The Known Benefits of using CBD

Evidence for the health benefits of cannabidiol
CBD is often taken for anxiety and by patients suffering from insomnia. Studies suggest that CBD may help with falling – and staying – asleep. It’s thought to be due, in part, to a known function of CBD in the brain; stopping what’s known as the FAAH enzyme from breaking down anandamide (low levels of which are associated with chronic pain, depression, and stress) and working in sync with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, without the negative effects and high associated with THC.
Lauded for helping a variety of health issues, CBD shows the strongest scientific evidence for its efficacy in treating childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or LGS, and Dravet syndrome – both notorious for being unresponsive to anti-seizure medications.
Studies have shown CBD’s ability to reduce seizure numbers, even stopping them entirely for some. Videos showing the effects of CBD on such children are available to watch online with a simple search, and are astounding to witness. 

In fact, for the first time the FDA has approved a cannabis-derived medicine for these conditions, containing CBD.

 

CBD offers an option for treating a whole host of chronic pain too. The European Journal of Pain showed that in animals, CBD applied on the skin could calm discomfort associated with arthritis and lower inflammation. Other studies have demonstrated a mechanism where CBD inhibits neuropathic and inflammatory pain, which is significant with these classically difficult-to-treat kinds of chronic pain.
 
 
All cannabinoids and endocannabinoids work in the brain as neurotransmitters, delivering chemical messages between cells. Neurotransmitters interact with many different receptors and so are responsible for a wide array of effects.
One particular cannabinoid researchers have been studying is the plant-based cannabinoid CBD. Due to a lack of psychoactive properties, the benefits come without the high of THC. In the brain, CBD prevents FAAH enzymes from breaking down anandamide, allowing the anandamide to stay and have greater impact. It’s one of the greatest cases as to why CBD helps with treating anxiety disorders.

The Benefits of CBD use

What is CBD Oil used for?

The benefits to health and the efficacy of CBD oil vary, and can be dependent on the conditions people are treating. Here, we have summarised various user experiences for main CBD oil usage. It’s important to note that they are personal testimonials and results may vary. As always, we advise discussing the use of CBD with your doctor, physician or healthcare provider.

• Chronic Pain

While not yet approved by the FDA, many users take CBD oil for relief of their chronic pain.
From conditions including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, surgical pain, fibromyalgia, migraine and muscular soreness. Several report that the oil was able to reduce pain whilst improving quality of life.
Other benefits reported include mood enhancement, relaxation and improved sleep quality. There is even one claim of weight loss!
Those suffering from multiple sclerosis reported less involuntary tremors and muscle contractions after using CBD oil. Some cases claimed mobility was improved due to oil and reduced their reliance on walking devices.
Arthritic users reported feeling relief from joint pain, inflammation and stiffness from using CBD oil. Feeling more mobility in legs and arms allowed some to even cut down on pain medication.
Around a third of chronic pain sufferers tried CBD as an opioid substitute or to lower dosages with such painkillers. Generally they reported that CBD was effective, while they were able to avoid many of the negative effects and withdrawal symptoms from these highly-addictive drugs.
Many users take CBD oil for the reduction of inflammation and chronic pain, with satisfactory results reported by some.

• Seizures

Both studies and testimonials show great promise with CBD oil being used for seizure and/or epilepsy control. Especially in children, where most said it acts fast giving good results.
Users have said taking CBD oil produced a reduction in the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. According to them, there are fewer adverse effects reported than with many conventional drugs designed to control seizures.
Overall, users of CBD oil reported a reduction of seizures. Many claim there are few side effects from usage compared to anti-seizure medications.

• Sleep

There are users who take CBD oil to treat insomnia and to improve general sleep issues resulting from anxiety and/or chronic pain.
According to them, most say even one single dose before bed was sufficient to help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night whilst grogginess and tiredness in the morning was generally avoided.
Those users taking CBD for disturbed sleep reported that as little as one dose was effective for improving their night’s rest.

