Science-Backed Benefits of CBD Oil
There are claims that CBD can help with a lot of things, and there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. So what does science say to support this industry explosion?
CBD exists right at the intersection of three huge consumer trends:
The multi billion-dollar herbal supplement industry, the growing anxiety economy, and the almost overnight rise of a legal cannabis marketplace.
It comes in oils, chocolates, bath bombs, face masks, gummies, coffee, lotions, and even dog treats. For a product this popular, CBD is barely regulated and people tend to misunderstand its effects. As research continues to grow, here are five ways that studies suggest CBD oil could benefit your health:
1. Offset Anxiety and Depression
One of CBD’s most popular effects is that it is calming. In human studies for generalized social anxiety disorder, results suggested that CBD reduces anxiety and that this is related to its effects on activity in various brain areas.
Also, while most antidepressant medications take weeks to start working, a 2019 animal study found that CBD has a fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect. CBD may also result in fewer side effects than antidepressant medication. Insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitation are common side effects of antidepressants. CBD has not shown similar issues.
2. Reduce PTSD Symptoms
In a small 2018 study, 11 people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were given CBD along with routine psychiatric care for eight weeks in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Ten of the 11 experienced a decrease in their PTSD symptoms. It was documented that CBD was generally well tolerated, but also importantly emphasized that using therapy in tandem with any type of cannabis or CBD for PTSD is needed for treatment to be most successful.
3. Relieve Unmanageable Pain
In 2005, Canada approved the use of Sativex, an oromucosal (absorbed in the lining of the mouth) spray with equal proportions of THC and CBD, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain.
Since the early 2000s, clinical trials involving CBD as treatment for chronic pain have showed highly effective results. No participants reported adverse side effects. When introduced topically, CBD affects are more localized than when introduced directly into the bloodstream.
4. Protect Against Neurological Disease
Preclinical and clinical studies show that CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers deduce these characteristics can provide significant neuroprotection, or protection against numerous pathological disorders.
Several preclinical studies suggest CBD can produce beneficial effects against Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Huntington’s disease and cerebral ischemia were also tested, although significant positive results were not recorded. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm CBD’s benefits when used as a treatment for these disorders.
5. Inhibit Arthritis Symptoms
CBD has shown great potential in reducing inflammation in the body, particularly the nervous system and brain. This can benefit people who experience chronic pain and have trouble sleeping, resulting in insomnia and specific immune system responses.
Researches have noted that cannabinoids like CBD could offer a new treatment option for chronic pain patients by reducing pain and inflammation. They also found patients were unlikely to build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, meaning the dosage did not need to be increased over time
The Bottom Line
Research continues to tell us is that CBD is a well-tolerated treatment that can help to reduce a range of symptoms. Patients with difficult conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety can especially benefit from CBD.
With more research, we will continue to see CBD’s potential and effectiveness in treating specific conditions. It’s important to find a products and practices that works best for your body and its needs, and you can always consult healthcare professionals to see how CBD can work in tandem with your lifestyle and goals to live healthier.