CBD is short for Cannabidiol and is a chemical that makes up about 40% of the cannabinoid extracts that come from cannabis. CBD is currently trending for its incredible natural healing powers on everything from improved sleep to treatment of cancer.
CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD compound from the Cannabis Sativa variety of cannabis. CBD is found in both the hemp and marijuana varieties of cannabis but do to the legality of marijuana it’s much easier to find CBD oil from hemp. The extract is then diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil & THC
CBD oil comes from the same plant as THC and hemp seed oil but it is not the same. THC oil is made from the marijuana variety of cannabis which has a much higher percentage of THC. THC is the compound that makes you feel high, but it also has other medicinal benefits.
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp seeds of the hemp plant which contains very low amounts of CBD and THC. CBD is extracted from the leaves, buds and stems.
CBD Is Medicine
CBD has incredible medicinal benefits and little to no side effects. That means CBD will not make you high like THC.
The benefits of CBD in a variety of health conditions have been backed by scientific research meaning CBD as a natural remedy is really starting to gain momentum in the mainstream.
Here are six science back benefits of CBD Oil
1. Pain Relief
CBD can relief both mild and chronic pain without popping any pills. CBD works by activating the endocannabinoid system which regulates bodily functions like sleep, immunity, appetite and inflammation.
The endocannabinoids in the body act as neurotransmitters and bind with the cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
Studies done in CBD oil research have shown that by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity CBD can help reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation.
2. Anxiety, Depression & Insomnia
Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders in the world and have a devastating impact on millions of people.
These mental health issues are usually treated with prescription drugs like antidepressants which come with a host of terrible side effects.
Studies have demonstrated that CBD can significantly reduce levels of anxiety, discomfort and cognitive impairment with people who suffer from social anxiety by interacting with the brain’s receptors for serotonin.
In a study conducted on 24 people with a social anxiety disorder, the group who received the CBD (as opposed to the one that received placebo) showed significantly reduced levels of anxiety, discomfort, and cognitive impairment in social situations.
Research has also shown that CBD can be used to treat insomnia by stopping the production of the stress hormone cortisol, allowing the brain to relax enough to fall asleep.
3. Alleviates Symptoms From Cancer Treatments
It’s common knowledge that THC can help cancer patients cope with their symptoms related to their cancer treatment. But now CBD has been revealed as offering the same benefits as THC without the side effect of getting high.
CBD can help alleviate chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
4. Neuro-protective Properties
There is even an FDA approved pharmaceutical drug used to treat epilepsy in the United States that is predominately made from CBD.
Studies have also shown that CBD can help improve the quality of life and sleep for people with Parkinson’s disease.
5. Improves Heart Health
CBD can also help reduce irregular heart patterns.
6. Skin Disorders
CBD can help to heal chronic skin disorders like acne and eczema. These skin conditions are very common and can have potentially devastating impacts on the mental health and well-being of those who suffer from them.
CBD can reduce acne through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
CBD has so many incredible benefits for common and debilitating health conditions.
