Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a product which is obtained from cannabis. Cannabinoid is a natural substance found in marijuana and hemp plants. While CBD comes from marijuana plants, it doesn’t create intoxication which is caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, CBD has no intoxicating or psychoactive properties, and it is the second most prevalent active compound found in cannabis after THC.

There’s a growing awareness in the health communities across the world about the possible health benefits of CBD oil. Proponents of CBD oil claim that it can be used to treat several conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, depression, anxiety and others. While there is a great deal of research and controversy about some of these claims, scientist have a long way to go in discovering the full potential of CBD oil. On the other hand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that CBD oil is associated with any serious side effects.

CBD Oil For Controlling Epilepsy

The majority of the testing and research concerning CBD conducted by the FDA has been regarding the use of it to control epilepsy. The scientific evidence they have found greatly supports it. This is good news because there are several forms of Epilepsy, and they can be hard to control. As a result, it can be hard for a person to have a normal life.

A type of CBD oil, called Epidiolex, has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat two forms of Epilepsy for children. This is a step in the right direction as parents want their children to have the best life possible. They don’t want a product that can be work to be kept from them due to red tape.

It isn’t advised to offer CBD oil to a child under 2 years of age. In other situations, it should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional. They must verify Epilepsy is present and the type of it. Some families are even relocating to states where it is legal for them to give this to their child as they don’t want to get into trouble with the law or with the Department of Human Services.

For adults with Epilepsy, the use of CBD oil can help to reduce the number of seizures they experience and how long they last. Some users feel this type of product has given them a new lease on life. They have struggled to control this ailment for a long time, and nothing offered them the same level of results. The improvements vary on a case by case basis.

There are researchers interested in doing more human testing with adults of various ages and with specific types of Epilepsy to see what products can be the most useful or them. However, it takes a great deal of time and money to get such a project off the ground and moving forward.

Some of the common forms of Epilepsy CBD oil is known to help with include:

• Dravet syndrome
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Other Neurological Disorders

There are many other neurological disorders a person may experience. They may not be diagnosed with Epilepsy, but many of the symptoms and the types of seizures can be the same. Based on research conducted in previous years, it is believed that the use of CBD oil can help with other types of neurological disorders as well.

They include:

• Neurodegeneration
• Neuronal injuries
• Neurological disorders
• Psychiatric disorders

The benefits for such ailments with CBD oil will depend on the individual. There are many underlying factors that influence such a diagnosis. The overall body chemistry and brain neurons will influence how receptive they are to such treatment. There are those who find it has made a world of difference for them when modern medicine wasn’t able to.

Multiple Sclerosis

Some researchers are very impressed with CBD oil. They believe it is able to help with the brain signals that aren’t working property for their patients with various neurological disorders. This includes treatment for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Such research is still in its infancy, but it is very promising and may be a key option or those with MS trying to have a better quality of life.

One of the products given to patients with MS is Sativex. This is an oral spray that contains both CBD oil and THC. It helps to reduce muscle spasticity and give them more control over their bodies. A study involving 276 patients with MS showed Sativex was successful for 75% of them.

There are some side effects with the use of Sativex. They can include:

• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Fever

In spite of such possible side effects, the use of Sativex can be better than the pain and the discomfort with MS. A study involving 47 individuals with various levels of MS showed that after just a month of Sativex, they had made improvements in the following areas compared to the placebo group:

• Muscle spasms
• Pain
• Walking

Pain Management

It can be very difficult to focus on fun, on work, and to take care of you household when you deal with pain. For some individuals, that pain it temporary. They are going to heal from an injury, an accident, or a surgery. For others though, the pain is chronic and it affects every aspect of their life every single day.

This can make it hard to work, to enjoy relationships, or to take part in social events. It can also result in depression and struggling with financial needs being met. The most common use of CBD oil is for chronic pain. Many of these patients did try traditional routes. They may have used over the counter products and prescription medications and they weren’t enough.

Others also went through surgery or other procedures in the hope of getting relief from the pain. Those methods either didn’t work or didn’t offer enough relief for them to have a good quality of life. There are also those who aren’t in good enough health to be a candidate for a surgical procedure.

It is believed CBD oil is able to help manage chronic pain by influencing the brain. It changes the receptors that send messages through the nervous system indicating pain. It is the CB2 receptors that are directly affected and benefit from the use of CBD. It can help someone to successfully manage pain. At the same time, it can help to reduce inflammation.

It is also believed the CB2 receptors will influence the body to create more natural cannabinoids that influence how a person feels. This makes a difference because with most prescription pain medications, a person builds up a tolerance to it. This means they will soon need a higher and higher dose to get the same level of relief.

