Cannabis has been appreciated as a medicinal plant for thousands of years, and in recent years, CBD oil has sparked global interest as a natural remedy for a range of different health issues.
With CBD oil, you can enjoy the many possible benefits of ingesting medical marijuana without the psychoactive ‘high’ typically associated with cannabis. Alternative ways of ingesting CBD, including oils and tinctures, have been studied for how they impact everything from anxiety to chronic pain.
Research is ongoing, and science is starting to uncover some excellent reasons people might consider adding these products to their regular wellness routine. If you are curious about this route, this article outlines 10 potential benefits of using CBD oil.
Before we begin, a quick reminder to always consult with your physician before introducing new medicinal supplements into your routine. With that covered, let’s explore this exciting new frontier of alternative therapies.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is an oil with concentrated CBD infused into it, either through ethanol or oil extraction. It is usually taken orally, either in a tincture bottle or in oil capsules, but it can also be incorporated into topical products that use the oil as a base (a.k.a. moisturisers). The oil is classified as a prescription medicine in Aotearoa, so you can only access it through your general practitioner.
Unlike the raw form of cannabis, CBD oil does not always contain THC. Many formulations are CBD-only, which offers most of the health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects which THC triggers.
There is a lot of technical information about CBD oil, so it can be easy to get confused. The possible benefits and side effects of incorporating CBD oil into your daily, weekly, or monthly routine are still being researched. This is a new frontier of medicine that stands to help many people if we all get it right. So, if you’re considering using CBD oil as a supplement to your daily wellbeing, always consult with a doctor first.
From all of this ongoing research, we have learned a lot about this exciting new formulation for one of nature’s most medicinally beneficial plants. CBD oil has many potential benefits, so let’s explore these more closely.
10 Possible Benefits of Using CBD Oil
1. Chronic pain management.
CBD has been shown to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain. Some studies suggest that CBD oil may reduce inflammation and blunt pain signals, which could make it helpful for people living with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain.
2. Sleeplessness.
If you’re part of the large global community of insomniacs, CBD oil has shown promising results. Some users report falling asleep more easily or staying asleep longer. Researchers believe this may be due to CBD’s calming effects on the nervous system and its potential ability to reduce anxiety, which can be a big contributor to sleeplessness.
3. Anxiety reduction.
One of the most well-known uses of CBD is for easing anxiety. Studies have shown that CBD may have anti-anxiety effects, especially for generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and PTSD. It appears to affect serotonin levels in the brain (a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation).
4. Epilepsy and seizure management.
This is actually one of the few areas where CBD has received official medical approval. In several countries (including here in Aotearoa), certain CBD-based medications have been prescribed for treatment-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. While it won’t work for everyone, CBD has significantly reduced seizure frequency in some cases.
5. Inflammation reduction.
Inflammation is the root of many health issues in the body, from skin conditions to autoimmune disorders. Early studies show that CBD might have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering relief to people dealing with chronic inflammation or flare-ups of inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s.
6. Managing skin conditions.
CBD-infused skincare is on the rise, and for good reason. CBD oil can help calm skin irritation and reduce acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating properties. Topical CBD formulations are also being considered as a potential soothing agent for eczema and psoriasis.
7. Appetite and pain support for people undergoing cancer treatment.
While CBD is by no means a cure for cancer, some research suggests it may help manage certain side effects of cancer treatments like nausea, vomiting, and pain. It’s also being explored for its potential to reduce treatment-related anxiety and improve quality of life during chemotherapy.
8. May help with substance abuse recovery.
Because CBD oil does not contain THC, and therefore doesn’t induce a high, it may help people struggling with addiction by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. While this is still an emerging area of research, there are some studies suggesting CBD could play a role in treating substance use disorders.
9. Supports heart health.
There’s growing interest in the role CBD might play in supporting cardiovascular health. Some animal studies suggest CBD may reduce high blood pressure and prevent heart damage due to its stress and inflammation-reducing effects. More human research is needed, but early signs are promising.
10. Might help with neurological disorders.
Beyond epilepsy, scientists are also looking into how CBD could support people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. The theory is that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might help protect brain cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Aside from directly helping with the disorder, it could also seriously improve the quality of life for sufferers.
As you can see, CBD oil has many potential uses that can make it a welcome addition to many people’s wellness routines. If you are considering using CBD oil, the first step is to speak with your pharmacist or GP, who can help you understand whether this is right for you and help you take the next best step.
Considering using CBD oil? Talk to the team at Life Pharmacy.
If you’ve got questions, the friendly team at Life Pharmacy is here to help. We can walk you through your options, explain how prescription CBD works in New Zealand, and help guide you on your wellness journey.
Book in with our medicinal cannabis dispensary (prescription required) or visit your local Life Pharmacy branch to chat with the pharmacist behind the counter.
