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CBD Benefits

What Is CBD Oil, Exactly?

Cannabidiol oil—more commonly referred to as CBD oil—is an extract derived from the flowers and buds of the hemp plant. The oil is a concentrated source of one of two main chemical compounds found in both hemp and marijuana, cannabidiol, which has been found to have an array of healing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Incidentally, since CBD oil does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, compound found in marijuana, products containing it never cause any sort of “high.”

How Does CBD Oil Work in the Body?

CBD oil achieves its effects when cannabidiol binds with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system—a complex biological network that works to regulate many of the most important bodily responses and functions. Among these are sleep, appetite and metabolism, stress and mood, and learning and memory. In particular, the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in managing inflammation throughout the body.

Scientifically Proven Benefits of CBD

Numerous research studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of cannabidiol in improving various aspects of health. Some of the most promising findings from these studies indicate that CBD oil can be greatly beneficial in helping to manage an array of conditions, including:

  • Skin Ailments. Many common and nagging skin problems—such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis—can also be attributed to inflammation. Studies have shown that CBD oil not only helps to calm skin irritation and improve skin resilience; it also helps to regulate the production of sebum—oil—in the skin, and fights against bacteria proliferation, thus reducing the appearance of acne.
  • Chronic Inflammation and Pain. Chronic inflammation is a comprehensive disorder of the immune system, which is in turn a root cause of serious and painful health issues like diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and cardiovascular disease. Clinical study results have found that cannabidiol dramatically reduces chronic inflammation and pain in lab subjects.
  • Mental Disorders. Increasingly, a number of incapacitating mental disorders—such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder—are thought to correlate with high levels of bodily inflammation. So, while research into CBD oil as treatment for these conditions is still ongoing, preliminary study results seem encouraging; cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory properties indicate that it might benefit those suffering from even severe mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Epilepsy. Among the most remarkable discoveries in the study of cannabidiol has been its alleviation of symptoms in epilepsy patients. Several prominent published studies showed a marked reduction in seizures among children treated with CBD oil; subsequently, a pharmaceutical cannabidiol solution was approved for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in the management of two childhood seizure disorders.  

An Anti-Inflammatory Panacea

While CBD oil isn’t a magic cure-all, its ability to relieve inflammation throughout the body does make it a uniquely adaptable and valuable tool for optimizing health. Whether it’s used orally or topically, cannabidiol has been proven to enhance the functions of the organs, the immune system, the skin, and the mind—and thus, quality of life.