What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years. What is it, and what benefits does it provide? You might be surprised to learn about the many health benefits this popular natural remedy offers to both people and animals.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil contains cannabidiol that’s mixed with a base oil, often coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD oil is sold in different concentrations, which control the strength of the product. CBD oil is used to provide stress and pain relief without the side effects of many pharmaceutical drugs.

Where Does CBD Oil Come From?

CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, which is known as either hemp or marijuana. Although marijuana has psychoactive properties from the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD oil doesn’t contain THC since it’s made from legal hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, CBD oil doesn’t have mind-altering effects.

CBD is often used to treat pain, anxiety, and depression. Many people consider it to be safer and more natural than manufactured pain relievers and medications.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

The human body contains many receptors that transmit pain. To describe it as simply as possible, CBD interferes with these receptors and has been medically proven to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Oil?

Regular use of CBD oil can create a sense of calmness and enhance an individual’s ability to focus. CBD oil is often used to relieve chronic pain, including arthritis and joint pain. It can alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD oil is also used for treating severe headaches and migraines. 

People use CBD oil to help with sleep disorders and insomnia. CBD oil may help with other severe health issues and diseases, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and lung conditions. The National Cancer Institute states that cannabinoids may provide beneficial treatment for side effects of cancer. Some pet owners even use CBD oil to treat dogs for neuropathic pain and to control seizures.

How Do You Use It?

There are different ways to use CBD oil, depending on the purpose. For anxiety and headaches, it’s commonly taken orally by placing one or more drops under the tongue and holding it there for 30 seconds before swallowing. Doses can range from 5 mg to 25 mg. Dosages vary by individual, and you should experiment with small doses and build up to see what works best for your health concerns.

If you’re using CBD oil to soothe achy joints or muscles, get a CBD topical or balm and apply it by rubbing it directly onto the skin at the affected area to alleviate pain and swelling.

Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?

While many current medical and pharmaceutical treatments have adverse side effects, there’s no evidence that CBD has negative side effects or health risks. However, it might interfere with certain medications such as antibiotics or antidepressants, so check for possible drug interactions if you’re on medication.

CBD oil can help alleviate many types of aches and pains. If you have chronic pain or anxiety, this natural remedy might help you.