With CBD, a person can rely on the same amount or even a lower dose over time. Their body won’t build up a tolerance to it. When the body is creating more cannabinoids on its own, then the person may be able to still feel relief from the pain with less CBD oil.

Even though such research has been in place for over a decade, there is a great deal which remains a mystery regarding the brain and pain signals with the use of CBD. The number of people that use it for this specific purpose, and have amazing stories to tell about a better quality of life though, makes it a possibility worth exploring.

Studies conducted with laboratory rats have confirmed CBD can help to reduce chronic pain, inflammation, and sciatic nerve pain. Such results are very encouraging but there haven’t been any human clinical trials offering such details due to the many variables involved for such testing to take place.

CBD Oil For Anxiety

People from all walks of life and all ages struggle to control anxiety. It is often a topic they are embarrassed by and they don’t openly talk about. Yet it can make it hard for them to work, hard to maintain relationships, and hard to engage in social activities. The more they think about the anxiety, the more often panic attacks tend to happen and the longer they last.

Someone with anxiety has a hard time relaxing the mind and the body. They may feel like they can’t breathe or focus. It can negatively impact every part of their life. Getting a grip on it and regaining control can be a changing point for them. The use of CBD oil can help to calm the mind and allow them to feel less anxious.

A previous study found that the increased levels of cannabidiol can help those with social anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder. This study included brain scans of the participants. It was noted that there where changes to the blood flow to area of the brain that are linked to anxiety when they use CBD oil. It was changing the way in which the brain reacted to triggers causing them anxiety. The changes were found in the limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain.

Additional studies in 2104 on lab animals also shared information that went beyond just helping with anxiety. They concluded CBD oil can help to control and reduce other forms of anxiety including:

• OCD
• Panic attacks
• PTSD

The value CBD oil can have for an individual depends on their level of anxiety and the underlying causes. It is recommended to seek the help of a counselor. Sometimes, the underlying reasons can be explored and the person won’t need to use CBD oil ongoing. In other instances, the reason for anxiety can’t be identified but the triggers can. Engaging in behavior modification can help to reduce the concerns.

The goal should be to use CBD oil for the short term while other remedies for the anxiety are explored. However, there are those out there who use it ongoing, and say they will do so for the rest of their lives. They believe this one simple addition to their daily routine has completely transformed their lives for the better!

Additional studies need to be conducted to determine the long term benefits of CBD on anxiety. It can be a good alternative for those who haven’t found other solutions to work for them. They may feel like nothing will work and this could be an alternative option to look closely at.

CBD Instead of Cannabis

While many individuals with anxiety turn to cannabis, it is encouraged to use CBD instead. This is because ongoing use of cannabis can have negative effects for the brain. The THC in cannabis can also cause a person to go from feeling anxious to experiencing paranoia.

CBD Oil For Mental Health

Millions of people are trying to cope with various mental health concerns. They can affect their thought process and mood. Even though it is widely known such mental health issues are out there, it is still something many people try to hide. Others have tried to benefit from medications but it may not have offered them the value they were after.

Such medications can have harsh side effects which are hard to ignore. Such side effects can include:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Sexual dysfunction

The use of CBD oil for mental health concerns is growing in popularity as prescription medications can also be very expensive, making it hard for those on a limited income to be able to afford them. A person may have anxiety alone or it could be part of other mental health concerns they have to focus on. Such issues can prevent them from living the life they really want.

Depression

The number one disability factor for people in the USA isn’t related to physical problems. It has to do with depression. Of course, there are those with a history of pain or physical ailments that are linked to that depression too. The use of benzodiazepines for depression is common, but they can be addictive. They shouldn’t be used by anyone with a history of substance abuse.

Studies indicate the use of CBD can help to control depression due to the way it stimulates the positive mood relating chemicals in the brain. Such studies have widely been conducted on animals in laboratories, but the information is encouraging. There are many variables that can affect depression for someone, but this type of treatment may be a means for them to feel better.

It is believed CBD is able to increase the serotonin levels in the brain. Those are the positive chemicals responsible for mood. When a person doesn’t have a clue why they are depressed, it may be a chemical issue more than an emotional one that needs to be addressed.

Schizophrenia

Additional studies are needed to fully understand the value of CBD oil on schizophrenia. The studies conducted though do indicate the anti-psychotic effects of it can help to reduce psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Bipolar Disorder

The mood changes over a spectrum of time is important when a person suffers from bipolar disorder. For some individuals, it is seasonal. For others, there is a cycle they go through annually. There can be underlying triggers that will force a person from one end of the pendulum to the other. It is believed to be linked to chemicals in the brain.

