Understanding CBD Oil
To understand the benefits associated with CBD, you must first understand what CBD is and how it affects our body. When you first get started with any cannabinoid products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), it’s easy to become a little bit overwhelmed about the whole thing. After all, there are a bunch of new words and phrases to learn, and it can all be a little intimidating. With so many different CBD products entering the market, including CBD oils, it’s important to understand how they work and how they interact with our bodies. So, to make your CBD journey a little easier, in the following article, we’re going to take a closer look at how cannabinoids such as CBD interact with our bodies.
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two dominant cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. However, unlike the other dominant cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive properties and won’t result in you experiencing that ‘euphoric’ high.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) ‘CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. However, reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.’
CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana plants. However, marijuana plants are high in THC and extremely low in CBD, while hemp plants are the opposite. Therefore, almost all CBD products that you purchase in Australia are made using CBD that was sourced from Australian grown hemp plants.
Hemp plants are defined as having less than 0.3% THC. More than 0.3% THC and they are considered marijuana plants. Here at Australian CBD Oil, we use CBD, which has been sourced from organically grown hemp plants that are grown right here in Byron Bay, Australia.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
Inside all of us, regardless of whether or not we have ever tried a cannabis product, is something known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Research suggests that the ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within our internal systems. The ECS does this by regulating different bodily functions such as appetite, sleep, mood, reproduction, fertility, and mood.
The ECS is made up of a series of receptors that are all linked together and spread throughout the body. It’s this linked receptor design that makes CBD products so versatile. Different delivery methods can still allow your body to absorb CBD and other cannabinoids.
Your ECS produces endocannabinoids which are similar to phytocannabinoids such as CBD but produced within the body rather than from plants. The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).
Our bodies produce these endocannabinoids as required. However, what happens if our body isn’t producing enough endocannabinoids to adequately regulate our internal systems?
CBD doesn’t bind with the two main receptors (CB1 and CB2) as THC does. Researchers believe instead that CBD prevents endocannabinoids from being broken down by the body. By not being broken down as quickly, endocannabinoids such as AEA and 2-AG can have more of an effect on your bodily functions.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body, which plays a vital role in regulating various bodily processes, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and pain sensation. However, due to its complexity, scientists are still in the early stages of understanding the full extent of the ECS and how it interacts with different compounds.
One promising area of study involves the potential benefits of CBD oil in Australia, which is derived from the cannabis plant. CBD oil has been found to interact with the ECS in a way that may offer a range of therapeutic benefits. In fact, extensive research has already linked the ECS to several bodily processes, including immune function, inflammation, and neurological function.
Studies have also shown that CBD oil may help reduce anxiety and depression by regulating the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Additionally, CBD oil has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it a promising treatment for conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil on the ECS and the body as a whole, the current findings suggest that it may offer a range of therapeutic benefits. As scientists continue to study the complex nature of the ECS, we may discover even more ways in which CBD oil can be used to improve human health and well-being.
Sleep Support
Sleep is an essential component of human health and well-being. It is critical for physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from sleep disorders and experience difficulties falling or staying asleep. In recent years, CBD oil has emerged as a popular natural remedy for sleep problems.
Anxiety & Depression
CBD oil can potentially help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional responses. CBD can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin deficiency has been linked to various mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.
CBD oil can also interact with the brain's receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. GABA deficiency has been linked to anxiety disorders, and medications that enhance GABA activity have been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Pain Management
Skin Care
Inflammation is a common cause of many skin problems, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. CBD has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for these conditions. Additionally, CBD's anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce redness and puffiness, making the skin appear more youthful and radiant.
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. CBD has moisturising properties, making it an excellent ingredient for skincare products. Additionally, CBD can help improve the skin's barrier function, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
Muscle Recovery
CBD is a natural and safe alternative to traditional muscle recovery methods, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid painkillers. These medications can have serious side effects, including addiction and overdose, making them less than ideal for long-term use. CBD, on the other hand, has a low risk of side effects and is non-addictive.
Several studies have shown that CBD can help improve muscle recovery after exercise. In a 2015 study, researchers found that CBD reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in rats, which could help improve muscle recovery. Another study published in 2018 found that CBD reduced muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis, suggesting that it could also help improve muscle recovery in athletes.
Conclusion
CBD oil has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD oil can potentially help with various health conditions, including appetite, digestion, and metabolism, chronic pain, inflammation and other immune system responses, mood, learning, and memory, motor control, cardiovascular system function, muscle formation, bone remodeling and growth, liver function, reproductive system function, stress, and skin and nerve function.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of CBD oil, the existing research shows promise as a natural alternative to prescription medication for various health conditions. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD oil, especially if you are currently taking prescription medication or have underlying medical conditions.