CBD oil, scientifically known as cannabidiol oil, is sold large-scale as a cure for everything from inflammation and chronic pain to anxiety and insomnia.  When the CBD molecule (cannabidiol) was isolated from marijuana, it was found to be different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Researchers have found that CBD does not have a psychoactive effect, but it has many healing properties.  But what exactly is CBD and is there evidence that it actually works?

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of a variety of chemical components called cannabinoids found in hemp. It does not cause intoxication or provoke any psychotic reactions. The effects of CBD include both physical and mental relaxation, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving concentration. 

CBD oil is made by diluting CBD extracted from hemp in a carrier oil. It can be, for example, coconut, olive, sunflower or hemp oil. Then it is added to oils, creams and lotions, vaporizing lotions, tablets and even sweets.

What is the evidence that it works?

For years, research has been conducted on the effects of CBD. A lot of research is ongoing, and the World Health Organization and other leading organizations agree that more research is needed.

Phytocannabinoids such as CBD work in our body, binding to the receptors of our endocannabinoid system located in the brain and nervous system. CBD causes changes in cell function and has various positive effects throughout the body.

Most of the research conducted so far proves that CBD can help relieve pain, anxiety and insomnia. It also plays a significant role in mental illness: research conducted at the University of São Paulo in 2017 confirmed that CBD helps reduce anxiety. And it is precisely this active substance that has a sedative effect, which consequently brings a significant improvement in disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia.

It exerts a number of positive effects on the cardiovascular system, which translate into the ability to lower blood pressure. In this way, it can help prevent heart and brain attacks. Animal studies show that the combination of relaxing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects serves to protect the heart.

CBD and epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis

CBD has been proven to be effective in treating diseases such as arthritis or childhood epilepsy. It reduces nausea caused by chemotherapy and also has many benefits for our skin if we apply it topically.

CBD can quite strongly alleviate the symptoms of spasticity in patients struggling with MS disease. MS causes cramps, severe pain and difficulty falling asleep. Spasticity affects the patient's mobility, speech or other activities of everyday life. CBD oils can have a great effect on the well-being of a sick person.

There are many diseases that cause chronic pain. Such diseases include, for example, RA, degenerative disease or common fibromyalgia. Because CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, it can help replace other synthetic products such as Ibuprofen naturally.

The calming properties of CBD oil

CBD has a calming effect. It will help with sleep problems, reduce anxiety, which often prevents you from falling asleep. It can also lengthen deep sleep cycles and shorten the REM phases in which nightmares occur. The cannabinoid, therefore, can be an ally during rest.

In addition, because CBD helps reduce chronic pain, it can be useful for people who suffer from this disease and who cannot fall asleep due to not being able to fall asleep.

Skin under the care of PREPARATIONS WITH CBD

CBD is also indicated for relieving certain skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne or atopic dermatitis.

The active substances of this plant are used, in turn, in products that stimulate hair growth and limit hair loss, repair nails and hair fibers, as well as improve circulation and pain caused by varicose veins.

What to look for when buying CBD oil?

Therefore, it is important to choose a product from a reputable manufacturer that does not make exaggerated promises about its properties. Pay attention to the declared amount of CBD or cannibidiol in the product. For oil, a 10% product is often offered, with 1000 mg of CBD or cannabidiol for every 10 ml of the oil.

Hemp is a plant that has been used in medicine for at least 3,000 years. However, his scientific research is just beginning. It is still necessary to better understand the indications, dosages and best methods of administration for each individual therapeutic or prophylactic purpose. CBD is not a miracle cure for all diseases, but it can complement therapies and support treatment.

Origin:

R. Mechoulam, Cannabinoids As Therapeutic Agents, Chapman and Hall/CRC; 1 edition (July 1, 1986), ISBN-10: 0849357721

B. Hinz, R. Ramer, Anti‐tumour actions of cannabinoids, British Journal of Pharmacy, 17 July 2018

T. I. Vincenzo Di Marzo, G. Guy, S. Wright, C. Stott, Cannabinoids for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or disorders, US Patent

R.G Pertwee, Pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses of some cannabinoids, Future Neurology, 2019