Studies relating to the use of CBD oil for bipolar disorder are found as far back as 2005. A study at that time with a test group and a placebo group indicates CBD oil doesn’t help when a person is in a manic state. However, there are benefits when it comes to preventing someone from going into that manic stage of bipolar disorder. This is a very complex mental health issue and there are often many underlying issues to be addressed. Each person can be different and so can the results they gain from the use of CBD oil for it. 

CBD Oil For Diabetes

Due to poor eating habits and not enough exercise, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the USA continues to skyrocket. Some have other factors that increase the risk, including genetics. There is information claiming the use of CBD oil can help to control Type 1 diabetes. It is very important to get it under control to have a good quality of life.

Failure to control it can allow it to move into more aggressive stages. A study published in 2016 state the use of CBD oil can reduce inflammation located in the pancreas. This is believed to be the reason why it is successful with helping to control Type 1 diabetes. It isn’t an alternative of healthy eating and exercise, but it can be an additional step to take as part of your treatment plan.

A common problem for those with diabetes is a problem with their circulation. Studies show CBD is able to help improve overall circulation, especially to the extremities.

CBD Oil For Arthritis and Inflammation

There are many forms of arthritis, and they can affect anyone from young children to the elderly. They can cause a great deal of pain in the joints, deterioration of the joints, and deformities. It can be hard to tackle common tasks due to the pain and inflammation. The location of the areas on the body can vary by person and based on the type they have.

The use of CBD oil is common among those with arthritis. Some rely on it only when they experience a flare up. For others, they use it daily to help them control it and to prevent future flare ups. Most have had very good success with using CBD oil to reduce inflammation.

Since inflammation can be associated with many health issues, not just arthritis, it is very encouraging. The only testing so far regarding this and gathering research has been conducted on animals. However, there are quite a few users who will tell you nothing has worked for this as well as this. Even arthritis professionals have reported improvements with their patients who use CBD oil and that is encouraging.

Joints that are swollen, stiff, and sore, make it very hard to sleep well. They make it hard to take part in your daily routine too. Arthritis doesn’t just affect the hands, even though that is the most common location. It can also affect the feet, the shoulders, the knees, and any other areas of your body.

The inflammation causes a great deal of pain. However, it also causes the bone inside of the joints to change in structure and to deteriorate. The sooner action is taken to prevent this, the slower the progression of the arthritis. Controlling the inflammation and the pain can help someone to get back to their responsibilities and to enjoy activities they love.

Statistically, arthritis affects more than 50 million people in the USA. It is the leading cause of disabilities for people. CBD oil can help with many forms of arthritis, including the two most common ones:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is a degenerative ailment that affects the hip, knees, and joints of the thumbs. It makes the body stiff and painful due to the joint cartilage being inflamed.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) This is an autoimmune ailment where your own immune system is causing the pain and inflammation for the joints. It often affects the hands and the feet.

It is also worth mentioning here that Sativex mouth spray can also help to reduce inflammation and arthritis related joint pain.

Studies on lab rats indicate that CBD oil can help to reduce inflammation relating to arthritis and other ailments. Further studies provide strong indicators this may be a good source of ongoing treatment to slow down the progression of arthritis. Additional studies show topical CBD can be useful to help with pain and inflammation of the hands and feet associated with RA. Another study conducted in 2017 shows CBD has been successful to help with OA joint pain.

Anti-Inflammatory

The properties of cannabinoids have been proved to offer anti-inflammatory benefits. This has been confirmed through many different studies using control groups and placebos. CBD can assist with reducing inflammation found in all organs and joints throughout the body.

CBD Oil For Alzheimer’s Disease

One of the most upsetting brain related health issues is Alzheimer’s disease. A person starts to forget basic information such as the names of people and what they have been doing. They may forget how to do simple tasks at home or at work. This disease can also change a person’s behavior to a point where they aren’t safe to be around others or to be left alone. They may need the ongoing care of medical professionals.

There are some researchers who believe the use of CBD oil can help those in the early stages. They believe it can be a key way for the brain to be able to continue to recognize their loved ones. It can also slow down the progression of the disease into those advanced stages. There are also researchers that believe the use of CBD oil can be a way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, especially for those with a family history of it.

CBD Oil For Cancer Treatment

Even though cancer treatments have progressed over the years, there is still a very difficult process someone goes through to fight it. What they endure and how long they endure it depends on the type of cancer, where it is located, and how far it has progressed. Research shows CBD can help with the fight against cancer.

It can help a patient to be more comfortable. There is a great deal of pain and discomfort with cancer. Trying to be able to rest and relax is important, but it is hard when your body hurts and aches all the time. CBD oil can help to reduce pain, allowing them to sleep better and to rest more. This is very important for the recovery.

