The abbreviation CBD refers to one of the most important compounds that hemp seed contains. Cannabidiol, as it is referred to, while not exhibiting psychoactive properties, has a salutary effect on many of our body's functions, acting, among other things, as an analgesic and therapeutic agent for a whole range of conditions that afflict us, which conventional medicine does not always deal with effectively.
Why is the effectiveness of CBD oil so high and wide? Well, scientists have discovered relatively recently that in addition to the nervous, digestive, circulatory and other long-described specialized organ complexes, there is also an endocannabinoid system in our bodies.
Stimulation of the endocannabinoid system through CBD
The endocannabinoid system is a structure that is still quite mysterious. Receptors of this system are distributed practically throughout our body. They are located in the brain, and through adipose tissue, skeletal muscles, the digestive system, all the way to the cells of the immune system. Such a wide presence of elements of the endocannabinoid system suggests its broad and important role in the human body.
In fact, by stimulating or quieting the activity of individual structures, this system has a regulatory effect by, among other things, helping to control energy metabolism, the immune response of the body, reactions of the nervous system (pain!), appetite, hormone secretion, etc.
But what is the relationship between the human internal endocannabinoid system and hemp-derived cannabidiol? Well, it turns out it has a connection, and one whose significance cannot be ignored. The body's endocannabinoid system works through CB1/CB2 receptors. These receptors, in turn, are "turned on" and "turned off" by the corresponding compounds, called cannabinoids, that are formed in the body.
Studies have been able to prove that plant cannabinoids (or phytocannabinoids) - including the cannabidiol contained in CBD oil - have high affinity for the system, and thus affinity for endocannabinoid receptors.
CBD oil in the role of medicine
Regular intake of CBD hemp oil (and other preparations containing cannabidiol) carries a number of benefits. First of all, the anti-epileptic effect of the substance has been confirmed. Currently, a cannabidiol-based drug is available on the market, prescribed to patients with hitherto drug-resistant varieties of the disease.
As a related substance to THC (another cannabinoid, also extracted from hemp), but lacking the psychoactive effects characteristic of THC, CBD helps treat drug and alcohol addictions. By inhibiting anxiety and calming psychosis, it abolishes the symptoms of depression, and helps with sleep.
By suppressing inflammatory reactions, it helps treat life-threatening diseases such as septicemia and pneumococcal encephalitis. CBD hemp oil also improves the quality of life for people suffering from rheumatism.
As for cannabidiol's role in cancer therapy, it's certainly worth considering taking it as a supportive substance - by alleviating nausea, CBD allows you to go through chemotherapy cycles more comfortably, and it also prevents excessive weight gain, as it improves appetite. Studies also show that in higher concentrations CBD can induce cancer cell apoptosis (cell death).
How to take CBD oil
Provided there are no medical contraindications, CBD oil supplementation can be started by virtually anyone. It is recommended to start with small doses, taking, for example, 10 mg of CBD each, twice a day. Over time, the dose, as well as the percentage of the preparation, can be increased. To what volumes and values?
It is impossible to determine this top-down - it is necessary to observe the body and select the dosage of CBD oil so as to achieve the best results. It will be supplemented differently by a petite, undersized, healthy young woman, and differently by a tall man in his fifties, suffering from rheumatism and slight overweight. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body, health status, metabolism, age, gender, etc.
Scientific sources:
- The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and control of human energy balance
- The use of natural cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in therapy
- Polish researchers probe CBD extract for pain pills
- Antiemetics/Cannabinoids
- Unique treatment potential of cannabidiol for the prevention of relapse to drug use: preclinical proof of principle
- Cannabis and cannabinoids
