6 proven indications of hemp oil for your health

In Canada, Uruguay, the Netherlands, Jamaica and some states in the United States, the therapeutic or recreational use of marijuana is already legal. In Spain there is a paper in the Congress of Deputies to discuss it. But right now CBD hemp oil can now be consumed non-psychoactive, which has interesting medicinal properties.

Products obtained from marijuana without THC, but with CBD are already being marketed as supplements due to their beneficial effects.

Oil with CBD is the most frequent presentation, although it can also be taken with a spray, added to food or as a cosmetic ingredient in creams and ointments.

The main proven indications of CBD oil

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is a very complex plant, with active principles that act in synergy. The most characteristic are 104 cannabinoids, some compounds belonging to the family of terpenophenols.

Among these molecules, the most outstanding from the therapeutic point of view are THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD or cannabidol. THC has psychoactive effects and CBD does not.

CBD is not a miracle product, although the exaggerated advertising of some marketers may lead one to think so.

By itself it does not cure nor can it with all diseases. However, it presents a wide spectrum of indications where can play a complementary role as an effective natural therapy with few or no side effects.

The effectiveness of the plant is explained by the existence in the human body of a “endocannabinoid system”made up of neurotransmitter substances –such as serotonin or anandamide– and their cellular receptors that regulate a variety of functions, such as sleep, appetite, pain or the immune response.

Therefore, CBD works almost as naturally as a substance secreted by the body itself.

CBD oil can help with mental health problems

CBD inhibits nerve signal transmission and modulates the action of various neurotransmitters. These properties explain one of the most popular uses of CBD: relieve stress and depression.

Its effects are similar in effectiveness to those of anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants, but without their side effects.

Benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or panic attacks are addictive, and other drugs often cause agitation, insomnia, reduced libido, or headache. In contrast, with CBD side effects are rare.

In the field of mental and emotional imbalances there are several precise indications for CBD.

epilepsy and social phobia

One of them is epilepsy, as it has been proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Another indication is social phobia. A study published in 2017 by the University of São Paulo (Brazil) determined that CBD decreases anxiety in patients who feel uncomfortable or frightened in social situations, such as public speaking.

In a study carried out at the University of Colorado (United States) CBD oil was used with children to treat insomnia and anxiety due to post-traumatic stress.

A review published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin also suggests that CBD may produce effects beneficial in patients with early psychosis.

Against addictions and neurodegenerative diseases

Addiction treatment is another indication, according to Yasmin Hurd, a neuroscientist and director of the Institute for Addiction at Mount Sinai College of Medicine, because helps exercise more control about compulsive desires.

There are also studies that show the ability of cannabidiol to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s and even to prevent this devastating disease.

These studies have been carried out with animals and their results can probably be extrapolated to humans, but have not yet been confirmed.

It helps to sleep

CBD has a general calming effect and May induce some drowsiness. Not the best if you want to be alert, but people with sleep difficulties may benefit.

Studies carried out have also found that CBD helps people who do not get adequate rest. It can lengthen sleep and improve its quality.

It is effective against pain

Many people use CBD to relieve chronic pain in diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis or neuralgia, such as sciatica.

Animal research found that applying CBD gel to joints was effective for treat the discomfort of arthritis. The authors consider that the effect can be extrapolated to people.

Alternative to painkillers

Due to the stigma associated with the marijuana or hemp plant, CBD was a substance banned from athletes until last January, when the World Anti-Doping Agency decided to remove it from the list of prohibited substances.

Since then, many elite athletes have found in CBD a natural alternative, effective and less toxic to analgesic drugs such as ibuprofen.

The analgesic properties are accompanied by a anti-inflammatory effect which are interesting for a multitude of disorders, such as renal fibrosis, metabolic syndrome, overweight, obesity and diabetes. All these indications have been presented in the latest editions of the Society for Cannabinoid Research.

The anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful against a very common but difficult problem to combat: acne. Several studies indicate that it reduces the production of sebum, inflammatory cytokines and bacteria.

Complementary anticancer therapy

In the case of cancer patients, CBD, in addition to pain, can help with nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.

Some studies even point out that CBD has a direct anticancer action: it has been shown to destroy cancer cells in test tubes and in mice it has prevented the expression of genes that allow the spread of certain aggressive types of breast cancer.

However, more studies are needed to ensure that this action also occurs in people.

Against cardiovascular diseases

CBD exerts a series of positive actions on the cardiovascular system that result in an ability to reduce blood pressure. In this way it can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Animal research shows that the combination of relaxing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects serves to protect the heart.

Some possible side effects

In general, CBD does not produce unpleasant effects, but some people may react to high and very high doses with diarrhea, irritability, seizures or nausea.

On the other hand, it is possible that interact with some medications reinforcing or inhibiting its action. For this reason, it is always necessary to consult your doctor if it is combined with pharmacological treatments.

Although some children may benefit from its properties, its prolonged use is not recommended, due to the suspicions that it may affect brain development.

How do you take CBD oil?

CBD oil is made by diluting the CBD extracted from the plant in a carrier oil. This can be, for example, coconut, olive, sunflower or hemp oil.

In addition to oil, CBD can be found in other presentations: diluted in water, capsules, tinctures, sprays, plant infusions, and creams, for example.

It is convenient that the dose is determined by a doctor with experience with CBD, but in the case of self-consumption, the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.

Most experts, such as pharmacologist Earl Mindell, recommend starting with a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg of CBD per day and increase by 5 mg at a time until the positive effects are perceived.

People interested in trying CBD have a major obstacle: according to a study conducted by Dr. Ryan Vandrey of Johns Hopkins University and published in the prestigious The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)69% of 84 analyzed products sold online do not contain the amount of CBD they say or do not contain it at all.

That is why it is important to choose a product from a trusted manufacturer that it does not make exaggerated promises about its properties.

An essential requirement is that the manufacturer report the amount of CBD or cannibidiol in the product. In the case of oil, it is common for a 10% product to be offered, with 1000 mg of CBD or cannabidiol for every 10 ml of oil.

More research is needed

Marijuana is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 3,000 years. However, its scientific study is beginning. There is still a need to better understand the indications, doses, and best routes of administration for each therapeutic or preventive objective.