In the midst of an Opiod crisis in the United States, now more than ever, I think people are looking for alternate ways to manage pain, illnesses and disorders. The use of natural supplements, essential oils and overall, a more wholistic approach to maintaining our well being is becoming increasingly popular. And at the forefront of all this right now is the use of CBD oil. The “it” medicine of the moment that is in huge demand. So much so, that is seems just about every company out there is waving the flag over their latest launched CBD product to cash in on.
Yet truth be told, this is not a topic I ever thought to post about. I don’t use it (yet). And for me, I can’t help but attach a certain stigma to it. But when a loyal follower of mine asked if I would consider a post on the use of CBD oil, I thought what the heck, and I added it to my editorial calendar!
For me and maybe for most of us, I think it is hard to think about CBD oil without thinking about the use of marijuana.
Legalized or not in some states, marijuana is a drug with hallucinogenic affects so it is easy to assume that anything derived from the marijuana plant means you are using it to “get high”. Turns out, that could not be further from the truth!
When researching for this post, I quickly came to realize there is a TON of information out there on CBD oil. To help me get a better handle on what CBD oil is all about, I turned to Dr. Ryan Lombardo, Dr. of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at FreshSkin Medical Spa & Wellness Center of Highland Park, IL. And you know what? I am so glad I did. Because, if you were anything like me, I had huge misconceptions about the use of CBD oil. Turns out that the health benefits of CBD oil are extensive.
First Of All, What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is a natural ingredient found within industrial hemp flowers. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is an active constituent of cannabis. The oil is created through an extraction process from the hemp plants. It has many reported uses and delivery methods for health and wellness.
Does CBD Oil Get You High?
Although CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp, they are two different species of cannabis. It can be extracted from either but is most often extracted from hemp for healthcare purposes. CBD derived from marijuana is not legal federally. CBD products derived from hemp is legal to purchase in all 50 states.
On its own, CBD will not get you high regardless of its source. It does not have psychoactive effects. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in marijuana is the component that causes the high sensation.
The Benefits of CBD Oil
Medical
CBD is widely understood to play a role in regulating immune system responses and reducing inflammation throughout the body. The body has it’s own endocannabinoid system which was only recently discovered in 1992. CBD1 receptors are found mostly in nerve terminals, and CBD2 receptors are found mostly on immune cells. There are studies supporting CBD therapies for chronic pain, sleep, diabetes, anxiety disorders, even specific forms of cancer. There is evidence supporting that endocannabinoids play a key role in memory, mood, brain reward systems, drug addiction, and metabolic processes. Also, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of studies published on the health benefits of CBD.
Pain relief is one of the main benefits researchers feel CBD oil is good for. Experts believe CBD oil influences receptors in your brain and immune system to create a “pain killing effect”. Studies have shown decreased pain for people with multiple sclerosis, arthritis and some types of cancer. In regards to arthritis, CBD oil may act as an anti-inflammatory. A 2016 study found that rats with arthritis that were given a CBD oil gel, saw a reduction in inflammation and overall joint pain.
Is CBD oil FDA approved?
CBD as a whole is considered a plant extract and/or nutritional/herbal supplement and the administration of it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the first FDA approved CBD drug, Epidiolex, was approved to treat specific forms of epilepsy in 2018. Clinical trials are fairly common now due to the increasing interest and wide ranging potential benefits. There will likely be many upcoming trials comparing various dosing methods vs placebo for other conditions potentially responsive to CBD-based pharmaceuticals.
Calming Anxiety
Of all the things I would consider using CBD oil for, this would be it! It is no secret that I am an anxious flyer. A 2010 study found that cannabidiol helped to decrease anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (aka SAD). The researchers were able to see via brain scans that blood flow changed in areas that were related to anxiety. Not only did the participants in the study feel less stressed, but the chemical also altered how their brain reacted to stressors.
Relieving Nausea
CBD interacts with serotonin releasing receptors, and when given in relatively small doses, has been shown to help alleviate both nausea and vomiting (source).
Treating Skin Conditions
CBD oil helps produce lipids which helps treat acne and dry skin. On top of this, it’s packed with antioxidants, which help fight off those things that cause wrinkles and fine lines. On a medical level, the anti-inflammatory properties in CBD, may soothe certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. (source)
How to Use CBD Oil?
Different benefits and/or conditions typically dictate the dose and delivery methods. For example, topical CBD products are typically recommended for localized pain and skin disease; whereas ingestible CBD products are more often for systemic health concerns.
CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legally sold over-the-counter throughout most of the United States. Without a legitimate regulating body such as the FDA, over-the-counter CBD products can vary widely in quality, dosage, stability, and bioavailability. The CBD market is growing quickly, so many companies are joining the industry in production, manufacturing, and distribution.
Ingest
CBD oil can be ingested in a variety of ways including pills, liquids, sublingual, teas, tinctures, candy, vape or inhalants.
Dr. Robert Lombardo:
After careful review of the professional grade products currently available to healthcare practitioners, we chose to carry plusCBD Oil and Quicksilver Scientific Colorado Hemp Oil at FreshSkin Medical Spa & Wellness Center. They each have quality data behind their products, and we have seen great benefits in our patients with both products short-term and with continued long term use.
Topical
CBD oil can be applied topically in creams, gels, lotions and patches. (Click on image below for my product detail)
Unfortunately, there is limited data on optimal dosage, whether ingested, inhaled, or applied topically
Before using CBD oil, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing health conditions or general reservations.
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M
If you like this post about the “Benefits of CBD Oil”, also, check out Self-Care Sunday Beauty Series: 5 Clean Beauty Products I Am Using, and Self-Care Sunday Beauty Series: Q & A with Heather Gear of Providence Plastic Surgery
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