Of all of the natural remedies emerging in the holistic world, few offer as much benefit as cannabidiol oil. Cannabidiol, aka ‘CBD’, is one of two primary (and popular) active components within cannabis called cannabinoids.
Cannabis’ other leading component is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, or just THC), which induces the plant’s psychoactive effects. CBD balances the altered cognitive and behavioral conditions that come with consuming cannabis.
CBD is also used as a standalone remedy for a variety of mental and physical symptoms. From stress relief to pain reduction, this cannabinoid can combat many ailments.
Since CBD oil does not contain high quantities of THC, users won’t feel high or any other psychotropic effect. The true side effects of CBD oil are barely quantifiable. Let’s take a look at some of the more commonly occurring impacts it has.
1. Reduces Depression and Anxiety
31.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at least once in their lives. Although most loathe these uneasy sensations, they’re actually a perfectly natural bodily response. The key is to manage these effects appropriately.
Traditional depression and anxiety medications are often criticized for their dangerous side effects. Among these patients, another concern is the lack of improvement in their condition.
That’s because a lot of medications merely mask the discomfort of a mental health disorder. They don’t actually combat the problem in a way that will last. CBD oil, on the other hand, forces several actions that are effective long-term.
Anxiety and depression are treated by medications that target the serotonin system. CBD enhances the transmission of certain serotonin receptors, prolonging their effects.
CBD also promotes the production of neurons within the hippocampus of the brain. Patients with depression struggle with neurogenesis, which is influential in suicidal behavior.
2. Relief for Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Another chemical response that CBD stimulates is the absorption of anandamide. Anandamide, or the “bliss molecule,” is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain. It’s known to induce feelings of happiness and joy while regulating pain.
When a person feels pain, their anandamide blocks the pain’s signaling to the brain. For that reason, increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream are thought to suppress pain initiation.
CBD can benefit patients with a variety of pain-related ailments. Some of the more prominent conditions are arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and even cancer pain.
Fighting inflammation in the brain and nervous system is also a common use for CBD oil. When consumed, CBD binds with our body’s CB2 receptors (found within the endocannabinoid system).
When stimulated, CB2 is able to promote a variety of responses relating to the immune system. CBD’s rich supply of Omega-3’s allows it to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3’s are crucial to reducing inflammation.
3. Managing Epilepsy (Especially Among Children)
As you’ve heard by now, the FDA recently approved a marijuana-based epilepsy drug. This new medication contains high levels of CBD, which can be used to treat two forms of severe epilepsy.
The FDA’s approval follows a series of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving over 500 epileptic patients. Researchers found that CBD was “effective in reducing the frequency of seizures when compared with the placebo.”
So, how does CBD successfully manage seizures? We should note the exact impact CBD has on epileptic episodes hasn’t been identified.
Many preclinical studies point to the notion that CBD regulates over-excited brain cells. There are many, many different situations that can trigger a seizure. But, for those with an epileptic disorder, there usually isn’t a clear cause.
In any case, when an episode begins, patients experience an over-stimulation of nerve cells in the brain. The problem is that most epileptic patients are unable to regulate this excitement due to a defunct in their central nervous system.
CBD doesn’t interact with nerve cells directly. Instead, it influences the regulation of these cells by stimulating endocannabinoid receptors.
4. Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
These side effects of CBD oil are well-known within the holistic community. One lesser recognized use of this medication is its ability to reduce the risk of diabetes.
One 2007 study found that that 32% of mice treated with CBD were diagnosed with diabetes. This is in comparison to the 86% and 100% of two other studies, involving an emulsifier medication.
Cannabinoid receptors are prevalent in the pancreas, which is where insulin is produced. CBD stimulates these receptors, which create a pathway for insulin production.
Again, we should note that CBD isn’t directly responsible for producing insulin itself. It interacts with other chemical compounds to create these physiologic effects.
CBD is also able to reduce inflammatory responses associated with this condition. Chronic inflammation and other glucose disorders are a common response to late-onset diabetes.
These conditions can be attributed to the glucose metabolism’s limited effectiveness. An underactive glucose metabolism can also restrict blood flow, which often requires an amputation of legs.
CBD stimulates the body’s metabolic systems, especially within type 2 diabetic patients. This medication may also help the body accumulate energy and convert it to fat.
Other Side Effects of CBD Oil
As you can see, the side effects of CBD oil are actually beneficial! Furthermore, there are very few adverse effects attributed to this medication.
As CBD is growing popular, you’ll see there is a variety of distributors online with the “best products” out there. But, not every CBD product you come across is as good as it seems.
Shopping with us guarantees you’re getting the finest extracts there are out there. Check out our line-up of CBD-based products here and contact us if you have any questions!
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