Is CBD Oil Worth the Hype?
Cannabidiol, known better as CBD, is one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in Cannabis Sativa. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that has mind-altering effects on the body, CBD is not psychoactive. In fact, CBD has several health benefits, including treatment of health issues ranging from pain relief to treating anxiety. The health benefits of CBD oil are being recognised across the world. A blend between pure CBD and carrier oil, it is available in many forms – capsules, oral sprays, gummies, and drops.
The usage of the marijuana plant for its medicinal properties is an ancient practice. However, scientific research on its use in mainstream pharmaceutical products is a recent development. Many studies have found the compound effective in curing the symptoms of many ailments. With technology isolating the medicinal properties from the psychoactive properties, the taboo surrounding its usage is also slowly dissipating. In fact, people across the world are now seriously considering the health benefits of CBD oil.
The oldest and the most common usage of marijuana is pain relief. Many components of the plant have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They are effective in reducing the inflammation due to arthritis and help in pain management. Many patients suffering from chronic pain rely heavily on daily medications that are often habit-forming and cause several side effects. For such patients, CBD oil can prove to be a boon that can elevate their overall quality of life by relieving chronic pain.
Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders. They can have crippling effects on the physical health and well-being of the patients. The pharmaceutical drugs that treat these disorders can cause several side effects such as insomnia, irritability, sexual dysfunction, etc. Often, these drugs are addictive and lead to substance abuse. CBD has shown promise in reducing depression and anxiety in animals and humans alike. By working on the brain’s receptors of serotonin, CBD significantly alleviates anxiety and depression. It does so by regulating an individual’s mood and behavior. Many patients are therefore turning toward a more natural approach to dealing with these mental disorders. In fact, CBD oil also treats symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children who have been victims of some form of abuse.
Studies in the animal model suggest that CBD can inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. However, its efficacy in treating cancer in humans needs more research. While CBD does not entirely treat cancer, its usage does show significant improvement in cancer related side-effects. Many generally followed cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy have immense negative side effects on the human body such as nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite, constipation, and immense pain. CBD eases these side effects and helps in better management of neuropathic pain by the patients undergoing cancer treatment. However, before considering using CBD oil, you should consult your doctor to determine the best way to administer it.
Insomnia occurs due to many underlying factors such as caffeine late in the day, medications that alter the sleep and wake cycle, anxiety, depression, or PTSD to name a few. If the underlying reason is external, CBD can help cure insomnia by targeting the cause. A scientific study conducted on a controlled group of people suffering from anxiety and poor sleep concluded with around 65% of the people reporting better sleep and around 75% of people reported a reduction in anxiety. In fact, since CBD aids in pain management, sleeplessness caused by chronic pain reduces with the use of CBD oil. CBD also shows a great promise when it comes to treating insomnia and its many symptoms such as excessive sleepiness during daytime and grogginess by promoting wakefulness.
High blood pressure or hypertension is more of a lifestyle disorder than anything else. It affects a major chunk of the population the world over, and gets better with significant lifestyle changes. Dietary changes and regular physical activity help in keeping hypertension at bay. However, a study conducted on healthy volunteers concluded that owing to its anti-anxiety and analgesic effects, CBD in correct dosage helps relax the blood vessels and the participants experienced a reduced resting systolic blood pressure, reduced pre and post-stress blood pressure and overall better cardiac health.
CBD also possesses anti-seizure properties that can treat severe forms of childhood epilepsy. A study conducted on the children and teens that underwent treatment with pharmaceutical CBD showed a much better seizure control. Recent studies have shown that the patients that were unresponsive to traditional seizure medications also benefited from the health benefits of CBD oil.
When used in controlled and prescribed dosages CBD is a treasure trove with multiple health benefits of CBD oil. However, as is the case with anything else, you should consult your doctor before self-prescribing any form of pharmaceutical CBD to treat any ailments that you might be suffering from.
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