• Anxiety

Many people taking CBD oil seek relief from severe anxieties like social withdrawal, panic attacks, hyperactivity & compulsive disorders and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Others had secondary anxiety from health conditions such as Crohn’s disease and IBD, fibromyalgia and back pain.
Overall, they reported being pleased with results, reporting that the oil made them relax quickly, yet didn’t produce a high.
Due to the links between anxiety and poor sleep, it’s little surprise that there are numerous reports that CBD oil those who experienced reduced anxiety also slept better.
Of the users with anxiety some report CBD oil offering quick relaxation and improved sleep quality.

• Depression

There were not many users taking CBD for depression. Of those that did, many reported an improvement in their mood however, as a benefit to its anti-anxiety and anti-pain effects. According to them, CBD oil helped increase feelings of joy and optimism.
Though there were few users actively taking CBD primarily for depression, overall mood-improvement has been reported by many taking CBD for other purposes.

Daily CBD use

Oils and tinctures
Oils and tinctures are CBD in liquid form, most often as an oil. Generally, they are mixed with an edible carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed. To ingest liquid CBD oil, you can place it under the tongue using a dropper, where the oral mucosa is packed with capillaries absorbing compounds quickly and efficiently. 

Taking CBD in oil and tincture form is an ideal format for those who prefer not to take pills or capsules, have trouble swallowing, etc.

Creams, lotions and balms
CBD can be applied topically and there is a variety of infused topicals that are used for the treatment of both joint and muscle pain. 
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can be treated using CBD-infused skin creams and lotions and are generally applied directly on problematic areas. They will often contain complimentary skin-improving ingredients.

Pills and capsules
CBD comes in capsule and pill form, used for the treatment of digestive and seizures issues. Recently, the FDA approved a drug, which is the first high-potency CBD drug of its kind, designed for the treatment of seizure disorders.
One thing to consider when using capsule or pill forms of CBD is that the time taken from ingestion to experiencing the beneficial effects can be longer than other methods, and varies depending on individual digestion.

How will CBD affect me?

How Will CBD Affect You?
There is no one-size-fits-all effect of CBD. Individual body-type, genes and digestion will affect how your body responds, just as with any other kind of drug, food and supplement! 
To illustrate – Person A may find their pain is reduced after using one or two drops of 25-milligram CBD oil, while Person B might need to take a higher-strength CBD oil. Potency is a good way to address the different factors affecting the amount of CBD you should consume. Variance can be caused by metabolism, body mass, medical conditions and your general overall body chemistry and make-up.
Overall, CBD should improve relaxation and clarity in the mind. CBD is well-known for bettering sleep, alleviating stress, soothing soreness and calming anxiety, which should contribute to better physical – and mental – health generally.
The benefits of CBD are comparable to the health perks of turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that compliments CBD well when taken together.
Another consideration is that any product will be dependent on brand and company. It helps to purchase from a reputable source or knowledgeable supplier. As the CBD market is currently unregulated, there are scammers that sell ineffective, poor-quality CBD products, which are unlikely to produce the desired effects.
When choosing a source to buy CBD, it’s absolutely crucial to make purchases of CBD goods from reputable and trustworthy companies to ensure high-quality, legitimate CBD oil that produces the best possible effects.

The endocannabinoid system is made up of endogenous cannabinoids (internal to the human body), enzymes and receptors that regulate processes such as pain, inflammation, immune response, sleep, mood, stress, appetite, memory, nervous system function, metabolism, skin processes, muscle function, liver and pancreatic function, bone formation, reproduction and fertility, cancer and more.
Three cannabinoid receptors have been identified in the human body:

  • CB1: Almost all cells in the body have this receptor but the highest concentration is in the nervous system
  • CB2: Spread out in peripheral tissues and immune cells
  • CB3: It is found in the nervous system, digestive system, bone system, cancer cells and other tissues

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. The only way to control this system is through plant cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary cannabinoid in Cannabis Sativa L., and has been scientifically tested for:

  • Chronic and neuropathic pain
  • Inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs
  • Epilepsy and psychosis
  • Stress and anxiety (including post-traumatic stress)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy
  • Oxidative stress in radiation and oral mucositis
  • Acne, dermatitis and psoriasis
  • Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • High blood pressure

There is also significant scientific data on the prophylactic and preventive effects of CBD as neuroprotectant, antioxidant and immunostimulant.