Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is synthesized from cannabis plant. Because of its countless health benefits, this is special oil is used to relieve the symptoms of different diseases and conditions. In this guide, we will explore CBD oil, its uses and associated health benefits.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a non-psychoactive substance derived from Cannabis sativa. It belongs to a class of compounds called cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring active compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), like CBD, is derived from the cannabis plant and is the chief psychoactive compound that’s associated with hallucinations (feeling high). Note, however, that CBD is non-psychoactive.
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Legalization of cannabis in different parts of the globe has opened room for research in this field. Many people report using CBD oil to relieve symptoms of pain, insomnia, and anxiety. That’s partly due to the fact that CBD is well tolerated by many people and does not interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system in the human central nervous system.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil can be used to manage a range of health conditions. Here are some common health benefits of CBD oil in the management of specific health conditions:
1. Management of pain and inflammation
A number of research studies have shown that CBD oil does have significant pain relief properties. According to one study, a pharmaceutical product called Sativex, which contains THC and CBD oil, was shown to be effective at offering fast relief for pains related to cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
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2. Relieving symptoms of drug addiction
The use of CBD oil has been linked to the alleviation of cravings associated with drug abuse. According to a research study, CBD oil was shown to reduce cue-induced addiction among heroin addicts. Still, more research is being done to find out how CBD oil helps ease the symptoms of addiction.
3. Management of skin inflammatory disorders
CBD oil and other cannabinoids have been found to improve symptoms of skin inflammation. In one study, people who used skin care products with cannabidiol said that the inflammatory symptoms of psoriasis, skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, and acne got a lot better. However, these findings alone are not conclusive, and further research is needed in this regard.
4. Management of anxiety
Some studies have found that CBD oil does help with the symptoms of stage fright anxiety. In one study, people said they had less self-evaluation and the anxiety that comes with it when they spoke in public. CBD oil can also be used to relieve other types of anxiety.
5. Management of convulsive disorders
Some CBD oil-based products have been shown to help people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders feel better. In one study, patients diagnosed with a rare type of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome were put on Epidiolex, a CBD oil-based anti-convulsant, and a significant improvement in their seizures was reported. More research is being done on how to treat resistant seizures with CBD oil-based products.
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6. Management of Nausea and Vomiting associated with chemotherapy
In a recent study, cancer patients on chemotherapy reported a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting episodes after taking a CBD-oil-based medication called Sativex. These findings have also been corroborated by findings from animal studies that indicate that medications with CBD oil and THC as ingredients appear to reduce vomiting among animal subjects.
7. Management of high blood pressure
Some research studies have shown that CBD oil can be used to manage blood pressure among hypertensive patients. In one study, male patients with known hypertension recorded normal blood pressure after being treated with 600mg of CBD oil. Their blood pressure stayed in the normal range when they were at rest, but it went up a little when they engaged in strenuous activity like exercise, which is normal.
Alternative forms of Cannabidiol
Besides the oil, CBD also comes in other forms, including capsules, drinks, and creams. You can also find CBD gummies for chewing.
Side effects of CBD oil
CBD oil has a number of health benefits. Similarly, it has some side effects. Some of these include: dry mouth, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dizziness.
Special considerations
Certain categories of patients are advised against using CBD oil and related products. They include:
- Pregnant or nursing mothers
- Patients with known liver complications
- Patients with known eye conditions such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, etc.
Medicines that may interact with CBD oil
Drug-drug interaction is another serious cause for concern. Certain drugs have a high potential for interacting with CBD oil and related products. Some of these include:
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- Anti-tuberculosis medication e.g. Rifampicin/ rifampin
- Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and telithromycin
- Immunosuppressant medications such as cyclosporine
- Sedative benzodiazepines such as clonazepam
- Atypical antidepressants such as nefazodone, trazodone, and mirtazapine.
Wrap up
CBD oil has immense health benefits. Even though research is still going on in this area, the oil and products made from it have been shown to help improve symptoms such as anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and general pain. Note, though, that the health benefits of CBD depend a lot on the dosage and whether or not the product contains THC.
