, with dozens of studies pointing to marijuana’s effectiveness against many different types of cancer, including brain, breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, colon and pituitary cancers, as well as melanoma.

It apparently fights cancer via at least two mechanisms that make it difficult for a cancer to grow and spread: It’s proapoptotic (meaning it triggers apoptosis or cellular suicide of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched) and antiangiogenic (meaning it cuts off a tumor’s blood supply).

A study done by the researchers of the Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock, Germany recommends the use of CBD oil (even direct injection into tumors) to eliminate or reduce the size of the tumors. The antioxidants in CBD hemp oil also provide anti-mutagenic properties and lower users’ risk of cancer.

Studies performed on animals and humans have found that CBD oil has anti-psychotic properties too. The research supports the idea that this oil could be a possible therapeutic option in treating psychosis such as schizophrenia.

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 night-time issues. Dr. Scott Shannon, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA, published a report in the Permanete Journal, in which he recommended either inhaling a small amount of CBD oil, applying it to one’s chest, or even putting a few drops on one’s pillow to help get a good night’s sleep.

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.

CBD oil is also known to control 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.

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 of the skin.

A study published in the Autoimmunity Journal shows that cannabidiol present in CBD oil can control diabetes and lower the level of insulin. Although a lot more research needs to be done in this area of study, initial studies have laid the foundation for the use of CBD oil to lower the risk of diabetics.

The non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol, has therapeutic uses in giving relief from psychiatric disorders. It is used to fight alcoholism and cocaine addiction, which means it reduces alcohol and drug relapses.

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 protect heart health and promote calmness 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 do 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 passes 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 to a doctor about your particular condition.

Types of CBD Oil Products

As the CBD oil market continues to grow, more and more products are being sold online or in your local health food stores. You can find many types of CBD and each one is used in a different way. The most common forms of CBD available include the following. (Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to using CBD and read and follow all label directions.)

  • Oils: CBD oils are the most potent and unprocessed form of cannabidiol. CBD oil is removed directly from the flowers, stalks and seeds of the hemp plant during the extraction process. The most effective CBD oils are full spectrum, which means that they include all compounds found naturally in the plant, including the cannabinoids (with trace amounts of THC), terpenes and essential oils. You can find CBD oils in a bottle with a dropper. This allows you to ingest the oil by using it by mouth. (Avoid CBD oils with artificial sweeteners)
  • Tinctures: Tinctures are another popular way to use CBD, likely because you can easily gauge exactly how much cannabidiol you are ingesting, like CBD oil. A tincture is usually extracted with alcohol or another solvent. With a tincture, you use a dropper and place the drops in the mouth. Sometimes, manufacturers will use carrier oils, natural flavors or fatty oils in their tinctures.
  • Concentrates: Like tinctures, CBD concentrates are ingested by placing drops under your tongue. But concentrates are typically much stronger doses of CBD. The high potency isn’t ideal for beginners who should start with a low dose and see how they respond.
  • Capsules: Like any other type of capsule, CBD capsules or pills can be taken with water. This is a convenient way to use CBD, but it gives you less control of the dose. Typically, capsules will contain 10–25 milligrams of CBD.
  • Topical solutions: Topical CBD products include lotions, salves and lip balms. They are meant to benefit skin,  joint and muscle health, and work when they are absorbed into the skin and through the dermal layers. CBD patches are also available for topical delivery of the compound. This allows the cannabinoids to be delivered directly to your bloodstream.
  • Edibles: CBD edibles, including chocolates, coffees, baked goods, gums and candies containing the compound, are becoming popular. Although this may be a satisfying way to use CBD oil, it can be more difficult to measure exactly how much CBD you are ingesting and the results may be inconsistent.
  • Powders: CBD powders are another way to use cannabidiol internally. The powder can be added to water, juice, tea or a smoothie. The highest quality CBD powders will not include fillers, but only natural plant compounds.
  • Vape oil: CBD vape oil is used for vaping CBD. This requires the use of an e-cigarette or vape pen, which can have side effects when chemicals are heated to high temperatures. There are also CBD waxes available that are used for dabbing the cannabis compound. This also requires heating a small amount of the wax and using a dabbing pen. This isn’t recommended for beginners, as it’s usually a higher concentration of CBD.
  • Sprays: Sprays are another product for using CBD internally. The CBD concentration is usually lower in sprays. Read the label for the exact dosage, but usually you spray the solution into your mouth 2–3 times.

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