From news articles, podcasts and YouTube videos it seems that everybody in the UK is talking about the benefits of CBD oil. To the uninitiated, it may seem that CBD oil is just the latest in health food fads, but that’s wrong. Not only has it been proven to have some amazing benefits, but it is also the subject of clinical trials all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything that you need to know about CBD oil.
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CBD Oil – A Summary
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of 113 cannabinoids that helps make up the cannabis plant. The CBD goes through an extraction process where it is removed from the plant and isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it is separated from THC. This is the psychoactive element of cannabis, which means CBD will not get you high. It is then added to a carrier oil to make CBD oil.
There are lots of people out there making all sorts of claims about the benefits of CBD oil, but what are they?
Benefits of CBD Oil- What Are They?
Recently, scientists have been able to investigate the claimed health benefits associated with CBD. In most areas tests are still ongoing, but it is believed that CBD can help with heart problems, epilepsy, anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain, depression, acne, arthritis and cancer-related issues.
Heart
Recent tests have shown that there may be a link between CBD and improved heart health. Scientists believe that CBD may help reduce high blood pressure in patients. This could have a knock-on effect in reducing the risk of stroke, heart attacks and metabolic syndrome.
Epilepsy
Early studies have shown promise that CBD may be a good way to treat epilepsy in some patients. The severity of seizures, particularly in children and young adults, may be reduced by using CBD oil.
Anti Anxiety
CBD affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our brains and also affects the serotonin receptor (5HT)1a. Changing how these receptors work is thought to change the effects of anxiety in patients.
Sleeping
CBD has been used to help people both fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia can be caused by health issues that are often treated with CBD such as anxiety, chronic pain and depression. By addressing these root causes, researchers believe CBD can help with insomnia.
Pain
People suffering from chronic pain like to use CBD as it directly interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies. These receptors are responsible for modulating pain. CBD also works as an anti-inflammatory which can reduce pain associated with swollen areas.
Depression
CBD’s effect on depression is still being closely studied. While researchers are unsure if it targets the root causes of depression, it may help to reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment associated with it.
Acne
One of the main causes of acne is inflammation in the skin. As CBD oil targets inflammation in the body, researchers believe that it is a successful form of treatment for acne. It can also be applied topically, directly to the affected area.
Arthritis
The majority of pain from arthritis comes from inflammation in the joints. If CBD is taken regularly it can help reduce this inflammation. It can also help with pain relief as well by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Cancer Related Symptoms
The benefits of CBD have also been seen with cancer patients. CBD can help alleviate some of the side effects that come with chemotherapy and pharmaceutical medications. CBD can help with nausea and pain caused by the treatment of cancer.
The scope of the potential benefits of CBD is huge. The vast majority of these tests are still ongoing, so results may not be known for some time. As well as wanting to know what CBD benefits there are, people also want to know if it is safe.
Is It Safe to Consume CBD?
To date, there have been no known cases of a CBD-related death anywhere in the UK or across the world. Medical professionals believe that it is near impossible to overdose on CBD. As the CBD oil market is a burgeoning one, it is very important that you shop safely and only buy from trusted sources. If you are unsure as to whether or not a CBD product is safe try to remember the signs of a legitimate product.
It should clearly state on the label how much CBD it contains. It should say whether or not it has gone through third-party testing. The batch number and ingredients should also be clearly visible. If you follow these guidelines you will be buying a safe product.
While it’s clear that CBD oil is safe to consume, people in the UK are still concerned that it may come with other risks and side effects.
Are There Side Effects & Risks to Using CBD Oil
As with any form of medicinal products, some people may experience side effects. The majority of these can be avoided by adjusting the dosage, method of consumption or time of consumption.
Some of the most common side effects are:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
Dry mouth
This is one of the most common and well-known side effects. CBD oil can affect the salivary glands in the mouth. It inhibits them and stops them from producing a regular amount of saliva. This can lead to pain in the mouth and on the tongue. It is also referred to as cottonmouth or by its scientific name, xerostomia.
Diarrhoea
This unfortunate side effect is not caused by the CBD itself, but rather the carrier oil that it is used with. Some oils can affect the gastrointestinal tract of users and cause diarrhoea. This can be avoided either by changing the product or using a topical product, if suitable.
Drowsiness
As CBD oil is used by people with insomnia, it should come as no surprise that CBD can cause drowsiness in some patients. If you feel drowsy after taking CBD, try adjusting your schedule so you take it as you go to bed.
Changes in appetite
CBD can also have an effect on people’s appetite. In most cases, CBD will give you a larger appetite, but some have noted a decrease in appetite.
Should You Ask a Doctor Before Taking CBD?
You should speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking CBD. Especially if you are taking other medications or suffering from an illness. Doctors in the UK will have the latest information and are a trustworthy source. They will also know how CBD will interact with your current medication.
Best Ways to Take CBD Oil
There are a number of ways to take CBD oil. This allows people to find a product that suits their lifestyle and can also help bypass some of the side effects listed above.
Tinctures
This is the most common way that people use CBD oil. The oil is contained in a small glass bottle and comes with a dropper to help assist with dosing. Tinctures enter the bloodstream quickly.
Vaping
CBD e-liquids are a popular way to use CBD, particularly for those who currently vape. Regular e-liquid is simply replaced with a CBD e-liquid which allows for quick and discreet consumption.
Edibles
As CBD is fat-soluble, it is easily merged with edibles such as brownies, gummies and CBD lollipops. Store-bought edibles have an exact dosage stated on them and are another discreet way to use CBD. As it needs to be digested it enters the bloodstream slower than other methods.
Smoking
It is possible to smoke a flower with high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. However, smoking is a known carcinogenic so this method is not advised by professionals.
Capsules
Capsules provide a discreet and pre-dosed method of consuming CBD. The capsules can be easily added to any medication routine. The capsules must first be broken down by the body before entering the bloodstream, making this a slow method of absorption.
Patches
CBD patches can be directly applied to an area of pain. This means that the CBD can be quickly absorbed by an area affected by pain.
CBD Usage Dosage Guide
There is no exact dosage for CBD consumption. A doctor will recommend a starting dosage based on your body weight, body composition, tolerance and issue being treated.
For instance, someone weighing 50 kg who has never taken CBD before and has mild complaints should start with a dosage of 4 – 6 mg. On the other end of the spectrum, a person weighing 110 kg with severe pain and a history of taking CBD could take a dosage of 42 – 60 mg.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is legal in the UK as long as it’s THC content doesn’t exceed 0.2%. Because of this, most CBD products in the UK are made from hemp as it is naturally low in THC and high in CBD.
In Conclusion
Studies are showing many of the CBD oil benefits, but more research is needed to find exact results in most areas. If you are considering using CBD you must be aware of the side effects and speak with your doctor to find a dosage and method that is right for you.
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