Awareness of cannabidiol (CBD) has grown massively over the past few years, with people across the world switching onto its positive benefits from a health perspective.
Although part of the marijuana family, CBD contains none of the psychoactive properties usually linked to it – a factor that has greatly widened its appeal.
There is a growing body of research evidence that showcases the compound’s ability to treat a wide range of health conditions.
With the 2018 Farm Bill changing the legislative landscape, the CBD industry looks set to continue to boom for many years to come. Read on as we look at CBD, what it can treat and how to use it.
What Is CBD oil?
CBD is one of more than 100 chemical compounds – also known as cannabinoids – that can be found in the cannabis plant.
It is a naturally occurring substance, which can be extracted and blended with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed to create CBD oil.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive properties meaning that users don’t experience the same ‘high’ sensation usually associated with cannabis.
CBD’s roots can be traced back to before the birth of Christ, with people using it as a natural remedy due to the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Many recent studies have shown that it is an effective treatment for numerous common ailments, making it a viable alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.
CBD tackles neurological disorders
One of the major breakthroughs made by CBD is its ability to have a positive effect on people who suffer with different types of neurological disorders.
Some of the best topical CBD for pain treatments have been found to work effectively for people with multiple sclerosis, helping to reduce muscle spasticity.
Other research has discovered that CBD is an effective remedy against Parkinson’s disease, significantly improving a person’s quality of life.
Some studies have suggested that CBD could help to manage numerous behavioural symptoms of dementia, including aggression and agitation.
There is evidence suggesting that CBD oil may reduce inflammation in the brain, although this has yet to be proven in humans.
Improving heart health with CBD
CBD has already been found to have a range of benefits in relation to heart health, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure.
Tests have shown that one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil can lower resting blood pressure when compared against healthy males who were given a placebo.
This finding has the potential to have a positive impact on numerous health conditions including heart attack and stroke.
Some animal studies have revealed that CBD reduces the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its stress-reducing properties.
CBD also been shown to clear blockages in arteries and regulate an irregular heartbeat, highlighting its potential as an effective treatment for cardiovascular problems.
Waging war against side-effects from cancer treatments
Researchers are yet to find and effective cure for cancer, but studies have shown that CBD can help with the side-effects from treatments for the disease.
A recent study found that CBD offered a significant reduction in cancer-related pain when compared against people who used traditional forms of pain relief.
It has also been shown to reduce the nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy, thus giving people a better quality of life whilst living with the disease.
There have also been some initial animal studies that have shown that CBD may have the ability to fight cancer itself.
However, significant further research is needed before it is known whether those findings are replicated in tests on humans.
How to use CBD oil
There are numerous different ways people can take CBD oil, including tinctures, capsules and vaping.
Tinctures are liquid extracts that are place under the tongue, where the CBD is absorbed and then enters the bloodstream. These are generally supplied in small glass bottle with dosing dropper attached.
CBD oil capsules resemble vitamin tablets, with the user ingesting these orally as they would with a traditional supplement.
Vaping CBD is also very popular with many people, although it is worth noting that some individuals find it an uncomfortable process.
This method requires you to use a vape pen or tank to inhale the CBD, and the effects can vary from person to person.
CBD – the future
While there is still plenty to learn about CBD, the early signs are that it has the potential to have a massive impact on a wide range of health issues.
Changes in legislation have sparked a boom in the industry and will undoubtedly help to accelerate research into CBD.
With medical science moving at such a rapid rate, it would be no surprise to see CBD becoming the ‘go-to’ remedy for millions of people worldwide over the coming years.