Cannabis isn’t just a psychoactive drug; it contains important medical properties as well. The components of cannabis that are used for anti-anxiety and anti-epileptic effect are known as cannabinoids, and certain aspects of this important plant can be beneficial.
Little-Known CBD Oil Benefits
The main cannabinoid associated with medicinal uses is CBD, or cannabidiol. CBD does not cause the “high” traditionally associated with marijuana. It has been shown to reduce epilepsy symptoms and even have other less well-known uses. CBD is becoming a more acceptable form of treatment for anxiety, panic, stress, and even sleeplessness. Here are just a few ways CBD oil benefits are helping people cure their ailments — from more severe ones like PTSD to common problems like acne and smoking addiction.
1. Acne
A recent study done by the National Institute of Health found that cannabidiol is actually an effective acne treatment. The sebaceous glands, which are responsible for creating oil on the surface of the skin, actually have been found to be suppressed by cannabidiol. This is due to CBD’s ability to act as a sebostatic, or anti-inflammatory. It reduces the amount of lipids synthesized on the skin’s surface, thereby reducing the overall amount of acne.
2. Reducing smoking addiction
One study, which was placebo-controlled, selected a number of smokers who were given a CBD inhaler or a placebo during the study. The users were asked to take puffs whenever they wished they were using a cigarette, instead, to replace the urge to smoke. It was found that the placebo inhaler users saw no overall change in cigarette consumption, while the CBD users dropped more than 40% of their normal cigarette intake. Thus, it was shown that CBD was effective in reducing the desire for nicotine, making it a powerful way to quit smoking.
3. Fibromyalgia treatment
Many treatments for fibromyalgia, a neuromuscular disorder, contain anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, or corticosteroids. In a study done in 2011, CBD was shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. Half of the study was given CBD, and the other half used ibuprofen and other traditional medicines to treat symptoms.
The CBD users were shown to have a much higher reduction in pain overall, while the traditional pain medication users did not see this drastic improvement.
4. PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is typically a serious cause of stress and anxiety so bad that many patients never find relief. There are not as many effective medications available for this condition, leading it to be extremely debilitating for many sufferers. However, CBD is very good at treating stress and anxiety, making it a great candidate for PTSD treatment.
The antipsychotic qualities of CBD proved it to be effective at treating PTSD in the long term and short term both. It can be ingested through an inhaler or vaporizer, leading to a sense of calm when PTSD attacks come on.
5. Schizophrenia
A study done in Germany showed that Schizophrenia, a very debilitating mental condition, was effectively treated using CBD. A number of patients, almost 50, were given Amisulpride (an antipsychotic drug) and CBD. CBD contained fewer side effects but proved to be just as effective as the antipsychotic drug.
6. MS, or multiple sclerosis
CBD was shown through a study done on animal models to be effective at treating MS. Multiple sclerosis degenerates motor and muscle capability, and CBD was shown in just 10 days to be effective at reversing a great deal of these damaging effects. Mice were given the treatment, under which researchers showed that CBD can reduce a number of MS symptoms.
7. Insomnia
Everyone has suffered from sleeplessness now and then, and very few people know just how great CBD can be at treating it. There are plenty of drugs out there to treat insomnia, but CBD is one of the best (natural) ways to do so. Since it is non-habit forming, and comes entirely from the earth itself, CBD is a great way to treat sleeplessness with a simple inhaler or vaporizer.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for safe, natural ways to treat diseases and ailments such as PTSD, acne, smoking, or schizophrenia, CBD can help. Even if you’re just unable to go to sleep at night, this powerful, all-natural remedy is completely safe and can work as effectively as OTC or prescription drugs combined. Next time you find yourself with an anxiety-inducing problem, try CBD instead of a more serious (or potentially addictive) remedy.