Cannabidiol or CBD is a sought-after, naturally occurring remedy for prevalent maladies. CBD oil is obtained after the chemical is extracted from the cannabis plant and diluted with a base oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil.

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the primary psychoactive chemical within cannabis that causes the euphoric sensation of a ‘high’ which is typically associated with the consumption of marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Therefore, it remains an attractive option for individuals looking for pain-relieving properties without the mind-altering side-effects.

Given that several scientific pieces of research have concluded that CBD may be useful in easing certain discomforts like anxiety and pain, the use of CBD oil has gained momentum in the world of health and alternative medicine.

Here are some scientifically-proven benefits of CBD oil –

1. Pain Relief

According to a medical report published in 2017, the use of marijuana as a pain-relief agent goes back to the Chinese in 2900 BC. Scientists have further identified that certain chemicals, including CBD contained within marijuana, are the main agents responsible for these pain-alleviating properties.

The human body is known to produce endocannabinoids – neurotransmitters that attach to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD reduces pain by impacting the activity of these endocannabinoid receptors, interacts with the neurotransmitters, and reduces inflammation.

2. Reduce Depression and Anxiety

These two villains – depression and anxiety – are recurrent mental health problems that tend to have a far-reaching impact on an individual’s overall well-being.

According to a World Health Organization report on ‘Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders’, depression ranks as the single largest cause of disability globally. Anxiety comes in at 6.

While depression and anxiety can be treated with regular pharmaceutical drugs, there is a high risk of side effects like agitation, drowsiness, headache, and insomnia to name a few. Moreover, medication like benzodiazepines can be addictive when taken for a prolonged time and can lead to substance abuse.

CBD oil has shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety as well as depression and a growing number of patients have opted for this natural therapy over regular pharmaceutics.

A report published in 2016 has also shown CBD oil to help recude anxiety and treat insomnia in children suffering from PTSD.

3. Cardiac Benefits

Recent research conducted on the benefits of CBD has shown that its benefits in cardiac health and the circulatory system. This also includes the ability to decrease instances of high blood pressure in patients.

High BP has found to be a common indicator of the possibility of further health conditions including heart attacks, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.

A recent study conducted on healthy males involved administering 600mg of CBD oil. The result showed CBD oil to successfully lower resting blood pressure when compared to a placebo. The study also conducted stress tests on the subjects involving activities and scenarios that would generally lead to increased blood pressure. However, it was found that the dose of CBD resulted in a lower rise in the subject’s blood pressure.

This ability of CBD to lower blood pressure is largely attributed to its anxiety and stress-reducing properties.

4. Ease Symptoms Related to Cancer

CBD can be useful in reducing cancer-related symptoms and side-effects of cancer treatment and chemotherapy like pain and nausea.

Though there are drugs that also assist in controlling these undesired symptoms, they may prove ineffective for some individuals, leading them to search out alternative treatments.

According to a report on the ‘Preliminary efficacy and safety of an oromucosal standardized cannabis extract in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting’, when administered orally, a 1:1 combination of THC with CBD helped in vomiting and nausea brought about by chemotherapy.

5. Helps in Reduction of Acne

Acne is a common skin anomaly affecting more than 1 in 10 people. Clinical studies show that Acne is commonly caused by several factors including bacteria, inflammation, genetics, increased production of sebum, etc.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties, scientific research has pointed towards CBD oil’s ability to treat acne and decrease the production of sebum which prevents the growth of acne-inducing agents like inflammatory cytokines.

Though these clinical studies and research are positive, further human studies are ongoing to explore the extent to which CBD can help cure acne problems.

6. Possible Neuroprotective Properties

Among the most closely analyzed benefits of CBD is its ability to treat neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis. Though most of the research in this field is relatively fresh, many studies have yielded positive results.

Researchers are inclined to believe that CBD may have the ability to affect the endocannabinoid and similar brain signaling systems and prove beneficial to individuals suffering from neurological problems.

A study published a few ago found that Sativex helped in reducing spasms in 75% of patients in the test group suffering from multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms. All of these patients had earlier shown resistance to medications.

Sativex is an oral spray consisting primarily of THC and CBD. Over a course of scientific studies and researches, Sativex has proven to be an effective and safe method to treat and reduce muscle spasticity in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Another study administered between 2-5 grams of CBD oil per kg of body weight to patients suffering from severe epilepsy. It was found that the patient’s seizures reduced by an average of little over 36%.

Scientific research has also indicated that CBD may potentially be able to positively impact the treatment of other neurological diseases.

Studies have shown that treatment with CBD has also been able to improve the condition of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Takeaway

Scientists and medical professionals are uncovering new benefits and more and more reasons to turn to CBD oil and related products to treat various everyday health problems. This is a hotly researched subject in the medical field and these benefits of CBD oil may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Disclaimer

CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.

CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under laws of certain states.

It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.