The popularity of CBD oil has been skyrocketing over the past few years, as it has been marketed nearly as the panacea of all ills. While the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol might seem exaggerated, they’re not completely groundless – the research on the substance is still ongoing and brings new results in various applications. For instance, the first pharmaceutical-grade CBD medication, Epidiolex, was approved in 2018 by FDA.
While being non-intoxicating and not making you “high,” CBD is believed to positively affect both your physical and mental well-being in numerous ways. Apart from pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, it has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, improve the quality of sleep, and even promote skin health.
Here is more on how CBD oil can improve your overall health and wellness:
CBD Can Help With Pain Management
If you suffer from any form of chronic pain, you know how deliberating it can be. Fortunately, CBD oil may be a viable support option for you. CBD is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system that regulates various physiological processes, including pain perception and inflammation.
Animal studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have shown that CBD may be helpful in relieving different types of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain and migraine.
As such, CBD products can become a great addition to your daily routine, helping you cope with chronic conditions better.
CBD May Help Offset Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In fact, 40 million adults report anxiety issues (18.1% of the population), while major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million American adults (about 7.1%) of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.
CBD oil has been shown to help in treating both anxiety and depression by interacting with the brain’s serotonin receptors. A 2011 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology looked at the effects of CBD on people with social anxiety disorder and found that those who took 600 mg of CBD before their public speaking test reported significantly less anxiety and discomfort than those who took a placebo.
Another study published in Neurotherapeutics in 2015 found that CBD oil can be an effective treatment for both anxiety and depression. The authors of the study concluded that “CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders,” including post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
CBD Promotes Sleep Quality
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, CBD oil may be able to help. CBD has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
In most cases, CBD affects your sleep indirectly – by alleviating anxiety and stress symptoms and reducing pain, both major sleep disruptors. As such, if your poor sleep is the result of anxiety disorder or pain, taking a couple of CBD-infused gummies before bed might be exactly what you need.
Furthermore, today, you can also find CBD-based products containing melatonin that produce a synergic effect and help you fall asleep faster.
CBD May Help With Skin Conditions
CBD oil has also been shown to be effective in treating various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Another study looked at the effects of CBD on sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that can lead to acne. The results showed that CBD might help reduce sebum production, which can, in turn, help reduce acne breakouts.
When it comes to psoriasis, CBD may help treat this condition by reducing inflammation and promoting cell death in psoriatic plaques.
CBD May Have Neuroprotective Effects
CBD oil has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which means it may help protect the brain from damage and degenerative diseases. For instance, researchers found that CBD may support protection against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The authors of the study concluded that “the present review provided evidence that the nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoids CBD could be a potential pharmacological tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.”
In Conclusion
CBD oil has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, both physical and mental. While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, CBD oil is a safe and natural treatment option that may be worth considering if you’re looking for an alternative to conventional medication that will neither make you feel “high” nor produce any adverse side effects.
However, it’s important to mention that CBD can interfere with other medications you might be taking, so it would be best to consult with your healthcare provider first. They will also be able to recommend the right dosage for you, considering your individual needs and the condition you would like to address. Take care!