CBD oil, its benefits and virtues
CBD: Healing Potential for Body and Mind
Initially discovered in 1940 by the American chemist Adams R. through the isolation of a molecule extracted from hemp, CBD has continued to attract the attention of scientific committees until today, where it is considered a product in its own right, with which numerous tests and therapeutic trials are carried out for medical purposes. Indeed, hemp is a species of plant belonging to the cannabinoid family cultivated in many countries around the world, according to strict regulations. The main hemp-growing countries are India, Germany, the USA, Canada, China, and, of course, France. Hemp cultivation is explained by the use of its seeds and fibres, which give rise to a range of diverse products such as rope, fabrics, textiles, or even cosmetic and food products.
Composition & effects
Besides its resistant and long-lasting side, CBD is appreciated for its medicinal benefits, which exclude the psychoactive side found in THC and which allow one to approach a state of relief from daily ailments through a more natural method, free from chemical medicinal treatments. Note that in addition to cannabidiol, the hemp plant also contains other cannabinoids such as cannabinol, cannabigerol, terpenes, and flavonoids. These are also the subjects of several studies and scientific research in order to clarify their functioning in the human body.
Available in different forms
The CBD extraction process allows for the production of various products in varying dosages and forms: capsules, oils, resins, e-liquids, cosmetics, flowers, infusions, and even certain food products. Thus, the commercialisation of cannabidiol allows a wide range of consumers to use it, according to their preferences and needs.
In short, modern hemp research has revealed that it's a versatile plant from which molecules devoid of psychoactive compounds can be extracted. CBD is the one that stands out, thanks to its medicinal potential to relieve various health conditions such as pain, stress, sleep disorders, and diseases with inflammatory symptoms.
What are the properties of CBD products, including cannabidiol oil?
CBD has become popular across the globe for the multitude of positive effects it has on our health, both physiologically and mentally. Indeed, some patients are quick to take the plunge and change their medication intake in favour of this cannabidiol-based oil, renowned for its many benefits.
Alleviate sleep disturbances
According to scientists, sleep is essential for maintaining and/or restoring a human being's life balance. It is during the night that various essential processes take place, such as cell regeneration, mood regulation, muscle tissue repair, hormonal release, and more. It is easy to understand that sleep plays a central role in an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health. And yet, more than 30% of French people feel they have problems during their nighttime rest. Among them, 17% of women and 9% of men are affected by chronic insomnia! Many medications available on the market can reduce the risk of insomnia but cause numerous long-term side effects: addiction, hepatotoxicity, weakening of the renal system, etc.
This is where CBD oil comes in! With its low THC content (or even total absence in the composition of some oils), it acts on the neurotransmitters responsible for the cognitive system and helps to chase away nervousness, calm the mind, and stimulate the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. In addition, CBD helps to better regulate sleep cycles so that they are of better quality, deeper, and more relaxing. Finally, some studies prove that consuming CBD oil would be beneficial for people prone to the effects of jet lag in the event of changes in the internal clock (travel abroad, business trips, etc.).
An alternative to stress and anxiety
There are two uncomfortable mental states: stress and anxiety. Stress is the body's response to an event or person it considers a threat or danger. In a stressful situation, the body will release so-called "survival" hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to prepare the individual to react quickly. Anxiety is more commonly considered an emotional state that a person feels when faced with an anticipated fear; anxiety is generally accompanied by other feelings such as anguish, nervousness, or worry.
France is one of the leading countries in terms of anxiolytic consumption worldwide, second only to the United States. Here again, this class of medications, including benzodiazepines, causes a weakening of the organ system, particularly in the long term after regular use for several years. To reduce the need for chemical treatment and allow your body to regain some serenity, it is recommended to try CBD oil.
Cannabidiol affects the endocannabinoid system, one of whose roles is to regulate the body's response to stress. CBD acts on CB1 and CB2 receptors to better equip the body against panic attacks. A natural anxiolytic, it allows users to gain perspective on a situation, providing calm and serenity.
An ally against skin problems
Acne, rosacea, eczema, dryness, and itching are common conditions affecting individuals. They are the result of various organic disorders such as hormonal imbalances, the use of comedogenic cosmetics, excess dietary fat and inflammatory foods, or regular exposure to a polluted environment. While cosmetics can alleviate skin problems, provided you select organic products or those made with naturally sourced ingredients, their use can be complemented by the use of CBD oil, an active ingredient for treating skin disorders.
Indeed, in the context of psoriasis, cannabidiol oil reduces the excessively rapid rate of cell renewal, which causes itching and redness. Acne, which affects 8 out of 10 adolescents, is a skin condition that can be soothed by the use of CBD oil, which effectively reduces sebum secretion, responsible for the obstruction of sebocyte ducts. Its use can be combined with medical treatment such as an anti-inflammatory cream or retinoids. Against eczema, CBD oil is an ally to soothe itching thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol as well as to reduce the hypersecretion of sebum. In short, through direct application to the areas of the skin affected by the disease, the effective action of CBD oils is recommended as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
An effective fight against pain
Nowadays, in order to limit the consumption of painkillers and other medical treatments that are harmful to the body, the healthcare system is beginning to embrace more natural methods such as the use of CBD. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cannabidiol against chronic pain, including pain of inflammatory origin. This implies that some patients using powerful painkillers such as opiates could see this as an opportunity to treat their ailments without destroying their immune, liver, and kidney systems.
This new approach is becoming more widespread for patients with chronic, painful conditions such as cancer, Crohn's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis, initially as a complement to medical treatment. CBD oil can also be useful in more traditional cases such as menstrual pain, muscle fatigue, migraines, and osteoarthritis.
CBD: A Treatment for Epilepsy?
Although these are only hypotheses for the moment, cannabidiol may have anti-epileptic properties. An American study including children with epilepsy showed that after 3 months of treatment with CBD, nearly 40% of subjects experienced a halving of epileptic seizures. Better still, it is estimated that 8.75 patients out of 10 could experience an improvement in their health after regular monitoring for 4 months with administration of 200 to 300mg/day of cannabidiol. Enough to give a little hope to patients and the medical profession!
CBD Oil: Should We Fear Side Effects?
Although CBD is a natural method to combat various daily disorders such as pain, stress, or insomnia, improper use of the oil can cause various side effects such as:
- Dry mouth, that is, a decrease in saliva production, which gives a "pasty" effect in the mouth.
- A state of drowsiness accompanied by fatigue and dizziness.
- Digestive disorders such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or nausea.
- A decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to a feeling of dizziness or even faintness.
It is advisable to start with a minimal dosage of CBD, considering the cannabidiol concentration rate, your age, your weight, and your health needs. A low dosage of between 5 mg and 10 mg per day is sufficient for several weeks to observe the impact of the product on your body. Gradually, it is possible to increase the doses between 10 mg and 30 mg per day up to 60 mg, or even more, as long as the THC level remains below 0.3% per product. In certain cases of serious illnesses, CBD is included in the list of ingredients of medications such as Epidiolex, which can only be taken with a medical prescription. Although CBD is suitable for all types of consumers adults, children or the elderly, it is best to consult a medical professional to ensure that you do not take any risks for your health.
