For those who do not know, CBD oil is a product derived from hemp. This type of cannabinoid is found naturally in the hemp plant, and although it comes from this plant it does not cause psychoactive effects like the well-known THC.
There is some controversy about hemp products such as CBD oil because of the recreational use of hemp. But there is growing awareness about the potential health benefits of CBD oil. Here’s what you need to know about six possible medical uses of CBD and where the research stands.
List of CBD oil benefits
CBD reduces anxiety symptoms
CBD is recognized for its ability to control anxiety symptoms in people suffering from anxiety. Some researchers mention that CBD can change the way brain receptors respond to serotonin in the nervous system. The receptors, previously mentioned, are small proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli.
A Trusted Source study found that a 600 mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Other initial animal studies have shown that CBD can help alleviate anxiety by:
- Reducing stress
- Decreasing the physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate
- Improvement of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
- Induce sleep in cases of insomnia
CBD prevents epilepsy seizures
Notable studies have shown that CBD is used as a possible treatment for epilepsy; and although the research is very new, experts are studying how much CBD could reduce seizures in people with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society says cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and research is currently underway to better understand safe use.
A 2016 Trust Source study worked with 214 people with epilepsy. Study participants added oral doses of 2 to 5 mg of CBD per day to their existing epilepsy medications. The study researchers monitored the participants for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and checking the frequency of their seizures. Overall, participants had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month. However, serious adverse effects were recorded in 12 percent of the participants.
CBD works as a neuroprotector
Another study being conducted by CBD researchers is the possibility that CBD may help people with neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. Researchers are searching for the receptor located in the brain that controls these diseases to identify how CBD can help.
Experts are studying the use of CBD oil to treat: Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s and stroke.
CBD oil may also reduce inflammation that can worsen neurodegenerative symptoms. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.
CBD relieves pain
CBD oil acts on the brain receptors, which allows pain control. Different studies have been conducted, showing that hemp brings some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health also analyze the role of hemp in relieving symptoms caused by:
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis pain
- Muscle pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Arthritis
Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of TCH and CBD, are approved in the UK and Canada to treat MS pain.
However, researchers think the CBD in the drug may be contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than acting against pain. Clinical trials of CBD are needed to determine whether or not it should be used for pain treatment.
CBD oil is proving to be a great remedy for different kinds of conditions and ailments that affect the human body, information is power, and you should learn more about the product and possibly try it out. Visit Ecowatch for further information.