Forms of treatment including chemotherapy and radiation can make a person nauseous and suffer from headaches. It can also reduce their appetite. The use of CBD oil can help to control nausea and reduce headaches. It can also help to stimulate the appetite so they aren’t losing so much weight during the treatment.

Some of the studies conducted and published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology state the use of CBD may be able to help reduce the spreading of cancer. This is very important as isolating the cancer cells can help a person have a higher rate of a full recovery. They believe the compounds in CBD can also be a way to help destroy the cancer cells.

The fact that CBD is far less toxic to the body than chemotherapy and radiation is a powerful discovery. The goal should always be to aggressively fight the cancer, but at the same time, to reduce the risk and the suffering for the patient. Not all cancer patients are able to get relief from medications for their pain.

A study involving 177 such individuals found they were able to get some relief from CBD oil. The level of overall relief they experienced did vary. However, they concluded it was a great alternative and better than not having anything they could count on for pain during the cancer treatment process.

There are studies which have been conducted on lab animals and in test tubes. They indicate there can be some cancer prevention properties with CBD. As a result, some users who have previously had cancer or who have a high risk of cancer in their genetics often use it as a source of prevention. 

Other Health Benefits

There are several other health benefits which have been identified with the use of CBD oil. They are worth mentioning, and often, a person will gain these benefits when they were actually using the product for something else.

Sleep Disorders

There are many underlying reasons why some people have sleep disorders. The use of CBD can help a person to fall asleep faster and to help them to sleep better. For those with high levels of stress and anxiety, it can help to calm the mind so a person can rest.

For those with chronic pain, that will make it hard for them to sleep well. They wake up often due to the pain. They find it hard to get comfortable. Taking CBD oil though can help them to feel better so they can drift off to sleep. Yet they won’t wait up groggy like they often do with the use of sleep aid products.

Getting a good night of sleep is very important. It can help someone to wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy. It can boost mood and there are studies to show it also helps with losing weight.

Substance Abuse

Changing the chemical makeup of the brain is important to assist someone trying to end a cycle of substance abuse. The use of CBD oil may reduce the risk of a relapse. It is believed it is able to modify the circuits in the brain that are related to alcohol abuse and drug addiction. As a result, it may be the change someone needs to end their dependency. Some of the drugs it can be useful for include:

• Alcohol
• Heroin
• Morphine
• Opioids

Nicotine Use

It is extremely difficult for people to stop using sources of nicotine. Yet the use of it is poisoning the mind and body. It can cause irritability and it can cause depression. It can increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Breathing problems including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common. Even though users are aware of such facts, they heavily rely on the nicotine and go through withdrawals when they don’t have it.

The use of CBD oil can help to reduce those adverse withdrawal symptoms. It can also help someone to reduce the ongoing urge to use nicotine again. Relapse is common due to the habit, others using nicotine around them, or stress. Adding CBD oil to your daily routine may be a way to help you continue on the path to no longer using it. As soon as you stop using nicotine, your health is going to improve.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the USA. Taking efforts to reduce the risk of heart problems is very important. Some people have a higher risk due to their diet and genetics. Some recent research indicates the heart and the entire circulation system can benefit from CBD. This can help with reducing blood pressure too.

Some research indicates CBD helps with regulating cholesterol levels too. This includes the good and the bad elements. It can help to increase the good levels and help with reducing the bad levels. Getting these levels in check will reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Preventative Care

Many people are paying attention to their risk factors and their genetics. By doing so, they realize they are at a higher risk of certain health problems than others. This has encouraged some people to use CBD oil on a daily basis. They may not have health concerns right now, but they are doing all they can to prevent them. They want to live a long, healthy, and happy life!

CBD can help with boosting the immune system and helping the central nervous system. It can improve brain function and help the mind and body get into sync. Many feel there is no reason to wait until you become ill; they are doing all they can’t within their power to keep health problems at bay.

One of the main sources of prevention with CBD people follow is to lower the risk of cancer. They may have had cancer in the past or know others who have. They don’t want to go through that experience. A study conducted on animals in 2012 was published that shared those that have more cannabinoids in their bodies are less likely to develop cancer cells.

Bones

Keeping your bones strong and healthy is very important. What you eat and your daily habits will influence that. However, various genetic markers and health issues can cause the bones to be vulnerable. CBD is believed to have the ability to block enzymes which can cause bones to deteriorate. This is going to reduce the risk of Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis.

This is possible as the CBD will help the body to create new bone tissue and cells. This is also going to help speed up the process of healing a fractured or broken bone.

