CBD oil is enjoying a moment of popularity as more and more people learn about the potential CBD benefits for wellness and wellbeing.
But what is CBD really good for? Are there any real benefits in using CBD oil?
In this article, we will explore:
- The key benefits of CBD
- The risks and side effects of CBD
In this guide:
What is CBD oil good for?
Many businesses and media outlets are treating CBD oil as if it’s some kind of miracle cure for everything, so you can’t be blamed for wondering, “what is CBD oil good for?”
In reality, there is still so much we don’t know about CBD and how it interacts with the human body, so we will likely be asking this question for a long time.
But what CBD benefits do we know of right now?
We know that CBD is used to promote general wellbeing and wellness within the body. While it cannot treat or cure specific conditions, it can help the body to function more effectively.
Let’s go a bit deeper into a few benefits of CBD and how it might help you restore balance and increase wellbeing.
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7 health benefits of CBD
People typically use CBD to increase well-being by restoring balance to the natural processes that take place within the body.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to restore balance and promote wellness. All CBD benefits are linked back to this interaction.
A few health benefits of CBD include:
1. Pain and inflammation relief
CBD is not a cure or treatment for pain, but some people are now looking for holistic and therapeutic methods to address their pain and inflammation conditions.
Cannabis has been used to treat pain throughout human history, it is only in recent history that it has been outlawed. But while cannabis might not be widely available, a lot of the same plant compounds can be found in CBD oil products.
Scientists are hopeful that cannabinoids could one day hold the key to treating a wide range of pain conditions. In the absence of firm evidence and studies, some people are turning to CBD products that are readily available to help address their complaints.
2. Support mental health
Mental health disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Conventional treatments may include pharmaceutical interventions, but these can come with a wide range of negative side effects.
One potential benefit of CBD is that it is thought to help support mental health, although more research is needed to understand how this works.
Some people turn to CBD to help them feel more in control of their feelings. CBD can also help individuals to lead a more active lifestyle, which will also help to support mental and physical health.
3. Supports brain health
Keeping the brain active and healthy as we age is essential. CBD may offer some hope in this field.
Only one CBD product has been approved for use in treating a rare form of epilepsy. It is hoped that this could pave the way for more research into the neuroprotective benefits of CBD.
4. Helps with sleep issues
Many of us aren’t getting enough sleep every night, and this is contributing to a wide range of long-term health problems.
Since the endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of sleep patterns, many are hopeful that CBD might offer some promise to those struggling to get eight hours of sleep every night.
CBD for sleep works by helping the ECS to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
5. Restores balance within the body
Another important benefit of CBD is that it helps to promote balance within the body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis.
The ECS is involved with everything from sleep patterns and appetite to inflammation and pain. By supporting this system to be able to function correctly, you can achieve a greater sense of wellness.
Imbalance within the body is a common cause of many medical conditions. Hence, restoring balance can help improve general wellness and promote good health and wellbeing.
6. Encourages a healthier lifestyle
How can CBD encourage a healthier lifestyle?
CBD is a popular daily supplement that can help individuals to follow a more active and healthy lifestyle.
As CBD helps promote calm and restore balance within the body, this can encourage individuals to make better exercise and diet choices.
This might be the most surprising one so far since most people associate cannabis with the “munchies” and increased appetite. However, a more balanced mind can have a positive impact on the body.
7. Promotes mindfulness and a better mood
“Does CBD oil make you calm?” is a commonly asked question, and it’s understandable why this is the case.
After all, since smoking cannabis is known for making users sleepy and relaxed, people worry that using CBD might produce such effects for them and make it difficult to go about their daily routine.
Luckily, those sleep-inducing effects from cannabis do come from THC, not CBD, so this is nothing to worry about.
But if this is the case, how can CBD possibly help with promoting mindfulness and calm?
The answer is: Improving your mood.
In many ways, it could be argued that improving mood and combating stress are behind the majority of CBD’s benefits.
CBD helps to inhibit the release of an enzyme that breaks down an endocannabinoid we produce in the body called anandamide. This is also known as the bliss molecule.
With more anandamide available, the body can function more effectively and we may experience a boost in mood.
Read more: CBD oil and anxiety
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
After singing all these praises for CBD, it’s time to look at some of the possible negatives.
While it’s a natural substance with no major risks to worry about, there are still some minor side effects of CBD oil that are worth being aware of.
Not everyone will experience these side effects, and they often only happen if you have taken too much CBD.
Let’s have a look at some of the symptoms some people could potentially experience:
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness
- Appetite Changes
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Mood Changes
If you experience these consistently over a period of time, however, it may be that CBD doesn’t agree with you and you should stop using it immediately.
In a similar way, some of the other side effects such as mood changes and dizziness definitely should be watched with a careful eye.
If you are concerned about any of the side effects you’re experiencing when using CBD, discontinue use and contact a GP as soon as possible.
Final thoughts on CBD benefits
There is still so much we don’t know about CBD, but what we do know so far is very promising.
While CBD might not be a cure or treatment for any condition, it is generally considered safe for healthy adults, so it’s worth exploring as a way to support your overall well-being.
As we learn more about the benefits of CBD, we may one day see more CBD-based medicines making their way to the public.