Skip to content
CBD Oil's Benefit For Both Body and Mind | Articles | OPTMZ |

CBD Oil's Benefit For Both Body and Mind

With many countries beginning to legalize hemp and marijuana (both hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the cannabis plant), we can find much research on CBD (Cannabidiol) across the globe for its contribution in treating various ailments and boosting the overall health in humans.

Before we delve deeper into CBD and its derivative CBD oil, it is essential to know about the differences between CBD and its equally popular cousin, THC, as well as the legal status of CBD!

How Does CBD Differ From THC?

CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from either the hemp or the marijuana strains of Cannabis sativa, the main plant. While both contain CBD, it is found in abundance in hemp, which also has low levels of THC. 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is also derived from marijuana and hemp, but it is a more potent and psychoactive agent that produces euphoric effects commonly signified as being “high.” While hemp can contain a maximum of 0.3% THC (calculated via dry weight), marijuana comprises up to 30% THC. [1]

Unlike THC, CBD does not possess intoxicating properties.

How Does CBD Affect The Body?

CBD has positive effects on most of our body receptors such as:

  • Glycine receptors – That control happiness, mood, anxiety, etc. related to the happy hormone serotonin.
  • Opioid and Vanilloid receptors – That regulate the pain factor.
  • Adenosine receptors – That control the quality of our sleep.

CBD, through regulating the above and many more receptors, helps to treat many ailments from simple acne to significant illnesses like Parkinson’s.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a mixture of CBD (cannabidiol – a compound derived from the cannabis plant) and a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil.

CBD oil is legal in many states in the US, and many countries across the globe are also legalizing CBD oil (as long as they are obtained from hemp, and not marijuana). This is because the CBD oil derived from hemp either has no THC or a  minimal amount of THC (<0.3% which is acceptable). 

While the research around the CBD compound is throwing up positive results in therapeutic uses, subjective reports from individuals across the globe prove that CBD oil does have some special powers indeed!

Nora Volkow, Director National Institute of Drug Abuse, says that preclinical research has shown CBD oil to have various therapeutic uses in cases like anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic and more.[2]

Benefits of CBD Oil For The Mind And Body

Here’s how CBD oil can aid people in treating different ailments, and also building a healthy lifestyle.

1. A Happy Heart

CBD oil can reduce hypertension and thereby minimize the risk of heart disease. Studies on nine healthy individuals who were administered with 600 mg of CBD were found to have low blood pressure prior and post-exposure to demanding situations like heavy exercise and extreme cold weathers. 

Furthermore, the stroke volume was seen to be significantly reduced, meaning the heart was functioning efficiently. [3]

These findings enhance the possibilities that CBD oil may be an efficient complementary therapy for individuals whose hypertension is augmented by anxiety and stress. However, there has been no evidence that CBD oil on its own can reduce hypertension. 

2. A Positive Mindset

One of the prominent effects reported by many people taking CBD oil is a better mindset through enhancement of a blissful and calm mood.[4] The shaping up of a positive mindset can be attributed to the CBD’s effects on the 5-HT1A receptors that regulate the release of vital neurotransmitters that control the anxiety and mood levels, particularly serotonin.[5]

CBD oil has helped to enhance one’s lifestyle in the same way, as through meditation and self-realization. Many people, after consumption of quality CBD oil, have found themselves feeling a lot more relaxed, with a sense of calmness. They also experienced a shift in mindset that helps them see the world from a different perspective. CBD oils are popular among meditators as a means of gaining more profound knowledge and enhancing their awareness. [6]

3. Relief From Pain

One of the crucial components of the human body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various functions like appetite, sleep, pain and various other immune response systems. [7] 

Studies have shown that CBD, through its analgesic effects, can help to minimize chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptors and reducing the inflammation and its associated pain. [8] Certain animal studies have shown that CBD injections have helped to reduce the surgical incision pain response system, while yet another animal study showed that oral treatment with CBD reduced the sciatic nerve-related pain and helped to minimize inflammation.

4. Helps Deal With Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [9]

CBD oil is known to be safe and effective in treating anxiety and insomnia in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders. Several animal studies have also shown its anti-depressant properties as well. [10][11]

According to the 2017 World Health Organization report, depression has been the sole significant contributor leading to disability across the globe, while anxiety-related disorders were ranked sixth. [12]  

Thus, consuming CBD oil on a regular basis may help people suffering from anxiety and depression without the side effects associated with many anti-depressant medications.

5. Reduces Seizures

Certain studies have found CBD to be a promising treatment for seizures. According to a study, when people with severe forms of epilepsy were administered CBD oil of 0.9 to 2.3 grams per pound of body weight, there was a significant reduction in their seizures of a median of 36.5%. [13] 

CBD oil has also shown to reduce seizures amongst children suffering from a complex epilepsy childhood disorder called Dravet Syndrome. [14]

6. Reduces Inflammation

CBD oil that contains CBD extracts from the cannabis plant can be an effective form of treatment for chronic inflammation and related pain in arthritis. [15][16] Various animal studies have also proven the same. [17] Studies have also shown CBD oil’s efficacy in treating pain related to fibromyalgia. [18]

Hence, the application of CBD oil can help alleviate symptoms of pain and inflammation in arthritis patients, as well as easing the pain factors in other medical cases.

7. Makes Skin Soft and Supple

When applied topically, the antioxidants in CBD oil helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals like UV rays and other pollutants. 

Various topical cannabis-based products are being developed that help to treat skin issues from acne to psoriasis and also foster a quick restoration of damaged skin.  

8. Increases Bone Strength

CBD helps augment the process of formation of new bone cells and thereby promote faster healing of broken bones. Bones treated with CBD oil in subjects have shown to be 35% to 50% stronger than those that are not treated. [19]

CBD oil has been researched for its prospective role in treating common health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular health, acne, inflammation and so on. With continuous ongoing research on the potential benefits of CBD oil, many new remedies using this miracle oil are sure to be revealed.

Article Courtesy - PRIMESELF

Previous article Biohacks For Cancer Fatigue & Chemo Brain