As CBD oil gets a foothold in the spotlight with more brands and celebrities proclaiming its advantages, it raises the question: what exactly is it, and what exactly can it assist in?
CBD (cannabidiol) oil has recently made its way into the mainstream. In the words of the Cannabis Trades Association UK, the number of users has dramatically increased, going up from 125,000 users in 2017 to 250,000 by 2018. Attracting the attention of a variety of industries ranging from cosmetics to medicine, why has there been an upswing in CBD oil and products?
One of the major reasons for the rise of CBD oil is believed to be due to recent research and studies which have revealed its advantages, including stress and anxiety relief, as well as promoting better sleep. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD may have beneficial effects in treating symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, MS, cancer and diabetic issues and also anxiety, pain and depression. It is now becoming more popular with people who are looking for products that can ease inflammation and joint pain, as well as other symptoms and conditions.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol is one of 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis and hemp plants. A naturally occurring substance that can be extracted and mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp or coconut seed to make CBD oil.
Having no narcotic effect (none of the euphoric highs associated with Cannabis and THC – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is believed to have a range of health benefits. It is legal to buy and utilize in the UK so long as it does not contain any THC, CBD is now more readily available in the form of an oil, within beauty products, chocolate, and as a topical ointment.
As an alternative or complementary therapy for thousands of years, medical studies have only recently begun identifying the possible benefits and negative effects using CBD oil. While it is believed to possess powerful therapeutic properties, researchers are still looking for evidence to support or refute certain claims about CBD oil. CBD oil.
What can CBD oil aid with?
Skin issues
Initial studies suggest that skincare products containing CBD oil may be able of helping combat the symptoms of skin such as Psoriasis and eczema. Creams for skin that contain CBD have also shown success in combating oily skin and acne. Experts do warn that the amount of CBD oil could influence how much of an impact these products can produce, with many stating the need for further research in order to fully comprehend the extent to the extent that CBD may affect skin related illnesses.
Stress, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia
According to a YouGov study, 74% of UK adults are overwhelmed or are unable to manage due to stress. There are a variety of symptoms, from general feelings of anxiety to sleeplessness and muscle tension, some experts have attributed recent increases in the demand for CBD products to the growing desire to find alternatives or other methods of relaxing and unwinding. When we spend a lot of time staring at screens, 30 percent of us are said to suffer from insomnia.
CBD oil is believed to aid users in achieving a more restful night sleep, increasing the total amount of sleep and reducing sleepiness. The research has shown that CBD might interact with serotonin (which plays a significant role in our mood and anxiety) and GABA (calming excessive activity and encouraging relaxation) receptors. However, the research needs to be further. Thought to be due to CBD’s anti-anxiety properties CBD helps to relax, which allows for a more restful nights sleep.
The majority of evidence regarding CBD’s effect on anxiety comes from animal studies. While more human trials are needed but some preliminary studies have indicated that CBD may have positive effects on helping reduce social anxiety. Additional studies have looked into the antidepressant effects CBD could bring to individuals with studies showing improvement in the symptoms of people experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic anxiety disorder).
Treatment of pain
Many people have reported the beneficial effects CBD oil has on combatting chronic pain as well as workout related aches and discomfort. Overall, the scientific community have declared that there should more thorough studies to better understand the risks associated with CBD oil. Before making use of CBD oil for managing pain, it’s advised to seek advice from a doctor.
Research has suggested that CBD could help those affected by arthritis to assist in managing their pain. According to studies, patients showed a significant drop in both inflammation and the signs of pain without any additional negative side effects. A small number of studies have also found that that CBD may be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation.
Research has also suggested that CBD may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Numerous studies have proven that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid systems in many organs throughout the body. helping to systemically reduce inflammation.
Stop smoking
According to a study from 2013, CBD may be an effective method of reducing or even stopping smoking. The study found it was true that when CBD was utilized as a component of an inhaler, the participants cut down on the number of cigarettes they used to smoke each day by 40 percent.
How do I use CBD?
CBD can be utilized in a number of different ways. It’s available in a range of products, the most commonly used ways that people make use of CBD products include:
Cosmetics and products for beauty – A wide range of body and cosmetic products focused on the benefits from CBD is now on sale. From online to the high-street in stores such as Holland & Barrett, these products include body washes with refreshing scents which claim to help energise and hydrate, body oils to calm and stimulate; moisturisers to help with dry skin as well with balms for the muscles for relaxation.
Oils – Available for purchase on the street and online, CBD oils ranging from as little as 33% concentration of cannabidiol between 1% and 11% can be accessible from the main street. Most commonly, you can take them orally by placing the CBD in your mouth for a few seconds prior to swallowing, topical oils and ointments are also available. It is also possible to add it to water, purchased as capsules, and sprayed directly on the tongue or bought by liquid in vape products.
Although a variety of forms of CBD are available to purchase in health stores, it is worth noting that the majority studies that praised the advantages of CBD concentrated on using CBD oil, not as part of a beauty product.
Does CBD have any negative side effects?
Potentially. A few studies have indicated CBD oil consumption could cause changes in appetite and mood. Other potential side-effects can include dizziness, feeling tired, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Although there aren’t many users who report negative side-effects, experts have said there are a need for long-term effects of CBD to be examined since certain areas (such as hormone-related effects) are not yet studied.
While the media has frequently promoted the use of CBD oil for children experiencing seizures as well in a variety of other conditions experts currently do not recommend CBD oil in children. This is due to the lack of research into CBD oil and most studies focusing on the impact it could be having on adults, rather than the children’s developing brains. For similar reasons, it is generally not recommended to combine with breastfeeding or to use whilst pregnant.
Although CBD is believed to be beneficial and has proven beneficial for users in many different areas but more research is required to understand the benefits it may have in the short- and long-term. If you are experiencing any medical issues or concerns It is strongly advised to consult an expert in medicine or a doctor prior to beginning alternative therapies. It is recommended to use complementary therapies in addition to (rather than instead of) other methods of treatment advised by specialists.
