As a popular natural remedy, CBD oil may ease symptoms for a variety of health conditions. Here we cover 6 research-backed health benefits of CBD, how it works, safety, side effects, and tips for choosing quality CBD oil products.
What is CBD Oil and How Does it Work?
CBD oil contains cannabidiol, a compound extracted from cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause a euphoric high.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like sleep, immune response, and pain. Evidence shows CBD may positively impact pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and more.
However, large scale human research is still limited. CBD products are not currently regulated by the FDA, except for one prescription CBD drug for epilepsy.
6 Potential Medical Benefits of CBD
Here are some of the ways preliminary research shows CBD oil may improve health:
1. Chronic Pain Relief
Studies indicate CBD may relieve pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries. Its pain-relieving effects may stem from its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to alter pain perception pathways in the brain.
In one study on arthritis pain, a topical CBD gel significantly reduced inflammation and pain in affected joints without any side effects. Another study found CBD decreased nerve pain and inflammation in mice. And multiple sclerosis patients taking Sativex, a CBD/THC oral spray, reported reduced muscle spasticity and pain.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Research finds CBD may lower symptoms correlated with a wide range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In one interesting study, CBD was shown to reduce social anxiety triggered by public speaking. CBD also shows promise as an antidepressant based on animal research and its ability to boost serotonin levels.
3. Cancer Symptom Alleviation
Early research suggests CBD may help reduce common symptoms and side effects caused by cancer itself and its treatments. These include cancer pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
One study found a combination of THC and CBD provided long-term pain relief in advanced cancer patients unresponsive to opioids. Research also shows CBD by itself can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting better than placebo.
However, more high quality human studies are still needed to better understand CBD’s role in integrated cancer symptom management.
4. Neuroprotection
CBD is being explored as a therapeutic agent for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and more due to its neuroprotective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Specific conditions it shows promise for include reducing seizures in rare seizure disorders like Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, easing multiple sclerosis symptoms like pain and muscle spasticity, and preventing the development of prion disease.
5. Improved Heart Health
While more research is preliminary, CBD shows potential to improve cardiovascular health in several ways, including lowering resting blood pressure, preventing artery blockage, and reducing damage from heart attacks and strokes.
One study found 600mg doses of CBD significantly lowered blood pressure in healthy men. CBD may also inhibit white blood cell migration, preventing them from gathering along blood vessel walls and forming dangerous plaques.
More high quality clinical trials are still needed to establish the protective effects of CBD on heart health over the long term.
6. Other Potential Benefits
Early research indicates CBD may also help improve:
- Sleep problems like insomnia and sleep apnea
- Neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s
- Addiction and substance abuse
- Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis
- Diabetes prevention and management
- Psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder
However, more rigorous clinical studies in humans are required to verify these additional therapeutic applications of CBD.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
A comprehensive study found CBD to have a relatively good safety profile. Minor side effects can include diarrhea, appetite change, fatigue, and interactions with some medications.
However, there is still much unknown about CBD’s effects with long-term use. Potential risks include liver injury, sleep disturbances, and inhibiting normal hormone production. Consider your individual health circumstances before trying CBD.
Pregnant/nursing women, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid CBD unless approved by a doctor. Starting with low doses and increasing slowly can minimize risk of side effects.
6 Tips for Choosing Quality CBD Oil
Since CBD oil is unregulated, it’s important to:
- Verify the product has been third-party tested. This ensures the label matches the actual CBD and THC contents.
- Choose organic, non-GMO hemp sourced CBD to avoid pesticides or solvents.
- Select full or broad spectrum over CBD isolates for greater potency and the entourage effect.
- Look for signs of safe manufacturing like Childproof packaging and batch/lot numbers.
- Avoid fake health claims. Legitimate companies can’t state CBD treats any disease.
- Research the brand’s reputation and reviews by real customers.
The Bottom Line
Early research on CBD oil shows promising potential for relief from pain, anxiety, and other health issues. However, more definitive clinical trials in humans are still needed to establish its effects.
When used carefully by healthy adults, CBD appears relatively safe. But work closely with your doctor to decide if trying CBD is appropriate for your health circumstances. Only use high quality products from transparent brands.
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