CBD oil - what is it good for? Well, since you asked: it has a range of potential benefits! Here are four common problems CBD oil might help you with.
CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in easing the symptoms of many common health issues, including anxiety, depression, and acne. Research on the health benefits of CBD is ongoing and even though there is much more for science to uncover, recent studies suggest that CBD may be a safe treatment for several health issues.
Here are four common health concerns that CBD may be able to provide relief for.
If you struggle with (chronic) pain
It’s thought that as many as 1.5 billion people over the world have some form of chronic pain. There are many possible causes and sources for chronic pain, and finding an effective treatment plan—from lifestyle changes to powerful pharmaceutical drugs—isn’t always easy or sustainable.
Studies have found that CBD can relieve pain linked to inflammation. It has been shown to be effective for treating pain conditions such as arthritis, rheumatic pain, and fibromyalgia. Unlike strong pain medication, the side effects of CBD oil are minimal and go away once you stop using it. So if you’re looking for a potential way to manage pain, CBD oil is worth a try.
If you have depression and/or anxiety
Globally, hundreds of millions of people are estimated to be living with some form of anxiety disorder or depression, which is one of the leading global causes of disability.
Research indicates that some people with anxiety may be able to manage their condition with CBD. In a 2011 study, participants were given an oral dose of 400 mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced reduced anxiety levels.
Recent studies have also shown that CBD can help with PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares and replaying bad memories. These studies have looked at CBD as both a standalone PTSD treatment as well as a supplement to other treatments like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
So whether on its own or as part of a broader regimen, CBD oil may offer you some much-needed relief from anxiety.
When it comes to treating depression, CBD might have some benefits over antidepressants. While most antidepressants take weeks to kick in, a 2019 animal study found that CBD has a fast and sustained effect. CBD also has fewer side effects and is generally well tolerated, while the most common side effects of antidepressants include insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitation.
Let’s be very clear: CBD may offer benefits over antidepressants, but it isn’t necessarily a replacement for any and all medication. Suddenly stopping prescription medication can cause serious side effects, so don’t stop taking prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.
If you have acne
Regardless of how meticulous your skincare routine may or may not be, sometimes your skin just won’t cooperate, whatever you do.
CBD has been found to be promising for acne treatment. In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers measured the effects of CBD on human skin samples and oil-producing glands. They found that CBD inhibited oil production and had anti-inflammatory effects on oil-producing glands. This suggests that CBD may help clear up your skin.
If you can’t sleep
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that causes trouble with falling or staying asleep, and/or with sleep quality, even under conditions that should theoretically allow you to doze off peacefully.
It probably goes without saying that sleep is essential to your physical and mental wellbeing, but just in case it doesn’t: Sleep is essential to your physical and mental wellbeing! Before you turn to powerful sleeping pills (which can have worrying side effects), you might want to give CBD oil a try.
Several studies support the theory that CBD may help you get a good night’s sleep. As with a lot of CBD’s effects, more research needs to be done, but there are encouraging signs. Many researchers say that CBD improves sleep because it tackles the root causes of insomnia. Most clinical trials on CBD and sleep have involved giving the subjects between 25 mg to 1,500 mg of CBD per day.
To find the right dose of CBD for you, it’s best to start with a low dosage and increase it gradually until you hit the sweet spot.
***
CBD oil isn’t a miracle cure, and it can interact with other medications you're taking. So talk to your doctor if you’re on any medication and want to give CBD oil a try. You can also help your self and read our blog post on How to Choose the Right CBD Oil.
With that said—CBD has been shown to have health benefits that could noticeably boost your quality of life. With a range of potential upsides and minimal side effects, CBD oil is worth exploring if you’re looking for safe, natural relief.