CBD oil is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, due to its positive effects and benefits for human health, well-being and as a cosmetic - but many are wondering: what are the benefits of CBD? In this article, learn about 7 of them and other potential benefits that have been proven by scientific research. Cannabidiol, better known by the abbreviation CBD, is one of 113 different cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, but unlike another well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) has no psychoactive effects. and has a positive effect on our physical and psychological well-being.
What is CBD oil and how is it made?
CBD oil (or Cannabidiol) is extracted from the fibrous hemp plant, especially those varieties that are high in CBD and low in THC (psychoactive substance). The production process of CBD oil begins with the harvesting of hemp plants, which are then dried and processed by extraction to extract the beneficial compounds - cannabinoids.
The most common extraction methods are CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction. According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, CO2 extraction was identified as the most effective method for extracting Cannabidiol without disturbing its chemical structure. The extracted CBD is then mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT coconut oil, hemp seed oil or olive oil. Clinical studies have shown that the highest bioavailability (absorption) of CBD is achieved when it is mixed with MCT coconut oil, due to the trace elements it contains.
How does CBD oil work?
CBD oil works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex biological system plays an important role in regulating various physiological and cognitive functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, blood flow and pain. Composed of endocannabinoids (natural compounds similar to cannabinoids), enzymes and receptors, the ECS is the body's way of maintaining homeostasis (internal balance).
When CBD is consumed, it interacts with the two main receptors of the ECS: CB1, found mainly in the brain, and CB2, normally found in cells associated with the immune system. CBD does not directly bind to these receptors, but influences them to produce more endocannabinoids. This modulation helps to balance the ECS and thus the various functions of the body.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a renowned expert in cannabinoid science, emphasized that CBD acts as a modulator of the ECS. In other words, it helps regulate and stabilize the ECS for optimal function and helps regulate processes such as inflammation, stress response, and sleep cycles. Understanding how CBD affects the ECS will help you better appreciate its potential benefits.
Note: This and other articles on Hemp's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'new food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.
What are terpenes and how do they benefit CBD products?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They are known to increase the effectiveness of CBD due to a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect". Research in the European Journal of Pharmacology shows that terpenes work together with cannabinoids to enhance the overall benefits of the product.
CBD products have a positive effect on human health and well-being, which can be argued not only by the results of many clinical studies, but also by the fact that it is the most popular natural remedy in the world that helps to effectively fight with various health disorders, or simply to maintain good health, including healthy skin, nails and hair. So, what are the benefits of CBD? In this article, we will discuss: CBD's help in the fight against insomnia, benefits for depression and various pain relief, help in the fight against acne, relief of cancer symptoms, neuroprotective effects, improvement of heart function and more. Below are detailed 7 potential and other potential benefits of CBD for human health.
1. Benefits of CBD Oil for Insomnia
Clinical studies conducted (source) found that using CBD hemp oil significantly prolonged people's continuous sleep time, and according to the subjects - the quality of sleep improved significantly.
In another cross-over study, the results showed significant reductions in plasma cortisol levels, resulting in a sedative effect in patients. The benefits of cbd oil become more pronounced with higher doses of CBD hemp oil, which research shows can treat anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy, and can also have a calming effect on the mind, resulting in improved sleep quality, 88% of subjects reported experiencing tangible benefits of CBD oil.
Cortisol is one of the most significant stress hormones that the body produces during the day, and its amount decreases at night when we sleep. However, in patients with insomnia, the cortisol level increases even at night, which basically prevents them from falling asleep and getting quality sleep. Read more about the benefits of CBD oil and insomnia in this article.
2. CBD oil benefits for reducing anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are fairly common mental health disorders that undoubtedly have a negative (sometimes disastrous) impact on people's lives and their quality.What science says about the benefits of CBD in this case.?
