What is CBD oil?

What is CBD oil?

What is CBD oil and what are its real effects?

The popularity of CBD oil has grown tremendously in recent times. But what kind of oil is it and, more importantly, what is it used for?

CBD, abbreviated to cannabidiol, is an active substance that is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of industrial hemp (textile hemp), a legally grown variety of hemp. It is sold as a dietary supplement, in oil and capsule form, and as a component of other products, such as skin care products.

Massive media attention

The oil received massive attention in 2013 when CNN aired a now-legendary documentary about a three-year-old American girl with epilepsy. Charlotte Figi suffered from severe seizures (up to 200 per week) from the first few months of her life and largely got rid of them with CBD oil. Since then, parents at home and abroad have been searching en masse for a good CBD oil.

What does CBD oil do?

Epilepsy patients are not the only ones to claim the benefits of this oil. According to users, the oil offers support for many physical and mental complaints. Think stress-related problems, difficulty falling or staying asleep, mood swings during and after menopause, depression and various aches and pains. People with ADHD, Parkinson's disease, migraines and rheumatism also report more positive experiences with CBD oil. There is no scientific evidence yet that the oil cures ailments. However, it may help reduce symptoms resulting from taking certain medications. In any case, many doctors are enthusiastic about its therapeutic effect.

Anxiety and stress
One of the most well-known uses of CBD oil is to relieve stress and anxiety. In 2011, scientists published an article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology following a study on the relationship between CBD and social anxiety disorders. This article suggested that CBD could provide relief for people with anxiety disorders. Another study from the same year found that preventive administration of CBD to public speakers significantly reduced their anxiety, stress and discomfort.

Pain Relief
CBD oil is regularly used by pain sufferers, such as people with rheumatism (including fibromyalgia) and osteoarthritis. An animal study (2012) showed that CBD can suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Tests on mice in 2005 showed that CBD can have a positive effect on osteoarthritis. Little research has yet been done on humans, but it seems likely that CBD acts on cannabinoid receptors, causing the nervous system to ignore pain. The University of Nottingham has conducted research and found that cannabis oil not only acts on the central nervous system and thus reduces pain, but also reduces joint inflammation. The relaxing effect of CBD oil would also help relieve stress and pain.

Sleep problems
CBD is used by many people with sleep problems. It helps the muscles relax, allowing you to sleep more deeply and wake up more rested. While there are many positive sounds to hear, not everything is scientifically backed up yet. Currently, there is a lot of research being done on exactly how it works, including by SEIN, the Center of Expertise for Epilepsy and Sleep Medicine.

Diabetes
Several studies have been conducted on the effect of CBD on diabetes. They indicate that CBD can help stabilize blood sugar levels and possibly relieve the symptoms of diabetes. Human research is not available (yet). An article was published in 2006 about a study on diabetic mice. The mice were given cannabidiol (CBD), this study showed that CBD can slow or even prevent destructive insulinitis (harmful inflammation of the islets of Langerhans (the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin). Scientific research on mice is discovering that the anti-inflammatory properties CBD possesses could potentially be used in a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes.


Parkinson's disease

Many people with Parkinson's disease also use cannabis oil for muscle spasms and tension. In Parkinson's disease, both CBD oil and THC oil are commonly used. There is little scientific research on CBD/THC and its effects on Parkinson's disease. The studies that have been done are mildly positive or neutral. A study from the University of São Paulo is one example. The researchers found that CBD use in Parkinson's patients had a positive effect on quality of life. However, they believe that more research is needed to reach definitive conclusions.

What is the difference between cannabis oil and CBD oil?

Weed plants and hemp plants are not the same plants, but they come from the same family (cannabis) and therefore can both be called cannabis (medicinal) plants. So when you read something about cannabis, it can be both hemp oil and cannabis oil (marijuana). The biggest and most important difference between hemp plants and cannabis plants is the fact that hemp plants contain little to no THC and a lot of CBD. Cannabis plants contain a lot of THC and little CBD. Oil containing THC (marijuana oil) is not legally available for sale and, in some situations, is only available by prescription. CBD oil is quite legal for sale in the Netherlands and most other European countries. However, both ingredients are said to have great medicinal benefits. For this reason, both types of oil are also called medicinal cannabis oil.

Does it get you high?

In any case, CBD oil will not get you high. Cannabidiol does come from the hemp plant, but it is not addictive, does not have a psychotropic effect and does not cause hallucinations. Rust dust THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive substance that gives you the "high" and is contained in cannabis oil.

How do you use CBD oil?

CBD oil is taken orally. You hold the drops under your tongue for a while and then swallow them. The oral mucosa absorbs the active substance quickly. It can also be taken with a piece of bread or - if you have problems with the taste or ingestion of the oil - in capsule form.

What is the correct dose of CBD oil?

The dosage of CBD oil is highly dependent on the complaints for which you use the oil. Also, everyone reacts to it differently. So it's mainly a matter of trying it out. Start with a low dose (for example, 1-2 drops per day) and slowly increase until you find a dose that works for you. CBD oil can take a while to kick in, so give yourself a few weeks to decide if it's right for you. CBD oil is available in different concentrations, from 2.5% to even 10%, with 5-6% being the most commonly used. A lower concentration of CBD is often only used as a preventative measure, or for minor or starting complaints.
Swiss herbal neuroins brand I.D. SWISS BOTANICALS offers an easy-to-use dosage calculator based on your weight to start.

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