Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is the oil that is derived from cannabis. It is a kind of cannabis, these are chemicals that occur naturally in marijuana plants. Although marijuana plants are CBD but does not have a "high" effect or any kind of intoxicating - that is caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.

Here you will find everything you need to know about six possible medical applications of CBD and where the research is:

1. Fear of enlightenment

CBD is able to help in controlling anxiety. Researchers think it can change the way receptors in your brain respond to serotonin, a chemical that has been linked to mental health. Receptors are small proteins that are linked to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimulants.

A study found that a dose of 600 mg of CBD helped people with social anxiety. Previous studies done in animals have shown that CBD can help relieve anxiety by:

  • reducing stress
  • decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as increased heart rate
  • improving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • inducing sleep in cases of insomnia

2. Reduces seizures epilepsy

CBD is in the news as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is still in its infancy. Researchers are still testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, and how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for epilepsy attacks, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.

A study from 2016 worked with 214 people with epilepsy. Participants in the study were given an oral dose of 2 to 5 mg of CBD per day added to their existing anti-epileptic drugs. The researchers followed the participants for 12 weeks, recorded any negative side effects and checked for the frequency of the attacks. In general, participants had 36.5 percent fewer attacks per month. However, serious side effects were noted in 12 percent of participants.

3. Neuroprotective effects

Researchers are looking for a receptor in the brain to learn about the ways in which CBD can help people with disorders of the nervous system, which are diseases that deteriorate the brain and nerves over time. This receptor is known as CB1.

Researchers study the use of CBD oil for the treatment of:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Stroke

CBD oil can also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil on neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Pain control

The effects of CBD oil on receptors of your brain can also help to control the pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer a number of benefits when taken after a chemotherapy treatment.

Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health also looked at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:

  • arthritis
  • chronic pain
  • MS pain
  • muscle strain
  • spinal cord injuries

Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of TCH and CBD, has been approved in Europe for treatment in MS pain. However, the researchers believe that the CBD in the drug can be better used for its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting as pain relief. CBD clinical trials are needed to determine whether it should be used to manage pain.

5. Good against acne

The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system can help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil can provide benefits for acne. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that the oil prevented activity in the sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for the production of sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. However, too much sebum can lead to acne.

Before you consider using CBD oil for the treatment of acne, it is important to first discuss this with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne.

How to use CBD oil

CBD is extracted from marijuana plant as either an oil or powder. These can be mixed in creams or gels. They can be taken orally or in capsules, or rubbed on your skin. The multiple sclerosis medication nabiximols is sprayed as a liquid in your mouth. How CBD should be used depends largely on what it is used for. Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil because it may also have side effects.

CBD oil and side effects

CBD oil usually has no major risks for the users. However, side effects may occur. These include:

  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations
  • Low blood pressure
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and insomnia
  • More human studies are needed to fully understand the risks and side effects that CBD oil can cause.
Author's Bio: 

Misty Jhones