Prescription medications are commonly used to treat anxiety, fear, and depression, but as you know, they can cause many side effects, such as drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia, as well as sexual dysfunction, headaches, and more. (source). What's more, drugs like benzodiazepines can lead to addiction and substance abuse (source). Unlike drugs that can lead to addiction and eventually tolerance, CBD oil does not cause these negative side effects. CBD hemp oil's support for people with depressive disorders works indirectly by improving the condition of the human endocannabinoid system and helping to maintain optimal body functions.
Recent studies show that CBD has shown positive results in the treatment of various types of anxiety (GNS, OCD, and social anxiety).
CBD hemp oil has even been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with PTSD (source). in 2019 During a survey by the World Health Organization, it was found that 7 out of 10 users of cannabidiol felt the benefits of CBD in solving emotional problems.
3. Benefits of CBD oil for various pain relief
The properties of cannabis to reduce various local pain, migraines or inflammation have been known for a long time (source), but relatively recently scientists have discovered , that it is cannabidiol (CBD) that is the active ingredient in cannabis that promotes pain and inflammation-relieving effects. The human body has a natural endocannabinoid (ECS) system, which is responsible for the optimal functioning of various functions, such as: sleep, body temperature, pain, heart activity, etc. (source). Endocannabinoids, naturally produced by our body, bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous system through the surface of the skin and in other ways. The benefits of CBD in this regard have been confirmed by one of the many studies that showed that CBD consumption reduced chronic pain by positively affecting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors (source).
An animal study in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD applied to the skin can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Research results also show that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat.
4. Benefits of CBD in the fight against acne (acne)
Acne vulguris (acne vulgaris) is a chronic, inflammatory, multi-causal skin disease that affects the hair follicle-sebaceous gland complex and manifests as a polymorphic rash on the face (the most common area), chest and back. It is one of the most common skin diseases for which dermatologists are consulted. Although acne most often appears in adolescence, epidemiological studies show that the prevalence of acne among adults is increasing, especially among women, so this disease is becoming more relevant in different age groups.
According to the results of scientific studies, the benefits of CBD appeared in 79% of the subjects - CBD oil can treat acne because it has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the oiliness of the skin. According to a study, it was the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD) that made it an effective treatment for acne.
rubbing CBD hemp oil into the nails, can strengthen their structure and prevent them from breaking, in the same way, cannabidiol can be used on the surface of the scalp, - the active ingredient (cannabidiol) nourishes the hair follicles and can prevent hair loss and help maintain healthy hair. Read more about the benefits of CBD in the article: CBD oil in cosmetics - unique benefits for your beauty.
5. Benefits of CBD in Alleviating Cancer Symptoms
Scientific studies (source) have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) can alleviate cancer-related symptoms and side effects of treatment procedures such as , nausea, vomiting, various pain (head/muscle), lack of appetite, etc.
One study looked at the effects of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on 166 people with cancer-related headaches and muscle pain. Treatment with a combination of these substances was significantly more effective than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alone (source) in many similar studies. At the same time, it is claimed that the benefits of CBD can effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are the most common side effects of chemotherapy (source). It's no secret that there are medications to alleviate these side effects, but they are not always effective and some of them can cause side effects, so more and more patients are looking for alternatives such as cannabidiol (CBD).
It should be noted that many of these studies were conducted on animals, and while their results are promising, the findings provide information that more research is needed to determine the exact relationship between the positive results of the studies and the use of CBD. Read more about the benefits of CBD and oncological diseases in this article - CBD against cancer.
6. Has a neuroprotective effect
During pre-clinical studies, it has been found that the use of CBD can have a positive effect on patients with neurological disorders. One of the most studied uses of cannabidiol is its effects in the treatment of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD)-containing medications are safe and effective in reducing muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis. Of the 266 people with MS who took part in the study, 206 of them (75%) were found to have a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of muscle spasms and to experience the benefits of CBD in reducing anxiety. (source).
In another clinical trial, CBD oil was found to significantly reduce the intensity of seizures compared to a placebo in children with severe epilepsy (source). It is also important to mention that a small percentage of people who participated in the mentioned study experienced treatment-related side effects (using CBD), such as fatigue and dry mouth. Therefore, regardless of the benefits of CBD found in these studies, it is important to listen to the opinion and recommendations of a specialist when choosing such a treatment.
