CBD oil

CBD is widely used as an analgesic for relieving various kinds of pain ranging from arthritis to neuropathic pain and pain caused due to multiple sclerosis. Experts suggest that this increased use is in part due to the side effects of other pain-relieving drugs namely opioids and NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Several studies indicate the benefits of CBD in relieving both acute and chronic pain. 

A study published in the European Journal of Pain indicated that topical application of CBD oil can reduce both pain and inflammation caused due to arthritis. Another study done in the USA suggested that intradermal injections of CBD oil can provide relief from neuropathic pain caused due to peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which your peripheral nerves become damaged and start to malfunction. The oil was found to be well-tolerated and indicated to be an effective therapy for peripheral neuropathy as compared to the current therapies.

Read more: Home remedies for body pain

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people throughout the globe. Current treatments for anxiety disorder do not have high efficacy and are often associated with side effects. However, experts suggest that CBD may be effective in managing anxiety.

Both animal and human studies show the potent anxiolytic effects of CBD. According to a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, cannabidiol imparts an anti-panic effect by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone associated with happiness, mood stability and a general feeling of well being. 

 A case study done at the University of Colorado School of medicine found that CBD oil helped reduce anxiety and sleep issues associated with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in a 10-year-old girl. 

A phase three clinical trial is currently underway to test the anxiolytic effects of 200 mg and 800 mg of CBD oil capsules for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

The FDA approved pure CBD oil in 2018 for the treatment of Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), two types of epilepsy in children. The oil is available with the brand name Epidiolex. Several studies indicate the effectiveness of CBD oil in the treatment of epilepsy seizures. 

A study done on about 214 children with severe childhood-onset drug-resistant epilepsy found over 36% median reduction in monthly seizures with regular use of Epidiolex as an add on treatment. 

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 120 children and teens with treatment-resistant Dravet syndrome found about 43% reduction in convulsive seizures in CBD group as compared to 27% in the placebo group. About 5% in the CBD group became seizure-free. 

The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil are suggested to aid in relieving the pain and inflammation associated with acne. According to a study done in 2014, CBD oil helps reduce sebum production. Sebum is a waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the body. It hydrates and protects the skin.

Other small studies suggest that CBD can be used for the management of various skin conditions including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

However, due to the absence of confirmatory evidence, it is best to consult your dermatologist before using CBD oil for any skin problem.

An experimental study done in Canada found that CBD can reduce pancreatic inflammation and help in the management of type 1 diabetes. According to a study done on mice, CBD administration helps preserve memory and prevent neuroinflammation associated with diabetes. 

However, no study has been done on the effect of CBD oil on diabetes or its associated complications so far.

The following are some of the benefits of CBD that are often associated with CBD oil: 

• Research studies show that cannabidiol can help reduce dependence on opiate and heroin.
• CBD has been suggested to be neuroprotective in action. Studies show that it can aid in the management of Parkinson’s and schizophrenia.
• CBD inhalation is indicated to help in quitting smoking. Read more: How to quit smoking 
• Early evidence shows that CBD may help reduce muscle contractions by about 50% in some people.
• Several studies have shown that CBD can not only suppress cancer growth but also improve the immune response against cancer and aid in chemotherapy.