Top 4 Health Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD is the chemical compound derived from cannabis. It’s one of the many naturally occurring chemicals found in the marijuana plants.

CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is a cell system that plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, memory and fertility. 

The ECS system works by stimulating CB1 (central nervous system) and CB2 (peripheral nervous system) cell receptors in our brain.

Through these two receptors, the ECS helps regulate functions such as appetite, immunity, inflammation, sleep, mood and pain.

Pain Relief

While more human studies are needed to substantiate this finding, some research indicates that CBD Oil may have the benefit of reducing chronic pain. 

The research noted a drop-in pain and inflammation without the side effects attributed to typical medication. 

Sometimes, we also perceive pain to be stronger. This could be out of fear of causing more damage to the area which is in pain and will probably be due to a mental impression or exaggeration imprinted in our minds. 

CBD oil can help reduce the mind and muscle tension (described below) which could help alleviate pain caused by a false perception of pain. 

Takeaway: CBD Oil can help reduce pain, or the perception of pain, by reducing inflammation and providing relief against stress or anxiety which may play up the level. 

Anxiety Relief

Research indicates CBD may help relieve anxiety. 

We all know that feeling of anxiety – the dread, sweaty palms, racing heart pounding in your chest and the feeling to run away as fast as possible. Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide and is often brought on about stress. 

For general anxiety (GAD – general anxiety disorder), it is suggested CBD oil may help reduce stress and lower the observational signs of anxiety, such as fidgeting and heart rate. 

It may also help more chronic forms of anxiety such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or even PTSD. 

It does this through stimulating neurotransmitters in your brain. CBD binds to the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor which helps control anxiety and stress. 

CBD can also help generate new neural pathways in your brain which otherwise would degenerate due to stress. What this means is, CBD acts as a positive counterbalance to the neural-damaging effects of stress and help regenerate our brains [source].

Takeaway: CBD can stimulate the neurotransmitters responsible for serotonin, which control anxiety and stress. It may also help generate new neural pathways helping your brain stay healthier and fight against degeneration. This may impact memory and recall.

Improves Skin Health

CBD may be useful for skin conditions like eczema or acne. 

As it contains anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the inflammation induced by eczema or acne and help reduce the pain associated, reducing the itchiness and therefore contributing toward healing. 

CBD oil is said to help reduce the signs of aging. As we age, our skin becomes redder, lack skin tone, and begin to wrinkle. 

CBD oil contains natural antioxidants which can help the oxidation and neutralise free-radicals helping make your skin look younger. Further, if CBD is mixed with hemp oil or another Omega rich source, the combined effect is stronger – by helping produce collagen and keeping your skin supple and soft.  

CBD oil can also help prevent your skin from producing too much natural oil – which itself is responsible for acne breakouts. 

Takeaway: CBD Oil is good for overall skin health. It contains antioxidants which can help reduce oxidative stress and decrease signs of aging. CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are not the same thing, but if taken together can further enhance the production of collagen and the look of your skin.

May support Brain Health

CBD oil can reduce inflammation and is known to interact with brain receptors (hence its ability to reduce anxiety). 

CBD has the ability to influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This ECS is a biological system in our body which is important in regulating cognitive processes, immune activity, hunger, mood, memory and pain perception. 

Research has linked CBD Oil to reduce the risk of dementia and improve the connections between brain cells (by helping form new neurons and protecting against degeneration onset by age) [source]. It could achieve this by reducing inflammation and acting as a neuroprotectant.

CBD Oil may also help against Alzheimer’s disease. Although it has not been proved conclusively anecdotal in people, CBD oil could remove the build up of the proteins which cause Alzheimers, reduce inflammation and strengthen neural connections in your brain. 

CBD Oil Side Effects

CBD Oil is usually safe, but there are side effects which should be noted before you begin to take this supplement. 

These side effects include: 

• Depression or anxiety
• Hallucinations (although in the absence of THC this should be unlikely)
• Insomnia
• Changes in mood or appetite
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Nausea or diarrhea