This article was written by Yigal Kotin
In recent years, a “miracle substance” entered the world of health products, CBD oil . This oil, which is extracted from the hemp plant (a close relative of the cannabis plant) and does not contain the compound THC, which is considered to cause a psychoactive effect (“intoxicating”) turns out to be a one-of-a-kind natural substance, almost free of side effects, particularly powerful even in low doses, acts quickly and provides an acute response Immediate for diverse health problems and has a powerful and healing effect in a variety of diseases in long-term use.
This substance today is the most sold natural substance in the USA and sold without a prescription and one of the most studied natural substances.
CBD oil, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant and the cannabis plant and has become one of the most popular supplements and one of the most talked about topics in the global health industry recently.
CBD oil is not only popular, but it can benefit your health in so many different ways, including reducing inflammation , improving sleep , improving anxiety , reducing blood pressure levels, and supporting your immune system. In this article we will discuss 7 major benefits that arise from using CBD oil.
In this article we will learn what CBD oil is, what the endocannabinoid system is, the difference between CBD and THC as well as the benefits and possible side effects of CBD oil. We will also learn how to use CBD oil to experience maximum health benefits. Most importantly, we will share with you the best source of CBD oil that we recommend.
lets start!
What is CBD oil?
Or cannabidiol is a component of the cannabis plant that does not have a psychoactive effect like another well-known cannabinoid called THC. This means that taking CBD does not cause sotol. THC on the other hand is known as the methamphetamine found in cannabis. Various studies show the medical benefits of using CBD in a variety of health conditions, so the popularity of using CBD is increasing worldwide.
For this reason alone, CBD oil is a very attractive option for many people looking for pain relief and other health benefits from the cannabis plant without experiencing the “high” effects of THC in cannabis or the unpleasant and toxic side effects of drugs.
The endocannabinoid system
The name of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) comes from the word ‘cannabinoid’ and ‘endo’, short for endogenous. Endogenous refers to something that occurs naturally within your body. Hence ‘endocannaboid’ stands for substances similar to the same substances as CBD that are naturally found in you.
The parts of the ECS (endocannabinoid system) that play important roles in your body are divided into three parts:
- Endocannabinoids
- receptors in your nervous system and body that bind to endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
- Enzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
The ECS is a natural and important system in your body. To understand the role of the system, we must first discuss what homeostasis is and why it is important.
Homeostasis and ECS
Homeostasis is your body’s way of keeping your internal environment balanced, stable and optimal regardless of your external environment. Your body is constantly monitoring what is happening. Your body checks if your temperature is too low, too high or just right, if you need food, water or rest, if your hormone levels are correct, and if there is an inaccurate amount of any component in your cells or bloodstream.
ECS comes into play when something is outside the normal range. If you need fuel, ECS reminds you to eat by making your stomach growl. If you exercise in the hot sun, your ECS helps you cool down through sweating (3).
How does your ECS achieve all this? through cannabinoid receptors found in various tissues. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors to know about CB1 and CB2.
How ECS works: the roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors
Found in your central nervous system, inside your brain and in the nerves of your spinal cord. CB2 is found in your peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and specialized cells in your immune system. While some researchers believe there may be a third receptor, CB1 and CB2 are the two cannabinoid receptors we know today.
With the help of these CB1 and CB2 receptors, the endocannabinoid system can help regulate appetite, digestion, levels of inflammation in the body, immune functions, sleep, mood, pain levels, memory, blood pressure levels and blood vessel function and other important functions. Your body is incredibly smart allowing ECS to work exactly where it is needed without changing other areas.
After the endocannabinoids have successfully created a balance, certain enzymes come to break them down to prevent the endocannabinoids from upsetting the balance in the opposite direction. The enzyme reaction is just as precise as the effects of the endocannabinoids to create homeostasis – balance.
Clinical deficiency of endocannabinoids and CBD oil
Homeostasis is absolutely essential to your health. If your ECS is not working optimally, it can lead to a variety of problems. Research on ECS has revealed that a variety of conditions may be associated with clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD).
CECD conditions may include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraines. CECDs – deficiency of endocannabinoids usually involve more than one system in the body. For example, fibromyalgia affects the entire body, including the immune system, the endocrine system, the central and peripheral nervous system, and the digestive system. CECDs are generally resistant to many other treatment methods prompting researchers to see the possible benefits of CBD.
