Cannabis is finally being recognized for more than just recreational use. In fact, over 64 million Americans have tried CBD oil in the last two years for health purposes.
Perhaps the hippies were on to something.
Although cannabis-derived CBD oil still isn’t legal in America, the case for legalization is growing. Canada, Australia, Italy, and many other countries have legalized it for medicinal use.
What exactly are the medicinal uses of cannabis oil? Can it improve your health in general? Keep reading to find out.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. This chemical is found in the cannabis plant but doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.
When people “get high” from weed, it’s because they’ve consumed another chemical from the plant called THC.
CBD oil for medicinal benefits rarely has THC in it. But, in some cases, the THC can also aid in pain management. Often using ethyl alcohol for extraction, CBD is taken without THC from the plant.
Ultimately, it’s always recommended that you speak with your doctor before trying CBD oil. They can confirm if it’s useful with your health condition and assist with dosing. Self-medicating is not recommended.
7 Health Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD has gained popularity for taming the symptoms of various diseases. Those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or cancer can experience less severe symptoms with it.
However, even if you don’t suffer from a disease, CBD oil can improve your health. Here’s how.
1. Pain Relief
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) works in the nervous system. In scientific terms, it helps keep the body in homeostasis despite external changes.
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to stay balanced when external factors are affecting it, like an injury for example.
There are natural endocannabinoids in the body that stimulate the ECS to assist with homeostasis.
CBD oil also stimulates the ECS. The result is reduced feelings of pain and inflammation when injured.
If you pull a muscle at the gym, rubbing topical CBD oil on it can reduce inflammation and lead to faster healing. It’s also useful for bone and joint pain; some use it to mitigate headaches and migraines.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can cause you to have a stroke if it damages the blood vessels in the brain or causes a clot. It can also cause heart attacks, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.
Often, high blood pressure runs in families. If you have it, it’s strongly recommended to get it under control.
Studies show that taking CBD oil capsules can lower high blood pressure. This information is beneficial to those predisposed to having high blood pressure and are at risk for the associated conditions.
3. Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are part of the mental health epidemic hitting America. More and more people are reporting symptoms of these conditions that prevent them from living a normal life.
CBD oil is often suggested for those battling anxiety and depression. When anxiety starts to flare up, the ECS works hard to neutralize those feelings. The cannabinoids in CBD oil reinforce the EBC system and deescalate the anxiety.
It’s important to note that consuming marijuana with THC in it can have the opposite effects of CBD oil. It can trigger anxiety and make panic attacks worse. Always consult a doctor before using cannabis for anxiety.
4. Preventing Cognitive Decline
Inflammation in the brain is the root cause of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive diseases. By preventing inflammation, you can reduce your risks of developing these conditions.
CBD oil can promote healthy blood flow throughout the whole body, but especially in the brain.
Besides reducing inflammation, it also removes excess oxygen from the blood cells and works as a stimulant for the ECS. These uses all work to protect the brain and your cognitive functions.
5. Maintaining Clear Skin
There are a ton of reasons you might have acne. They range from familial genes to excess sebum to the presence of bacteria. Sometimes, it’s caused by underlying inflammation in the skin.
When this is the cause, CBD oil can be quite effective. It reduces swelling and inflammation, which gives the skin a chance to heal.
CBD oil can also reduce the amount of sebum produced. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the skin; too much can clog the pores and trap bacteria in them.
If you’re interested in treating your acne with CBD oil, look for topical creams and washes that list it as a medicinal ingredient.
6. Improving Your Sleep
Just as the ECS is responsible for homeostasis and mood regulation, it also affects your sleep patterns.
Perhaps you work rounds and have trouble falling asleep because your schedule is always changing. Or, maybe your anxiety keeps you from getting a full, deep sleep.
CBD oil reduces anxiety. This means your brain becomes less chaotic and your mood more stable. When you’re trying to fall asleep, reducing anxiety is extremely helpful.
For those whose insomnia is caused by anxiety, taking CBD oil is life-restoring.
7. Preventing Oxidative Stress
The body naturally produces compounds called free radicals. These molecules are a byproduct of metabolism, but too many can severely harm the body.
Free radicals cause oxidative stress on the body’s cells. This causes glaucoma, cancer, and signs of aging like wrinkly skin. To protect your cells from oxidative stress, you need to consume antioxidants.
CBD oil is one natural source of antioxidants. As a preventative measure, CBD oil works to protect your cells from harm in the long run.
Interested in Learning More About Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil has gained popularity in the mainstream medical industry for many different conditions. From pain relief to anxiety management, it has tons of benefits.
CBD oil can even help maintain your health and prevent diseases from developing. As with any new form of medicine, do not self-treat. Consult your doctor first.
For more information on CBD oil for health, check out the Health and Wellness section of our blog!
