It is believed that CBD might affect your health by attaching to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system - a complex biological system that is involved in maintaining certain aspects of your health. Emerging research illustrates that endocannabinoids may play a role in regulating such functions as memory, sleep and mood, and also metabolic processes like energy balance.
When you purchase CBD oil, what you are getting is a carrier oil which contains CBD and other active compounds. CBD oil comes in many forms, including soft gel capsules, tinctures, and under-the-tongue sprays. There are some forms of CBD oil which can be directly applied to the skin. They come in the form of products like creams and salves. The concentration of CBD varies from product to product.
Uses
It has been claimed that CBD oil can treat a wide variety of health issues that range from everyday ailments to chronic medical conditions. These issues include:
CBD oil has also been said to promote sounder sleep. It can reduce inflammation and pain, fight oxidative stress, improve heart health, support weight loss and protect against some forms of cancer.
The benefits
CBD oil is used for various health-related purposes, but there isn't a great deal of research on the oil's potential health benefits. But, there is significant support for its effectiveness in the treatment of some forms of epilepsy. In fact, the FDA approved a drug used for epilepsy, Epidiolex, a drug made with a purified form of CBD oil, in June 2018. This drug is used for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older. It is the first-FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana.
In addition, CBD has also shown promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, according to a report published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015. When looking at results from experimental research, clinical trials and epidemiological studies, the authors discovered evidence that CBD may help treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the authors caution that human-based research on CBD and anxiety is rather limited at this point.
Furthermore, a small study published in the journal JCI Insight in 2017, discovered that CBD may help prevent stress-related changes in blood pressure, affecting heart health. The study examined nine healthy male volunteers who took a single dose of either CBD or a placebo. In comparison to those given the placebo, those treated with CBD had lower blood pressure before and after experiencing a stressful event.
CBD oil has also been found to offer some form of benefit to those who suffer from an addiction. This was stated in a review published in the Journal of Substance Abuse in 2015. In their analysis of 14 previously published studies, scientists determined that CBD may offer therapeutic effects in people with opioid, cocaine, and/or psychostimulant addiction. They also discovered that CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of cannabis and tobacco addiction. There is some evidence that CBD may block or reduce the effects of THC on the mind.