CBD oil, short for Cannabidiol oil, is often used for wellness. But what exactly is it? It’s a type of product derived from the cannabis plant, one of many substances in the plant known as cannabinoids. Scientists have been investigating CBD for its possible health benefits.
To clarify, cannabis contains both CBD and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the latter known for causing a “high” when heated and absorbed by the body, like when you smoke it or use it in cooking. Interestingly, CBD doesn’t intoxicate you or change your state of mind. It does, however, interact with your body in ways that may have health benefits.
Most of the CBD used for health reasons comes from hemp, a less modified type of cannabis plant. All cannabinoids, CBD included, link up with certain receptors in our body to produce their distinctive effects.
CBD might offer several health advantages based on how it interacts with our body. These can include natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies in animals have shown that CBD significantly reduced chronic inflammation and pain. This has led to its use in treating conditions that cause chronic pain, such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
CBD also shows promise in helping smokers to quit. One study found that smokers using a CBD inhaler smoked fewer cigarettes without experiencing stronger cravings for nicotine.
It is also being studied for its potential in treating epilepsy and other neurological conditions. According to some studies, CBD’s impact on these conditions could be beneficial, but more research is needed.
There’s some evidence, too, that CBD may have anti-cancer properties. One review found that CBD stopped cancer cells from spreading and enhanced their destruction.
CBD could also help reduce anxiety for people with disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Even serious conditions like type 1 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease might benefit from CBD use. In studies, CBD has shown it can reduce pancreatic inflammation in type 1 diabetes and has the potential to help those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s from losing their ability to recognize familiar faces.
For skincare, CBD might offer a new way to treat acne, thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation and the production of sebum, a type of oily substance that contributes to acne.
However, as promising as all these potential benefits of CBD are, it’s important to remember that research is still ongoing, and we don’t know everything about it yet. The most common side effects of CBD are fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight. There’s minimal long-term safety data, and it hasn’t been extensively tested on children.
As with any new or alternate treatment, it’s crucial you chat with a healthcare professional before using CBD oil.