At the same time, the effectiveness of cannabidiol in the treatment of other neurological diseases has also been established. As an example, several studies have found that CBD treatment improved the neurological status and sleep quality of patients with Parkinson's disease (source, source). Other animal studies have shown that the benefits of CBD may include reduced joint inflammation, which may help prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease (source). In one long-term study, it was found that in mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease, taking CBD helped prevent cognitive impairment (source).
7. Potential heart benefits of CBD oil
Recent pre-clinical studies link CBD use to cardiovascular benefits, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure is directly related to an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack, especially in people over 40. (source). In one study conducted in the United States, healthy men were given a dose of 400 mg of CBD and found that it reduced their blood pressure compared to a placebo.
In other pre-clinical studies, cannabidiol has been found to reduce oxidative stress in mice, which may indicate that CBD has the ability to prevent heart damage in people with diabetes and heart disease (source).
Other potential health benefits of CBD
The benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD oil are a relatively new discovery in the treatment of various disorders and diseases, so more research is needed to prove the benefits of CBD, but it is believed that CBD may have more
How is CBD oil used?
CBD oil is used in several ways. In foreign countries where CBD oil is sold as a dietary supplement, it is usually administered by dripping under the tongue and holding for 60-90 seconds and swallowing. Another method is external use, for example by rubbing CBD oil on wrist arteries, problem areas of the skin or sore muscles. Both methods are effective and have their purpose, but the choice of use often depends on each person's needs and the legal regulation of CBD in the respective country.
Are there side effects?
Although cannabidiol (CBD) is usually perfectly tolerated by our body and is considered safe, a small number of people may still experience unwanted side reactions (fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight). It should be noted that cannabidiol can have unwanted interactions with medications, so it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting to use cannabidiol (CBD).
How to choose quality CBD oil
Choosing the right CBD oil is critical to achieving effective results. First, look for an oil that is extracted from a special genetic profile/seeded hemp that has a special genetic profile that is rich in CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids. Be careful and beware of cheap CBD oil, which is almost always made from simple fiber hemp (eg.
Cannabis ruderalis), also known as garbage can.
Secondly, it is important that the product is tested by an independent (properly certified) laboratory. These tests confirm CBD concentrations and isolate potential contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. in 2018 A report from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) states that only 30% of CBD products meet the label information (eg. type and concentration of CBD oil), this just proves once again that it is very important to check the results of laboratory tests of the CBD product you are interested in.
Finally, don't forget to check what customer reviews say about the product or brand in question. Real-world feedback can provide invaluable insight into a product's performance. Analyze online reviews for consistent positive comments about the oil's effectiveness, purity, and brand credibility.
Considering these factors will greatly increase your chances of choosing a safe and effective CBD oil.
CBD hemp oil in Lithuania
In Lithuania, the sale and use of cannabidiol (CBD) products is allowed, but the product must not exceed the permissible rate of 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), - these are the types of CBD products we offer! You can make sure of this by checking the results of our laboratory tests, which are carried out for each batch of products.
CBD oil contained in hemp products is extracted using an innovative double CO2 extraction method, as a result of which all useful substances - cannabinoids and terpenes - are preserved in CBD oil. Hemp CBD oil is mixed with MCT coconut oil, which increases the bioavailability (absorption) of CBD up to three times. For these and other reasons, Hemp CBD products are recognized as some of the best in Europe.
Summary
The benefits and effectiveness of CBD oil are a combination of many factors, the type of cannabis, the extraction method used, the oil "carrier" used, and the interaction with the endocannabinoid system. We recommend choosing CBD products that have been independently tested by a third-party certified laboratory. It is also important to check product reviews on the Internet and to choose a time-tested brand, this is the only way to avoid a low-quality or even health-threatening product.