There are many natural remedies that can be helpful in more than one way. One of these natural remedies is cannabidiol oil or for short CBD or hemp oil. CBD oil has been gaining popularity for having many beneficial uses. CBD oil has many healing powers, can be a supplement and is a natural remedy. Opinions can vary, but the oil extracted from the hemp plant has come under a lot of legal and moral questions.
What is CBD Oil and What Does It Do?
CBD hemp oil has been claimed to have many benefits. It’s important to understand how CBD oil differs from medical marijuana cannabis-derived products for health. We will get more into this matter in a bit, but the main difference is in what parts of the plant is being used to make these products. For example, CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of hemp and hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds.
Through research, it has been shown that CBD products are actually helpful at decreasing many ailments. With many different kinds of ailments, they may seem unrelated but, they are not. Recent research shows that each of these ailments might be related to dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system, Or ECS for short.
Have you heard of this system before? You’re not alone. This system is not as familiar to us compared to the immune or cardiovascular system. In fact, the endocannabinoid system is a critical component of our human body.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is a very fascinating system. This system was discovered when researchers were discovering the effects of cannabis through the body. This system got its name from the cannabis plant due to the findings of how the body regulates the internal balance.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of endocannabinoids and their receptors. These are found throughout the human body from the brain, organs, connective tissues, to glands and immune cells. The endocannabinoid system works differently depending on which area of the body, but the end goal is homeostasis. Homeostasis in simple term means internal balance.
Have you ever heard the phrase “runner’s high”? An article found on Scientific American read that endocannabinoids are mainly responsible for this natural “high” of euphoria which increases feelings of well-being and reducing the awareness of pain.
CBD oil is another method to affect the endocannabinoid system.
So, the next question would be…
Does CBD OIL Make You High?
In short answer: No
Note: (If you buy a product with THC combining with CBD oils then yes, this can create a high sensation).
There are two different types of CBD oil products that you will come across of, hemp-based CBD oil and marijuana-based CBD. Both products contain CBD oil and are made from the same cannabis plant. The difference is between hemp and marijuana-based products.
Marijuana-based CBD is going to have more THC and other cannabinoids. CBD oil does not contain THC and it’s important for people to understand this distinction.
The legal and typical way CBD oil is made is from hemp. How is hemp oil different? A plant to be considered hemp is if it contains .3% per dry unit or less of the compound THC.
Overall, CBD oil or hemp oil contains the benefits of the cannabis plant without the potential psychoactive compounds found from inhalation or other ways of consumption.
11 Cannabidiol (CBD) Benefits
CBD oil is a natural remedy for many different ailments. Listed below are some amazing uses for pain, inflammation, epilepsy and more. CBD does not cause dependence or tolerance, so it’s a much greater alternative to opioids.
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Relief for Chronic Pain
Those who are currently suffering or have suffered chronic pain from diseases such as fibromyalgia are finding relief with the help of CBD. Taking CBD may offer pain relief and could prevent the nervous system from degeneration. In fact, CBD has been approved in Canada for patients suffering from cancer pain and multiple sclerosis.
Other Remedies to Think About: You’re not comfortable taking CBD? Research shows that turmeric consumption and heat therapy (like a sauna) might be helpful for chronic pain. A low inflammation diet might also be helpful for some people.
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Eases Childhood Epilepsy
CBD has anti-seizure properties that have been shown to positively treat drug-resistant children who have neurological disorders like epilepsy with no side effects. In a study published in the New England Journals of Medicine, CBD declined the frequencies of seizures by 23% points when compared those who were taking a placebo.
On April 2018, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the very first cannabis-derived drug for approval, which promises to help control seizures.
Other Remedies to Think About: Childhood epilepsy is a serious condition and it is important to work with a qualified practitioner who specializes in this area of work. Some research has shown that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial for drug resistant epilepsy, especially in children.
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Decreases Anxiety and Depression
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects 18% and depression affects 6% of people in the US each year. Research shows that CBD can help with both.
CBD has shown to decrease levels of stress and anxiety for those suffering from PTSD, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. CBD can even help relax the stress and discomfort for public speaking.
CBD has also revealed to decrease depression by enhancing both serotonergic and glutamate cortical signaling (both of these are lacking in those with depression).
Other Remedies to Think About: Vitamin B12 deficiency can be linked to mental health and it might be helpful to talk to an experienced person to help optimize levels of B12.
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Fights Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria
Cannabinoids including CBD have an unusual ability to fight off bacteria (especially drug-resistant strains). There needs to be more research on how and why it works.
In a rat study conducted in 2011, researchers found that CBD can slow the progression of tuberculosis (TB). TB is a respiratory disease that can result in fatal consequences if untreated. In the study, researchers concluded that CBD slows down TB progression by inhibiting T-cell proliferation, rather than processing antibacterial properties.
Other Remedies to Think About: If you’re still weary about taking cannabidiol there can be other ways to fight off drug resistant bacteria. You can use honey, oregano, and garlic for drug-resistant strains. You should work with an experienced practitioner who is knowledgeable in infectious diseases.
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Improves Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US and is a rising problem. Living a healthy lifestyle should be on the very top of your priority list to maintain a healthy heart and CBD oil can also be of help. Cannabidiol may reduce artery blockage, blood pressure, stress-induced cardiovascular response, and cholesterol.
CBD oil is helpful in preventing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are often precursors leading to heart disease.
