6 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)

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CBD oil is a popular natural remedy that is derived from cannabis plants. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the many chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in cannabis. Unlike THC, which is the main psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD does not cause a high or any mind-altering effects. Instead, CBD may have various health benefits, such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety, alleviating cancer symptoms, and more. However, CBD oil is not without side effects or risks, and it may interact with some medications or health conditions. Here are six benefits and uses of CBD oil, as well as the potential side effects and precautions you should know before using it.

 

1. May relieve pain

Cannabis has been used for pain relief for thousands of years, dating back to ancient China. Scientists believe that CBD may be one of the components responsible for the pain-relieving effects of cannabis. CBD may work by influencing the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors and molecules that regulate various functions in the body, including pain sensation, inflammation, mood, and sleep. CBD may also interact with neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells.

Several studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain in people with conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. For example, a 2020 review of 18 studies found that CBD reduced pain intensity and improved physical function in people with chronic pain. A 2021 study also found that CBD reduced pain and improved quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose, duration, and delivery method of CBD for pain relief. Additionally, CBD may not be effective for all types of pain or for everyone who uses it.

 

2. Could reduce anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have a negative impact on one's well-being and quality of life. While there are conventional treatments available, such as medication and psychotherapy, some people may look for natural alternatives or supplements to help them cope with their symptoms. CBD oil is one of the most popular options for people who suffer from anxiety or depression.

CBD oil may have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects by modulating the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, emotional processing, stress response, and social behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety disorders.

Several studies have shown that CBD oil may reduce anxiety and improve mood in people with various conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder (PD). For example, a 2019 study found that CBD reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in people with PTSD. A 2020 review also concluded that CBD has promising effects on mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

However, more research is needed to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal dose of CBD oil for anxiety and depression. Moreover, CBD oil may not be suitable for everyone who has these conditions, especially if they are taking other medications or have other health issues.

 

3. May alleviate cancer-related symptoms

Cancer is a serious disease that can cause various symptoms and side effects related to the disease itself or its treatment. These may include pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, and more. CBD oil may help alleviate some of these symptoms and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

CBD oil may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain caused by cancer or its treatment. For example, a 2018 review of 16 studies found that cannabinoids like CBD were effective in reducing cancer-related pain in adults. A 2020 study also found that CBD reduced chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in mice.

CBD oil may also have antiemetic effects that can help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by cancer or its treatment. For example, a 2017 review of 22 studies found that cannabinoids like CBD were effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in humans.

However, more research is needed to determine the best dose, delivery method, and safety of CBD oil for cancer-related symptoms. Additionally, CBD oil may not be effective for everyone who has cancer or its treatment-related symptoms.

 

4. May protect the brain and nervous system

CBD oil may have neuroprotective effects that can help protect the brain and nervous system from damage or degeneration caused by various factors such as aging, injury, infection, or disease. CBD oil may work by modulating the activity of various receptors, enzymes, and molecules involved in brain function and neuroinflammation.

CBD oil may have potential benefits for people with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. For example, a 2018 review of 36 studies found that CBD reduced seizure frequency and improved quality of life in people with treatment-resistant epilepsy. A 2019 study also found that CBD improved motor function and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CBD oil for neurological disorders. Moreover, CBD oil may have adverse effects or interactions with some medications or conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.

 

5. May support heart health

CBD oil may have cardioprotective effects that can help support heart health and prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart failure. CBD oil may work by influencing the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, vascular tone, and inflammation.

CBD oil may have potential benefits for people with high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. For example, a 2017 study found that CBD lowered blood pressure and reduced stress-induced cardiovascular response in healthy volunteers. A 2020 review also suggested that CBD may have antihypertensive effects by modulating the renin-angiotensin system, which is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dose, duration, and delivery method of CBD oil for blood pressure and heart health. Additionally, CBD oil may not be suitable for everyone who has cardiovascular conditions or takes medications that affect the heart or blood vessels.

 

6. May have other benefits

CBD oil may have other benefits that are not yet fully understood or supported by scientific evidence. Some of these potential benefits include:

- Reducing acne and improving skin health by modulating sebum production and inflammation

- Enhancing bone health and healing by stimulating bone formation and preventing bone loss

- Modulating immune function and reducing inflammation by influencing cytokine production and signaling

- Improving gut health and digestion by regulating intestinal motility and permeability

- Reducing substance abuse and addiction by modulating reward pathways and withdrawal symptoms

- Enhancing cognitive function and memory by improving neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity

However, more research is needed to verify these claims and determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal dose of CBD oil for these purposes. Moreover, CBD oil may not be effective or appropriate for everyone who seeks these benefits.

