Now that you’ve learned a little about the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and the isolate forms of CBD oil, let’s talk about what CBD oil is commonly used for.

Keep in mind that researchers are still in the early stages of determining the various ways CBD oil interacts with the human body. Much more work needs to be done to get a complete picture of what conditions respond well to CBD oil, as well as figuring out the mechanisms behind its healing properties. But the body of evidence is growing. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far.

Heart Health

As you no doubt already know, high blood pressure is linked to a number of health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Recent research has shown that CBD may have several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure. Researchers have speculated that CBD’s stress- and anxiety-reducing qualities are responsible for this. Its powerful antioxidant properties may also help reduce inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease, though this has only been demonstrated in animal studies thus far.

Pain Relief

As we discussed last week, our bodies contain a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like sleep, pain, appetite, and the immune system. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in our nervous systems.

Studies have demonstrated that CBD may impact the endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters, thus reducing chronic pain. In fact, several studies have shown that a combination of CBD and THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) is effective in treating pain due to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. In fact, an oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD, is already approved in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.

Cancer-related Symptoms

Cancer treatments often come with a host of side effects like nausea, vomiting, and pain. Several studies have shown a combination of CBD and THC to be effective in mitigating these side effects.

Promisingly, some test-tube and animal studies have also indicated that CBD may even have anticancer properties. Several studies (again, only in test-tubes and mice) have shown that CBD induced cell death of human breast cells and inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are leading contributors to disability and can have a devastating impact on health. Both conditions are generally treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which often have a number of side effects like agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, and sexual dysfunction.

CBD has the ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior. Accordingly, CBD oil has shown promise in several studies as a treatment for depression and anxiety, leading many people with these disorders to become interested in this more natural approach. Studies have even it shown it to be effective in treating insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Neuroprotective Properties

For those with neurological disorders, CBD may prove beneficial because of its ability to act on the ECS and other brain signaling symptoms.

As mentioned above, CBD and THC have been proven to help people with multiple sclerosis. In addition, a number of studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating epilepsy. People with these diseases experienced significantly fewer seizures and convulsions than those taking a placebo.

In addition, studies have demonstrated that CBD improved quality of life for people suffering from other neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, though more research needs to be done as most of the research has been in test-tube and animal studies.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that is thought to be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, genetics, overproduction of sebum (an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands in the skin), and inflammation. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, its ability to reduce sebum production, and its ability to prevent the activation of inflammatory cytokines, it may actually help treat acne.

Psychological Conditions

CBD has shown promise in modifying circuits in the brain related to drug addiction in rats, reducing morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior. Other studies have also suggested that CBD could help reduce psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

While all of this is very promising, there is so much more research that needs to be done on the efficacy for varying conditions within humans. And there may be some side effects that you should be aware of.

While it’s generally well-tolerated and considered safe, some studies have noted diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue as possible side effects. CBD oil may also interact with some medications, so we recommend discussing it with your doctor, particularly if you are taking medications or supplements that come with the “grapefruit warning.” CBD and grapefruit interfere with a group of enzymes called CYPs that are important to drug metabolism. Again, if you’re not sure, ask your doctor.