Benefits of CBD Oil
The popularity of CBD oil is likely to continue to grow as more research is conducted on its potential benefits on the human body and the nervous system, and as more consumers seek natural alternatives to traditional medications.
However, we would like to emphasize that if you have a major health concern, it is always wise to consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before embarking on taking additional supplements.
Here we have compiled 10 benefits of CBD that you may want to consider:
- Pain Relief:
CBD oil may help relieve pain in the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that helps to regulate a range of bodily functions, including pain perception, immune function, and mood.
Research shows that CBD oil may be helpful in relieving acute pain associated with a range of conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help reduce joint pain and inflammation in the body.
- Reducing Anxiety and Depression:
CBD oil has been found to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain and by binding to these brain receptors, it helps increase the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in regulating mood and anxiety.
CBD oil promotes a sense of calm and relaxation and it plays a major role in stress reduction, which can hugely benefit social anxiety sufferers too. It may also help regulate the stress response, reducing the body’s physiological response to stressors. Additionally, CBD oil may have neuroprotective properties, which means it may also help to protect the brain from damage caused by chronic stress and anxiety.
- Improving Sleep:
CBD oil may be helpful for those who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, particularly if the cause is related to anxiety or an irregular sleep-wake cycle resulting in sleep disorders. By interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, CBD may help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which can be helpful for those who struggle with falling asleep due to anxiety or racing thoughts.
Studies have shown that CBD oil may increase the amount of time spent in deep sleep, which is important for restorative and restful sleep. Additionally, CBD oil may also help regulate circadian rhythms, which are the natural cycles that govern when we feel sleepy and when we feel awake.
- Reducing Inflammation:
CBD oil may be helpful in reducing inflammation by interacting with the immune system. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. CBD interacts with the immune system by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
CBD oil may also be helpful for a range of conditions that involve inflammation, including acne, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as reducing joint inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neuroprotective Properties:
CBD oil has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, meaning it may help protect the brain from damage caused by injury, disease, or ageing. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which plays a role in regulating many functions, including memory, mood, and cognitive function and may help protect brain cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Furthermore, CBD oil may be helpful for conditions that affect cognitive function and brain health, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. CBD oil may help reduce inflammation in the brain and protect brain cells from damage, which may slow the progression of the disease. Parkinson’s disease is another neurodegenerative disease that affects movement and cognitive function. CBD oil may be helpful for reducing symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, as well as protecting brain cells from damage.
- Anti-Tumour Effects:
CBD oil has shown potential as an anti-tumour agent, with studies suggesting that it may help prevent tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells. CBD oil may help inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cell death and preventing the formation of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumours. Additionally, CBD oil may enhance the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.
- Anti-Seizure Properties:
CBD oil has shown promise as an effective treatment for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which can be difficult to manage with traditional medications. CBD oil may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and regulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. Clinical trials have shown that Epidiolex can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in individuals with these conditions.
- Cardiovascular Health:
Research shows that CBD oil may be helpful in reducing high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that CBD oil may help dilate blood vessels and reduce cardiac inflammation allowing for better blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart. By reducing blood pressure, CBD oil may help reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
CBD oil may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, CBD oil has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect against damage to blood vessels and other tissues, as well as reduce plaque builds up in the arteries which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Easing Menopausal Symptoms:
Among its many potential benefits, CBD may be helpful in improving and easing menopausal symptoms in women.
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs around age 50, although the timing can vary and perimenopausal symptoms can occur much earlier than this. During menopause, the body undergoes a significant shift in hormone levels, which can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. CBD may be helpful in addressing some of these symptoms.
- Skin Health:
CBD oil may be helpful in improving skin health by reducing inflammation, regulating oil production, and improving hydration and elasticity. Inflammation is an underlying factor in many skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.
CBD oil may also help regulate oil production in the skin, which can be helpful for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. CBD oil may also help improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.