CBD Oil: Benefits and Side Effects

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What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is known as cannabidiol oil, and it is one of the over 100 natural cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is another popular one, which like CBD, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Both compounds give the feeling of euphoria. As strange as it may sound, CBD oil has loads of health benefits; forget about the false generalization that anything related to cannabis is unhealthy. Let’s see the health benefits of CBD oil.

14 Health Benefits of CBD Oil

Helps Overcome Substance Abuse

People who are addicted to nicotine and other substances may benefit from CBD oil. It reduces the need for opioids and enhances withdrawal.

Treats Psoriasis

This autoimmune disorder is evident in abnormal rapid replication of skin cells which causes the cells on the top layer of the skin to be pushed off before maturity. This is a reason some people have raised patches of white scaly skin which gives some discomfort such as itch and inflammation.

CBD oil decreases the rate of skin replication and relieves symptoms of psoriasis through its anti-inflammatory effect.

Reduces the Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases

As people age, they tend to suffer memory loss and some other cognitive issues. CBD oil has amazing effects on the brain — it protects brain cells and prevents excessive oxidation from exposure to toxic compounds and free radicals. Also, people who suffer neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson`s and Alzheimer`s benefit immensely from CBD oil.

Manages Epilepsy

CBD oil manages seizures, and it is effective for a number of people who don`t find conventional drug therapy helpful. It is even safe to administer it to children who are epileptic.

Manages Nausea

CBD oil manages nausea and vomiting. Its THC and CBD contents make it fit for this purpose. Note, however, that you may go wrong with self-medication here, because a slight alteration in the required dosage may make the entire treatment abortive.

Improves Sleep

woman sleeping

CBD oil treats insomnia; it has the ability to improve sleep quality due to its anxiety-relieving quality. It is also safe for children who suffer insomnia.

What even makes it quite effective is the fact that it is not addictive for sleep purpose. It simply resets the body’s circadian clock to enable quality sleep.

Improves Heart Health

CBD oil acts as a vasodilator which enables arteries to dilate and accommodate the fluctuations of blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of arrhythmias, improves resistance to heart attacks and strokes, and reduces pressure on the heart, hence reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
It also reduces the possibility of clots forming within blood vessels. This way, it reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Treats Acne

There are a number of factors responsible for acne — diet, and genetic factors are some of them. CBD oil treats acne by managing the production of sebum which fosters acne; it also performs some anti-inflammatory actions.

A number of skin products contain CBD oil, and some of them are acne remedies.

Manages Pain

CBD oil alleviates severe pains that sometimes don’t respond to pain medications. It is used to treat pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and similar conditions. Little wonder, marijuana which contains CBD was used as far back as 2900 BC to manage pain.

Manages Anxiety and Mood Disorders

CBD oil is reliable for battling anxiety and mood disorders. Medical practitioners consider it safe because it has fewer side effects, as compared to some prescription medications. People who are depressed, suffer generalized anxiety disorder, or have the fear of public speaking can benefit immensely from regular consumption of this oil. Its benefit in this regard is as a result of its ability to stimulate serotonin receptors that are present in the brain. CBD oil also gives some comfort and reduces cognitive impairment as reflected in stammering or diminished speech performance.

Possesses Antipsychotic Properties

CBD oil manages schizophrenia and related conditions. It calms overexcited nervous systems and helps to balance up neurochemicals in the brain.

It is Bactericidal

CBD oil treats infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA, if not checked, may result in complicated infections. It is not safe to replace prescribed antibiotics with CBD oil, however, the oil is an effective complement for antibiotic therapy.

Supports Bone Tissue

People recovering from injuries would find CBD oil quite beneficial. It enhances bone cell turnover and the synthesis of collagen. This helps fractures and other bone-related conditions heal faster.

Prevents Diabetes

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Children and adults suffer type-1 diabetes; also called juvenile onset diabetes, children suffer diabetes as a result of anti-inflammatory processes on the pancreas. For adults, it is usually as a result of pro-inflammatory and oxidant compounds that foster cellular damage. CBD oil reduces the impact of inflammatory damage, hence reduces the risk of type-1 diabetes and even type-2 diabetes.

7 Side Effects of CBD Oil

Even though CBD oil has loads of health benefits, there are reports of side effects from ingesting it and applying it topically. If you experience any of these, you may need to stop using it and/or see your doctor.

Risk of Anxiety

CBD oil combats anxiety, however, an overdose may worsen the situation. Combining CBD with THC also increases the risk of anxiety.

Risk of Dopamine Dysfunction

Combining CBD with THC may have some negative effects on learning, memory retention, drive, and motivation. This is because it may cause dysfunction of dopamine in some persons.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to CBD, whether ingested or applied topically. This is why first-timers are advised to begin with a minute amount topically applied on the skin to observe reactions after some hours.

Causes Drowsiness

For people who use CBD oil to improve their sleep conditions, this is not a side effect; however, there are people who use it for other purposes but still feel drowsy. You might want to schedule your usage time to periods that won’t clash with work hours, driving hours, or while engaging in some other activities that require alertness.

Affects the Immune System

Inasmuch as CBD oil is great for the immune system as a result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it does have its possible risks against the immune system. This oil may suppress the activity of T and B cells; these are white blood cell types that are required for phagocytosis of foreign organisms. This causes vulnerability to illnesses and STDs.

May Impair Medication Breakdown

CBD oil limits the activities of liver enzymes, especially cytochrome P450 isozyme system which is involved in the metabolism of many prescribed medications. This affects the functioning of medications and may cause complications to the patient.

It is Anticholinergic

CBD and other cannabinoids possess anticholinergic effects, and as a result, they reduce urination, sweating, and salivation.

Quick CBD Facts

  • CBD oil is one of the two most vital ingredients in cannabis plants.
  • The best sources for CBD are hemp plants and cannabis plants for medical use.
  • CBD interacts with CB1 receptors, however, it doesn’t bind to them.
  • Records show that people used hemp for medical purpose as far back as 2700 B.C.
  • CBD oil is classified as a medicine in the UK.
  • CBD’s rise in popularity is attributed to a CNN documentary.
  • Pets too can benefit from CBD oil.
  • A number of beauty products contain CBD oil.
  • CBD oil from industrial hemp is legal.
  • More states are promoting hemp farming.