Cannabis sativa or marijuana is one of the oldest known cultivated plants [1].
The earliest record of its medical use dates back to the 6th century BC. Cannabis made its way to Europe from Asia and Africa in the 19th-century colonial era. Cannabis or Indian hemp was introduced to western medicine as an alternative to convulsive disease and tetanus remedies. French physicians have investigated the efficacy of cannabis preparations in treating mental disorders. [1]
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the known 113 cannabinoids or chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant. CBD makes up almost 40% of cannabis plant extract. CBD oil is a combination of CBD extract and a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil. [2]
Researcher Roger Adams and others have isolated CBD from hemp in 1940. They found the compound is non-psychoactive. That means it doesn’t have the intoxicating or euphoric effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound in cannabis. This way CBD is more easily accessible for its therapeutic benefits and uses. [1]
Today CBD oil is gaining popularity as a natural remedy for various ailments. The pharmacological properties of CBD oil have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The researchers suggest that CBD can be an effective treatment for various neurological disorders, pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and so on. [2]
Read on to learn 8 health benefits and uses of CBD oil, all based on scientific evidence.
CBD Oil Benefits for the Health
1. CBD Oil Can Relieve Pain, Headache, Migraine, and Inflammation.
Several research studies confirm the analgesic or pain-relieving effects of CBD oil.
The endocannabinoid system of the body has various modulatory functions for sleep, stress, pain, inflammation, immune tissues, and the endocrine.
Researchers have found out the stimulating effects of CBD in the endocannabinoid system. This way CBD oil inhibit the sensation of pain and reduce inflammation of the body.
A 2017 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology investigated the various degree of pain-relieving effects of CBD doses in the surgical incision of rats.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and has a pain-blocking or antinociceptive activity in the nervous system. [3]
In another 2007 clinical study reported in Rheumatology (Oxford), researchers investigated the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicine in treating rheumatoid arthritis pain. [4]
58 arthritis patients underwent the trial treatment for 5 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in the pain during movement and rest. Moreover, cannabis treatment improved the quality of sleep among patients.
In the vivo experiment rats were orally treated with 2.5-20 mg of Cannabidiol dose from 7-14 days of the injury. CBD showed significant therapeutic effects in reducing chronic pain states in the rats. [5]
A recent 2018 research study at Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute shows the therapeutic effects of cannabis constituents such as CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids are an effective remedy for migraine pain and headache. [6]
READ ALSO: 12 Best Essential Oils for Migraines and Headaches
2. CBD Oil May Be a Potential Remedy for Cancer.
Numerous clinical research proves the anti-cancer effects of CBD oil against breast cancer.
While other studies show that oil can relieve symptoms of cancer and chemotherapy side effects such as pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
According to a research study among 177 patients with cancer, CBD and THC proved to be effective in reducing advanced cancer pain. [7] The natural phyto-constituents were more effective in relieving pain than strong opioid drugs. (Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 2010)
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2010 reports the efficacy and tolerability of cannabis extract in treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea. [8]
The study evaluated the effets of 4.8 spray doses of CMBdaily on seven cancer patients suffering from chemo-side effects. The result showed a higher proportion- 71.4% experienced complete relief from the side effects.
A 2011 research study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics states that CBD can inhibit the growth of tumor cells as an antineoplastic agent in breast cancer patients.
The researchers believe that ongoing investigation on the anti-cancer effects of CBD may discover a new clinical treatment for cancer. [9]
Another 2007 study conducted at California Pacific Medical Center, Research Institute, confirm that CBD is an effective non-toxic agent in inhibiting aggressive breast cancer cells. [10]
READ ALSO: 12 Essential Oils for Cancer That You Should Know (Backed by Evidence)
3. CBD Oil Has Neuroprotective Effects.
Several clinical research showed the promising neuroprotective activity of CBD oil.
CBD has stimulating effects on the endocannabinoid system of the body that can help people suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.
A cannabinoid-based oral spray, Sativex proved to be an effective treatment for muscle spasticity among 276 multiple sclerosis patients. [11] (European Neurology, 2014)
In 2016 The Lancet Neurology Journal reported that cannabidiol (a dose of 2-5 mg/kg per day) could reduce the frequency of epilepsy seizures among treatment-resistant epileptic children and adult patients. [12]
Researchers state that CBD has potential therapeutic effects for Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease as well. [13.14]
4. CBD Oil May Reduce Anxiety, Depression, and Has Antipsychotic Effects.
CBD has positive effects on the serotonin neurotransmitter of the brain. Moreover, the cannabis compound has potent anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and sedative qualities.
According to a 2011 research study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, Cannabidiol could reduce anxiety among Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) patients. [15]
The SAD patients received 600 mg. dose of CBD that significantly reduced anxiety and discomfort during a simulated public speaking event.
Another case report in the Permanente Journal, 2016 shows the efficacy of CBD oil in relieving anxiety and sleep disorders in posttraumatic individuals. [16]
A 10-year oil sexually abused girl participated in the trial. Cannabidiol oil proved to be an effective and safe treatment for lowering anxiety and improving sleep quality in the traumatized girl.
Several human and animal trials confirm the anti-psychotic effects of CBD. Researchers suggest cannabidiol or CBD may be a promising anti-psychosis drug for a condition like schizophrenia in the future. [17]
READ ALSO: How to Get Rid of Anxiety : 11 Natural Techniques
5. CBD Oil May Lower the Risk of Diabetes.
The incidence of diabetes was 30% in CBD-treated mice, compared to 86% in the control group. [18]
More scientific research is needed to understand the efficacy and safety of CBD oil for diabetes prevention in humans.
READ ALSO: 9 Superfoods That May Help You to Manage Diabetes
Other Potential Benefits of CBD Oil
There is insufficient scientific evidence on the medicinal uses of CBD oil for heart diseases, acne skin disorder, and preventing substance abuse.
How to Use CBD Oil and Where to Buy It
With the growing popularity of CBD oil, manufacturers are coming up with a wide range of CBD oil products.
Today CBD oil is available in various forms such as CBD vapes, sprays, tinctures, concentrates, capsules, and CBD topical solutions. There are CBD edible products including coffee, chocolate, candies, etc.
Generally, the recommended dosage of CBD oil tincture is dropped under the tongue for oral ingestion. You need to follow the label or consult an expert to learn the specific dose of all the methods of CBD oral consumptions- spray, vape oil, capsules, etc.
CBD Oil Precautions and Side Effects
CBD oil is generally safe for oral consumption and topical use in recommended dosage.
However, some people have reported experiencing side effects such as appetite loss, fatigue, and diarrhea due to CBD oil. [2]
It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using CBD oil. If you are under any prescription drugs the oil may interact with it and cause side effects. Consult an expert at all times to avoid all kinds of harmful consequences.
Bottom Line
Today CBD oil has gained immense popularity in the scientific and health communities.
The ongoing medical research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil has proven its efficacy in treating many chronic diseases.
CBD oil is a potential remedy for diabetes, pain, inflammation, cancer symptoms, heart diseases, anxiety, and various mental disorders.
There are various CBD oil products available in the market. These are safe and easy to use for specific health issues.
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