Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oils

Despite increased attention, little is known about CBD by the wider public. What is CBD? How does it work? Is it a form of cannabis? And what are the potential downsides? Rarely, if ever, are these questions explored.

This article will explain the underlying science behind CBD oils – so you know exactly what you’re using.

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a chemical component of cannabis plants. There are two primary compounds of interest in cannabis: THC and CBD.

THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component – this will get you high. Cannabidiol, however, does not have psychoactive properties. Over generations of plants, marijuana farmers selectively bred their plants for high levels of CBD. On the other hand, hemp farmers – a similar species to cannabis – contains substantially less THC but plenty of CBD.

To be permitted, a CBD oil must contain less than 0.3% THC. So, it won’t get you high. You’ll just get the other phenomenal benefits.

How does CBD work?

Like all medications and drugs, CBD relies on an existing bodily system: the endocannabinoid system. It contains two receptors:

• – CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, and coordinate movement, emotion, pain, appetite, thinking, memories, and more.

• – CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system, regulating inflammation and pain. Where THC firmly attaches to the CB1 receptors, only CBD stimulates them. This leads to the production of the body’s own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids – producing the many effects.

   

 

What are CBD oils?

When extracted from hemp, CBD is produced as an oil. The extraction process uses the flowers and buds of hemp. That’s where the oil is contained. Pure CBD oil is rare, however. Most of the time, CBD is diluted with a carrier oil, like hemp seed oil or coconut oil.

The relative ratio of carrier oil to CBD oil produces its potency. The more CBD oil, the greater the effect.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

The sheer range of potential treatments is staggering. It includes:

• – Chronic or arthritic pain

• – Anxiety and depression

• – Sleep problems

• – Migraine and other headaches

• – Post-traumatic stress disorder

– Cancer – Epilepsy and other seizure disorders – Parkinson’s disease
– Asthma and other atopic disorders
– Multiple sclerosis

Below we’ll cover the most well-evidenced treatment areas on the list. 

1. Pain relief

CBD is increasingly recognised as a key remedy for chronic pain and inflammation. For conditions like arthritis, CBD could prove a reliable and effective treatment.

Already studies are showing the potential benefit. In one study, CBD applied to skin reduced inflammatory skin disease and scarring. Meanwhile, a 2018 study in mouse, found CBD prevented the release of pro- inflammatory compounds.

2. Neuroprotective properties

Perhaps the most noteworthy potential treatment is epilepsy. As mentioned, the FDA approved Epidiolex for epilepsy in 2018.

In fact, it’s not just epilepsy – a whole host of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, see significant improvements from CBD oil.

In MS patients, CBD oil reduced muscle spasms – a painful symptom – by 75 per cent in people resistant to spasticity medications. Another study found just 2 to 5 grams of CBD oil per kg of body weight alleviated seizures by 36.5 per cent in severe epileptics.

Not only does CBD oil cause a drastic reduction in symptoms, but it also lacks many of the severe side effects of current treatments.

3. Alleviate anxiety

One of the most common uses of CBD has been for mental health. Commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals often cause drowsiness, insomnia, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. So, even as your mood lifts, it still feels like you’re living in a fog.

CBD oil is a potential lifeline.

In a study comparing oral CBD to a placebo, Brazilian men reported significantly less anxiety after taking CBD 90 minutes before a public speaking test. There is also limited but growing evidence that CBD has anti- depressive properties.

4. Healthier heart

As if that wasn’t enough, CBD also benefits the heart and circulatory system. Primarily, CBD oil works to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is a cause of stroke, heart attack, and numerous other disorders. But, as current research shows, people treated with CBD oil report substantial declines in their blood pressure compared to placebo.

Even more impressive – CBD reduces arterial stiffness, thereby improving blood flow and preventing ruptures.

What are the downsides of CBD oil?

As the list of benefits grows by the day, it’s hard not to consider CBD oil a panacea. Is there anything this wonder treatment can’t help?

Well, as with everything in life, CBD oil isn’t perfect (even if it’s pretty amazing).

First, you should never use CBD oil during pregnancy. It’s widely believed that marijuana use during pregnancy can affect neurodevelopment. With little information about the safety of CBD, it’s better to stay clear.

For everyone else: possible side effects include:

• – Changes in alertness

• – Gastrointestinal problems and appetite loss

• – Liver damage

• – Mood changes, e.g., irritability

• – Male fertility decline

There’s efficacy

also the problem of products flooding the market. These cheap, inferior CBD oils often lack the of their competition.

That’s why the CBD oils sold here at made from the finest quality CBD oil, extracted from CBD-rich hemp grown in the USA. No hidden ingredients. No weak, watered-down CBD oil. Just a remarkable product that works.

If you’re interested in trying CBD oil, check out our latest selection of flavours, including apple, vanilla, and peppermint.