 

Side effects of CBD oil

CBD oil is generally well tolerated by most people, but it can cause some side effects, especially at high doses or in combination with other substances. Some of the possible side effects of CBD oil include:

- Dry mouth

- Drowsiness

- Fatigue

- Diarrhea

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Appetite changes

- Weight changes

- Mood changes

- Irritability

- Low blood pressure

- Lightheadedness

- Dizziness

- Liver damage

Most of these side effects are mild and transient, but some of them may be serious or persistent. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop using CBD oil and consult your doctor.

 

Precautions for using CBD oil

CBD oil is not a regulated product, which means that its quality, purity, potency, and safety may vary depending on the source, manufacturer, extraction method, and labeling. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing, buying, storing, and using CBD oil products. Some of the precautions you should take include:

- Checking the label and certificate of analysis (COA) of the product to verify its ingredients, concentration, origin, testing methods, and results

- Choosing products that are made from organic hemp grown in the US or other countries with strict regulations on cannabis cultivation

- Choosing products that use CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction methods to avoid solvents or contaminants in the final product

- Choosing products that are tested by third-party labs for potency, purity, and safety, and avoiding products that make unsubstantiated claims or promises

- Storing CBD oil products in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat, light, moisture, and children or pets

- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you find your optimal dose based on your weight, condition, tolerance, and desired effects

- Monitoring your response and adjusting your dose accordingly based on your symptoms, side effects, or interactions

- Consulting your doctor before using CBD oil if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or take any medications or supplements

 

How much CBD oil should I take?

There is no universal dose of CBD oil that works for everyone. The optimal dose of CBD oil depends on various factors such as your weight, condition, tolerance, desired effects, product type, concentration, bioavailability, and delivery method. Therefore, you should start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find your optimal dose based on your response and symptoms. You should also monitor your side effects and interactions and adjust your dose accordingly.

As a general guideline, you can use the following table to estimate your starting dose of CBD oil based on your weight and condition. However, this table is not a substitute for professional advice and should be used with caution and discretion.

 

Weight

Mild condition

Moderate condition

Severe condition

< 25 kg

4.5 mg

6 mg

9 mg

25-50 kg

6 mg

9 mg

12 mg

50-75 kg

9 mg

12 mg

18 mg

75-100 kg

12 mg

18 mg

24 mg

> 100 kg

18 mg

24 mg

36 mg

 

The table shows the approximate dose of CBD oil in milligrams (mg) per day. You can divide this dose into two or three smaller doses throughout the day, or take it as a single dose once a day. You can also adjust the dose based on the concentration and bioavailability of the product you are using. For example, if you are using a CBD oil tincture that has a concentration of 30 mg/ml and a bioavailability of 20%, you can calculate the amount of CBD oil you need to take as follows:

CBD oil dose (ml) = CBD dose (mg) / (concentration (mg/ml) x bioavailability (%))

For example, if you weigh 75 kg and have a moderate condition, your starting dose of CBD oil would be 18 mg per day. Using the formula above, you would need to take:

CBD oil dose (ml) = 18 / (30 x 0.2) = 3 ml

This means you would need to take 3 ml of CBD oil per day, which is equivalent to about half a dropper or 60 drops. You can use a dropper or a measuring spoon to measure the amount of CBD oil you need to take.

 

What happens if I take too much CBD oil?

Taking too much CBD oil may cause some unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, weight changes, mood changes, irritability, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, or liver damage. These side effects may vary in severity and duration depending on the amount of CBD oil you take, your tolerance, your metabolism, and your sensitivity.

If you experience any of these side effects after taking too much CBD oil, you should stop using it and seek medical attention if necessary. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out any excess CBD from your system. You should also avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing any tasks that require alertness or coordination until the effects wear off.

To prevent taking too much CBD oil, you should always start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find your optimal dose. You should also follow the instructions and recommendations on the product label or from your doctor. You should also avoid mixing CBD oil with alcohol or other substances that may enhance or interfere with its effects.

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