With today‘s evolving medical science, CBD (Cannabidiol) oil, an extract from the cannabis plant, can also help treat health problems. It is used in many forms and is effective for many issues. But one must use it based on dosages as anything in excess is not advisable. Here are some things that should be kept in mind before one thinks to buy CBD oil.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is one of the components present in a cannabis plant. The other component present is delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is also the plant’s active component. THC is what has that psychoactive effect after the component enters the body. Whereas CBD, in contrast to THC, has no such effect, it has some medical benefits that can be used for therapeutic reasons.
The CBD is also extracted from those marihuana and hemp plants containing THC less than 0.3%. Thus the CBD oil in talking comes from the legal hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC.
Working of CBD oil
The CBD is in the form of powder or oil when extracted from cannabis plants. It is usually mixed with some other oil, such as coconut oil, for using purposes. Other than this, CBD oil can also come in gel or cream products. Many times they are also available in capsules. Thus, one can take it orally or spread and rub it on the skin. The form in which it should be used completely depends on the purpose for which it is used.
Once it enters the body, it shows the effect after it attaches itself to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors help in forming the endocannabinoid system inside the body. There are two receptors in the body:
- CB1 receptor: These receptors are present all over the body, specifically in the brain. These are to coordinate pain, emotions, thinking, mood, movement, memories, appetite, etc.
- CB2 receptors: Are present in the immune system. They are related to pain and inflammation.
CBD stimulates the working of the receptors so that they can produce their cannabinoids called endocannabinoids.
What does CBD oil do?
With time, more awareness is spreading regarding the health and medical benefits of CBD oil. Among the various uses, below are a few where the CBD oils come in use:
- Pain relief
When CBD attaches itself to the CB1 receptor of the brain, it may help control the pain, and the best results were seen in the pain and inflammation due to chemotherapy. But other than this, it can also help with pain due to arthritis, spinal cord injuries, or any other muscle pain or chronic pain.
- Anti-seizure
It is said in medical researches that CBD may also have the medical benefit of treating epilepsy. There can be a possibility that CBD may be able to reduce seizures. But before it can be recommended, researchers are working on testing how safe it is and the side effects it shows.
- Anti-acne
CBD is good for reducing inflammation; thus can be useful for acne treatment. The oil reduces sebaceous glands’ activity, whose function is to produce an oil called sebum that hydrates the skin. But too much of this oil causes acne. So, CBD reduces this sebum formation, which may help with treating acne.
- Neuroprotective
Research is going on to determine whether CBD oil can be used to help with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. It can be done through the CB1 receptors present in the brain. CBD may also help with reducing any inflammation that may make the neurodegenerative disease worse.
- Anxiety relief
CBD also seems to have the right properties to help with anxiety. Serotonin is a chemical that is related to one’s mental health. And what CBD does is change the reaction of the brain towards this chemical. It is seen that a dose of 600mg help with anxiety related to public speaking. Some studies show that it may also help improve PTSD symptoms, reduce stress, keep physiological effects in control during anxiety, and help with insomnia.
- Cancer treatment
The best use for which CBD is used in cancer treatment is to reduce the pain and inflammation and how the cell reproduces. Results have shown where CBD can reduce the reproducing ability of tumor cells, not all types but some cells. Also, there is ongoing research regarding the fact that CBD may also remove cancer treatment side effects and symptoms. And it also may be able to prevent the cell growth of cancer.
How to buy CBD oil?
CBD oil is still in its early stages, so if one gets it prescribed by their doctors, it is important to know a few things before buying it. Below are some tips that should be considered before buying it:
Know the CBD type
There are three types of CBD extract; knowing them helps in choosing the right one:
- Isolate: It is the purest form of CBD and does not contain any other hemp plant components.
- Broad Spectrum: It contains CBD along with other components except for THC. So there are no psychoactive effects from this type of CBD.
- Full Spectrum: Full spectrum has all the components, including THC. There won’t be any effects as the concentration of THC is very low. It is also preferable as it is believed that the other components may help the working of CBD.
Reason for taking it
Knowing the reason behind taking the CBD will help understand its impact on one’s body and what the expected result should be. Since it has many benefits, having a clear vision regarding why one is taking it will help narrow the effects one wants to see in their body.
CBD concentration
The CBD concentration in the products can vary from 1% to 30%. As everyone has different purposes and physiological traits, the CBD concentration varies from user to user. But it is advisable to start with a minimum dosage and, after seeing the effects increase the dosage accordingly.
Ingredients
Check all the ingredients present in the CDB product to make sure that they are suitable, and if not much is mentioned in the product, one can contact the company to get the details directly. It is always better to go for products that contain natural ingredients.
As time goes by, more and more researches are taking place to concrete the benefits of CBD oil and products to be used for different purposes. It is important to refer to doctors before using any CBD product and educate oneself concerning side effects.
