Health Benefits of CBD Oils That Are Backed by Science
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is continuously becoming a popular natural remedy for many common ailments. CBD is a plant-derived cannabinoid; it has different types of plants, such as indica or sativa. The compound has a structural similarity to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychotropic substance in cannabis that produces a euphoric high.
However, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. It is also well tolerated with a good safety profile. That’s why various brands offer high-quality cannabidiol products, such as Spruce CBD. CBD is promising in various therapeutic avenues since it’s relatively safe. For this reason, research about the compound is growing. Below are a few studies that suggest CBD oils’ purported health benefits:
Science-Backed Health Benefits of CBD Oil: CBD May Help With Anxiety
A 2019 study from The Permanente Journal suggested that cannabidiol may have therapeutic effects on anxiety and sleep. The sample is composed of 72 adults with primary concerns of anxiety or poor sleep. Within the first month of CBD administration, anxiety scores were reduced in 57 patients and remained decreased during the study duration.
Meanwhile, 48 patients had improved sleep scores within the first month. However, their scores fluctuated over time. In this review, CBD was well tolerated except by three patients. Therefore, the researcher hypothesized that CBD may hold benefits for anxiety-related disorders. Still, controlled clinical studies are required.
CBD May Help With Select Epilepsy Syndromes
In 2018, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution for the treatment of seizures related to rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
A study from the Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics stated that the results of the clinical, multicenter, and pivotal trials that led to the approval of Epidiolex were promising. However, there’s much left that needs to be examined before making definitive recommendations in clinical practice.
CBD May Help With PTSD Symptoms
Posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a condition experienced by individuals who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
A clinical study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggested that oral administration of CBD and regular psychiatric care may reduce symptoms of PTSD in adults. Furthermore, CBD may also offer relief in a subset of patients diagnosed with PTSD who reported frequent nightmares.
CBD May Help With Pain
Research conducted by Syracuse University hypothesized that psychological placebo effects and pharmacological action may drive CBD pain relief. The placebo effect is when you create a stronger connection between your brain and body and how they work together. This phenomenon may be effective in pain management.
Researchers Martin De Vita and Stephen Maisto said that they used pure CBD isolate oil in their study. Although CBD didn’t significantly reduce the pain volume, it made the pain less unpleasant.
CBD May Help With Arthritis
An animal study posted in the European Journal of Pain suggested that cannabidiol may reduce inflammation and pain-related behavior in a murine model of arthritis.
The study examined the efficacy of transdermal CBD for the reduction of pain and inflammation. A transdermal route is non-invasive, allowing individuals to self-administer. Furthermore, transdermal patches may also improve a person’s compliance.
The researchers applied 62.3mg of CBD gels per day for four consecutive days after arthritis induction in a rat model. To indicate the level of inflammation, the researchers measured the immune cell invasion and joint circumference in histological sections.
PWL or paw withdrawal latency in response to noxious heat indicated nociceptive (pain-related) sensitization. Meanwhile, exploratory behavior ensured the animal’s activity level.
The results showed that transdermal CBD gel reduced joint swelling significantly. Overall, the outcome indicated that 62.3mg of CBD gel per day were effective doses for the rat model. However, CBD didn’t alter exploratory behavior, indicating its limited effect on higher brain activity.
The data showed that topical CBD application may have therapeutic potential to relieve arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without detrimental side effects.
Still, the study involved an animal model. Therefore, it is recommended that more longitudinal studies involving human participants be conducted to determine the health benefits of cannabidiol in arthritis.
CBD May Help With Opioid Addiction
A 2020 clinical trial evaluated the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use. It also examined the quality of life indicators in patients suffering from chronic pain.
Opioids are substances that include heroin. When prescribed by a physician, opioid medication may help control acute pain, such as the pain a person experiences after a medical procedure.
The clinical trial showed that cannabidiol may reduce opioid use. CBD may also improve the chronic pain and sleep quality of people who use opioids for pain management.
Health benefits of CBD oils: Conclusion
There’s much to be learned about CBD oil and its potential benefits in easing various symptoms of different ailments. However, remember that these studies are still inconclusive.
Therefore, more longitudinal research is necessary to substantiate CBD’s therapeutic effects and its long-term safety. If you’re interested in trying CBD Oil, make sure to talk with a physician versed in cannabis use to know more about the compound and its proper dosage.
