CBD is still a Schedule 1 drug in the US, so you have to overcome some serious obstacles to use it for research purposes. But, the scientific evidence is mounting and more and more people are putting their faith in CBD and its derivatives to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as anxiety, substance abuse, chronic pain, and diabetes. To join this growing community of CBD faithful, you can refer to this site to learn more about the variety of products that are available. However, before jumping to any conclusions, go through this comprehensive overview of different uses of CBD oil to get acquainted with its immense potential to treat a variety of diseases.
1. Relieves Chronic Pain And Inflammation
The human body has a specialized system known as the endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of processes, such as sleep, moods, immune system, appetite, and stress. This system releases endocannabinoid neurotransmitters that bind to your central nervous system. Many studies have suggested that CBD can help alleviate chronic pain by impacting this endocannabinoid activity in a way that it reduces inflammation.
One specific study in which rats were injected with CBD reported a diminishing pain response to surgical incisions. Another similar study found orally administered CBD a highly effective combatant against sciatic nerve pain.
Several human trials have also found a combination of CBD and THC effective against multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Sativex, an oral spray with the same formulation, is greenlit to treat multiple sclerosis-associated pain in many countries. A study found Sativax to markedly reduce spasticity, muscle spasms, and pain in 47 subjects.
2. Treats Epilepsy
CBD oil also has anti-seizure properties and is therefore used to treat neurological disorders like epilepsy.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a 23% decrease in the intensity of fevers as a direct result of CBD use. Furthermore, in June 2018, leading representatives of the Food and Drug Administration Agency announced the approval of Epidiolex, a CBD oil-based drug, for treating two rare strains of epilepsy — Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome — in children older than 2 years. This was a groundbreaking development because anti-seizure medications had failed to treat these two forms in the past.
Epidiolex is now an FDA certified drug, which is derived from purified CBD oil. The drug has shown tremendous results, and reported successfully stopping seizures altogether in some patients. Further research has also indicated that CBD can curb the complications associated with epilepsy, such as neuronal injury and neurodegeneration.
3. Reduces Anxiety And Depression
Research conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America shows that CBD oil is effective in treating both anxiety and depression. Some doctors advise patients afflicted with chronic anxiety to try and avoid cannabis use as it can aggravate their anxiety or induce paranoia.
However, a new report published in Neurotherapeutics reported that CBD oil has shown that CBD has none of THC’s psychoactive properties and can actually reduce anxiety and its various behavioral disorders. So if you are considering buying CBD oil to release anxiety, it is a viable option.
4. Aids In Treatment Of Heart Ailments
Heart disease is the prime suspect behind millions of deaths worldwide. A healthy diet and lifestyle is the prescribed recommendation, but CBD oil is also a huge help.
In research published in JCI Insight in 2017, CBD prevented blood-pressure changes due to increase in stress. In this study, nine healthy subjects were given CBD oil and placebo. Those treated with CBD showed impressive improvements in blood pressure after experiencing a stressful event, while the placebo group showed little to no change.
According to researchers, the CBD aids heart functioning by:
- Reducing blood pressure
- Minimizing artery blockage
- Reducing stress-triggered cardiovascular response
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Preventing oxidative stress and inflammation
5. Treats Type 1 Diabetes
CBD is an effective agent against inflammation and therefore plays a huge role in shielding pancreatic cells from attacks by the immune system, which cause Type 1 Diabetes.
Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation published peer-reviewed research in 2016 that corroborated CBD’s ability to ease pancreatic inflammation. Another paper showcased in Portugal suggested that CBD can delay and even shield against the symptoms of this disease.
6. Combats Addiction
CBD may play a role in fighting addiction-related withdrawal symptoms. A paper published in Journal of Substance Abuse reviewed 14 previous studies and concluded that CBD may have a therapeutic effect on people dealing with cocaine, opioid, and other similar addictions. The paper also suggested that CBD could block or reduce THC’s psychoactive effects and treat cannabis addiction.
One more study published in Addictive Behaviors found CBD to help people with tobacco addiction. Complete elimination of nicotine related withdrawal symptoms was reported in the participants of this study.
Another similar study that appeared in Neurotherapeutics noted that CBD reduces drug abuse-related symptoms like anxiety, mood-fluctuations, pain, and insomnia.
Bottom Line
More research is necessary but these findings paint a definite possibility of CBD’s use in treating a host of diseases. In the future, CBD oil may prove pivotal in providing relief to millions of people and leading the fight against many serious diseases.
