CBD oil has taken the world by storm. Almost everyone has heard of it now, even if you have just seen it advertised in store windows. Most of us know someone who’s using CBD oil, claiming all sorts of things about what it has helped them to achieve. But is any of this true? What are the real benefits of CBD oil?
In today’s article, we will be running through the benefits of CBD oil, explaining why you might want to take it. In general, CBD is thought to support general health and wellbeing; we will cover how it might be able to achieve this so that you can make a better decision about whether to try it for yourself.
For a full guide on the benefits of CBD oil, be sure to read on.
What Is CBD Oil?
Although it has grown in popularity, CBD oil remains a bit of a mystery to some. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the primary compounds found in cannabis plants. It’s entirely non-intoxicating, meaning that it doesn’t cause a high. Unlike consuming the cannabis plant itself, imbibing CBD will not cause any psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is cannabidiol infused into a carrier oil – usually coconut oil or hemp seed oil. You take it by dropping it under the tongue, adding it to food, or rubbing it on the skin. Now that the market is so popular, there are numerous products to try out, including capsules, edible treats, skincare products.
CBD oils are hugely popular now, so you will be able to find many brands online selling products that suit your lifestyle and needs. They come in various strengths, concentrations, and even flavors. The array of products can be appealing, but why would you take a CBD oil in the first place? Below, we explore how CBD oil works on the body, potentially producing some benefits.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Everybody has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Just like the other biological systems, such as the respiratory system and the digestive system, the ECS is vital for proper functioning. The ECS is made up of receptors called cannabinoid receptors, which respond to molecules called endocannabinoids. The body produces these molecules whenever they are needed, namely, to pass important messages around the body regarding internal changes and alterations in our environment.
While the body produces endocannabinoids, there are also phytocannabinoids that are found in plants. CBD is a phytocannabinoid, one of perhaps over one hundred. Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids can interact with the receptors in the ECS since they have a similar structure.
When the ECS is functioning normally, the endocannabinoids bind with matching receptors to trigger reactions throughout the body. Through this mechanism, the ECS keeps the body in a state of homeostasis, maintaining balance by influencing things like temperature, mood, appetite, pain, and more.
Various phytocannabinoids can bind to the receptors. However, CBD works a little differently. Enzymes usually destroy the endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their purpose. CBD is thought to delay the destruction of these endocannabinoids, meaning they remain in the body for longer and can perform more tasks.
In other words, CBD can help to promote wellbeing by supporting the ECS and encouraging it to function at an optimal level. So, what does this mean for the benefits of CBD oil? Could it help you in any way?
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Research into CBD is ongoing. Scientists have only carried out some preliminary studies, most of which have involved rodent models and may not translate well to human beings. As a result, it’s impossible to say precisely what the benefits of CBD oil are. Most of the evidence thus far comes from anecdotal reports of people using CBD regularly.
What we can say is that the World Health Organization reported that CBD is well-tolerated and non-toxic. In other words, it is not unsafe to take a small amount of CBD each day. This is why more and more people are turning to it, and as they do, we are learning more about the effects it might have.
People use CBD to optimize their wellbeing, promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. When you wake up in the morning and quickly take CBD as part of your routine, it sets you up for a good day. You can feel competent, confident for the day ahead.
Many users say that they find CBD to be quite relaxing. It helps people to feel well, creating feelings of energy and focus. These sensations can lead to a positive, productive day where you feel like you can take on the world.
The only way to really understand the effects of CBD is to try it for yourself. However, it’s worth noting that CBD’s effects are incredibly subtle.
How Do I Know if CBD Is Working?
Sometimes, it’s hard to notice whether CBD is working at all. The effects are very subtle and understated, and you probably won’t see them unless you’re looking! The chances are that, since you are trying out something new, you’ll be keen to try and notice the effects at play.
Our top tip is to keep a CBD journal. Keep a record of how much CBD you took, when you took it, and what happened. You’ll have to pay close attention to how you’re feeling in order to notice anything, so it might be helpful to keep a record of how you were feeling for a few days before starting on CBD.
Take note of your energy levels, and pay close attention to how your body feels. If you notice nothing at all, you can always try taking a larger amount of CBD.
Remember, the benefits of CBD oil revolve around general wellbeing, which can make it super hard to notice the effects. If you don’t have a lightbulb moment, it’s nothing to worry about – you might just have to look a little deeper.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil Benefits
Users of CBD oil declare that it has endless benefits. In reality, the CBD sector is awaiting more scientific confirmation of its effects. However, those who use it seem to swear by its benefits.
CBD is thought to support general wellbeing and promote positive feelings of health. Since the oil is considered safe, there is no harm in trying it yourself to see how it could benefit you. We recommend buying from a legitimate brand with lab reports to back up its products, ensuring that you are getting a high-quality oil. These are the products likely to give you the most benefits.
