5 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of CBD

Posted On January 17, 2022

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CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. It contains a plethora of natural compounds and has been shown to have many medical benefits. CBD does not contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component of cannabis (marijuana) that makes you high.

There has been some controversy about the effects of CBD due to the recreational use of cannabis, but there is widespread awareness of the benefits of CBD products for medicinal purposes.

The list of proven benefits of CBD is long and growing. Some of the most popular include:

#1 Anxiety Relief

CBD may provide relief for people with anxiety disorders. Scientists believe that CBD may alter the way your brain receptors respond to serotonin, which is a chemical that affects mood.

A recent study showed that taking a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a public speech. The study participants who took CBD had lower levels of anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort than the control group.

Some earlier studies done with animal models also showed that CBD may reduce anxiety by:

-Inducing sleep to people with insomnia

-Altering brain waves to reduce anxiety in people with panic disorders or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

-Preventing the long-term effects of chronic stress, which is known to increase emotional and physical discomfort.    

#2 Pain Relief

One of the biggest potential benefits of CBD is pain relief. Research shows that cannabis has been used to treat pain from as early as 2900BC.

Studies show that various components of the cannabis plant, including CBD contain highly effective pain relieving effects. Studies show that CBD relieves pain by altering the endocannabinoid receptor activity. The endocannabinoid system regulates an array of functions in the human body, including sleep, immune system response, appetite, and pain sensation. By affecting this system, CBD reduces inflammation and interacts with neurotransmitters.

Research shows that CBD might be effective in reducing some types of pain including back pain and nerve pain. Nonetheless, these studies suggest that this benefit is only achieved when CBD is combined with THC. In fact, multiple studies done with human subjects show that CBD combined with THC on a ratio of 1:1 may relieve pain related to arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Note: Combining CBD and THC in a ratio of 1:1 is allowed in some countries ti treat pain. The end product is an oral spray known as Sativex. Make sure you check whether this product is allowed in your country before using it.

A study with 47 participants showed that those who used Sativex for a month experienced improved walking ability, muscle spasms, and pain relief. However, it’s worth noting that this study did not include a control group, so we cannot authoritatively rule out the possibility of placebo effects.

Preclinical evidence from rodent studies show that CBD might help on pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, but there are no human studies to show this. It’s worth noting that even though research has shown that CBD might have a myriad of pain relief capabilities, more studies are required to prove its effectiveness in pain relief and management.

#3 May Alleviate Some Cancer Related Symptoms

CBD can potentially reduce some of the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. Additionally, it may also help reduce inflammation, which is common in people with cancer.

One study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in people with cancer-related pain. The study found that those who took THC and CBD had a significant reduction in pain, compared to those who only received THC.

In addition, preclinical evidence suggests that CBD might be effective against some types of tumors. However, more research is required to determine its effectiveness in humans.

#4 Potential Neuroprotective Properties

Scientists and other researchers believe that CBD has a big impact on the endocannabinoid system and an array of other brain signaling systems. They suggest that CBD might be effective in reducing, preventing, or reversing neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.

A study done on 276 people with MS showed that CBD reduced muscle spasticity that was resistant to medication by 75%. Another study that studied 214 people with epilepsy found that CBD was able to reduce the frequency of seizures in some people, and it also reduced seizure-related side effects like nausea.

However, some people in these two studies experienced negative side effects, such as fever, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.

Even though some prescription CBD products, such as Epidiolex have been approved by FDA as a form of treatment for seizures caused by epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome, and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, more research is needed to determine CBD’s effectiveness in reducing or preventing neurological disorders.

#5 May Benefit Cardiovascular Health

Research has shown that CBD might be effective in reducing some heart problems. It might reduce plaque build-up and lower blood pressure, which are two factors that cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In addition to this, CBD may also prevent irregular heartbeat caused by atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure.

Multiple studies show that CBD may help people with high blood pressure. In one major study, 9 healthy men treated with 600 mg of CBD oil experienced a significant decrease in resting blood pressure. In the same study, the men were subjected to stress tests that are known to increase blood pressure. The results showed that CBD had a significant effect on lowering their stress-induced high blood pressure, and it did not negatively affect the healthy control group in any way.

These findings show that CBD may have many heart-related benefits. However, more research is required to determine whether or not CBD can be a good treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Final Thoughts

CBD is a compound that has been shown to have many potential health benefits. Yo, however, need to know that CBD works differently for everyone. Some people might not experience any benefits at all, while others may find that CBD has a positive impact on their health and daily life. It’s important to keep in mind that there are many factors that can determine how well this product works, such as the user’s age, weight, overall health status, and severity of the health condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional before you start using any CBD product.