
What is CBD Good For?
August 29, 2019
CBD oil is everywhere you look, but does it actually work? That depends. Here’s what you need to know.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil is made by extracting CBD from the aerial parts – the flowers, leaves and stalks of the agricultural hemp plant. It is then diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Why the confusion about CBD?
There are two types of CBD products, which are both considered Cannabis Sativa L. The difference is their Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
- Hemp-based CBD – Legal in all 50 states, this type of CBD has negligible amounts of THC. It is what you would buy at retailers and health food stores.
- Marijuana-based CBD – This type contains greater amounts of THC and is allowed in certain states through local dispensaries.
Will I get high from CBD Oil?
Since CBD Oil comes from a different part of hemp than the marijuana type, it is not psychoactive and does not cause a euphoric high. To avoid the confusion, many retailers use the term “hemp oil” to distinguish it from the more controversial term CBD Oil.
How does CBD work?
While you may be familiar with the cardiovascular or nervous system, you may not have heard of the endocannabinoid system(ECS) which is often mentioned when discussing CBD Oil products.
First discovered in the late 1980s when researching the effects of cannabis on humans, the ECS regulates the body’s internal balance. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body including the brain, central nervous system and immune system. Therefore, it has a direct impact on mood, memory, sleep, hormones, appetite, comfort, heart, general health and more.
ECS works differently in different parts of the body, but the end goal is always homeostasis. In other words, ECS works to keep your body’s reactions level and in harmony with one another.
The human body can actually make its own cannabinoids. In fact, if you’ve ever experienced a runner’s high, then you’ve experienced the sense of well-being that your natural cannabinoids have created.
CBD Oil Benefits
CBD has gained enormous popularity. Here are some of the uses people (and research) report:
CBD for Anxiety
While THC from marijuana can increase nervousness and paranoia in individuals with anxiety, some limited studies suggest CBD oil actually reduces anxiety especially as it relates to PTSD, general anxiety, and social anxiety to name a few. Results can vary among individuals but anecdotally many have found relief.
CBD for Pain
CBD alters or inhibits neuronal signs sent from the affected area to the brain so perception of the pain is altered, providing relief and comfort. As relates to joint pain, a 2017 study found that CBD decreased joint inflammation and offered protection to the nerves.
CBD for Mood and CBD for Sleep
Since the main focus of the ECS is to restore balance and homeostasis, people who struggle with mood and sleep may have an imbalance in their brain chemistry. CBD acts on the receptors in the brain to boost signaling and restore balance fostering better sleep and mood management.
CBD for Other Health Issues
CBD can promote healing and improve skin health, including acne. It’s also known to be neuroprotective because it decreases toxicity in neurons and has antioxidant protection.
Furthermore, in a small study of nine male volunteers, researchers observed that CBD may help lessen or prevent stress-related changes in blood pressure.
How to use CBD
CBD Oil is most often ingested in softgels or capsules, but is also available in the following forms:
Since there’s so much CBD that’s flooded the market, always purchase a high-quality oil without chemical additives, from a reputable company. And if you’re considering trying CBD, be sure to speak to your healthcare practitioner first and then always start with the lowest recommended dosage on the package. Some individuals may notice a change immediately while others may not notice anything for several weeks. The only way to know how it works for you is to give it a try!