Because cannabis products such as CBD oil can stimulate your ECS activity, they can be part of potential treatments and benefit your health in a variety of ways. There is more and more research into the potential health benefits of cannabis, CBD oil, and the cannabinoid-based therapies we will now discuss.
CBD and THC oil
The most active ingredient of cannabis is perhaps also the most well-known compound, THC. While cannabis contains both THC and CBD, these two compounds have very different effects on the body.
While both CBD and THC have similar health benefits, THC results in a mind-altering “sensory haze” when smoked or otherwise ingested into the body. On the other hand, CBD does not cause a “sensory fog” or other mind-altering effects and can have a positive effect on your health.
CBD can be extracted from both cannabis and hemp, two plants from the cannabis family. It is important to know where your CBD comes from health wise.
Hemp is the least processed form of the cannabis plant that also contains the largest amount of CBD.
Hemp is very low in THC at less than 0.3 percent. CBD oil is made from non-psychoactive hemp. When looking for CBD oil, make sure you choose quality products made from hemp plants.
The benefits of CBD oil
There is increasing research on the benefits of CBD oil. Studies have shown its benefits in pain, inflammation, mental health, stress, sleep and more. Let’s look at the main benefits of CBD oil one by one.
Reduces pain and inflammation
Marijuana has been used to reduce pain since 2900 BC. Modern research has discovered the reasons why it may be so effective for pain. One of the main reasons for its pain-relieving effects is the CBD found in both hemp and cannabis.
As we already understood, your ECS is involved in regulating a variety of functions in your body, including pain. The endocannabinoids produced by your body can bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system and provide you with a variety of health benefits.
Studies have shown that by affecting the activity of the endocannabinoid receptor in your body, CBD may help reduce inflammation and chronic pain. For example, studies have found that CBD injections reduced pain associated with neuralgia, inflammation, and surgical incision in rats. Other studies have found that CBD may be effective in improving pain and inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It seems that CBD may change the perception of pain and make the pain optimally managed.
Many chronic diseases are considered to be inflammatory conditions including digestive tract infections, colitis and Crohn’s disease, arthritis, skin infections, allergic and autoimmune conditions and more. CBD oil can be useful for reducing inflammation effectively and quickly in all these situations.
Protective properties on the nervous system – neuroprotective
The neuroprotective properties of CBD oil are one of the most fascinating benefits. Studies have shown that CBD is able to act on ECS and other brain signaling systems and as a result it may also benefit people suffering from neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Studies have found that Sativex, an oral spray composed of CBD and THC, is a safe and effective treatment option for those with multiple sclerosis as it helps reduce muscle spasticity. It is also effective for people with epilepsy to help reduce seizures. Another study found that CBD oil can reduce seizures in complex childhood epilepsy.
CBD is also being studied for its potential benefits in other neurological disorders. It may be able to improve sleep in Parkinson’s patients, while reducing inflammation and preventing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
Improves depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental disorders that can have a devastating effect not only on your mental health, but also on your physical health and well-being. Both depression and anxiety are often treated with a variety of pharmaceutical drugs that come with a variety of unwanted side effects, including headaches, fatigue, sleepiness, weight gain, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Some drugs, such as benzodiazepines, can also lead to addiction and drug abuse.
CBD oil has proven to be a promising natural treatment option for depression and anxiety without toxic side effects. It may affect the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating your mood and social behavior. Studies have shown that CBD oil may reduce anxiety, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, anxiety-related cognitive impairment, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Furthermore, studies show that CBD oil may have antipsychotic effects for those with schizophrenia and other mental disorders with psychotic symptoms. It may also benefit drug treatment by altering brain circuits associated with drug addiction and reducing morphine dependence.
Supports a healthy stress response
Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, weight gain, mental health problems, chronic pain, inflammation and other chronic health problems. CBD oil may be able to support a healthy stress response and reduce the risk of health problems as a result.
Cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are found in specific areas of your brain responsible for emotional behavior, stress, nervousness, fear, sleep, mood and desire. Studies have found that CBD oil can reduce the fight or flight phenomenon, which is related to physical and mental stress.
CBD oil may lower blood pressure and heart rate, which may be a response to stress and anxiety. It may also lower conditioned responses to stress, pain, or punishment. Finally, as you learned earlier, CBD oil may reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression that often occur during stress.
improves the quality of sleep
CBD oil may also reduce sleep difficulties and improve the quality of your sleep. It may be able to improve insomnia and increase your overall amount of sleep.
