Everything You Need to Know About Using CBD Oil

June 19, 2018 Health & Fitness

using cbd oil

These days it seems everyone is talking about using CBD oil.

There’s a good reason for this, as CBD oil has many health benefits, for both physical and mental health.

If you’re curious about the health benefits of hemp oil or want to know how and when to take it – read on!

All About CBD Oil

You’ve been hearing about CBD oil for a while now.

Maybe you’re still unclear on what health issues it can help with, exactly what it is, and if it is legal.

Well, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at this little miracle.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an extract from the hemp plant. It doesn’t give users the mind-altering ‘high’ associated with marijuana. The marijuana extract responsible for a psychotropic high is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Not only will CBD not get you high, it has in fact been shown to reduce that effect if combined with THC use.

CBD oil is extracted from the buds and flowers of hemp plants. It is currently legal in 30 states where medicinal marijuana is legal – but make sure you double-check your local laws.

How Does it Work?

Humans naturally produce cannabinoids. They are hormones that work in a key-and-lock system with body receptors.

When people use CBD oil, cannabinoids trigger the body’s natural endocannabinoid hormone system. They also increase the body’s own production of cannabinoids.

We have receptors in the immune system as well as in the brain. CBD oil can increase the brain’s ability to coordinate movement, manage pain, process memory and emotion.

Receptors in the immune system, once triggered, reduce inflammation to speed up the body’s ability to heal. This is true for neuron damage as well as skin damage.

What is it Used For?

As it targets the brain as well as the immune system, CBD oil has many applications. It has been shown to be effective for:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Skin conditions such as burns or cold sores
Chronic Pain
Epilepsy
Cancer
Arthritis
Dementia

Physical Effects of Using CBD Oil

The physical effects of CBD oil are wide-ranging. It works not only by directly triggering the body but by increasing the body’s own production of cannabinoids.

This creates a positive feedback loop and fast results. A brief list of just some of the effects of CDB follows.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

As CBD reduces inflammation, it has many applications. Diseases as diverse as arthritis, dementia, diabetes and chronic pain have inflammation in common.

Neuronal Effects

From epilepsy to multiple sclerosis, illnesses connected to damaged neurons can see a great result from CBD oil. It halts damage to neurons and in some studies is seen to trigger the body’s own healing ability.

It helps MS sufferers to improve motor abilities and greatly reduces seizures in epilepsy patients.

Pain Relief

CBD oil has been shown to reduce pain in two ways. It reduces the swelling or inflammation triggering pain response. It also lessens the brain’s sensitivity to chronic pain.

The biggest benefit of CBD over other pain relief medication is that is is not addictive. Addiction to pain medication is a growing issue in places like the US. The terrific advantage of CBD oil is that it gives natural, non-addictive pain relief.

Improved Memory Storage and Retrieval

Sufferers of PTSD can struggle to benefit from therapy as accessing their traumatic memories is painful and frightening. CBD triggers the body’s storage and retrieval of memories.

Hemp oil also relaxes the patient and increases their ability to replace the fear response to a trauma with a new learning, dramatically increasing the effectiveness of talk-therapies.

Promising Effects for Cancer Patients

Recent experiments have shown hemp oil might block cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body. It also reduces its invasion in a localized area.

It seems to increase the death rate of cancer cells and suppress their growth.

It has further benefits to cancer patients due to its low toxicity, pain relief, and effect on nausea.

A Natural Sleep Aid

Cannabidiol is a sleep aid. This has applications for those with anxiety, chronic pain and other illnesses that impact on their ability to sleep.

We now know that sleep is critical for the body’s healing mechanisms.

That means that when we use CBD oil as a sleep aid it has the double impact of relaxing us and helping the body to heal itself.

How is it Taken?

Hemp oil can be used as drops on the tongue, your evening cup of tea, or in food. It can be applied topically to skin concerns.

Some companies sell CBD oil as an inhalant for vaping. It is even sold in capsule form.

Start with some internet research on your particular health concern to see what other users recommend. Dosage and application will vary between illnesses, and even between people.

Some people need to use much more or less of the medicine than others to see results.

Is Using CBD Oil Safe?

CDB Oil is non-addictive and has an extremely low rate of overdose. This makes it much safer than many over-the-counter medications.

But there are still some things to be careful of.

Many uses of CDB oil still require further research. The quick growth in the industry also means that it is largely unregulated.

That means that concentrations can change greatly from one product or brand to another.

It’s a good idea to find a medical doctor (MD) who supports the use of medical marijuana to have them recommend the type, brand, and dosage for your health concern. They can then monitor your usage and it’s impact and calibrate it accordingly.