Skin

Protecting the skin is very important. Yet it can be hard to do as it is always exposed to the elements. CBD can help with providing additional antioxidants to the skin. As a result, the cells are less likely to show signs of aging or cracking due to dryness.

The skin needs to heal when you have a cut or a wound. There is always the risk of an infection. Every effort needs to be made to keep the area clean so it can heal well. The use of CBD can help to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection due to boosting the immune system.

Acne

For most people, acne is a part of going through adolescence. However, there are both youths and adults who struggle with chronic acne. It can make them self-conscious, result in scarring, and make it hard for them to focus on much else. It can also cause depression and anxiety.

One of the underlying factors with chronic acne is inflammation. The use of CBD oil can target that inflammation from the inside out. Studies confirm that CBD helps to reduce the sebum production levels because of the anti-inflammatory properties. The excess sebum is the reason that a person has acne breakouts.

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)

The term Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency is often referred to as CECD. This means they have a lower production of cannabinoids in their bodies than normal. The body makes them naturally, and depends on them to help with the overall balance. A lack of cannabinoids in the body can increase the risk of:

• Autism
• Fibromyalgia
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Migraines
• Motion sickness
• MS
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PTSD

CBD Oil and Athletics

Athletes are continually pushing their bodies to do more and to take on more. They work hard during practice, with strength training, and when they participate in the sport. It doesn’t matter if they are part of a team or it is an individual activity. The use of CBD oil can help an athlete to have an edge over the competition, and it can be done legally.

This doesn’t fall into the same category as performance enhancement drugs. It takes dedication, focus, and both the mind and body need to be in sync to get the most out of the performance. It can help an athlete before, during, and after they take part in their activities.

Injury Prevention

While you should always stretch and warm up the muscles before a workout or any sports activity, that may not be enough. Sports related injuries including strains, sprains, fractures, and breaks can put you on the side lines. They can also be painful. The use of CBD can help to reduce the risk.

Pain and Soreness

Being able to get out there and give 100% every single day means you need your body to feel good. When you are in pain or you have soreness, it is harder to get back to it the next day. It can also make it hard to get a good night of rest. CBD oil can reduce the pain and alleviate the soreness.

Nausea

For those who experience nausea before a game or a performance, it can be unnerving. This can be due to them feeling anxious, all of the eyes on them, or being distracted. It can also be due to feelings of over-stimulation prior to the event. CBD oil can reduce the risk of nausea.

Appetite Stimulation

When you have a strict workout plan, it can be draining. Your body will need the extra calories for fuel. This often includes large amounts of good carbs and protein. It can be hard to eat that much when you don’t have much of an appetite. Getting some help to stimulate it is encouraged.

Reduced Risk of Concussion

Contact sports such as football are often on the hot seat due to the risk of a concussion. The use of CBD oil may be a way to reduce that risk. It is believed it can help to protect the brain cells from serious damage with such an impact. It may be possible that can carry over to other forms of head trauma, including vehicle accidents.

Conclusion

While there isn’t an abundance of scientific information to rely on regarding CBD oil, the information gathered so far is promising. The constant testimonials that appear in various media and even from people you know personally are most encouraging. The fact that so many people who use it are feeling better physically and mentally is a powerful sign to attest to the effectiveness of CBD oil.

While more testing and information will be on the horizon, it can be years before such data is readily available. In the meantime, consumers need to make a personal choice if they would like to try it. The information out there makes it very enticing. Remember, you must be selective about the products you use and you must use small amounts of it.

As the demand for CBD oil continues, there will have to be better regulations for the production of the products and the labeling. Holding companies accountable is very important to the well-being of consumers. There will also be more state and Federal regulations in the works.

Many medical professionals do encourage the use of CBD oils, and that may surprise you. While they can’t tell you it will work for medical or mental health needs, they may share the possibility. Others in the medical field won’t promote it due to the risk of their patients feeling pressured if they do so. Instead, they are receptive to the use of CBD oil if a patient brings it up.

You should feel at ease to communicate your interest in it or your use of it to your doctor. While they can’t prescribe CBD oils, they can put it in your medical records you are using it. This can influence the other forms of treatment they encourage you to use along with it.

In the meantime, make sure you are a diligent and responsible user. Keep CBD oil out of the reach of children and pets. Store it in a dark, dry location to ensure the potency isn’t reduced. Learn all you can about a company and the products they offer. Always look for CBD products made with the highest standards.

You may decide to try CDB oil out of curiosity. You may have a health need for your mind or body. It may be worth it to find out what the individual results would be for you. It could bring about a change in your life that makes you happier and makes your body work better than before.