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Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a big issue that may lead to non-infectious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, and more, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Diet and lifestyle plays a key role in part of chronic inflammation. If you are eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, CBD oil can help. CBD oil can reduce inflammation that leads to disease.
Other Remedies to Think About: By eliminating or reducing refined sugar from your diet has shown to reduce inflammation in as little as a week. It is also important to acknowledge your gut health to manage inflammation.
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Declines Oxidative Stress
In today’s society, oxidative stress is accountable for many ailments. Oxidative stress occurs when your body has too many free radicals and can not keep up with stabilizing them with antioxidants. It’s become more of a problem today compared to our past because the environment contains much more toxins than it once had. CBD oil acts as an antioxidant and has been found to have neuroprotective qualities. So, CBD can decline neurological damage caused by free radicals.
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Helps Those Who Have Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious and complex disease that is typically monitored through therapy and pharmaceutical drugs (which carry many side effects). For those who have tried CBD oil, they have found that it helped reduce hallucinations. Research is still being conducted to further the knowledge of CBD oil into clinical practice. A March 2015 reviewed research found that CBD was a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for psychosis.
It should be noted that THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana may actually increase psychosis for those who are at risk. CBD oil, on the other hand, only helps decline psychosis.
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May Fight Cancer
CBD oil’s part in fighting cancer still needs to be more researched, but what we have available looks hopeful. According to the American Cancer Society, CBD oil can slow growth and decline spread of some kinds of cancer in animals. Because CBD can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, it makes sense that it may also help fight off cancer cells.
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Improves Skin Conditions
CBD oil can be used topically to treat some skin conditions. Research has found CBD oil has a high likelihood for treating skin conditions like eczema by encouraging abnormal cell death. CBD oil can also help regulate skin’s oil production which can reduce acne. CBD oil contains nutrients like vitamin E which in return, helps improve and protect skin.
Other Remedies to Think About: Don’t like the idea of using CBD oil on your skin? Diet and health are key factors for healthy skin. Many individuals find that by removing refined sugars, dairy, or grains may improve skin conditions.
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Promotes Healthy Weight
Cannabidiol can promote heathy blood sugar levels, stimulate genes and proteins which help to break down fat, and increase mitochondria that help burn calories.
CBD also helps the body to convert white fat to brown fat. White fat is the kind of fat we typically think of when we think of body fat and brown fat is the kind of fat that is in small deposits. Brown fat can enhance the body’s ability to burn white fat, create heat, and regulate blood sugar.
CBD versus Hemp Oil
This is a common misconception and a frequent question that many may have. As previously mentioned, while they still both come from the same plant, they are different strains and CBD is gathered from plants that contain no THC or negligible levels. CBD is not considered a drug and is completely legal.
Because of the often-confused history of these plants, many manufactures use “hemp oil” instead of the more controversial “CBD oil” in their marketing. CBD levels can vary in different products, so it’s important to find a high-quality manufacturer.
It is a shame that hemp has gotten such a negative rep because it comes from a similar strain of the plant. Hemp is one of the strongest and most durable fibers which grows without herbicides or pesticides. Hemp also:
- Can easily grow without chemicals which is good for the soil
- Can be recycled
- Produces a seed and seed oil rich in protein, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
How to Use CBD Oil
CBD oil is often taken by ingestion. Due to CBD oil being a relatively new supplement, exact dosing isn’t well established yet. There still needs to be more research for long-term studies but there is no established CBD “overdose” level.
To find the right dosage, consider these:
- As with most herbal supplements, a small dosage 3-4 times a day is usually more therapeutic than one large dose.
- Start by purchasing a high-quality from a reputable company. A higher quality oil will be more bioavailable, so a lower dose can be enough
- If there is a recommended dosage on the bottle, begin with that.
- Some notice a change immediately, while others don’t notice for several weeks. If after several weeks there is still no improvements, increase the dosage.
Important note: Although CBD oil is safe when using it on its own but, it may interact with other medications, particularly opioids. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor about interactions or if you’re unsure about using hemp oil for your conditions.
Have Pets? CBD May Help
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system so, CBD oil can have some of the same benefits for our furry friends as it does for humans.
For cats and dogs in particular, CBD can help with:
- Pain
- Lack of appetite
- Excessive barking or crying
- Relaxing pets before a trip to the vet
- Separation anxiety
- Pets getting along with other pets
How to Use CBD for Pets
There can be some trial and error in finding the right dosage of CBD oil for your pets. You may want to start with a low dose of 1 milligram per 10 pounds of body weight and go up to 5 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight if needed. A higher dose may be needed for some ailments. Starting with a low dose 3-4 times daily is usually more therapeutic than one large dose.
What are your thoughts on CBD oil? Have you tried it?
Sources:
- Devinsky, O., M.D. (2017, May). Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
- Linge, R. (2016, April). Cannabidiol induces rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and enhances cortical 5-HT/glutamate neurotransmission: role of 5-HT1A receptors. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26711860
- Kozela, E., Lev, N., Kaushansky, N., Eilam, R., Rimmerman, N., Levy, R., Vogel, Z. (2011, July 12). Cannabidiol inhibits pathogenic T cells, decreases spinal microglial activation and ameliorates multiple sclerosis?like disease in C57BL/6 mice. Retrieved January 17, 2018, from https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01379.x
- Iseger, T. A., & Bossong, M. G. (2015, March). A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humans. Retrieved January 17, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25667194
