If you thought CBD oil was a fad, you were wrong! The cannabinoid is still holding strong as a staple in the supplement industry, with a still-growing number of products and consumption methods available.
CBD oil remains the most common product available on the market. It’s a versatile consumption method, which means it can provide the most comprehensive array of benefits. There are numerous studies on CBD, and the research continues accumulating.
As the benefits of CBD become more apparent, potential users are increasingly interested in its use. Let’s check out five of the most common uses for CBD below.
Mood Disorders
Mood and mental health disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Ranging from anxiety to depression, combinations of both, and everything in between, it can be challenging to live with a mood disorder because of all the contributing factors and varying levels of severity. In short, there is no one way to manage such conditions.
Many people employ CBD oil to help them manage their mood disorders in the day-to-day. In particular, some studies are observing CBD’s effects on anxiety.
One Brazilian study involved giving men CBD before a public speaking test. Participants who took a 300mg dose of CBD experienced an anxiety reduction. Notably, the same effect was not observed with a 150mg dose, a 600mg dose, or a placebo.
It’s worth mentioning that this study had a small sample size, but similar research has garnered similar results. Anecdotal evidence is also rife that CBD can act as a mood lifter.
Since mental health disorders can be dangerous, it’s vital not to rely on CBD as your only means of treatment and to speak with a healthcare professional.
Epilepsy
One of the first things that thrust CBD into the limelight was a series of cases regarding children with epilepsy. In particular, CBD was used as an experimental treatment for severe forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
In one 2016 study, researchers administered 214 people with epilepsy with up to 2.3g of CBD oil per pound of body weight. Their seizures were reduced by 36.5% on average.
Epilepsy and other neurological conditions are fascinating areas of research for CBD. Evidence is so extensive that a CBD-based prescription drug called Epidiolex received FDA approval in 2018 to treat particular seizure disorders, including Dravet syndrome.
Blood Pressure
There is a pretty strong link between CBD and blood pressure. This is great news because even healthy people can experience high blood pressure from time to time due to numerous factors.
In one small study, researchers gave nine healthy men 600mg of CBD oil. The men then had to take on stressful activities that typically increased blood pressure. Resting blood pressure was reduced when using CBD, whereas a placebo did not have the same effect. Those who took CBD also experienced a smaller blood pressure increase when undergoing stress tests.
The effects of CBD on high blood pressure could hint at some of the additional benefits of CBD for healthy individuals.
Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis has commonly been used to manage pain for thousands of years. As a compound found in cannabis, it makes sense that CBD could perhaps relieve pain.
Lots of people find specific CBD products can help with their pain. CBD topicals, which are applied to the skin, can be great for alleviating pain by reducing inflammation.
Research indicates that CBD can reduce various types of pain – including nerve and back pain – by disrupting some of the signalings in the body that causes inflammation. It may do so through endocannabinoid receptor activity.
It’s worth noting that CBD might be a more effective pain reliever when combined with THC, but this may not be available depending on where you live.
Skincare
Speaking of topicals, CBD is also becoming popular as a skincare product. Beauty gurus are beginning to enjoy cannabidiol-infused cosmetics as a way to reduce visible signs of aging and restore a youthful glow. Thus, many beauty brands are adding CBD to skin care creams and face serums.
According to some research, CBD could also have some therapeutic benefits for certain skin conditions. Researchers are investigating its use for eczema, psoriasis, and even acne.
What are some common side effects of taking CBD oil?
The side effects of CBD oil can vary depending on the user. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and a decreased appetite. Some people also experience a change in mood, an increased sense of well-being, and pain relief. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD oil for the first time, as it may not be effective for everyone.
How do I know if I should take CBD oil?
Should you take CBD oil? That is a question that can be confusing and even controversial. There are many people who swear by its benefits, while others say it is nothing more than a placebo. The truth is that there is not enough research to know for sure whether or not CBD oil is safe and effective. However, some people believe that it could help with various conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. If you are considering taking CBD oil, it is important to do your homework first.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of CBD could be extensive, and some of the initial research is very exciting. It’s nevertheless vital to remember that research is ongoing, so individuals with ongoing health issues should always seek professional medical attention instead of trying to self-medicate with CBD alone.
For now, these are just five of the potential benefits of CBD. Hopefully, more and more research will come to light that can help people use high-quality CBD to improve their day-to-day lives.
