5 Surprising Health Benefits of CBD Oil

Written By Bryan Roby

There’s nothing hotter right now in the world of health and wellness than CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Whether you like it or not, the essential oil extracted from the cannabis plant is rapidly making its way into mainstream audiences and making its presence and benefits felt. Naturally, when you learn that this new product is derived from marijuana, you may have an immediate reaction to dismiss it as helpful to your overall health. But before you go comparing CBD oil and other CBD based products to traditional marijuana use, take a step back and look at all the positive effects that are associated with CBD.

How is CBD Different than Marijuana?

Before we dive into the numerous positive effects of CBD, it’s helpful to understand what exactly CBD oil is and how it differs from marijuana.CBD oil is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, but it isn’t a psychoactive, unlike THC, which means it won’t cause you to hallucinate or get “high” and it can be used by everyone from minors, seniors, elite-level athletes and even pets. CBD has been used to treat minor injuries, reduce inflammation in those suffering from arthritis, battle anxiety and depression, promote more restful sleep, suppress epileptic seizures, and enhance cognitive function; all without any of the harmful side effects typically associated with THC.

1. CBD Can Help With Anxiety And Depression

It shouldn’t come as news that the United States and many other countries around the world are facing a mental health crisis among children, teens and adults. We live in an age where we are encouraged to have the next great ‘thing’ or take the next big vacation; and if we’re not doing it then someone else is and they must have a better life than us or at least that’s what Instagram tells us. But this isn’t a healthy way to live and constantly comparing ourselves or our lives creates anxiety.

Anxiety can come in many different forms. It can form as a result of demands at work, recent health problems that have arisen unexpectedly, things going on in the lives of your children, or just about anything else in your life that causes you to experience apprehension. Anxiety can take a tremendous toll on the mind and ultimately lead to depression if left untreated, but CBD oil can help. In recent studies, CBD oil has been shown to alleviate symptoms commonly associated with social anxiety and other forms of anxiety such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While the research is still in its infancy, the calming effects of CBD oil are undeniable. If you are struggling with finding peace in your daily routine, try taking a couple drops of CBD oil to center yourself and calm your anxiety.

2. CBD May Help You Sleep Better

Insomnia, tied closely with anxiety, is the byproduct of a brain that just doesn’t know when to shut off. After a long day it may seem almost routine to have trouble falling asleep because your brain is rehashing events that occurred that day or you’re anxious about things you have planned the next day. Turning off your brain and blissfully drifting off to sleep may not be as simple as turning off your bedroom light before hopping into bed.

CBD can help ease your mind and your body just before falling asleep.

But CBD will also help you stay asleep longer by controlling your REM sleep. A study that examined patients suffering from RBD or REM sleep behavior disorder, found that the addition of CBD prior to sleep had a significant impact of their movement during sleep which leads to deeper rest and less of that groggy feeling when waking up in the morning.

3. CBD Can Reduce Inflammation In Joints And Muscles

Throughout the years you’ve accumulated some level of inflammation in your joints and muscles; whether it’s from being a competitive athlete in your younger years or just from normal wear and tear frequently found in older adults; your body has developed some level of swelling that can be eased with CBD oil.

Studies have shown that taking some form of CBD has reduced inflammation in average adults and even those individuals suffering from arthritis. Another form of CBD, lotion or balm, can be applied to strained or sore muscles to help reduce pain and swelling. To take full advantage of CBD’s healing properties take a couple drops of CBD oil in the morning or apply CBD lotion to any areas of your body that you have nagging injuries or chronic pain such as hands, wrists, knees, elbows, or other overused joints.

4. CBD May Be Linked To Fighting Cancer-Like Symptoms

The term ‘medical marijuana’ is becoming more mainstream in the health and wellness industry. It is commonly prescribed to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and even helping patients suffering from certain forms of cancer. While you may not be suffering from any of these illnesses currently, any natural remedy that may reduce cancer is worth noting.

No, unfortunately CBD is not the cure for cancer. But several studies have linked CBD usage to lower levels of cancer in humans and pet subjects. One study found that the effects of CBD may have a significant effect on symptoms related to bladder cancer. The study was not conclusive but is a clue to the vast ways that CBD can be ingested, as it doesn’t expose users to the same carcinogens found with medical marijuana patients.

5. CBD Can Promote Long-Term Brain Health

Everyone wants to keep Father Time at bay because with age comes memory loss and declined brain function. As you grow older, you’re less challenged to learn new things which doesn’t force the brain to generate new brain cells to maintain a high functioning mind. You’re not getting dumber, you’re just being tested less intellectually so the brain doesn’t feel obligated to perform at its highest capacity. This leads to memory loss which can develop into a form of dementia known as Alzheimer’s disease.

However, recent studies have shown that supplementing with CBD can counteract the symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to adapt and learn allowing for memory build up, has been shown to increase within subjects who’ve consumed CBD. These studies are very promising because although they require further research and tests to become conclusive, they show how CBD can ward off the effects of some cognitive degeneration-related diseases.

Summary

CBD alone is changing lives for the better and flipping the health and wellness industry on its head. CBD oil and the various other forms of CBD may not be the end-all-be-all of physical and mental pain relief remedies, but with the extreme rise in popularity of CBD expect more conclusive studies to emerge about the incredible benefits associated with daily CBD use.

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.