Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is commonly known as, is a popular cannabinoid compound that has become an increasingly popular supplement. There are many variety of strains of it, like the CBD Lietuvoje, which can be easily found and accessed through online or physical herbal stores. But what exactly does it do? And how can you use this compound to improve your health and well-being? Here are some of the most common uses for CBD, as well as some ways CBD oil benefits your health.
CBD Oil Benefits & Uses for Your Health
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in and extracted from the cannabis plant. It’s not psychoactive like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which gets you high or intoxicated. However, CBD has many medical applications and medicinal properties as well. For example, it’s been shown to be effective for treating epilepsy, and has even proven effective against anxiety disorders such as PTSD and social phobias since it induces a calming effect on the body upon consumption.
Not only does CBD help treat certain conditions, but it may also reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes sense because CBD acts on receptors similar to those activated by endocannabinoids, compounds produced naturally within our bodies. In fact, scientists have discovered that CBD binds with these receptors so tightly that it actually blocks their ability to activate. So while you could expect CBD to have an effect on diseases caused by excessive inflammation—like arthritis—you might also expect it to reduce inflammation in other conditions, too.
While there isn’t any research yet into CBD’s potential efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease, there is plenty of evidence suggesting that CBD has anti-aging properties. That’s because CBD reduces oxidative stress, which plays a role in aging. Oxidative stress is when cells produce free radicals at a faster rate than they’re able to repair them. Free radicals damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cell death.
Because CBD helps reduce oxidative stress, it may also protect against cancer. Studies have suggested that CBD can kill multiple types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, lung, prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, and liver cancers.
There’s also evidence that CBD protects against cardiovascular disease. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that people should start using CBD to prevent heart attacks, stroke, and hypertension, it does suggest that CBD could play a role in treating these conditions. A study published last year in the Journal of Pharmacology found that rats treated with CBD had lower blood pressure than untreated rats.
And while this research hasn’t been replicated in humans, it’s certainly something worth keeping in mind. After all, the benefits of CBD aren’t limited to just its effects on the body. The compound has also been shown to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia—not to mention reducing chronic pain.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of CBD comes from its anti-inflammatory effects. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, CBD inhibits the release of chemicals called cytokines, which cause inflammation. Cytokines are released by immune cells, which means that CBD would provide protection for the body against infection.
This is particularly important for athletes who engage in strenuous physical activity. Because exercise can increase levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, it’s essential that you take measures to protect yourself against the resulting inflammation. This includes taking supplements designed to fight inflammation, such as omega fatty acids and antioxidants. These supplements will help keep your muscles healthy and protect you from overuse injuries.
Another good reason to consume CBD oil is that it contains no side effects. Unlike prescription medications, CBD won’t leave you feeling drowsy, lethargic, or nauseous.
CBD Oil Uses for Your Health
CBD is used for a wide range of illnesses and disorders, including:
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Insomnia
- Liver Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Disorders
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Vasospasm
Although CBD is still relatively new, we know that it has the potential to revolutionize medicine. As research continues, we’ll learn more about the ways CBD works, and how it can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
Because of this, it’s always a good idea to consult with a physician before starting a new dietary regimen. Some medications interact negatively with CBD, especially if you’re taking them for any sort of psychiatric condition. If you choose to try CBD, make sure to discuss all aspects of your plan with your doctor, including dosages and possible side effects.
If you want to see some of the potential uses for CBD, here are 10 ways CBD could benefit you:
- CBD Oils Are Great For Joints
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil has been shown to reduce joint stiffness in arthritis sufferers. So if you suffer from arthritis, consider adding CBD to your diet.
- CBD Can Help You Sleep Better
Studies show that CBD can improve sleep quality. One study published in the European Journal of Psychiatry examined the effects of CBD on patients suffering from insomnia. They found that participants experienced improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety after taking CBD.
- CBD Helps Treat Anxiety and Depression
A number of studies have shown that CBD reduces signs of anxiety and depression. Another study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that mice given CBD displayed fewer signs of anxiety than control mice.
- CBD May Improve Cognitive Functioning
The National Institutes of Health reported in 2013 that CBD may slow cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, researchers have found that CBD increases brain connectivity in patients with mild dementia.
- CBD Is Good For Diabetes
According to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Medicine, CBD may be useful in treating diabetes. Researchers from New York University School of Medicine found that CBD decreased insulin resistance in rodents.
- CBD Could Be Used To Prevent Dementia
A 2016 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that CBD treatment significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among women with mild cognitive impairment. The results were consistent across different regions of the world, indicating that CBD could be a safe way to prevent dementia.
- CBD Can Relieve Severe Pain
A 2007 study published in the journal Anesth Analg found that CBD was very effective in relieving severe chronic pain.
- CBD May Reduce Inflammation in Asthma Patients
Researchers conducted a 2015 study in which they tested the effectiveness of CBD in reducing asthma symptoms. They found that CBD helped reduce wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness.
- CBD May Help Treat Cancer
According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, CBD may be helpful in treating several forms of cancer. Researchers found that CBD inhibited the growth of cancer cells in mice without causing any harmful side effects.
- CBD May Have Potential Against Multiple Sclerosis
A 2012 study published in the journal Neurology found that CBD reduced the severity of MS symptoms.
