Has the past year completely stressed you out?
Between political and racial tensions and the effects of COVID-19 in our world, many need relief from chronic anxiety.
In many states, CBD, or cannabidiol oil is becoming an easy way to treat a variety of health issues. Derived from the cannabis plant, minus the TCH, (tetrahydrocannabinol,) that causes the artificial “high” of regular marijuana, CBD oil is both easy to get and effective.
Curious about the benefits of CBD oil? Here are 5 benefits you need to know.
1. Anxiety Buster
Recent studies have suggested that one of the greatest benefits of CBD oil is a reduction in general anxiety when taken regularly.
Although researches are not yet completely clear on exactly how CBD works, they do believe that CBD alters how the brain responds to serotonin, which is a chemical that enhances your mood.
CBD oil has been shown to reduce certain symptoms of anxiety in animal testing, such as the lowering of heart rate, and reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Because CBD has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect, it can help with insomnia and nighttime restlessness.
CBD oil is often taken sublingually, that is, under the tongue, or you can mix it in a drink if you’re not thrilled with the taste. 300-600 mg is thought to be an optimal dose for relief in 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Pain Relief
Medical marijuana is now being prescribed for relief from chronic pain, and CBD Oil has been widely studied as a pain killer even more effective than over-the-counter NSAIDs, (such as Ibuprofen.)
This is due to the anti-inflammatory effect of CBD on the body. By reducing inflammation, CBD can squelch pain without the side effects that often go with NSAID use, such as stomach pain and nausea.
Studies are ongoing to determine the use of CBD oil for certain conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and even injuries of the spinal cord. Since CBD is non-addictive, it may be a viable alternative to narcotic painkillers and is a natural alternative to OTC drugs.
3. Coping with Cancer
Besides helping with pain, CBD oil shows promise as a relief from the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients, particularly nausea and discomfort that often go along with cancer treatments.
Although not a cure for cancer, CBD may prove helpful in slowing the reproduction of cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, some studies have shown that CBD may help to shrink tumors by lowering the body’s inflammatory response.
CBD contains properties that not only interfere with the growth of tumors but also seem to lessen the spread and travel by cancer cells, as well as their ability to adhere to organs or tissue in the body.
Research has also shown that CBD can lessen the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Since this is how cancer cells are spread, prohibiting new cell growth can help ease tumor growth.
4. Enhances Brain Function
There is also some scientific evidence that CBD can help with certain brain problems such as dementia, seizures, and even addiction.
Again, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD help protect brain cells from degeneration. CBD is said to prevent brain damage due to exposure to free radicals. Also, CBD is an antioxidant, which helps reduce the problems associated with oxygen stress in Alzheimer’s’ patients.
The FDA has already approved a CBD-laden drug for the treatment of certain rare forms of epileptic seizures in children two and under. There is some evidence that the CBD interacts with other seizure medications, boosting their effectiveness.
There are also ongoing studies that suggest that CBD can help reduce opioid cravings in patients undergoing addiction to heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines.
5. Helps the Heart
The stress reduction and lessening of anxiety that can be a result of CBD use also may assist in the lowering of blood pressure. CBD may be able to widen blood vessels, allowing for more blood flow. As a result, this reduces the damage that high blood pressure does to arterial walls of the heart.
Also, CBD may reduce the amount of blood remaining in the heart after a heartbeat, which means the heart is pumping more efficiently. The same anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties of CBD help not only the brain’s function, but the heart’s as well.
Although not a treatment for hypertension, CBD is seen as a complement to other traditional BP medications and may help to prevent strokes or heart attacks.
How to Use CBD Oil
Find a reputable CBD oil, such as On Duty CBD, which is organic and contains a full-spectrum of cannabinoids. Organically-grown hemp will have less exposure to pesticides and unneeded chemicals. A full-spectrum of cannabinoids will ensure the best results.
As mentioned earlier, taking CBD oil orally, under the tongue is the quickest way to get relief. Each drop in your product will equal 0.05 mL. Thus, a 30-mL bottle of CBD oil will have roughly 600 drops. If the concentration of the tincture is 1,500 mg per mL, one drop would equal 2.5 mg.
It is best to start with a low dose, such as 1 mL, and work up to a higher one if needed, especially if you are new to CBD use. As with any new medication, check with your doctor before use, to be sure the CBD doesn’t negatively interact with any other medications you take.
Reaping the Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD comes in a variety of forms, such as edibles, creams, and capsules, if you are uncomfortable with a tincture. CBD is also showing up in many personal care products too, such as shampoo, and moisturizer.
Because it is derived from plants, CBD is a natural medication that is slowly proving to be part of a new wave of treatments that can help ease several health conditions. The many benefits of CBD oil can be yours with careful use, always under the care of a doctor.
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