CBD oil is the latest trend in healthcare promising to be a cure for everything from acne to anxiety. For instance, there is CBD tea that helps with anxiety and even depression too. The more natural’ origins of the treatment are appealing to many who are looking to reduce pharmaceutical drug use and the possible side effects these bring, such as risks including addiction and allergies. Everywhere you look you see countless adverts discussing pricing options, combinations, and benefitsbut is this newest trend everything it promises to be? To help you learn more, we have put together the pros and cons of CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
Put simply, CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabinoids, which are found in the cannabis plant. CBD oils are oils containing varying concentrations of this compound.
Is it the same as marijuana?
When someone mentions cannabis, marijuana is the natural first thought. The substances are different, however, due to the combinations of compounds contained. The most famous compound found in the cannabis plant is inarguable delta – 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is the active ingredient in marijuana and creates a mind-altering high’ if ingested through food or smoke. This is due to the THC compound breaking down when it is consumed, or heat is applied.
CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and so did not affect the state of mind of the user. Instead, it attaches to specific receptors in the body, known as cannabinoids.’ These come in two forms:
- The first is CB1 receptors, which are found throughout the body and mainly in the brain. These deal with coordination and movement, emotions, mood, pain, memories, and appetites.
- CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system and affect inflammation and pain. Though research is still ongoing, the suggestion is that CBD encourages the body to use more of its own cannabinoids, helping with pain relief and other benefits.
The Pros
CBD oil can fight pain and inflammation
CBD oil has been linked to pain relief in migraines, arthritis, and even cancer, as well as reducing inflammation of joints and other body parts.
It can help with anxiety and depression
A range of research has shown that while the THC compound can increase anxiety, CBD can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, allowing sufferers to live a normal life. You can click here to find out more about reducing stress with CBD oil.
It can help with autoimmune disorders
Most autoimmune disorders have their origins in inflammation of joints of organs, and so CBD can help to reduce the symptoms and pain of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The Cons
It may interfere with other medications
Some early research suggests that CBD oil can impact the effectiveness of other drugs and medicines, causing unwanted side effects or even invalidating the benefits of meds.
More research is needed
While there are undeniable benefits to CBD oil, it is important to remember that most research thus far has been conducted on rats as opposed to humans.
No THC
This can be a bonus, as it prevents any mind-altering impacts. However, THC can be beneficial in treating seizures, which CBD is not; it may even interfere with anti-seizure medications.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Thank you for sharing!