Exploring the Health Benefits of CBD Oil (cannabidiol) and its Uses
Posted by Garnett Peralta on 10th Aug 2023
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is quickly growing in popularity as a treatment for a variety of health issues. But what exactly is CBD oil and what are its benefits? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the health benefits of CBD oil.
CBD is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike the more well-known cannabinoid THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Research shows CBD has a number of therapeutic properties that can benefit your health and wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll explore the science-backed ways CBD oil may improve your health, as well as how to use it safely and effectively.
What are the Health Benefits of CBD Oil?
Research on CBD is still in its early stages. However, scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD oil may help with the following conditions:
Pain Relief
One of the studies found that cbd can help with chronic pain relief. Studies show CBD can reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. It appears to work by interacting with receptors in the brain and immune system.
CBD may be especially effective at reducing difficult to treat pain from neuropathic disorders like sciatica. In one study, oral CBD significantly reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation.
An amazing product for pain relief is the Be Relieved Pain Relief Balm with 1500mg of natural hemp extracts. This balm contains 1000mg of pure CBD and 500mg of CBG, compounds shown to significantly reduce chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and sciatica. The proprietary formula targets pain at the source by activating receptors in the brain and immune system. With fast absorption and cooling menthol, Be Relieved provides natural, potent relief without the side effects of opioids and anti-inflammatories.
Anxiety and Depression
Pharmaceutical drugs for anxiety and depression can cause unwanted side effects. Growing research suggests CBD may be a natural alternative to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
In one Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before a simulated public speaking test. The CBD group experienced significantly less anxiety, discomfort, and cognitive impairment during their speeches.
CBD’s antidepressant-like effects may also be due to its ability to boost serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression.
Epilepsy
In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD oral solution called Epidiolex for treating seizures from rare, severe forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Clinical trials found taking Epidiolex along with traditional seizure medications significantly reduced seizure frequency in affected children.
Neuroprotective Properties
Emerging research suggests CBD may protect brain cells from damage and degeneration. This could make CBD useful for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
In one study, CBD was equally or more effective than current medications at reversing signs of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. More human studies are needed to fully understand CBD’s neuroprotective effects.
Heart Health
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Growing evidence from animal and human studies shows CBD may reduce both high blood pressure and heart rate.
By reducing stress and anxiety, CBD can also help lower blood pressure. High levels of stress and anxiety are linked to hypertension.
Other Potential Benefits
Researchers are also studying if CBD can benefit patients with:
- Substance use disorders
- Diabetes
- Acne and other skin conditions
- Sleep disorders like insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Digestive issues like IBS
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Asthma
So far, results have been promising. However, most human studies investigated the effects of combining CBD with THC. More research is needed on CBD by itself.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Your body has a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate functions like sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response. The ECS produces natural chemical messengers called endocannabinoids. CBD appears to work by boosting your body’s own endocannabinoids.
CBD can also regulate key receptors in this system that influence things like pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more. For example, studies show CBD calms overactivity in key brain receptors linked to anxiety and fear.
This complex interplay between CBD and the ECS may explain why CBD appears to provide so many health benefits. There’s still much to learn about how CBD works to improve health and treat disease.
Is CBD Oil Safe? Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe. However, it can cause side effects like diarrhea, changes in appetite, fatigue, and interactions with some medications.
Taking high doses of CBD may also worsen tremors and muscle movement in Parkinson’s patients.
One safety concern is CBD products can be contaminated with harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals. That’s why it’s important to buy from reputable brands that provide third-party testing.
It’s also unclear if CBD is safe long-term since research is scarce. Animal studies suggest high doses over extended periods could cause liver damage and abnormalities in test results.
As with any supplement, it’s best to start low and increase your dosage slowly while monitoring for side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking CBD, especially if you’re on any medications where drug interactions are a concern.
What’s the Best Way to Take CBD Oil?
CBD oil can be taken in several ways:
- Oral tinctures/drops** - The most popular method. Place a few drops under the tongue and hold for 30-90 seconds before swallowing. Effects take 15-30 minutes to onset.
- Edibles - CBD gummies, chocolates, and drinks are a tasty way to take CBD, though onset takes longer.
- Capsules - Swallowing a CBD capsule provides slower, longer-lasting effects.
- Topicals - CBD creams, lotions, and balms are rubbed into the skin for localized relief. Useful for pain and skin conditions.
Oral tinctures provide the most versatility in dosing. Topicals work best for quick relief. Edibles and capsules are best for long-lasting effects throughout the day.
What’s the Recommended CBD Oil Dosage?
There are no official dosage guidelines since CBD remains unapproved by the FDA. In general, it's best to start with the lowest dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect.
Doses in studies range from as little as 2 milligrams up to hundreds of milligrams per day for chronic conditions like pain and anxiety.
For milder concerns like sleep, digestion, or overall wellness, 10-40 milligrams taken 1-3 times daily is commonly recommended. For more severe health issues, higher doses in the range of 40-300 milligrams are sometimes used.
Talk to a knowledgeable healthcare provider for personalized dosage guidance and monitoring. Pay close attention to additives in CBD products like carrier oils, flavorings, and preservatives which may affect you.
Are CBD Products Legal?
CBD products derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC are legal at the federal level. However, some states have stricter laws around CBD use. Check your state laws before purchasing CBD.
Only CBD products that have received FDA approval (like Epidiolex) can make medical claims or be sold as dietary supplements. Most CBD products haven’t been evaluated for safety or quality.
Look for products from reputable brands that conduct third-party testing. Avoid gas stations, corner stores, or other sketchy retailers.
Consult a doctor who has experience with CBD to find a high quality product that fits your health needs.
The Takeaway
Early research shows CBD holds promise for improving symptoms of many health issues like pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease, and more. Much more research in humans is still needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil.
There are also safety risks if you purchase CBD products online or from questionable sources. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD and be cautious with dosing.
When used properly, many people report CBD improves their quality of life. But speak with a healthcare professional to determine if CBD is right for you.
Key Points to Remember
- CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis shown to have therapeutic benefits for many health conditions.
- Studies suggest CBD may help with chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more.
- CBD appears to work by interacting with receptors in the brain and immune system.
- Taking CBD oil is generally safe, but side effects can include diarrhea, fatigue, and drug interactions.
- Oral tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals are some of the ways to take CBD oil.
- Speak with a doctor experienced in CBD use to determine the best dosage and product for your needs.
- Make sure any CBD products you use are high quality and come from a reputable source.
Why BeMavic
BeMavic offers a wide range of premium CBD products to promote whole body health and wellness. Soothe sore muscles with the fast-acting Be Relieved Pain Relief Balm containing 1000mg of CBD. Support calm, focus and recovery with the different variety of CBD Oral Oil Drops available in soothing peppermint vanilla to nourish your skin inside out. Citrus Ginger for an immune boost and Peppermint Vanilla for an amazing nights sleep! Reveal radiant, healthy-looking skin with the nourishing CBD Skin care line, including Be Fresh Manaku Honey face wash, Be Beautiful Age Defying Cream, and Be rejuvenated Exfoliating scrub.
BeMavic carefully crafts their CBD formulations using organically grown hemp and other clean, plant-based ingredients. Their wide selection allows you to experience the benefits of CBD for muscle relief, skin care, health and wellness and more. With BeMavic's commitment to quality and innovation, you can trust their products to help you look and feel your absolute best, naturally. Discover the all-natural difference CBD can make with BeMavic.