CBD Oil: A Natural Remedy with Benefits and Risks
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not cause a high or impair cognition. Instead, CBD has been shown to have various health benefits, such as reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. However, CBD oil is not a miracle cure, and it also carries some potential risks and side effects. The pros and cons of CBD oil as a health product, based on the current scientific evidence.
Pros of CBD Oil
CBD oil has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for various ailments, but it has gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. According to a 2020 literature review¹, CBD oil has the following potential benefits:
- Pain relief: CBD oil may help reduce chronic pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain sensation, inflammation, and immune response. CBD oil may also enhance the effects of opioid painkillers, allowing for lower doses and reduced risk of addiction. A 2020 study² found that CBD oil was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia, a rheumatic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. get CBD pain relief
- Mental health: CBD oil may help improve symptoms of some mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis. CBD oil may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by modulating the serotonin system, which regulates mood, emotion, and stress. CBD oil may also have antipsychotic effects by reducing the activity of THC, which can induce paranoia and hallucinations. A 2019 study³ found that CBD oil was effective in reducing PTSD-related symptoms, such as nightmares, in adults. get your CBD oil here
- Cancer symptom relief: CBD oil may help alleviate some cancer-related symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and appetite loss. CBD oil may also have anti-tumor effects by inducing cell death, inhibiting angiogenesis, and enhancing the immune system. A 2020 study⁴ found that CBD oil was effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer. Get CBD wellness oil.
- Neuroprotection: CBD oil may help protect the brain and nervous system from damage and degeneration caused by various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. CBD oil may have neuroprotective effects by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity, which are common mechanisms of neuronal injury. CBD oil may also have anticonvulsant effects by modulating the activity of various ion channels, receptors, and enzymes involved in seizure generation. A 2018 study found that CBD oil was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare and severe forms of childhood epilepsy. Get mind health CBD
- Heart health: CBD oil may help improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative stress, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. CBD oil may also have anti-arrhythmic effects by regulating the electrical activity of the heart. A 2017 study found that CBD oil was effective in reducing blood pressure and heart rate in healthy volunteers exposed to stress. Stress less CBD
Cons of CBD Oil
Despite the promising benefits of CBD oil, it is not a panacea, and it also has some drawbacks and limitations. According to a 2017 review, CBD oil has the following potential risks and side effects:
- Drug interactions: CBD oil may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids, by affecting their metabolism and efficacy. CBD oil may also increase the blood levels of some drugs, such as THC, by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks them down. This may result in increased side effects and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before using CBD oil, especially if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
- Liver toxicity: CBD oil may cause liver damage in some people, especially at high doses and in combination with other drugs. CBD oil may induce liver injury by increasing the production of liver enzymes, which indicate inflammation and damage. CBD oil may also impair the function of liver cells, leading to cell death and fibrosis. A 2019 study found that CBD oil caused liver toxicity in mice, and the risk was higher when CBD oil was given with other drugs, such as alcohol and acetaminophen.
- Drowsiness and sedation: CBD oil may cause drowsiness and sedation in some people, especially at high doses and in combination with other sedatives, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. CBD oil may induce sleepiness and relaxation by activating the GABA system, which inhibits the activity of the central nervous system. This may impair the ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness and coordination. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using CBD oil before or during activities that require mental and physical performance.
- Dry mouth and reduced saliva production: CBD oil may cause dry mouth and reduced saliva production in some people, especially at high doses and in combination with other cannabinoids, such as THC. CBD oil may reduce saliva secretion by inhibiting the activity of the salivary glands. This may result in discomfort, thirst, bad breath, and increased risk of dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease. Therefore, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and maintain good oral hygiene when using CBD oil.
- Changes in appetite and weight: CBD oil may cause changes in appetite and weight in some people, depending on the dose and the individual response. CBD oil may increase or decrease appetite by affecting the levels of hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and satiety. CBD oil may also increase or decrease weight by affecting the metabolism of fat and glucose, which are the main sources of energy for the body. Therefore, it is important to monitor the intake and output of calories and nutrients when using CBD oil.
Bottom Line
CBD oil is a natural product that has many potential health benefits, such as pain relief, mental health improvement, cancer symptom relief, neuroprotection, and heart health enhancement. However, CBD oil is not a magic bullet, and it also has some potential risks and side effects, such as drug interactions, liver toxicity, drowsiness and sedation, dry mouth and reduced saliva production, and changes in appetite and weight.