While taken during the daytime, CBD may actually improve your quality of life during the day by improving cognition, reducing pain, and reducing daytime sleepiness. However, if taken consistently, CBD oil may help your sleep cycle. Studies have shown that CBD oil can improve your sleep behaviors. By aiding your sleep, CBD allows your body to rest and repair itself during the night.
Supports optimal immune function
CBD oil may also support optimal immune function, keeping your immune system in check and fighting off invading pathogens. CBD oil plays an important role in improving your ECS and may help regulate and maintain proper communication between various immune responses. By working together with your ECS.
As previously learned, CBD oil can reduce inflammation which may help your body’s ability to fight and recover from infections and illnesses. It can also have specific antibiotic benefits to further improve recovery. For example, studies have shown that CBD has strong antimicrobial activity against a common antibiotic-resistant bacteria called MRSA.
Relieves symptoms related to cancer
Several states have approved medical cannabis for cancer patients. However, some studies suggest that CBD oil, even without THC, may reduce cancer-related symptoms as well as side effects associated with cancer treatments, such as pain, nausea, and vomiting.
According to one study that examined the effects of CBD and THC with cancer-related pain found that both compounds would contribute to significant pain reduction. Another study found that CBD may reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Several test-tube and animal studies have suggested that CBD has anti-cancer properties. For example, studies show promise in reducing symptoms associated with breast cancer, melanoma and prostate cancer. While more test-tube and animal studies are needed before moving to human trials, the findings so far are quite promising.
How to use CBD oil correctly
There are a variety of different forms of CBD oil that you can use. CBD oil can be used in four ways: orally, topically, sublingually, or as an inhaler. Let’s look at each direction one by one to help you navigate the CBD oil maze.
Oral intake of CBD oil
The easiest way to use CBD oil orally is to purchase CBD oil. It is very similar to taking any other supplements.
CBD oil can be added directly to your food, including butter, oils, smoothies, drinks, and more. This is a creative and fun way to add CBD oil to your diet, however the taste may not please everyone.
Using CBD oil orally is perhaps the most beginner-friendly method. However, it also takes longer to feel its effects because it takes time to be absorbed in your digestive system. If you have an indigestion, the absorption will not be ideal either. Once CBD oil is absorbed, the effects can be long-lasting.
For our range of CBD oils click here .
Topical application of CBD oil
Topical application of CBD oil is especially popular and easy for joint pain, sore muscles and other body pains. You can find creams, body butters, rollers and even soaps and shampoos. A CBD oil roller infused with essential oils may also be effective for stress, headaches, migraines and anxiety.
Sublingual use of CBD oil
Sublingual application of CBD oil is suitable if you want to feel the effects faster. Sublingual application means taking the CBD oil under your tongue, where your saliva can dissolve it and absorb it into your bloodstream. This way, the absorption process bypasses your digestive system and you can experience the effects much faster. It’s also a great option if you have indigestion or are concerned about absorption.
You can place the drops of CBD oil under your tongue, hold them for ninety seconds. One may feel the effects within minutes and they usually last for several hours.
what is right for you
When it comes to the best way to take CBD oil and the right dosage, you have to remember that everyone is different. It is important to choose the method that feels most comfortable for you. It is also possible to combine a variety of methods, for example, using sublingual CBD oil for sleep and anxiety, while trying the local application for muscle pain.
When it comes to dosage, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. How much CBD oil is right for you and how often depends on the concentration of CBD oil, the form of CBD oil, your body weight, your personal body chemistry, your specific health conditions, and your personal goals. As your body’s physiology changes, so do the receptors in your ECS. This means that optimal doses of CBD will also change throughout your life as your body and health change.
Tend to use the tables and dosage recommendations as a suggestion and then adjust the dosage according to how you feel. It is always a good idea to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor to see what methods and dosages might be safe for you.
Many believe that CBD oil is the new multivitamin. Instead of taking it only when you have a problem for pain relief, it can be taken regularly to support your endocannabinoid system. Using CBD oil can be part of your regular health routine along with other nutrition and lifestyle strategies to improve your health and allow you to live the life you deserve.
What is the best source of CBD oil
With an increasing number of choices, the right brand of CBD oil can be confusing. As we mentioned earlier, it is important to choose a reliable brand. Look for organic hemp oil products, non-GMO, independently tested and broad spectrum .
