Cannabidiol or CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and is a popular remedy for a number of ailments. It doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, so it does not get you high or have any psychoactive effects. However, it does have plenty of other health benefits that we are going to discuss here. It’s even been shown to benefit pets with anxiety.
1. Pain Relief
Cannabis has been used as a pain reliever since 2900 B.C. when it originated in Chinese medicine. Researchers believe that this effect is caused by CBD. CBD and similar components bind to neurotransmitters in the body called endocannabinoids, reducing inflammation and helping to relieve pain. One 2021 study has suggested that CBD oil may be effective in managing rheumatoid diseases such as fibromyalgia.
2. Treating Mental Illness
CBD oil may not have the same psychoactive effects as THC, but it has shown promise as a treatment for various mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. One 2019 study has even shown that CBD oil can be used to manage nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additional research into the effects of CBD on mental conditions before doctors can recommend it as a treatment for such conditions.
3. Alleviating Cancer-Related Symptoms
Medical cannabis has long been used to treat cancer-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. It’s usually used alongside chemotherapy and similar cancer treatments as a palliative treatment, meaning that it alleviates discomfort but does not treat the cancer itself. Those who don’t want the high from THC may be able to achieve similar results from CBD oil, although additional research is still necessary before CBD oil can be used as part of regular cancer treatment. It can also be used to stimulate hunger in patients who have low appetite. Consulting a cancer specialist Spokane can provide guidance on integrating medical cannabis or CBD into your treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.
4. Improving Heart Health
Research has suggested that CBD oil could help treat people with high blood pressure. Basically, CBD can influence the contractions of the heart and widen blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. One 2020 study that included 26 healthy men found that taking 600 milligrams of CBD for seven days significantly reduced blood pressure compared to a placebo group. The effect went away after seven days, however. As promising as this sounds, additional research will still need to be completed before CBD oil can be used as a viable treatment for high blood pressure.
Other Benefits
CBD oil is still relatively new as a viable treatment for these conditions, but research does show promise. In addition to these uses, CBD oil may also help improve sleep, aid in substance misuse treatment, improve anxiety, and even prolong the life of people living with an aggressive cancer called glioblastoma.
As with all medical treatments and over-the-counter products, you should speak with your doctor about using CDB oil to treat any ailments you might have. As we’ve already said, CBD oil is still relatively new, and there are several unknowns to consider. Still, the research so far has been promising, so taking CBD oil may very well improve your health.