Many people are turning to more natural and holistic ways of managing pain or stress. A solution that several turns to is CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, which is found in the cannabis plant that is better known as marijuana. Unlike marijuana, however, CBD does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive ingredient. While there are several forms of CBD – from gummies to topical creams, many prefer to turn to CBD oils. The oils are comprised of CBD derived from the cannabis plant and then diluted with carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed.
Many people are choosing to take CBD oil, as there are so many potential benefits that come from it.
The Benefits of CBD
Reduce Anxiety
There have been many studies done to suggest that CBD oil can in fact help people reduce their anxiety. Many anxieties are from a lack of serotonin available in the body. Serotonin is the hormone that stabilizes the mood, affects feelings of happiness, and communicates between your brain cells and nervous system. Although CBD doesn’t aid in the production of serotonin, it does alter how the body reacts to the available serotonin levels by attaching to the same receptors allowing the hormone to accumulate in the brain.
Help Ease Pain
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body’s muscles and bones. Scientists believe Fibromyalgia is associated with how the brain interprets pain signals. CBD connects with neurotransmitters in the brain, and in turn spreads a calming effect.
A survey was conducted in Israel among 383 people with Fibromyalgia to see if medical cannabis helped them. A whopping 94% of the group felt the CBD eased their pain. In a different observational study, over six months, 81.8% of Fibromyalgia patients said they felt overall improvements.
Types of CBD Available
There are several types of CBD oil available to take, all based on your preference.
- Regular Oil: People may choose to take CBD oil right from the dropper and ingest it by placing a drop under their tongue. This is best for those who want to reap the benefits at once, as your bloodstream will absorb the oil quickly.
- Topical Creams: Topical CBD treatments are best for those that are seeking pain relief. The creams or lotions with CBD can be put directly on the skin where the pain is. It will target pulled muscles, arthritis pain, or sore spots from your workout.
- Edibles: Gummies, mints, or even brownies infused with CBD oil are considered edibles. These are good for those that want to discretely take CBD oil or take it on an as-needed basis.
- Capsules: This is a simple method of taking CBD oil, best for those who take a consistent daily serving amount.
Potential Side Effects
While research is still being conducted on the long-term side effects of CBD, common side effects may include tiredness, nausea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite. Side effects will vary based on the person, but also based on the interaction with other medications.
CBD oil is becoming much more popular and acceptable as a treatment for daily struggles. As more research comes to light and more studies are conducted, it is likely that CBD’s popularity will rise once again.
