Before we dive into CBD oil benefits, let’s first answer the question: What is CBD oil? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana) When extracted and mixed with a carrier oil, people don’t experience any of the psychoactive properties associated with cannabis.
Emerging research suggests that CBD oil can be used to treat a variety of health complications, ranging from joint pain to acne and anxiety. Below are some of the best and most well-researched benefits of CBD oil.
5 Major CBD Oil Benefits
#1 – Reduces Pain and Inflammation
The body’s endocannabinoid system is partly responsible for regulating pain response. CBD oil can help alleviate pain by temporarily inhibiting the transmission of signals from the brain through that system. Because CBD oil also suppresses the production of inflammation-causing cytokines, chronic inflammation and nerve pain may also benefit from the use of CBD oil.
This combination makes CBD oil an ideal choice to aid in the treatment of joint injuries and arthritis. In fact, studies conducted on mice found that the application of the oil following surgery resulted in less pain and swelling. In other words, CBD oil is a promising tool for injury recovery.
#2 – Alleviates Anxiety and Depression
The compounds in CBD oil allow it to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that governs mood and social behavior while limiting the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
Several long-term studies link the consistent CBD oil to the reduced incidence of panic attacks and depressive episodes. A smaller study focused on social anxiety found that volunteers who used CBD oil before public-speaking reported less discomfort compared to a placebo group.
#3 – Improves Sleep Quality
CBD oil’s positive effect on serotonin production also makes it a useful option for people suffering from sleep difficulties. Along with melatonin, serotonin regulates the sleep cycle and is especially responsible for deep REM sleep.
A study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that CBD oil helped them go to sleep more quickly. Furthermore, more than half of the participants reported significantly higher sleep quality than usual.
#4 – Promotes Neurological Health
CBD oil’s ability to interact with the brain’s signaling systems makes it an intriguing tool for promoting overall brain health. With that said, CBD oil aids in treating symptoms related to a number of neurological disorders.
Many of the studies on CBD oil focus on its use in treating epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, particularly its ability to reduce the incidence of muscle spasms and seizures. Recent studies suggest that CBD oil can also improve the quality of life for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Finally, a long-term study on mice concluded that CBD oil measurably reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it slowed the rate of cognitive decline in mice that already had the disease.
#5 – Treats Acne and Oily Skin
CBD oil’s potent anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal candidate for the treatment of non-bacterial acne. When applied topically, it regulates the production of acne-causing cytokines. The research found that CBD oil also prevents the skin’s sebaceous glands from secreting excess sebum. Sebum is the substance responsible for oily skin and clogged pores.
The extraction and creation of CBD oil is a relatively new process. While there is still plenty of research in the works into the precise mechanisms and long-term effects, recent studies make promising connections between the consistent use of CBD oil and the relief of various health issues and chronic conditions.
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