Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis sativa or hemp plant. When applied topically or consumed orally (not regulated in Spain), CBD interacts with the neuro receptors of your endocannabinoid system, such as CB1 and CB2, which send signals between your cells to help regulate your movement, mood, homeostasis, immune system and many other processes.
CBD is typically extracted from the cannabis sativa plant in the form of oil and mixed with an inert carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil, for consumption. In fact, of the 60% of US adults who claim to have previously consumed CBD, 55% of them use CBD oils and tinctures specifically, according to a recent Forbes survey.
The discoveries around CBD or CBD Oil are improving and advancing every day, so far we know that CBD Oil is effective in:
1. Reduce anxiety and stress.
CBD's calming potential is perhaps its most popular benefit and the reason why its use is so widespread. A 2017 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry tested the anxiety levels of 57 men in a mock public speaking test. Some were given a placebo while others received 150 milligrams, 300 milligrams or 600 milligrams of CBD before their speeches. Those who received 300 milligrams of CBD experienced a significant reduction in anxiety during the test compared to those who received the placebo. Interestingly, participants who received 150 or 600 milligrams of CBD experienced more anxiety during the test than the 300 milligram group.
Meanwhile, at least one study in mice revealed that CBD had similar effects to the antidepressant Imipramine. However, human trials are needed to confirm whether CBD can induce this same antidepressant reaction in our bodies.
2. Reduce certain types of epilepsy.
In some cases, CBD can be used to treat epileptic seizures.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of CBD under the brand name Epidiolex to treat seizures resulting from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome - two rare forms of epilepsy - in patients at least 2 years old.
Three well-tested studies form the basis of support for the FDA's decision. In these trials, 516 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome received Epidiolex or placebo. Epidiolex, when taken with other prescribed medications, decreased the frequency of seizures in participants compared to placebo.
3. Relief of acute and chronic pain.
In 2005, Canada approved the use of Sativex, a spray (absorbed into the lining of the mouth) with equal proportions of THC and CBD, for the treatment of central neuropathic pain related to multiple sclerosis. In 2007, Canada re-approved the use of the drug for cancer pain that did not respond to other drugs.
Meanwhile, ongoing studies in the US and Europe indicate that CBD is effective in treating chronic non-cancer pain. In a 2020 study, researchers administered CBD topically to a group of patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy (resulting from nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord), while another group with the same condition received a placebo. The results showed a significant reduction in severe, sharp pain, cold and itching sensations in those using topical CBD compared to those using placebo. No adverse side effects were reported by any participants.
When introduced topically, CBD oil does not affect the systemic issue as it might if introduced directly into the bloodstream. Topical CBD, on the other hand, is more localised and treats pain in a specific area. Because it is more direct, it can have a more pronounced effect.
4. Reduce psoriasis
Psoriasis is very difficult to control and there is currently no cure. Although there is a wide range of drugs and light therapies available to treat the disease, some of them have serious side effects and others may lose their effectiveness when the body builds up resistance to them.
Given the physical and emotional burden of psoriasis, new treatment options are needed and CBD is one of the possibilities currently being investigated.. Research on the efficacy of medical cannabis addresses different aspects of the disease as follows:
- Delaying cell growth
Some studies suggest that CBD and other cannabinoids in cannabis may be useful for slowing down the rapid growth of keratinocyteswhich are the immature skin cells found in people with psoriasis. A study in Trusted Source suggests that cannabinoids and their receptors may help control and limit the production of immature skin cells. The researchers add that cannabis may be useful in the treatment of several keratinocyte-related conditions, such as psoriasis and wound healing.
- Relieving the pain of psoriasis
Many users use CBD for pain control. Cannabis may be more effective than opioids in controlling acute and neuropathic pain. It may also be useful in reducing chronic pain, according to an article published in Current Rheumatology Trusted Source. Also an article that is published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that CBD may be effective in pain care.
- Regulation of the immune system
Although more research is needed, some studies indicate that cannabis could reduce the severity of inflammation associated with some conditions, including autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis.
Cannabis is also available in the form of CBD oilwhich, when used topically, may relieve pain and discomfort, as studies have shown, but there is also cbd creams for psoriasis. Although more research on the subject is still needed today, many people claim that it is controls the rate of skin cell production and reduces inflammation.
- Stress treatment with CBD
Psoriasis and stress go hand in hand, and there are studies which they attribute to the CBD properties to relieve stress and anxiety. In this way, we can identify two lines of help for this type of skin condition, a physical line of help and a psychological line of help.
Cannabinoids are active chemical substances found in cannabis plants.. Your body also produces cannabinoids. These chemical messengers are called "endocannabinoids". They are involved in a number of functions in your body, including:
- Inflammation
- Immunity
- Appetite
- Eye pressure
- The state of mind
- Reproduction
5. Reduce Menstrual Pain
Firstly, Cannabidiol can interact with the endocannabinoid system. CBD has been shown to influence CB1 and CB2 receptors, which play several important roles in the human body: regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, coordination, movement, pain, anxiety, fear, appetite, memory, mood and energy, among others.
Pelvic inflammation may be one of the underlying reasons for dysmenorrhoea. In addition, inflammatory symptoms caused by infection can also cause pain and migraines during menstruation. Interestingly, the pelvic region contains one of the highest concentrations of cannabinoid receptors in the body. CBD is able to interact with receptors in the body's systems, activating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that accelerate the tissue repair process. According to the study, CBD infusion in mice can lead to increased levels of anti-inflammatory interleukins that help regulate immune responses.
For many women, carrying painkillers in their handbags is a ritual. During menstruation, women may experience mild to severe pain in the lower back, hips, head, stomach or chest. According to this study, CBD can be used to control physical pain.
Women report feeling calmer and more stable when using CBD oil during their periods. That said, CBD can not only help relieve menstrual cramps, back pain or migraines, but it also has a positive impact on women's mental health.
6. Reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis is the breakdown of the tissues in and around the joints. There are several types of arthritis, and the symptoms are pain, stiffness and loss of movement. Treatment of arthritis is usually aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function.
A 2006 study found that Sativex - a CBD-based botanical drug approved in the UK in 2010 - promoted statistically significant improvements in sleep quality, pain during movement and pain at rest in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to placebo. It was the first controlled trial of Sativex as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, in which 58 patients participated. CBD was found to have an analgesic effect, as well as the ability to suppress disease activity.
In 2018, in a more localised treatment study, researchers administered a CBD gel in daily doses of 250 or 500 milligrams or a placebo to patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. The patients also stopped taking any other anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication, with the exception of paracetamol, before and during the study period.
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