As CBD oil moves firmly into the spotlight, with more products and celebrities proclaiming the benefits of CBD oil, it raises the question: what exactly is it and what exactly can it assist with?
CBD (cannabidiol) oil is now exploding into the mainstream. As per the Cannabis Trades Association UK, the number of users has drastically increased, shooting up from 125,000 in 2017 to 250,000 by 2018. Gaining the attention of numerous industries , from cosmetics to medicine Why has there been an upswing in CBD oil and products?
One of the primary reasons for the rise of CBD oil is believed to be thanks to the latest research and studies highlighting its benefits, including anxiety and stress relief as well as helping to promote 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, as well as pain, anxiety, and depression. It is now becoming more popular among those looking for products to ease inflammation and joint pain, amongst other conditions and symptoms.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of 104 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are found in hemp and cannabis plants. It is a naturally occurring chemical that can be extracted and then mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seeds 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 for use and consumption in the UK in the event that it does not contain any THC. CBD is becoming increasingly available as an oil in beauty products, chocolate, and as a topical ointment.
Utilized as an supplement or alternative therapy over a number of thousands of years, research studies are only just beginning to identify the potential benefits and adverse effects using CBD oil can have. Although it is believed to possess powerful therapeutic properties, researchers are still looking to disprove or prove several of the claims made about the use of CBD oil.
What is it that CBD oil aid with?
Skin problems
Early studies have suggested skincare products that contain the best CBD oil might be able to help combat some skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Facial moisturisers containing CBD have also had success combatting oily skin and acne. Experts do warn that the strength of CBD oil may affect how much effect these products be able to have, and many experts insist that more research is needed to fully understand the magnitude to which CBD could impact skin-related illnesses.
Stress as well as anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia
According to one YouGov study 74% of UK adults are overwhelmed or unable to cope because of stress. With symptoms that range from anxiety-like feelings to trouble sleeping and muscle tension, experts attribute recent spikes in sales of CBD products to our rising desire to find alternative or complementary methods to relax and unwind. After a long day of looking at screens, approximately 30 percent of us are said to be suffering from insomnia.
CBD oil is thought to aid users in achieving an easier night’s sleep, enhancing the overall amount of rest and decreasing sleepiness. Studies have revealed that CBD may interact with our serotonin (which plays a significant role in our mood as well as anxiety) as well as GABA (calming overactivity and aiding in relaxation) receptors, though further studies are still needed. The reason for this is thought to be the anti-anxiety effects of CBD, CBD can help relax you, making it possible you to sleep more peacefully. sleeping.
So far, most evidence on CBD’s effects in reducing anxiety has been derived from animal studies. While more human trials are needed in general, some early trials have shown that CBD could be beneficial in helping reduce social anxiety. Additional studies have looked into the antidepressant effects CBD could have on people, with trials showing an improvement in symptoms of those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Management of pain
Many individuals report the positive effect CBD oil has in reducing chronic pain as well as workout related aches and discomfort. In general the scientific community has stated that there must be more extensive studies to better understand the security of CBD oil. Before using CBD oil for pain management, it is advised to seek advice from a medical professional.
Studies have indicated that CBD could have a positive impact for sufferers of arthritis to assist in managing their pain. According to research, participants saw a significant reduction in both inflammation and signs of pain. There were no additional negative side negative effects. A few studies have also suggested that that CBD can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain.
Research has also suggested that CBD may have anti-inflammatory benefits. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CBD works with the endocannabinoid systems in many organs in the body, helping to systemically reduce inflammation.
Stop smoking
According to a study from 2013, CBD may be an effective tool for reducing or stopping smoking. The study found how, when CBD was utilized as a component of an inhaler, the participants reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked each day by 40%.
How do I use CBD?
CBD can be used in many different ways. There are a myriad of products, the most commonly used ways that people utilize CBD products are:
Cosmetics and products for beauty – There are a variety of beauty and body products designed around the advantages of CBD is now on sale. From online to high-street at stores like Holland & Barrett, these products include refreshing body washes which claim to help energise and hydrate the body; oils for the body to stimulate and relax; intense moisturisers for dry skin; as well in balms for muscles to relax.
Oils – Can be purchased over the counter or online, CBD oils ranging from to as low as 3% concentrations of cannabidiol up to 11% are accessible from the main street. Most commonly, you can take them orally by placing the CBD underneath your tongue for a few seconds prior to swallowing, topical oils and ointments are also available. It can also be added to water, purchased as capsules, sprayed directly beneath your tongue. It can also be purchased by liquid in vape products.
While a wide variety of CBD are available to purchase from health shops It is important to note that the vast majority of clinical trials hailing the advantages of CBD concentrated on using CBD oil rather than as an ingredient in a beauty product.
Does CBD have any negative side effect?
Potentially. A few studies have indicated CBD oil usage can cause changes in appetite and mood. Other potential side-effects can include dizziness, feeling sleepy nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. While some users do not report adverse side effects, experts have highlighted that there is a need for long-term effects of CBD to be researched in certain aspects (such the effects on hormones) have yet to be examined.
Although the media has heavily promoted the use of CBD oil to treat children with seizures as in a variety of other disorders, experts do not currently suggest CBD oil use for children. This is because of the limited research into CBD oil which has the majority of studies focused on the effects it may be having on adults, rather than the developing brains of children. Similar to this, it is not advised to mix with breastfeeding or to use whilst pregnant.
Although CBD is believed to be beneficial and has proven beneficial for users from a variety of fields, more research is still required to better understand the effects it can have both in the short and long term. If you are experiencing any problems or medical conditions It is strongly recommended to speak with an expert medical professional or doctor prior to beginning alternative therapies. The use of complementary therapies should be as an addition to (rather than in place of) other methods of treatment that are recommended by medical professionals.