CBD oil (also known as cannabidiol) is an active ingredient of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). It’s a form of cannabinoid, the many chemicals found in marijuana plants. The oil is made by extracting CBD from the plant, before diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
CBD provides you with all the health benefits of the hemp plant, but without the ‘high’. Unlike THC, CBD is the non-psychoactive substance of the plant. This has made it an attractive option for alternative medicine for a whole range of conditions.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may want to consider taking CBD oil as a form of alternative treatments, whether it’s in the form of gummies, oil or soft gel capsules.
Chronic pain
CBD oil has an analgesic effect, which means it relieves pain. Our bodies contain a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is responsible for regulating functions like sleep, appetite and pain. The way CBD works is that it interacts with receptors in your brain, creating anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Studies have shown that CBD has positive effects on various types of pain, including cancer pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis pain and migraines.
Anxiety and depression
There is a lot of research surrounding the benefits of CBD oil for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for a variety of functions in the body, most importantly mental health and is sometimes called the ‘happy chemical’. Low serotonin levels have been associated with anxiety and depression. These conditions are often treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but some choose to use CBD oil instead. CBD oil can benefit different kinds of anxiety, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Acne
If you’ve suffered from bad skin, you may want to consider taking CBD oil as an alternative treatment to over the counter products. Acne happens when excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells clog pores. Bacteria build up in the pores and cause red blemishes. CBD has the ability to stop excess oil production, with anti-inflammatory effects helping to soothe the skin. CBD oil can potentially help with other skin ailments like psoriasis and itching.
High blood pressure
Research has linked CBD oil with many benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the power to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of health conditions like stroke and heart attack. It’s thought that the ability to reduce stress and anxiety also leads to lowering blood pressure, which consequently prevents heart damage.
Epilepsy
If you suffer from epilepsy, CBD oil may help to reduce your symptoms. Recent research shows that CBD oil can help to control seizures, and can be a great alternative to epilepsy drugs that have serious side effects. Currently, there is only one cannabis-based medicine in the UK that has been licensed for treating epilepsy. You can read more about it here.
