What CBD Oil Actually Does

The popularity of CBD oil has grown tremendously recently. But what kind of oil is it and – more importantly – what do you use it for?

CBD, in full cannabidiol, is an active ingredient extracted from leaves and flower buds of industrial hemp (fiber hemp), a hemp variety that is legally grown. It is sold as a dietary supplement, in the form of oil and capsules, and as a component of other products, for example skin care products.

Massive media attention

The oil received massive attention in 2013 when CNN aired a now legendary documentary about a three-year-old American girl with epilepsy. Charlotte Figi suffered from severe seizures (up to 200 per week) from her first months of life and largely got rid of them with CBD oil. Since then, parents from home and abroad are looking for good CBD oil.

What does CBD oil do?

Epilepsy patients are not the only ones who claim to benefit from the oil. Although not everything has been scientifically established, according to users the oil offers support with many physical and mental complaints. Think of stress-related complaints, problems sleeping in or through the night, mood swings during and after the transition, depression and various pain symptoms. Also people with ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, migraines and rheumatic complaints report more positive experiences with CBD oil. There is no scientific evidence yet that the oil cures conditions. However, it can help to reduce symptoms caused by certain medications. In any case, many doctors are enthusiastic about its therapeutic effects.

Anxiety and stress

One of the most well-known uses of CBD oil is for relief of stress and anxiety symptoms. In 2011, scientists published an article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology following a study on the relationship between CBD and social anxiety disorders. It suggested that CBD may provide relief to people with anxiety disorders. Another study from the same year found that preventive administration of CBD to public speakers significantly reduced their anxiety, stress and feelings of discomfort.

Relief from pain

CBD oil is regularly used by people with pain conditions, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (especially fibromyalgia) and osteoarthritis. A study with laboratory animals (2012) showed that CBD can suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Tests on mice in 2005 have shown that CBD can have a positive effect on osteoarthritis. Much research on humans has not yet been done, but it seems likely that CBD acts on cannabinoid receptors, causing the nervous system to ignore pain. The University of Nottingham conducted research and found that hemp oil not only acts on the central nervous system, thereby reducing pain, but also reduces inflammation in joints. The relaxing effect of CBD oil is also thought to help relieve stress and thus pain.

Sleep problems

CBD is used by many people with sleep problems. It helps relax muscles, allowing you to sleep deeper and wake up more rested. Although there are many positive sounds, not everything has been scientifically proven. A lot of research is currently being done into the exact effects, including by SEIN, the expertise center for epilepsy and sleep medicine. Find out more information on CBD oil GB by clicking here.

Diabetes

Various studies have been done to find out what effects CBD has on diabetes. These indicate that CBD can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and possibly relieve the symptoms of diabetes. Research on humans is not (yet) available. However, in 2006 an article was published about a study with diabetic mice. The mice were administered cannabidiol (CBD). This research showed that CBD could possibly slow down or even prevent destructive insulitis (damaging inflammation of the islets of Langerhans (the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin). In 2015, scientific research in mice discovered that the anti-inflammatory properties that CBD possesses could potentially be used in a variety of different diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Parkinson’s Disease

Many people with Parkinson’s disease also use hemp oil for spasms and muscle tension. In Parkinson’s disease, both CBD oil and THC oil are usually used. There is little scientific research on CBD/THC and its effects in Parkinson’s. The studies that have been done are slightly positive or neutral. One example is a study from the University of São Paulo. The researchers found that there is evidence of a positive effect on quality of life when CBD is used by patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, they feel more research is needed to come up with definitive conclusions.