More and more people are trying to incorporate natural products and ingredients in their diet, from organic foods available at grocery stores to natural remedies for battling illnesses and pain. Today, the market is flooded with various artificial medicines that often have harsh ingredients, so people search for more subtle alternatives that often have better results.
One of the natural ingredients people are becoming interested in is cannabidiol. It’s derived from the hemp plant but doesn’t contain THC. CBD, short for cannabidiol, comes in various shapes, from tinctures, edibles, drinkables, to skincare. It’s becoming widely popular, and you can get CBD oil in the UK, the US, and many other places around the world.
Here, you’ll find a concise guide on everything you need to know about CBD oils, including where it comes from, how it’s used, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
What Is CBD and How It Works?
If you’re only starting to dive into the world of CBD, you need to know some basic facts about it. CBD is a substance derived from the cannabis plant, but people often think about THC when cannabis is mentioned. Although they come from the same plant, CBD and THC are two very different things.
While THC has some psychoactive features meaning it can get you “high,” CBD doesn’t have any of those, so your mental state can’t be altered with its consumption. Instead, it has numerous therapeutic properties. How does CBD work, and how does it achieve the results?
As it has little to no THC, CBD oil can offer all the hemp plant benefits without the “high” effect. CBD is rich in amino acids, omega fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, which have many benefits for various conditions and issues.
It achieves the results by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, which further results in our brains, releasing neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters affect our system’s messages about sleepiness, stress, anxiety, pain, and even the immune system.
Pros of CBD Oil
CBD oil is known for its numerous benefits. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain or some psychological issues, there’s a high chance CBD will help you.
When it comes to physical pain, CBD oil can alleviate the effects of inflammation, any kind of pain, as well as numerous conditions, including headaches and migraines, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, high blood pressure, and any symptoms related to cancer.
Besides this, you can also use CBD oil to treat acne and skin problems and as a way to overcome substance abuse. However, one of the most extraordinary CBD features is its ability to treat epilepsy.
CBD oil is also used to treat many psychological conditions and disorders. Alongside its many beneficial factors on emotional stability and overall mood, CBD can also treat social anxiety and stress. When it comes to disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are some of the most frequent ones more and more treated by CBD oils.
Additionally, CBD oils can also treat insomnia, depression, and even schizophrenia.
Cons of CBD Oil
However, even though it offers numerous benefits to our bodies and minds, it’s important to be aware of CBD’s disadvantages too. Even though CBD oil’s side effects are minimal and often only present at the beginning, you should consult your doctor about whether you should take CBD oils alongside any other medications you’re using.
When it comes to the side effects, people handle CBD very well, and overdose is almost impossible. However, if you start using CBD oils, you might have some mild effects at the beginning, until your body gets used to it. These include diarrhea, fatigue, and increased appetite.
If larger doses are consumed, a person may also feel sleepiness, drowsiness, and loss of awareness, all of which are temporary.
CBD Oil Use
CBD oil comes in various forms. All of them are equally effective, and the choice only relies on your personal preference. Currently, on the market, there are creams, lotions, capsules, edibles, tinctures, and vapors, all containing CBD oil.
No matter which method you choose, how you use your CBD oil is the most important thing. It’s always better to start with smaller doses to minimize the side effects and slowly build your way up until you find a perfect dosage.
Additionally, different methods require different periods for effects to be noticeable. Inhaling CBD has almost instant effects, while tinctures can take even up to 20 minutes. Finally, edibles can take up to a whole hour to digest.
Conclusion
We’ve covered all the basics of how CBD works, its pros and cons, and the best way to use it. More people opt for CBD every day because of its therapeutic purposes and natural ways to combat many diseases and conditions.