Many common ailments can be treated naturally with cannabidiol. It is one of more than 100 chemical substances known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa, and is more commonly known by its common name, CBD (1Trusted Source). The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what makes people feel high when they use the drug.
CBD is not psychoactive, in contrast to THC. Because of this characteristic, CBD is a desirable alternative for people who want to get rid of pain and other symptoms without experiencing the mind-altering effects of cannabis or other negative side effects associated with some prescription medications.
Might reduce pain
As early as 2900 B.C., cannabis was used to treat pain (2Trusted Source). Scientists only recently realized that CBD, among other cannabis constituents, is what gives cannabis its pain-relieving properties. The endocannabinoid system, which is unique to the human body, controls a number of processes, including sleep, appetite, pain perception, and immune system response (3Trusted Source).
Endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system, are produced by the body.
CBD may lessen chronic pain by influencing the activity of endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters, according to studies (4Trusted Source).
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May lessen symptoms of some mental health disorders
On a person’s overall health and well-being, anxiety disorders and other mental health issues can have a devastating effect.
Pharmaceutical drugs are frequently used to treat mental health disorders, but these medications come with a number of side effects, such as sleepiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches (11Trusted Source).
Aside from that, drugs like benzodiazepines carry the risk of dependence and can cause substance use disorders.
Many people who deal with these conditions are interested in this natural approach because CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders. 90 minutes prior to taking a simulated public speaking test, 57 men in a Brazilian study were given either oral CBD or a placebo. The most effective CBD dosage for noticeably lowering anxiety during the test, according to the researchers, was 300 mg (12Trusted Source).
Can help with some cancer-related symptoms
Cancer-related symptoms and side effects from cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain, may be lessened with CBD use.
In 177 patients with cancer-related pain who did not find relief from painkillers, a previous study examined the effects of CBD and THC.
Comparing patients who got simply THC extract to those who received an extract that contained both components, those treated saw a significant decrease in pain (16Trusted Source).
Five trials were analyzed, and some evidence suggested that Sativex may benefit some persons with cancer-related pain management (17Trusted Source).
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Possess potential neuroprotective qualities
According to researchers, CBD’s capacity to influence the endocannabinoid system and other brain-signaling systems may aid people with neurological illnesses.
In fact, treating neurological conditions like MS and epilepsy is one of the most researched uses for CBD. Several studies have produced encouraging findings, despite the fact that this field of study is still relatively new.
People with MS can lessen their muscle stiffness safely and effectively by using Sativex.
In 276 MS patients who had muscle spasticity that was resistant to treatment, it decreased spasms in 75% of cases (19Trusted Source).
Might be good for heart health
Several advantages for the heart and circulatory system have been associated with CBD, including the capacity to lower excessive blood pressure, according to some research.
High blood pressure raises the risk of several illnesses, such as metabolic syndrome, heart attack, and stroke (24Trusted Source).
Studies suggest that CBD may help those with high blood pressure.
In a tiny trial, 600 mg of CBD oil was administered to 9 healthy men. Comparing the CBD treatment to a placebo, a reduction in resting blood pressure was seen (25Trusted Source). The guys also underwent stress tests in the study, which typically raise blood pressure. It’s interesting to note that the men’s blood pressure increased less than usual after taking a single dose of CBD in response to these tests (25Trusted Source).
Additional possible advantages
- Other than the conditions mentioned above, the effectiveness of CBD in treating a variety of health problems has also been investigated.
- Although additional research is required, CBD is expected to have the following health advantages:
- results of an antipsychotic. According to studies, CBD may benefit those who have schizophrenia and other mental health issues by lessening psychotic symptoms (27Trusted Source).
- treatment for drug misuse. People who are dependent on certain narcotics, such as heroin, may find that CBD is useful for reducing anxiety and sadness (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
- glioblastoma patients’ lives may be prolonged. Recent research suggests that glioblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, may benefit from a therapy regimen that combines CBD and THC, but the body of evidence is still small (30Trusted Source).
- Possibly getting better sleep. There is still a need for more research, although some studies have found that CBD may assist persons with specific sleep disorders to sleep better (31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source).