6 Benefits and Uses Of CBD Oil
CBD oil i’m sure you have already heard is the new craze which i’m pretty sure is one to stay. There has been a mind shift from the traditional way of thinking of CBD to a more holistic wellness approach taking into consideration it’s vast benefits.
So lets go back to the basics, what is CBD? Known as cannabidiol, it is one over over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. THS is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and causes the sensation of getting ‘high’ thats often associated with marijuana.However unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with an oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
The qualities of CBD oil make it very attractive for people suffering with chronic pain and anxiety, as well as the scientific evidence behind it.
#1 Can relieve pain
Marijuana has been used as far back as 2900 B.C. to treat pain, only recently have we really discovered that certain components such as CBD are responsible for pain-relieving effects.
ECS (endocannabinoid system) is a system within our bodies which regulated functions such as sleep, apetite, pain and immune system response. Our body produces endocannabinois which are neurotransmitters which bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD can impact endocannabinoid receptor activity and result in reduced inflammation and reduced chronic pain. Studies have also shown that it can help with pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis, Sativex has shown to help.
#2 May reduce acne
CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities and can control the overproduction of sebum which can lead to beneficial effects on acne. One study found CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, possessed anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of acne agents like inflammatory cytokines.
#3 Could benefit heart health
Studies have shown that CBD may help in the heart in several ways, including decreasing blood pressure and preventing heart damage. Studies have suggested that stress and anxiety reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to lower blood pressure.
One study treated nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.
#4 Can reduce anxiety and depression
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, due to CBD being able to ac on the brains’s receptors for serotonin (regulates mood and social behaviour). Anxiety and depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache, with medications like benzodiazepines also being addictive. Due to these side effects many people have gravitated to natural approaches such as CBD.
#5 Can alleviate cancer-related symptoms
Alot more research is needed in regards to this, but so far all the research points to reduction in symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting and pain, aswell as possible cancer-fighting properties, more research is needed to assess its efficacy and safety. A study showed those treated with an extract containing both CBD and THC compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC extract. Another study showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice. Good to read up on the benefits and side effects shown through various research.
#6 May have neuroprotective properties
There is limited research at this time, but CBD has shown to ease symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. CBD was also shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. One study found that Sativex reduced spasms in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis who were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications. Another study have shown that treatment with CBD improved quality of life and sleep quality for people with Parkinson’s disease. It is important to note that some people in both these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever and fatigue.
Chocolate Hazelnut CBD Dessert Balls
I n r e d i e n t s
1 cup Medjool dates
1/4 cup raw hazelnuts
1.5 tbsp cacao powder
2 tsps Cannabidiol Blend/CBD oil
1/4 cup Finely chopped hazelnuts
P r e p a r a t i o n
Add Medjool dates, raw hazelnuts, cacao powder, and the
Cannabidiol blend/CBD oil to a food processor and blend for approximately 90 seconds or until mixture forms into a ball.
Form dough into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball through the finely chopped hazelnuts until evenly coated. Gently press chopped hazelnuts into the ball so they stay in place.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!