Some of the health benefits of CBD include the ability to help fight cancer, improve the symptoms of schizophrenia and a number of other mental health problems, and help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel diseases. So far, there have been a number of studies and much further research done into CBD oil and its effects on the body and mind; here are some of the main health benefits that have been found so far.
#1. Reducing Pain:
Studies so far have positively suggested that CBD is a great painkiller. Whether you’re suffering from a minor headache or have a condition that means you must deal with chronic pain, CBD oil could help to relieve your symptoms and allow you to enjoy life pain-free.
CBD, especially when it is used in combination with THC, has been shown by studies to have promising results for the treatment of many types of chronic pain, working by significantly decreasing both neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation. This means that it is a potentially promising treatment for conditions such as chronic pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, or postoperative pain.
However, bear in mind that if you are hoping to use CBD in conjunction with THC to relieve a painful condition, you will need to be in a state where medical marijuana is legalized. On the other hand, CBD alone provides no high, therefore is legal throughout the U.S.
#2. Improved Appetite and Less Nausea:
Studies of rodents who were given CBD found that it was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. However, researchers also found that CBD was only effective for reducing nausea and vomiting symptoms caused by the consumption of toxic drugs when it was given in smaller, rather than larger doses.
On the other hand, THC, which is also from the cannabis plant, is an approved drug in states where medical marijuana has been legalized for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. As of now, there is more research needed into the effectiveness of CBD, rather than THC, for this purpose. The National Cancer Institute also found that CBD can help to increase appetite in patients; this is done by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the body.
#3. Improved Heart Health:
There have been a number of studies that suggest CBD may be an effective treatment for improving heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and other heart-related conditions.
Studies carried out on the effects of CBD on the heart found that it caused dilation of the arteries, leading to better protection from blood vessel damage. CBD was also found to reduce the size of damage from clogged blood vessels in the heart and brain, along with helping to regulate irregular heart rhythms. And, the studies have also found that CBD can help to reduce both high blood pressure and raised heart rate, especially in response to stressful situations. It also helped to influence platelet aggregation and white blood cell function, both of which lead to better heart health.
However, bear in mind that scientists suggest further research is required to fully understand the benefits of CBD on human heart health.
#4. Better Sleep:
Medical marijuana is widely believed to help people with insomnia and other sleep problems have a better night’s sleep; it works by helping the patient to relax and unwind, enabling them to drift off into a deep and restful slumber. However, if you currently suffer from insomnia and reside in a state where medical marijuana is not yet legal, you can turn to CBD for help with your sleep issues. Research shows that taking CBD before bed can help improve sleep in people with insomnia by encouraging relaxation.
#5. Treating Addictions and Substance Use Disorders:
Research has also suggested that CBD may be effective in treating substance use disorders and addictions. Studies have shown that taking CBD can reduce the rewarding effects of drugs such as morphine, along with reducing the drug seeking effects of heroin addictions in animal models. In addition, research has also shown that CDB may be able to help with the process of quitting smoking; vaping CBD oil can help provide former smokers with an alternative to the physical act of smoking, whilst combatting the effects and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as headaches and nausea, irritability and anxiety.
A study found that taking CBD via inhalation for one week may reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by around 40%, along with significantly reducing nicotine cravings.
#6. Treatment for Skin Problems:
Those who suffer from skin problems such as acne or psoriasis may have used a wide range of creams, gels and tablets to help keep their condition under control and hopefully cure it for good. If you suffer from a skin problem such as this, then CBD oil may be the treatment that you are looking for.
Research has found CBD to decrease lipid synthesis in the body and reduce the proliferation of sebaceous glands in humans, along with having an anti-inflammatory effect on these glands which results in a therapeutic treatment for acne and similar skin conditions. CBD also helps to reduce the growth of skin cells, which means that it could potentially play a very effective role in reducing the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.
#7. Protection Against Bacteria and Infections:
Studies have also shown that CBD may afford some extra protection against bacteria and infections in humans. One of the main findings is that CBD facilitates antimicrobial activity when used against dangerous bacterium that cause infections that are difficult to treat, such as the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or as it is more commonly known, MRSA.
In addition, research has also suggested that CBD may be effective in treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. It does this by inhibiting the protons, known as prions, that cause these fatal diseases.
#8. Treatment for Depression and Anxiety:
Further research into the effects of CBD on the brain has found it to be a potentially effective treatment for depression and/or anxiety. According to researchers who studied mice, CBD has significant antidepressant-like effects. In addition, the study also showed that the antidepressant effects were engaged quickly and were also consistent over time, suggesting that it could be used as a successful treatment against major depressive disorder and perhaps other mood disorders in humans.
The antidepressant effects found were comparable to those of common tricyclic antidepressant medications such as Tofranil. Cannabidiol has also been found to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and social anxiety disorder in humans. Studies have proven CBD to significantly reduce anxiety regarding public speaking in healthy humans.
CBD can also help to reduce the anxiety or paranoia side effects that are apparent in some people after taking THC. Researchers suggest that the use of CBD could be effective for a range of mental health conditions such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized and social anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
#9. Help with Epileptic Seizures:
Research suggests that CBD could provide a promising new treatment for epilepsy and epileptic seizures. Parents of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy were given a survey to report their child’s responsiveness to CBD treatment; over 80% of parents reported a reduction in symptoms and seizures whilst taking CBD. The children were also reported to have experienced better mood, improved sleep quality and increased alertness. However, it’s worth noting that some side effects were also noted, including fatigue and drowsiness.
In addition, after a three-month long treatment plan using a purified, almost 100% oil based CBD oil extract, almost 40% of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy experienced a reduction in seizures of more than 50%. Another study found that seven out of eight patients with epilepsy resistant to antiepileptic drugs experienced significant improvements in their condition after almost five months of treatment with CBD.
#10. Protects the Nervous System:
Lastly, another main potential health benefit of CBD is the protection of the nervous system and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Studies found that CBD prevents the toxic effects of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, along with the radical oxygen species found in the brain. As a result, it is effective in preventing the death of brain cells. CBD has also been found to have antioxidant activity that is greater than both vitamin C and E, and may also be effective in preventing beta-amyloid toxicity in brain cells, which results in it being a potentially therapeutic agent in both the treatment and prevention of both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Have you ever considered using CBD to help you with any particular health problem? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
This is a guest blog entry.
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