The use of CBD oil (also known as cannabidiol) as a medicinal treatment for a variety of mental and physical health problems has recently generated significant interest and controversy in the health and wellness arenas. CBD oil is a natural component of the cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plant, and is synthesized by being extracted from hemp flowers and buds, then pressed into oil. It does not however contain THC, which is the chemical in cannabis that causes the intoxicating, euphoric effect associated with marijuana use. Due to the fact that marijuana is considered an illegal substance with some exceptions in certain countries and states, there’s general skepticism about whether CBD is appropriate and ethical for medicinal purposes. Scientific research and studies have been on the rise about the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil and are providing substantial evidence that may prove the efficacy of treatment for various ailments and problems, from chronic physical pain to mood-related disorders.

9 Interesting Therapeutic Benefits of CBD Oil for Human Health

  1. Chronic Pain Relief and Pain Management
    • Arthritis – Research on the use of CBD to treat arthritic pain has been well underway, and scientific experiments have revealed a strong correlation between the medicinal use of topical CBD oil treatments and reduced inflammation caused by Arthritis, with no known or observed negative side effects.
    • Fibromyalgia – Painful and debilitating symptoms related to Fibromyalgia, which mainly affects women, can be alleviated by CBD oil, according to some studies. It can relieve widespread pain and discomfort caused by this disorder, including tension headaches, fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and poor sleep. It can be administered orally or topically.
    • Migraines – Although research is limited, some studies have been exploring pain management methods using CBD to combat chronic migraines, and prevent migraine attacks. According to an experiment conducted by the European Academy of Neurology in 2017, migraine attacks were reduced by 40% with CBD treatment over a three-month period.

2. Cancer Related Symptoms

Research has shown a positive correlation between CBD treatment and reducing the negative effects of chemotherapy including:

    • Pain
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Loss of appetite

Studies have indicated that patients who tried CBD to lessen the discomfort from cancer treatments have also experienced reduced pain related to cancer. Evidence has also emerged for CBD’s ability to slow cancer cell growth and facilitate cancer cell death, but more research is needed in this area.

3. Heart Health and Blood Pressure

Scientists claim that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties make it very effective for reducing the risk of heart disease and contributing factors such as high blood pressure and strokes. CBD has been directly linked to significant reduction in stress and inflammation in the body, and this makes it a strong candidate for benefitting cardiovascular health.

4. Anxiety and Insomnia

Because of its studied effect on brain receptors for serotonin, the chemical that regulates mood, social behavior and sleep, CBD is used to reduce anxiety and stress, and help with sleep disorders that impair healthy brain function.

5. Alzheimer’s

Recent studies have shown that Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia for which there’s no known cure, may be effectively treated with CBD because of how it effects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for memory function and learning ability. Cannabinoids may protect nerve cells from deterioration and further damage, and may even improve cognitive functions. It can also reduce oxidative stress in dementia patients.

6. Epilepsy and Seizures

Children and adults afflicted by epilepsy have started turning to CBD treatment to reduce the frequency of episodes and seizures. Research has revealed that certain chemicals in CBD affect the nervous system in a different way than antiepileptic drugs do, and can effectively help control seizures. The FDA approved a cannabidiol prescription medication in 2018 called Epidiolex, to treat extremely severe epileptic cases in children ages 2 and older.

7. PTSD

PTSD (or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms can range in severity and include:

    • Irritability and extreme mood swings
    • Paranoia and hypervigilance
    • Problems with sleeping
    • Chronic nightmares or night terrors
    • Depression
    • Heart palpitations
    • Severe headaches
    • Panic or anxiety attacks
    • Phobias and fear-related conditions

Because if its naturally calming effects on humans and animals, CBD oil has become a subject of interest as a way to treat PTSD-related mental health problems, as a potential alternative to pharmaceutical drugs that may cause negative or counterproductive side effects.

8. Skin Conditions

People afflicted with acne and other skin problems caused by sensitivity and environmental reactivity can turn to CBD for improved skin health, due to its anti-inflammatory and nourishing effects. It has the ability to balance oil production, and can counteract free-radical damage with its antioxidants to reduce redness, dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

9. Digestive Health Issues

Those who suffer from severe indigestion and gut inflammation such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chron’s Disease and Colitis may benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, along with certain foods that alleviate stomach irritation. Studies suggest that the properties of CBD oil can improve gut health and sooth discomfort caused by swelling and bloating. Some research suggests that it can also regulate or improve appetite.

Conclusion

While CBD treatments have spiked interest among scientific and medical professionals, and gained popularity among people seeking more natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines and invasive treatments, there’s still much to be learned about the potential health benefits. Research has been primarily done using animals, but recently humans are also getting involved in experiments to test the various benefits of CBD, and how it can improve health and quality of life. Researchers believe in the high potential for CBD oil to treat a wide range of ailments, and continue to study its effects to substantiate and support their findings.

One of the most obstructive hurdles in making CBD oil a mainstream medicinal ingredient is legal prohibition of the use and distribution of cannabis products. Federal laws around this issue are constantly in flux and vary from country to country, or even differ among regions within countries. There’s a negative stigma attached to cannabis as an illegal drug, and ongoing dispute over its legalization and deregulation. Meanwhile, recent scientific research has been generating favorable intrigue around CBD as a form of medicinal treatment. Depending on how far research will go and how much credibility it can gain, this may impact the medical world and the pharmaceutical industry in a revolutionary way.

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